Events

Beyond the Past: Neuroplasticity and the Liberating Science of Change

Save My Spot
August 20, 2026
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
EST

Date: TBD

Event Format: 

ZOOM
FREE

This is a two-part series exploring the science of healing, transformation, and collective liberation.
For communities that have carried the weight of historical and generational trauma, including indigenous peoples, African and diasporic communities, and others whose stories have been shaped by displacement, loss, and systemic harm, the conversation about healing has often centered on what has been endured. This session invites a different conversation- one rooted in liberation, possibility, and the science of what we are capable of becoming.

Grounded in neuroscience, we will explore how the brain changes through practice, connection, and intentional healing. We will examine what neuroplasticity and epigenetics tell us about the capacity for transformation and how that science affirms what many cultures have always known about resilience, collective care, and the power of healing together.

This session is designed for mental health practitioners, addiction recovery professionals, advocates, and community leaders who are ready to move the conversation from survival to liberation.

This session offers:

  • An accessible introduction to neuroplasticity and epigenetics for healing practitioners
  • Exploration of how collective practices — story, ritual, community, and connection — support brain change and emotional freedom
  • A framework for shifting the narrative from historical trauma to collective liberation
  • Reflective dialogue on what liberation looks like in our practice and in our communities

We are not defined by what we have carried. We are shaped by what we choose to do next.

  • Thulani DeMarsay, PhD

    Thulani is the visionary founder and Chief Impact Officer of Sankofa Institute. As a person in long-term recovery, she is deeply committed to supporting others on their journey toward recovery. A seasoned facilitator, Thulani excels in group dynamics and in creating experiential learning environments that fosters individual and group transformation.

    For nearly a decade, Thulani served as a senior facilitator and consultant for the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services (BSAS), where she delivered training programs, provided mentorship, and coached the statewide facilitation team. She also developed comprehensive training materials and played a key role in the creation of the statewide recovery coach learning community. Additionally, Thulani served as the lead consultant for the Recovery Education Collaborative (REC) in Boston, MA where she was responsible for strategic planning, project oversight, workplan development and DEI initiatives.

  • Octavia Hendricks

    Octavia Hendricks, a person in long-term mental wellness recovery, brings over 15 years of experience as a seasoned facilitator of transformational learning experiences. She skillfully facilitates self-development and self-discovery workshops across South Africa and the United States. As a senior facilitator at Sankofa, Octavia leads training sessions and facilitates healing circle gatherings, creating spaces for both healing and personal growth.

    Her extensive corporate background further enhances her capabilities, allowing her to develop creative project scopes, define clear objectives, and effectively coordinate collaborative efforts. This ensures that every project she leads is not only impactful but also aligns with her deep commitment to holistic well-being.