Wellness Day | led by Dr. MaryCatherine McDonald, PhD
Wellness Day
Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Kick off the Haggin Museum’s Wellness Day Series with an inspiring program led by Dr. MaryCatherine McDonald, PhD, trauma researcher, author, and life coach. With over 15 years studying the neuroscience of trauma and resilience, Dr. McDonald is the author of Unbroken: The Trauma Response Is Never Wrong and The Joy Reset.
In this interactive talk, she will explore how understanding the brain and nervous system can transform the way we relate to stress, trauma, and everyday overwhelm. Drawing from The Joy Reset, Dr. McDonald will share how joy and hope actively support healing, along with simple, practical tools participants can begin using immediately. Blending science, storytelling, and reflection, this program invites attendees to move from self-blame to self-compassion and to leave with a small toolkit of “tiny little joys” to carry into daily life.
Books and Signing: Dr. McDonald’s books will be available in the Museum Store, with a book signing following the talk.