A Trauma-Informed Guide to Leading Identity, SEL, and Emotional Growth Sessions in Justice and Reentry Programs

Built from the Inside™: Facilitator Training Manual

by Aaron B Kershaw

About The Book

Lead with Purpose. Facilitate with Impact.
The Built from the Inside™: Facilitator Training Manual is the official guide for program leaders, educators, counselors, and reentry staff who support incarcerated and justice-impacted individuals through group-based transformation.

This manual equips facilitators to deliver structured, trauma-responsive sessions aligned with the full 10-book Built from the Inside™ curriculum. Rooted in social-emotional learning (SEL) and identity development, this training manual helps leaders navigate the emotional depth and complexity of group work inside correctional facilities and beyond.

Inside, you’ll learn how to:

Facilitate with emotional pacing using Check-In™, Reset™, and Fire Log protocols

Respond to trauma signals and manage Red Flag moments

Maintain fidelity across sessions while adapting to different environments

Guide participants through real growth using stories, tools, and reflection

Build trust and structure within justice, reentry, and recovery settings

This isn’t a lecture series. It’s a relationship-based, life-tested, hands-on facilitation model designed for real people doing real work in high-impact spaces.

If you're ready to lead from within and help others do the same—this guide will walk you through every step.

The BrightPath Academy

I’m a Marine veteran, author, and the founder of BrightPath Academy and BuildingBlocs Literacy. I create tools for real-life transformation—books, courses, and curriculum for people rebuilding from the inside out. If you're ready to grow, heal, and lead yourself forward, I’ve got your back.

Aaron B. Kershaw is the founder of BrightPath Academy and BuildingBlocs Literacy, two education platforms built to deliver practical transformation through social-emotional learning, financial literacy, leadership, and reentry training. His programs are used in correctional facilities, schools, churches, and community centers across the country. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and lifelong mentor, Aaron writes for people who weren’t handed a perfect start—and are ready to build something better anyway. From the Built from the Inside SEL series to financial education workbooks and youth development guides, his voice stays honest, grounded, and rooted in lived experience. Aaron’s mission is clear: To help people take back the pen and write their next chapter—stronger, smarter, and more self-led than the last. Through his books, courses, and nonprofit initiatives, Aaron empowers individuals and institutions to do more than survive their circumstances—he helps them build from them.

More Books by The BrightPath Academy

Who Am I, Really?

Forget What They Called You. What Do You Call Yourself?

by Aaron B. Kershaw

Mastering the Fire

Turn Anger into power, control the flame before it controls you

by Aaron B. Kershaw

Blood In, Blood Out

Break the cycle. Redefine loyalty. Choose your freedom.

by Aaron B Kershaw

Your Story Ain't Over Yet

Own your past. Write your next chapter. Start living it.

by Aaron B Kershaw

Who’s Talking In Your Head?

Silence The Lies. Speak Your Truth. Rewire Your Mind.

by Aaron B Kershaw

You Already Know the Answer

No more pretending. It’s time to act on what’s real.

by Aaron B Kershaw

Pain Is the Proof You Survived

Feel it. Face it. Heal for real.

by Aaron B. Kershaw

Who You’re Becoming

Build the version of you that your future needs.

by Aaron B. Kershaw

The Hustler's Flip

Take the skills you had in the streets and flip them into legacy.

by Aaron B Kershaw

Free Inside

No More Pretending. It's Time to Act on What's Real

by Aaron B. Kershaw

Built from the Inside™ Facilitator Master Guide

The Transformative Power of Facilitating from the Inside Out

by Aaron B Kershaw

Built from the Inside™: Peer Mentor Guide Compilation

Official training and facilitation companion

by Aaron B Kershaw

Built from the Inside™ – Program Leadership & Certification Manual

A Tier 6 Operational Guide for System Implementation, Licensing, and Fidelity Leadership

by Aaron B Kershaw

Built from the Inside™ – Training of Trainers Manual

A Tier 6 Leadership Guide for Certifying Peer Mentors, Directors, and Emotional Culture Carriers

by Aaron B Kershaw

Built from the Inside™ The Peer Director Masterbook & Certification

Facilitating Emotional Leadership, Overseeing Mentors, and Guiding System Transformation from Within

by Aaron B Kershaw

Built from the Inside™: The Peer Mentor Masterbook & Certification

The Complete Tier 2 Training and Emotional Leadership Manual

by Aaron B Kershaw