Prevention Training Services hosted and Life Steps sponsored the Spring 2020 Prevention and Behavioral Health Institute, held at the Georgetown Health Foundation on February 25-28, 2020 .
Agenda for all training days:
8:30- 9:00 Registration
9:00- 12:00 Training
12:00- 1:30 Lunch (On Your Own)
1:30- 4:30 Training
3 1/2 days of prevention CEU’s, including 12 hrs of ATOD specific and 6 hrs of Prevention Ethics are provided, which are good for certification, re-certification and HHSC prevention training requirements.
Workshops at a Glance
Tuesday February 25th 1:30-4:30
Marijuana, CBD and Vaping 101 and Latino Youth (ATOD Specific)
True Colors™ Diversity Training
Wednesday February 26th 9:00-12:00 & 1:30-4:30
Prevention of Opioids and Prescription Drug Misuse among the Latino Community (ATOD Specific)
Ethics for the Prevention Professional (6 hrs.)
Fundamentals of Prevention
Crisis Intervention Techniques for Prevention Specialists
Bystander Intervention: Addressing uncomfortable situations in safe manners
Thursday February 27th 9:00-12:00 & 1:30-4:30
Lifespan Focused Prevention- Wellness in Recovery
Supervision of the Prevention Specialist
Suicide Prevention and Postvention: Communicating through Coping and Courage
Marijuana Myths (ATOD Specific)
Enhancing a Coalition’s Impact through Youth and Adult Partnerships Presentation Skills for Prevention Specialist
Friday February 28th 9:00-12:00 & 1:30-4:30
Facilitation Skills in the Classroom for YPU-YPS-YPI Programs
Implementation of the National Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Standards
Drugs of Abuse, with a focus on opioids & synthetics (ATOD Specific)
Powdered Alcohol & Marijuana in Texas (ATOD Specific)
Certified Prevention Specialist Exam Prep Course
Workshop Descriptions
Tuesday February 25th 1:30-4:30
Marijuana, CBD and Vaping 101 and Latino Youth Trainer: Dolka Michelle Zelaya CPS
This workshop will provide an overview of Marihuana, CBD and youth vaping from what the devices look like, to why vaping is a concern with a specific focus on Latino youth. Youth are vaping e-juice with flavorings, nicotine, and high potency THC concentrates. This workshop will cover the risks of each of these products. Using data from the Monitoring the Future survey, we will discuss prevalence and trends among Latino Youth. (ATOD Specific)
True Colors™ Diversity Training Trainer: Julie Stevens MPS, ACPS, ICPS
True Colors™ was created as a metaphor to translate complicated personality and learning theory into practical information we can all understand and use. It is an easy and entertaining way to become competent in understanding others and ourselves. By valuing our diversity, we can create unity. This training will help participants build understanding and rapport with diverse groups, recognize the values, joys, strengths, stresses and frustrations of each personality, learn team building techniques and understand a better way of communicating.
Incorporating Media into your Coalition’s Strategic Plan Trainer: Mitchell Moore LCDC, ACPS, ICPS, ADC
Does the community know what you are doing? Do you have a media plan? If I see you in public can you vocalize your programs goals through an “elevator speech”? This workshop will help participants develop a media plan for their program. You are doing excellent work so get the word out!
Wednesday February 26th 9:00-12:00 & 1:30-4:30
Prevention of Opioids and Prescription Drug Misuse among the Latino Community Trainer: Dolka Michelle Zelaya CPS
This workshop will address what we know about the effects of the opioid epidemic within the Latino community.
Ethics for the Prevention Professional- 6 hrs.Trainer: Julie Stevens MPS, ACPS, ICPS
*This is a two part course; participants must attend both the morning and afternoon sessions
“Ethics for the Prevention Professional” is designed specifically for the behavioral health promotion and substance abuse prevention professional and fulfills the Prevention Specialist credential ethics requirement. This workshop will improve the understanding of and ability to apply a set of accepted standards/principles that guide the behaviors and actions of both individuals and organizations working in the prevention profession.
Fundamentals of Prevention Trainer: Mitchell Moore LCDC, ACPS, ICPS, ADC
“You don’t know what you don’t know until you know”. There is so much to learn when you are a new prevention specialist. This workshop will help participants understand the fundamentals of prevention including the prevention domains, behavioral health, the updated continuum of care, the public health approach and risk & protective factors. Participants will be able to ask any question about this great profession.
Crisis Intervention Techniques for Prevention Specialists Trainer: Marcia Baker PhD, LPC, LCDC, MAC, ACPS
This training will provide an overview of the principles and practices of crisis intervention specific to the prevention specialist. You will be able to understand how a prevention specialist could utilize skills of crisis intervention in schools and communities.
Bystander Intervention: Addressing uncomfortable situations in safe manners Trainer: Susie Reece
Have you ever wished you could’ve done something differently in a situation AFTER it happened? Bystander Intervention addresses that very sense of regret and gives you options on how you can proactively make a difference in the world around you. This training will address reasons those who witness incidents may think they are incapable of acting and offer ideas on how to comfortably address uncomfortable situations. Intervention can be done in subtle ways from starting a conversation to distraction. Bystanders can address uncomfortable situations head on in safe manners thereby setting a standard that some behaviors aren’t tolerated. Susie Reece is proud to be called the Southern Fried Asian (Korean-Arkansan style), published author, national speaker and mental health advocate, as well as, a seasoned suicide prevention strategist and consultant.
Thursday February 27th 9:00-12:00 & 1:30-4:30
Lifespan focused prevention- Wellness in Recovery Trainer: Marcia Baker PhD, LPC, LCDC, MAC, ACPS
This presentation will focus on prevention across the lifespan. Participants will understand the foundation of prevention in our life from birth to death. Strategies and techniques will be provided to assist those seeking wellness specifically in recovery. Participants will be provided the opportunity to develop their own wellness plan.
Supervision of the Prevention Specialist Trainer: Julie Stevens MPS, ACPS, ICPS
As an advancing field of professional service, substance abuse prevention is expanding through levels of certification and through concurrent initiatives with behavioral health. As the certification process advances in states, jurisdictions and tribes, there is little to no training specifically for supervising prevention staff. The basic goals of supervision of the prevention specialist are to assure the delivery of high-quality interventions, create a positive work environment, and develop staff professional and administrative skills. This session will discuss characteristics of effective supervisors, the prevention supervisor job description, and supervision tools.
Suicide Prevention and Postvention: Communicating through Coping and Courage
Trainer: Susie Reece is proud to be called the Southern Fried Asian (Korean-Arkansan style), published author, national speaker and mental health advocate, as well as, a seasoned suicide prevention strategist and consultant.
She will cover the standard areas of warning signs, risk factors and protective factors in regards to preventative efforts. An overview of various “at risk” student types and screening tools and methods as well as follow up procedures will be included. Susie will highlight holistic care, and grief for those exposed and affected by suicide within a school setting and explain the roles of organizations in regards to postvention planning for those affected. The course will cover the need for suicide prevention in crisis planning to ensure that those affected are cared for, your organization’s communication must do’s and don’ts, and how to move forward after a suicide incident. A template for a comprehensive suicide prevention plan for any agencies wanting to incorporate one into their existing infrastructure will be available. This course is ideal for any group or organization looking to incorporate postvention care into their policies and protocols it covers the broad scopes of suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention.
Marijuana Myths Trainer: Rudy Garcia LCDC, CPS
With the decriminalization of marijuana. Youth perception of harm has decreased and use has increased. Participants will be educated and 10 Myths on Marijuana and will learn to distinguish between the truth and untruths of Marijuana use. Participants will participate in break out groups regarding Marijuana Myths, be educated on the Short and Long Term effects of Marijuana and will also be educated on the various State regulation laws regarding Legal Recreational Marijuana Use. (ATOD Specific)
Enhancing a Coalition’s Impact through Youth and Adult Partnerships Trainer: Alicia Rosas B.S.
When youth and adults work together, people take notice. This training will discuss strategies that coalitions can implement to effectively engage youth in their underage substance use prevention efforts at the community level. Positive Youth Development is an approach that recognizes, utilizes, and enhances young people’s strengths. Following Texans for Safe and Drug-Free Youth’s Guide to Effective Engagement, participants will learn about activities that will advance their organization’s strategic goals while actively engaging with youth. Additionally, TxSDY will showcase activities from their Youth Leadership Council members’ application of these activities in their communities and regional Zero Alcohol for Youth Academies.
Presentation Skills for Prevention Specialist Trainer: Mitchell Moore LCDC, ACPS, ICPS, ADC
Prior proper planning prepares pronounced public presentations. This workshop will help participants sharpen their presentations skills and apply the principles of public speaking. Participants will learn the three stages of a presentation and discover how to engage their audience using activities and “jolts”.
Friday February 28th 9:00-12:00
Facilitation Skills in the classroom-for YPU-YPS-YPI Programs Trainer: Rudy Garcia LCDC, CPS
Facilitation Skills are a vital asset in keeping youth engaged. Participants will learn the differences between presentation and facilitation, various skills to engage youth using Socratic Approach, receive information on class room management and responding to misbehavior. Participants will also be educated on facilitating with fidelity to curriculum and how to effectively address fidelity barriers.
Drugs of Abuse, with a Focus on Opioids and Synthetics Trainer: Mitchell Moore LCDC, ACPS, ICPS, ADC
A drug is a drug is a drug is a drug… but which category does Xanax belong in? ATOD questions like this may be on the Prevention Specialist Certification exam. This workshop will help participants understand categories, sign and symptoms of abuse with a focus on opioids and synthetics and current State and National trends. (ATOD Specific)
Certified Prevention Specialist Exam Prep Course- 6 hrs. Trainer: Julie Stevens MPS, ACPS, ICPS
*This is a two part course; participants must attend both the morning and afternoon sessions
The Prevention Specialist Exam Preparation Course will assist in preparing participants to study for and subsequently take the prevention specialist exam. This course covers the requirements and application process to become a Certified Prevention Specialist. The workshop presenters will identify the domains and tasks covered in the new exam, study resources, the types of questions that are on the exam and tips for studying and taking the exam.
Friday February 28th 1:30-4:30
Implementation of the National Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Standards Trainers: Alycia Welch, MPAff, MSSW and Ari Acosta, MSc., MWGS
The National CLAS Standards are intended to advance health equity, improve quality, and help to eliminate health care disparities for individuals, organizations, and communities. This workshop offers concise, practical information on how to implement the 15 Standards throughout an agency/organization or program, including ways to advance and sustain CLAS-related principles through policies and practices. Key areas of focus include the workforce, language assistance, and community engagement. Interactive exercises are incorporated in the workshop to enhance participants’ knowledge, awareness, and sensitivity to improve cross-cultural interactions in health, healthcare, and other service organizations.
Powdered Alcohol & Marijuana in Texas (ATOD Specific) Trainer: Nicole Holt B.A.
Powdered alcohol poses many potential harms related to misuse and over consumption (especially among young people). We will discuss the specific grassroots strategies used to educate and empower coalition members and lawmakers, such as 1) holding an Advocacy Day event and coordinating constituent visits to targeted legislators; 2) organizing and providing testimony at State House and Senate hearings; 3) employing a media strategy and social media campaign; and 4) next steps to ensure the product is banned during the next Legislative Session.
Presenters:
Ari Acosta, MSc., MWGS,
Ari Acosta is the behavioral health equity specialist at the Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health, housed at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin. In this role, she works closely with staff across the institute to enhance the development of all products, projects, and trainings with a behavioral health equity lens. She is formerly a clinical psychologist and sexologist specializing in women’s mental health and an associate professor of Psychology, Gender Studies, and Qualitative Research at UCLA Venezuela. An avid sexual and reproductive rights specialist and human rights education activist, Ari has been a national board member of the Venezuelan Section of Amnesty International since 2014.
Marcia Baker PhD, LPC, LCDC, MAC, ACPS
Marcia has a PhD in Psychology with a specialty in Health Psychology/Behavioral Medicine. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, Master Addiction Counselor and Advanced Certified Prevention Specialist. She is currently owner of Third Coast Counseling and Wellness where she is a practicing therapist. In addition, she is a college professor and coordinator of a federal grant for mental health services with Santa Maria Hostel, Bonita House. She has developed programs and worked as a therapist in the substance abuse treatment, prevention and behavioral health field for over 30 years. She utilizes her education and experience to provide a holistic approach when treating emotional/physical health issues for all ages. Her research expertise is in psychosocial oncology with families of children that had cancer and substance use prevention. She is a trainer for Strengthening Families Training Certification, Towards No Drug Abuse Certification, Positive Action, Youth Mental health First Aid and Prevention Skill training program for substance abuse prevention professionals and teaches/ trains adjunct in the field of substance abuse, prevention and mental health for numerous colleges and educational institutions. She is a Registered Yoga Teacher and has been a Yoga practitioner for over 25 years.
Rudy Garcia LCDC,CPS
Rudy Garcia has been working in the field of Prevention for the past 19 years. He is a Trainer of Trainer for Evidenced Based Prevention Curriculum: Project Towards No Drugs and Strengthening Families. Rudy is also a trainer for SAPST, Ethics in Prevention, Opiod Prevention, and ATOD Specific. Rudy has also Directed Prevention and Out-Patient Substance Abuse Programs.
Nicole Holt B.A.
Nicole Holt serves as CEO of Texans for Safe and Drug-Free Youth (TxSDY)—a statewide non-profit dedicated to creating healthier and safer communities where alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use have no place in the lives of youth. During Nicole’s nearly 15 years in this role, TxSDY has greatly expanded its capacity to train and support coalitions across Texas and honed its ability to advocate for policy change at the state and local levels. Nicole began her career working for National Wildlife Federation’s Campus Ecology Program. At 24, she built a national program for faith-based college students to address environmental issues, including an annual “Rescue God’s Creation” lobby day in D.C. – the first of it’s kind. She’s also worked on presidential campaigns. She is Chair, and a founding member, of the U.S. Alcohol Policy Alliance and a graduate of Leadership Women Texas class of 2019.
The first in her family to graduate from college and a 6th generation Texan, Nicole was a Presidential Scholar at Grayson County Community College, graduating with an Associates of Science. Nicole went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis on poverty and environmental policy from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.
Mitchell Moore BAT, LCDC, ICPS, ACPS, ADC
Mitchell Moore is a dynamic certified prevention specialist who has a passion for reducing substance use disorders. He has extensive training in substance abuse prevention with a specialty in tobacco prevention and underage drinking prevention. He utilizes experiential learning techniques and provides common analogies that people can relate to. Mitchell was recently recognized as the Texas Prevention Specialist of the Year.
Julie Stevens MPS, ACPS, ICPS
Julie Stevens is an Advanced Certified Prevention Specialist and was a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor for 20 years. She has served as Director of Prevention for the Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, and Training Specialist for the University of Oklahoma’s Southwest Prevention Center, and most recently as Executive Director of LifeSteps Council on Alcohol and Drugs. She is currently chair of the Prevention Specialist Committee of the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium. Ms. Stevens serves on the Texas Certification Board of Addiction Professionals and is chair of the Prevention Subcommittee. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Baylor University and a Masters of Prevention Science from the University of Oklahoma. In addition, Ms. Stevens is an adjunct professor for the University Of Oklahoma College Of Liberal Studies.
Susie Reece
Susie Reynolds Reece is the Founder and Executive Director of Suicide Prevention Allies a nonprofit that formed from community grassroots efforts geared at preventing suicide. Reece is no stranger to the desperate need for suicide prevention having dealt with major depression stemming from multiple traumas suffered during her early childhood. Reece shares her story of childhood trauma and losses to inspire others to speak openly about our most difficult human issues. Reece is proud to be called the Southern Fried Asian (Korean-Arkansan style), published author, national speaker and mental health advocate, as well as, a seasoned suicide prevention strategist and consultant.
Alicia Rosas B.S.
Alicia Rosas is the Youth Engagement Specialist at Texans for Safe and Drug-Free Youth (formerly Texans Standing Tall). Currently, she oversees a statewide youth leadership organization focused on underage alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention efforts in Texas. Alicia has served on various statewide substance use prevention teams over the past 8 years as a young adult volunteer. She received her undergraduate education in Community, Family, and Addiction Sciences and Youth Development from Texas Tech University. She is currently pursuing a graduate certificate in Youth Program Management and Evaluation. Alicia is passionate about promoting health and well being for herself and others in her community.
Alycia Welch, MPAff, MSSW
Alycia Welch is the program administrator of the SAMHSA-funded South Southwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Center at the Texas Institute for Excellence in Mental Health, housed at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin. In this role, she oversees the implementation of training and technical assistance and the dissemination of best practices to the diverse behavioral health workforce across U.S. Health and Human Services Region VI (AR, LA, NM, OK, TX, and tribal communities). She has over 15 years of experience managing complex, multi-partner projects and facilitating cross-system collaboration between criminal and juvenile justice, health care, and behavioral health systems. She is trained on the Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Standards and supports the implementation of diverse approaches to service delivery among the public mental health workforce.
Dolka Michelle Zelaya CPS
Dolka Michelle Zelaya is a Certified Prevention Specialist through the Prevention Credentialing Consortium of Georgia (PCCG), and she is the Project Coordinator for the National Hispanic and Latino Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC). Zelaya firmly believes in the power of prevention through the extensive use of Evidence-Based Practices, comprehensive policies, we can help our youth, their families and our communities to become healthy and productive. Her seventeen years of experience working in the prevention field with minorities and at high-risk populations is a vivid proof that prevention works! Zelaya has provided leadership for prevention programs at local, state and now national levels. From 2016- 2018 she worked at Georgia State University- School of Social Work and the ¡VIDA-LIFE! program. A health Initiative for Latino Young Adults to prevent and reduce HIV, substance abuse and Hepatitis C. From 2013 – 2015 Zelaya also, worked as a Director of the Garrett Lee Smith Youth Suicide Prevention Programs, with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, where successfully provided leadership, direction, and administration of a SAMHSA-funded Statewide Youth Suicide Prevention Project. From 2002 to 2012 she works as a Director of the Prevention Department at CETPA gaining expertise on creating, tailoring and implementing prevention programs among the Latino Community. As a youth educator/ advocate had done extensive work with alcohol, tobacco, substance abuse, and partnered with non-profit organizations, providing training, guidance and managing federal grants at the local/state level, creating community coalitions and task force both locally and statewide. Also, had worked in a variety of settings including Elementary, Middle, High schools and universities, prevention clubhouses, summer camps, as well with those affected by suicide, the LGBTQ community, Latino communities, youth community, and military families. Zelaya serves on the Prevention Credentialing Consortium of Georgia and The Latino LINQ, Board of Directors.