Title: Spring Prevention Specialist Conference
Format: Virtual via Zoom
Date: March 26-28, 2024
Time: 9 am- 4:30 pm CST
Continuing Education Hours: 18 in Multiple IC&RC Domains
Price: $450
Registration Link: Click here to register

To use this time zone converter click the link and then enter your location on the left and Austin Texas on the right.

Schedule:

March 26th
1) 9:00-10:30- Focus on Prevention: Answering the Who, What, When, Where, How & Why – Mitchell Moore, LCDC, ADC, ACPS, BAT
2) 10:30-12:00- How Come Breathing is Helpful? Don’t we do it already?- Marcia Baker PhD, LPC-S, LCDC, ACPS
3) 1:30-3:00- Preventing Drug Use Among College Students- Rich Lucey DEA    (ATOD Specific)
4) 3:00-4:30- Generations and Implications: How age influences drug use and strategies to address it- Julie Stevens, MPS, ACPS

March 27th
5) 9:00-10:30- An Introduction to Prevention Core Competencies, Rachel Witmer, BA
6) 10:30-12:00- Substance Free Alternative Events. If you build it, They Will Come- Katharine Sadler, MEd, CPS, CPS II
7) 1:30-3:00- Key Informant Interviews: Why, What and How- Sandra Del Sesto M,Ed, ACPS
8) 3:00-4:30- Music Does the Talking…A Prevention Leaders Guide to Music Literacy- Steve Miller, CRPS

March 28th
9) 9:00-10:30- A Toxic Combo: Social Media, Human Trafficking, Substance Use, and Mental Health- Rikki Barton, MAPS/ ICRC
10) 10:30-12:00- Self-Care: Taking Your Practice Even Further- Mary Kate Chapman. ICPS
11) 1:30-3:00- Understanding Facilitative Leadership: Exploring the Continuum of Participation- Angie Asa-Lovstad, MS, CPS
12) 3:00-4:30- Introduction to Evaluation- Daniel Webb, Ph.D.

All virtual workshops are subject to change. They are scheduled in Central Time, CST, Use the time zone converter , then enter Texas, Houston

Course Descriptions:

1) Focus on Prevention

Presenter:  Mitchell Moore, LCDC, ADC, ACPS, BAT        1.5 hrs. in Domain 1- Planning and Evaluation
Objectives- Participants will be able to list the components of a primary prevention program.

2) How Come Breathing is Helpful? Don’t we do it already?

This presentation will provide participants with information about breathing ( Pranayama-Yogic Breathing) and mindfulness. Mindfulness and yogic breathing will be defined and experientially practiced.

Presenter: Marcia Baker PhD, LPC-S, LCDC, ACPS         1.5 hrs. in Domain 6 – Professional Growth and Responsibility
Objectives- Participants will gain knowledge of evidence-based practices of yogic breathing and mindfulness. Participants will be provided experientially based exercises in class to use personally and with children and adults in their prevention work.

3) Preventing Drug Use Among College Students: Current Trends, The Dangers of Fake Pills, and The Importance of Strategic Planning (ATOD Specific)

Description: The Strategic Prevention Framework is a widely used planning process to guide the selection, implementation, and evaluation of effective, culturally appropriate, and sustainable prevention activities. This session will feature an overview of current drug use rates among college students; the dangers of fake pills and illicit fentanyl; DEA’s One Pill Can Kill campaign; an overview of DEA’s revised Prevention with Purpose: A Strategic Planning Guide for Preventing Drug Misuse Among College Students; and resources from DEA to support your prevention efforts.

Presenter: Rich Lucey        1.5 hrs. in Domain 1- Planning and Evaluation
Objectives- Participants will learn how the Strategic Prevention Framework applies to preventing drug misuse among college students, gain knowledge about current drug use rates, the dangers of fake pills and about DEA’s updated strategic planning guide to preventing drug misuse among college students.

4) Generations and Implications: How age influences drug use and strategies to address it.

Whether the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, or Gen Z, generational differences can shape behaviors in many ways, from choices in politics to music preferences to understanding of technology. The era you were born in has a substantial influence on your behaviors, attitudes, values, and personality traits. This workshop examines generational differences and their influence on drug-seeking behavior, as well as strategies to prevent destructive actions.

Presenter:  Julie Stevens, MPS, ACPS        1.5 hrs. in Domain 2 – Prevention Education and Service Delivery
Objectives- Participants will be able to identify generational characteristics, differences and appropriate prevention strategies.

5) An Introduction to Prevention Core Competencies

This session covers the first two modules of the PTTC’s on-line training, An Introduction to the Prevention Core Competencies. The modules provide a comprehensive exploration of substance use prevention, focusing on understanding the challenges posed by substance misuse, such as the impact on body and brain, and equipping professionals with the necessary tools to address them effectively through conducting a needs and resource assessment.
Participants will receive a information for completing the additional 4 on-line modules for an additional 5.25 hours of education if they desire.

Presenter: Rachel Witmer, BA        1.5 hrs. in Domain 1 – Planning and Evaluation
Objectives- Participants will be able to define prevention, prevention science, and utilize epidemiological data when selecting an evidence-based prevention intervention.

6) Substance Free Alternative Events. If you build it, They Will Come.

Description: This workshop is a discussion on how to implement Substance Free Alternative Events as an effective strategy. It provides information based on community growth and involvement as well as survey responses and testimonials. The process includes direct and indirect reach opportunities. It is based on the CSAP Core strategy using planning, communication and campaigns as part of the development process.

Presenter: Katharine Sadler, MEd, CPS, CPS II         1.5 hrs. in Domain 2 – Prevention Education and Service Delivery
Objectives- Participants will be able to How to produce an effective Substance Free Alternative Events series. Participants will understand how to produce Substance Free Alternative Events so that they are an effective strategy to reduce substance use and grow community support for prosocial involvement.

7) Key Informant Interviews: Why, What and How

The assessment process is the first and foundational step used when planning any behavioral health intervention. Once quantitative data is collected, questions arise as to what is happening at the community level regarding it the presenting problem and why. That is where the need for qualitative data comes in. Key informant interviews are important tools in providing additional data on what behavioral health problem is occurring and also why it is happening. In this workshop, participants will explore what key informant interviews are, why they are important components of the planning process, how to identify key informants and how to conduct successful key informant interviews, including logistics and question development. Supplemental information will be provided.

Presenter: Sandra Del Sesto M,Ed, ACPS          1.5 hrs. in Domain 3 – Communication
Objectives- Participants will be able to define and describe what key informant interviews are and their advantages and disadvantages. List key points for conducting successful key informant interviews and identify methods for reporting key informant data.

8) Music Does the Talking…A Prevention Leaders Guide to Music Literacy

Description: Explore music, music literacy and how it can open doors for prevention specialist.

Presenter: Steve Miller, CRPS        1.5 hrs. in Domain 3 – Communication
Objectives- Participants will be able to communicate across generations.

9) A Toxic Combo: Social Media, Human Trafficking, Substance Use, and Mental Health

Description: There are a lot of bright spots to social media – it connects us, makes us laugh, introduces us to new ideas, and provides support. But there is a dark side that creates a toxic combination, especially for youth. Social media exposes vulnerabilities which can lead to substance use, mental health challenges, online grooming, and human trafficking. This presentation will explore that toxic combination to empower you to be a trusted adult in the lives youth by understanding the risk factors and learning way to counteract them with protective factors.

Presenter: Rikki Barton MAPS/ICRC         1.5 hrs. in Domain 6 – Professional Growth and Responsibility

Objectives- Participants will be able to have effective conversations with youth around social media usage and explain how social media is intertwined with substance use, mental health, and human trafficking.

10) Self-Care: Taking Your Practice Even Further

Description: The world keeps changing, and you might find yourself feeling more overwhelmed and underwater than ever before. Work demands, program updates, staffing shortages – it may feel like it’s just a little too much! Unfortunately, the chaos doesn’t stop when we’re in over our heads. In order for us to truly thrive, we MUST take care of ourselves. Join us for this interactive session to explore in-depth ways to fully take care of ourselves -mentally, physically and emotionally. You don’t want to miss this session!

Presenter: Mary Kate Chapman. ICPS          1.5 hrs. in Domain 6 – Professional Growth and Responsibility
Objectives- Participants will be able to identify stressors so that they are better able to address them quickly – both personally and professionally. Participants will learn ways to incorporate self-care into daily practices in order to be more effective at work.

11) Understanding Facilitative Leadership: Exploring the Continuum of Participation

This session highlights the differences between the traditional top-down leadership style and a more collaborative, facilitative way of leading groups. It’s all about seeing facilitation as more than just a method, but as a key tool to get everyone engaged and moving forward together. We’ll look at how the level of participation directly shapes leadership effectiveness and discover ways to make decisions that draw on everyone’s strengths. This session aims to start you on your journey to becoming a leader who prioritizes respect and inclusivity, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard and valued in the conversation.

Presenter: Angie Asa-Lovstad, MS, CPS         1.5 hrs. in Domain 3 – Communication
Objectives- Participants will be able to understanding the basic principles of facilitation and recognize how facilitation can be a tool for true engagement and action

12) Introduction to Evaluation

In this session, participants will be provided with an overview of program evaluation as it relates to the substance use prevention field. Participants will learn the basics of evaluation – what it entails, when to utilize it, and key terms/concepts that are foundational to the evaluation process. In addition, participants will learn the differences between process and outcome; goals and objectives; qualitative and quantitative data; primary and secondary data; and how to bring all of these elements together in the form of an evaluation plan.

Presenter: Daniel Webb, Ph.D.         1.5 hrs. in Domain 1 – Planning and Evaluation
Objectives- Participants will be able to set up a practical and useful program evaluation.

Click to view information about the CLYDE Youth Survey

Presenters:

Angie Asa-Lovstad at ASA Facilitation isn’t just about leading training and facilitating; she’s also a dedicated coach for those in the substance misuse prevention field. Angie’s journey from steering a local community coalition to orchestrating impactful statewide efforts has equipped her with the tools and understanding to mentor prevention professionals. Her participatory facilitation approach ensures everyone from grassroots volunteers to policy makers are actively involved and heard, fostering a culture of shared goals and sustained engagement.

Marcia Baker has a PhD in Psychology with a specialty in Health Psychology/Behavioral Medicine. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, Advanced Certified Prevention Specialist and Registered Yoga Teacher. She is currently the owner of Third Coast Counseling and Wellness where she is a practicing therapist. 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, 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.

Rikki Barton MAPS/ICRC has a passion for communicating essential messages to move individuals and communities onward in their goals. She is the Founder/Lead Consultant of Onward Consulting and holds the Missouri Advanced Prevention Specialist certification as well as international IC&RC certification. Rikki has nearly 15 years of prevention field experience and currently serves as a consultant to assist organizations, coalitions, and state/federal agencies in the areas of substance use prevention, suicide prevention, and mental health promotion. She has extensive experience working with community coalitions, providing training, grant writing, managing funding sources, and leading a team of preventionists. She holds a Bachelors degree from Pennsylvania State University and a Masters degree from Liberty University. In her free time, Rikki loves exploring the outdoors on hikes with her rescue dog, Oreo.

Mary Kate C. Chapman ICPS serves as GUIDE’s Associate Executive Director of Training & Capacity Building. Mary Kate is responsible for oversight of various grants and contracts, of the GUIDE Youth Advisory Board, customized training events for both youth and adults and works in partnership with other GUIDE Staff to coordinate various conferences. Mary Kate began her journey with GUIDE when she was 17-years-old as a Georgia Teen Institute participant. She continued to volunteer and serve as a trainer for GUIDE in various capacities and is now happy to call GUIDE home.
Mary Kate began her work at GUIDE in November 2011 and has served as a Program Specialist, Director of Training & Capacity Building and Director of Youth Leadership & Engagement prior to her current position as Associate Executive Director. Previously, she worked for another nonprofit specializing in health education. She served as a Project Leader where she developed and implemented multiple wellness initiatives across the state. She taught physical activity and nutrition in more than 75 elementary schools statewide. This acted as the catalyst for her passion to motivate and empower youth and adults to make lifelong healthy choices.
Mary Kate is an Internationally Certified Prevention Specialist through the Prevention Credentialing Consortium of Georgia, serves on the PCCG Board of Directors and regularly trains others in the Core Courses required by PCCG.
In 2016, Mary Kate received the Ray Avant Excellence in Prevention Award for her contributions to the field.
Mary Kate is a 2018 Leadership Gwinnett graduate and continues to volunteer in various capacities, including co-chairing the Health & Human Services Learning Day.
Mary Kate holds a Master of Art in Liberal Studies (English) from Clayton State University and a Bachelor of Science in Communications (Media Studies) from Kennesaw State University. She presents on local, state and national levels on topics related to leadership, education, prevention and self-care.

Rich Lucey has more than three decades of experience at the state and federal government levels working to prevent alcohol and drug use and misuse among youth and young adults, especially college students. He currently serves as a senior prevention program manager in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Community Outreach and Prevention Support Section. Rich plans and executes educational and public information programs, evaluates program goals and outcomes, and serves as an advisor to the Section Chief and other DEA officials on drug misuse prevention and education programs. Rich formerly served as special assistant to the director for the federal Center for Substance Abuse Prevention and worked as an education program specialist in the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools.

Mitchell Moore BAT, ACPS, LCDC is a dynamic educator who has a passion for training people and serves those who serve by designing and delivering training and across America. He is an advanced certified prevention specialist and licensed chemical dependency counselor who has extensive experience working with youth and families in both prevention and recovery settings. He has served as a counselor, prevention specialist, a grant writer and executive director of a charitable organization. In 2019, he was awarded the Texas Prevention Specialist of the Year. He is currently an independent contractor, a beekeeper and volunteers his time for Prevention Training Services and the Texas Certification Board.

Katharine Sadler MEd, CPS, CPS II, currently serves as a Senior Public Health Specialist within Prevention Insights which is a Center in the School of Public Health at Indiana University – Bloomington. Within Prevention Insights she works as a Community Technical Assistance Consultant. My responsibilities include coaching agencies in best practices through the Strategic Prevention Framework, building a strong workforce of preventionists, creating standards and guidance for success, and monitoring site progress. My areas of expertise and training include communications, social marketing, project planning and project implementation. As part of successes, I have guided sites in building community-based effective implementation plans that include Substance Free Alternative Events, communications, campaigns for primary prevention, branding and distribution methods.

Sandra Puerini Del Sesto, M.Ed, ACPS, is a national consultant and master trainer in behavioral health and strategic planning for non-profits. She was the founder and for 30 years the executive director of Initiatives for Human Development, a statewide, multi-service prevention program, and a founder of CODAC, RI’s largest non-profit treatment program. She was also the founding director of the Institute for Addiction Recovery at Rhode Island College. She is a member of the advisory boards of the Prevention Technology Transfer Center National Coordinating Office (PTTC-NCO), the New England Prevention PTTC, and the New England School of Addiction Studies. She is also a member of the National Behavioral Health Association’s Evidence-based Workgroup, For many years, Sandra served as the RI delegate to and the former Prevention Committee Co-Chair of the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), which certifies professionals working in behavioral health. Sandra is a co-author of SAMHAs SPF Application for Prevention Success Training (SAPST) and its basic and advanced Prevention Ethics courses as well as many other face-to-face and online courses in prevention.

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. Ms. Stevens serves on the Texas Certification Board of Addiction Professionals and is chair of the Prevention Subcommittee. She has served as Member At Large of the Board of the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium and Advisor to the Prevention Committee. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Baylor University and a Masters of Prevention Science from the University of Oklahoma.

Daniel Webb has two decades of experience writing and evaluating local, state, and national grants. In addition, he has over ten years of experience in business/organizational intelligence and analytics. His experience includes evaluation and research in education (elementary through post-secondary), youth substance use prevention, health and medicine, and housing and urban development. Dan holds a PhD in Sociology from the University at Buffalo.

Rachel Witmer has been working to support the professional development of substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery professionals since 2010. She began her career working at IC&RC as the Association Coordinator then Assistant Director. After her eight-year tenure at IC&RC, she moved to her current role as Sr. Project Manager for the Collaborative to Advance Health Services based in the University of Missouri-Kansas City. In this role, she works on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) funded Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC) Network Coordinating Office (NCO) grant.

In her role, she works closely with a cadre of subject matter experts to support the substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery workforce in utilizing evidence-based practices through training and education.