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Our guest on this episode is Georgina Lafoe who is on staff at the Community Engagement Institute at Wichita State University and represents their Prevention Initiatives. Her story begins as a drug endangered child but today her life is thriving and demonstrates resiliency. She loves to build relationships with people who love to help people. Outside of CEI, Georgina enjoys traveling and visiting new cultures and cities. She adores her two nephews and spending time watching them encounter this world as new. Georgina also loves a good movie every now and then (preferably scary). Email: [email protected] Website: https://communityengagementinstitute.org

Nexus Between Substance Misuse Prevention and Suicide Prevention July 17, 2024   Presented by: Heidi Peterson Dutson, Certified Prevention Specialist Description:   Prevention is an essential part of the continuum in addressing mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders among young people, but it can be a challenge to define and implement. Understanding the robust and trusted field of prevention science can help guide our planning and efforts to make a tremendous impact, especially when working towards suicide prevention and substance use disorder prevention outcomes simultaneously. Participants will be introduced to evidence-based guiding principles in prevention, hear examples of effective community implementation, and learn how to collaborate for greater success.   Objectives: Defining proactive vs. reactive prevention. Focusing on shared risk and protective factors is the 'nexus' to produce shared substance misuse and suicide prevention outcomes. Implementation of effective prevention is guided by collaborative evidence-based frameworks, strategies, and policies.   Webinar Resource: PowerPoint slides LINK Webinar Recording LINK 

Why Prevention Matters: Applying Prevention Science to Practice Carolina Corrales, Ph.D. Learning Objectives: Describe substance use prevalence Discuss risk and protective factors for substance use Provide the impact of substance use and reasons for prevention science

Mid-America PTTC has partnered with the Center of Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity to bring you four unique podcast episodes in recognition of Pride Month 2024. We hope this learning modality is a breath of fresh air among a world of webinars. We encourage listeners to use this resource as a way to work away from the desk. Listen to these conversations while enjoying a good view, going on a walk, or any other way you are enjoying the summer weather and pride month.   Episode 1: Why Focus on LGBTQ+ People? In this episode, our guest Angela Weeks, talks about disparities affecting LGBTQ+ people, the coming-out process, social hardships faced by the community, and resilience. Release Date: June 6th Visit the Center of Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity for Related Resources   Episode 2: Supporting LGBTQ+ Older Adults & Understanding Historical Trauma In this episode our guest, Dr. Larry Bryant, discusses the historical trauma that LGBTQ+ older adults have endured. Dr. Bryant shares his personal journey of loss, resilience, and triumph. Release Date: June 13th Visit the Center of Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity for Related Resources   Episode 3: We have to Support Families of LGBTQ+ People In this episode our guest is Vida Khavar, who discussed family support, real stories of family journeys, and strategies for reaching out. Release Date: June 20th Visit the Center of Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity for Related Resources   Episode 4: What is Gender Affirming Care? In this episode our guests are Elliott Hinkle and Ashley Austin, who discuss gender affirming care, the importance of being supportive, and suggest resources for engaging in meaningful discussions. Release Date: June 26th Visit the Center of Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity for Related Resources

Our series explores the vital role that language plays in promoting inclusion and cultural humility in the field of prevention. Each segment delves into specific topics and engage in interactive discussions led by experts in the field. Together, we'll deepen our understanding of the diverse communities we serve and how to create more inclusive prevention strategies. Download a copy of our companion resource from this series: Language Matters

Nathan Wray a Prevention Coordinator for the Roane County Anti-drug Coalition in Tennessee. He’s also a highly sought after motivational speaker whose life story is nothing short of inspirational. Nathan speaks from the perspective of lived experience, in hopes of empowering youth, and his story is a powerful testament to the human spirit's resilience. Nathan’s message combines his passion for change with a sense of humor that connects with the audience to make a lasting impact. In his spare time, he hangs out with his four kids and his beautiful life. Website: https://www.nathanwrayspeaks.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatnathanwray/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nwrayspeaks/

I am not a photographer by education or formal training. I often describe myself as an “accidental photographer” since most of what I know is self-taught - born out of a pure love of the outdoors and the beauty of creation. My journey into photography began near the end of my career as a federal drug prosecutor where I supervised the Organized Crime/Drug Enforcement Task Force – a group of agents, analysts and prosecutors who investigated and prosecuted high-level drug trafficking organizations. During that time, I was an eyewitness to some of the darkest aspects of society. Although my legal career was exciting and challenging, the investigation of these cases put me in direct contact with all forms of greed, addiction, violence, abuse and neglect of children, and the loss of dignity, health, freedom, and even life itself. Without recognizing it, all of those things weighed on my heart, mind and soul in ways that I couldn’t imagine at the time. It took a mid-life crisis to bring me into the world of serious photography when I realized that decades of exposure to the darkest side of humanity had impacted my ability to recognize many of life’s simple pleasures. Up to that point in my life, my wife and I had experienced blessings that are found in a blur of family activities – ballgames, school, church, Scouts, camping, hiking, birthdays, holidays, and occasional vacations. But as our children left home to attend college and raise families of their own, I found myself working longer hours and enjoying life less. After our last child left for college, I reached a turning point with the realization that I needed a hobby, something that would help me focus my attention on more positive thoughts and experiences. My choice at the time was an inexpensive film camera. Although I initially lacked the skills necessary to successfully capture a beautiful image, the simple act of looking through the lens of a camera allowed me to re-discover everything that is wonderful in life – a world full of amazing people, beautiful landscapes, fascinating creatures, and boundless opportunities and adventures. Through the lens of a camera, I rediscovered a sense of joy that I recognized as a gift from childhood when the world was full of wonder and awe. Now, many years later, I am blessed with opportunities to speak and train at local, state, regional and national conferences on a variety of subjects relating to the law, law enforcement, drug education, building strong communities, protecting and nurturing children, and photography. Because of my law enforcement background, many of my presentations require me to describe the grim realities of bad choices that negatively impact children, families and communities, but these opportunities also allow me to provide positive messages and solutions that can overcome feelings of hopelessness, pain, surrender, and despair. This is especially important in working directly with youth (ranging from those who are severely “at risk” to kids who seem blessed with every opportunity in life). At both ends of this spectrum I find that young people are eager to be “seen” AND heard by adults, and when given the right information and encouragement, they become eager to serve AND to lead. Increasingly, my youth workshops include teaching about photography and the great outdoors. My best days involve a photography/nature workshop followed by an outdoor excursion with a busload of kids. The combination of my professional background and love of photography allows me to share real life experiences that provide a stark contrast between choices that bring misery and pain with choices that can lead to a fulfilling and joyful life. By sharing these images, my purpose is to encourage others to make good choices and live happy and healthy lives. By tapping into the sense of wonder we all experienced as little children, we can all rediscover a world that is infinitely more satisfying than anything offered by a popular culture that often leads people in the wrong direction. One of my favorite photographers, Galen Rowell once said: “You only get one sunrise and one sunset a day, and you only get so many days on the planet. A good photographer does the math and doesn't waste either.” I hope that you enjoy each sunrise and sunset as you journey through a wonderful life. Website:  https://www.montestiles.com/Keynote-Presentations LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/montestiles/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montestiles/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monte.stiles  

Rodney Wambeam, Ph.D. is a Senior Research Scientist at the Wyoming Survey & Analysis Center (WYSAC) of the University of Wyoming (UW). He is also an adjunct professor in the Department of Political Science at UW. Dr. Wambeam completed his Ph.D. at the University of Nebraska in 1999 and served as policy advisor to Nebraska Governor Ben Nelson. He was Director of the Evaluation Research Department at the Nebraska Council to Prevent Alcohol and Drug Abuse before moving home to Wyoming in 2002. At WYSAC, Dr. Wambeam and his team conduct numerous substance abuse prevention and treatment research projects in many states including Arkansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oregon, and Wyoming. He currently leads the Federal Prevention Block Grant, State Opioid Response Grant, and National Opioid Litigation evaluations in Arkansas, as well as leading the Opioid/Fentanyl Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan in Wyoming. He has presented more than 50 keynotes across the country on substance abuse prevention with millennials and on the history of alcohol in America. His book “The Community Needs Assessment Workbook” from Oxford University Press came out in 2015. Email: [email protected] Website: https://wysac.uwyo.edu/wysac/people/rwambeam/ Book: The Community Needs Assessment Workbook

Kris Gabrielsen is the co-director of the Great Lakes Prevention Technology Transfer Center. She has worked in the substance misuse prevention field for over 30 years. Kris was the Associate Director of the Western Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT), co-authored the first Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Training curriculum, and co-authored the textbook, Substance Abuse Prevention: The Intersection of Science and Practice. As a consultant, she has worked with states and communities across the nation to bridge the gap between research and practice, assisting prevention professionals in maximizing their effectiveness. Web site: https://pttcnetwork.org/centers/content/great-lakes-pttc Website: https://pttcnetwork.org/centers/great-lakes-pttc/product/risk-factors-youth-substance-misuse-0 Website: https://pttcnetwork.org/centers/great-lakes-pttc/product/building-protective-factors-using-social-development-strategy-0 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GLPTTC/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/glpttc/ The funder of this project, along with all other products of the Mid-America PTTC is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Although funded by SAMHSA, the content of this recording does not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. Many factors influence a person’s chance of developing a mental and/or substance use disorder. Effective prevention focuses on reducing those risk factors, and strengthening protective factors, that are most closely related to the problem being addressed. https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/20190718-samhsa-risk-protective-factors.pdf The Social Development Research Group is a recognized leader in the field of prevention. Their work is guided by the belief that many common behavior, health, and social problems can be prevented. They have studied the causes of these problems in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, and their research has enriched lives, influenced policy, and strengthened communities across the United States and around the world. https://depts.washington.edu/sdrg/

3-Part Webinar Series: An Update on Adolescent Vaping Prevention: Prevalence, Adverse Behavioral Health Effects, and Prevention Practices Series Information    Part 3: Vaping Prevention and Interventions in Schools March 5, 2024   Presented by: Aaron Fischer, Ph.D., Professor, Region 8 PTTC Evaluator, University of Utah   The presenter will review challenges facing schools as well as provide an overview of existing interventions for schools. The presenter will also provide an overview of current research regarding vaping interventions in school settings. After this webinar, participants will be able to: - Develop effective strategies for resisting peer pressure and making informed choices: Participants will learn practical techniques for resisting peer pressure to vape, including assertive communication, refusal skills, and identifying supportive peer groups. They will also gain insight into the importance of making informed decisions about their health and well-being. - Explore comprehensive school-based prevention approaches: Participants will explore the components of comprehensive school-based prevention programs aimed at addressing vaping among students. This includes understanding the role of education, policy development, enforcement, and community involvement in creating a supportive environment that discourages vaping. - Identify resources and support systems available for vaping prevention: Participants will become familiar with resources and support systems available within their school and community to prevent vaping. This includes school counselors, health educators, cessation programs, and peer support groups. They will learn how to access these resources and utilize them effectively to promote a vape-free environment.   Webinar Resource: PowerPoint slides LINK Webinar Recording LINK 

My guest on this episode is Rikki Barton who 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 over 14 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. Rikki trains for CADCA in their youth and adult training programs as well as trains for National Council for Mental Wellbeing as an Adult, Youth, and Teen Mental Health First Aid Instructor. 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. Rikki recently returned from an epic adventure trip to Nepal, where she completed the Everest Base Camp trek (unfortunately, without Oreo). Email: [email protected] Web site: https://www.onwardconsulting.biz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rikki-onward Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onward_consulting/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onwardconsultingllc The funder of this project, along with all other products of the Mid-America PTTC is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Although funded by SAMHSA, the content of this recording does not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. The  National Center of Excellence on social media and Youth Mental Health serves as a centralized, trusted source for evidence-based education and technical assistance to support the mental health of children and adolescents as they navigate social media. https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/media-and-children/center-of-excellence-on-social-media-and-youth-mental-health/ The internet has dramatically reshaped how we buy and sell everything – including each other. Social media has been used by traffickers to recruit victims, to proliferate their trafficking operations, and to control victims through restricting their social media access, impersonating the victim, or spreading lies and rumors online. A leader in helping us to understand this issue is the Polaris Project, they are a survivor-centered, justice- and equity-driven movement to end human trafficking.  https://polarisproject.org/human-trafficking-and-social-media/   

3-Part Webinar Series: An Update on Adolescent Vaping Prevention: Prevalence, Adverse Behavioral Health Effects, and Prevention Practices Series Information    Part 2: Vaping and Adolescent Behavioral Health: Understanding the Relationship Between the Two February 27, 2024   Presented by: Dr. Michael Chaiton, Senior Scientist, Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Institute for Mental Health Policy Research; Director of Research, Ontario Tobacco Research Unit; Associate Professor affiliated with the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Institute for Medical Sciences, University of Toronto.   The presenter will explore the evidence behind the relationship between nicotine and behavioral health. Nicotine use is strongly correlated with behavioral health conditions such as depression, among both adults and adolescents. Participants will gain an understanding of the link between vaping and adolescent behavioral health. After this webinar, participants will be able to: Understand the relationship between nicotine (including vaping) and adolescent behavioral health Identify the reasons why individuals with mental health conditions have higher rates of nicotine smoking (nicotine as self-medication, nicotine as cause of mental health issues, or whether there is a social common cause) Understand that quitting nicotine or preventing its initiation can improve mental health in adolescents   Webinar Resource: PowerPoint slides LINK Webinar Recording LINK 

Dr. Monty Burks Deputy, Director of the Governor's Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives, where his role is engaging and connecting Tennessee’s faith communities to government and other non-profits with the goal of creating partnerships. In this episode we explore Building Blocks – Faith, Prevention, Recovery and the different intersection points between traditional and non-traditional behavioral health communities. Connect with our guest. Email: [email protected] Web site: www.tn.gov   (search faith based) The funder of this project, along with all other products of the Mid-America PTTC is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Although funded by SAMHSA, the content of this recording does not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. Since 1993, SAMHSA has actively engaged and supported faith-based and community organizations involved in mental health services and substance use prevention and treatment. Their Community Substance Abuse Prevention Partnership Program includes more than 800 faith-based community partners. To learn more about programs and practices available, including funding opportunities visit: https://www.samhsa.gov/faith-based-community-engagement Faith and community leaders are often the first point of contact when individuals and families face mental health problems or traumatic events. In fact, in times of crisis, many will turn to trusted leaders in their communities before they turn to mental health professionals. Religious and other community organizations can play an important role in supporting individuals living with mental illnesses and encouraging them to seek help. To learn more about the role of Faith and Community leaders in mental health visit:  https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/how-to-talk/community-and-faith-leaders

3-Part Webinar Series: An Update on Adolescent Vaping Prevention: Prevalence, Adverse Behavioral Health Effects, and Prevention Practices Series Information    Part 1: Adolescent Vaping: Prevalence, Why, and What? February 13, 2024   Presented by: Jason Burrow-Sanchez, Ph.D., Professor, Region 8 PTTC Director, University of Utah   The presenter will review current adolescent prevalence for vaping, what they are vaping, and potential reasons why they are vaping. Presentation will also include relevant information on risk/protective factors and adolescent brain development in the context of vaping.   After this webinar, participants will be able to: Identify current prevalence rates for adolescent vaping Learn what adolescents are currently vaping such as nicotine, cannabis, and popular flavors Identify potential reasons adolescents are vaping based on the research literature   Webinar Resource: PowerPoint slides LINK Webinar Recording LINK   

Kurt Larson has been representing personal injury clients as a Missouri lawyer for more than 20 years. He graduated in the top of his class from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 1992, and thereafter spent the summer working with trial attorneys at the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D. C. Prior to law school, Kurt graduated from Drury University in Springfield, Missouri, receiving a BA in English, with distinction. One of Kurts greatest projects is founding Safe and Sober Prom Night in 2004 in Springfield, Missouri. The program has evolved from an impaired-driving focus to preventing substance misuse in all its forms. The program today is simply known as Safe and Sober and has reached over 1 million students in 41 states, and schools as far away as Kiev, Ukraine and Queensland, Australia have downloaded their content. Safe and Sober provides an innovative way to combat substance misuse through a free program which features prevention-focused videos and curriculum that are used by schools, homeschool groups, and community organizations. Safe and Sober uses engaging and educational content, to encourage dialogue and preventative action between youth, educators, and parents. To Learn more visit www.safeandsober.org https://www.facebook.com/SafeandSoberOrg https://www.instagram.com/safeandsoberorg/ The funder of this project, along with all other products of the Mid-America PTTC is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Although funded by SAMHSA, the content of this recording does not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. Know the facts, about 1 in 4 teen car crashes involves an underage drinking driver. Talk with teens about the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Impaired driving is entirely preventable. A link to a SAMHSA resource that gives tips for talking to kids about drunk and drug-impaired driving is available here - https://www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you/parent-resources/impaired-driving

Mountain Plains PTTC is pleased to offer a new infographic based on new research on risk and protective factors for the three most commonly used substances among adolescents.

Dr. Fred Rottnek is a Professor and the Director of Community Medicine at Saint Louis University School of Medicine and the Program Director of the Saint Louis University Addiction Medicine Fellowship. His clinical practices currently include addiction medicine and correctional healthcare. He teaches in the School of Medicine, the Physician Assistant Program, and the School of Law. Board-Certified in Family Medicine and Addiction Medicine, he is the Medical Director for the Assisted Recovery Centers of American (ARCA) and Juvenile Detention in Family Court for the City of St. Louis. He serves on the boards of the Saint Louis Regional Health Commission and Alive and Well Communities.  Email: [email protected] The funder of this project, along with all other products of the Mid-America PTTC is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Although funded by SAMHSA, the content of this recording does not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. The human brain is the most complex organ in the body. Drugs can alter important brain areas that are necessary for life-sustaining functions and can drive the compulsive drug use that marks addiction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has a great recourse available titled Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction. For more information visit -  https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drugs-brain It is reported that only 25% of parents speak with their children about the dangers of drugs. How can we educate parents on the dangers of drugs and alcohol, and provide them with the tools needed to guide and engage children through this very rough and sensitive terrain? Addiction is Real can help answer this simple question – to learn more visit www.addictionisreal.org  We’d like to hear from you, please send your comment, topic or guest suggestion to [email protected]

Anna Simonson is the proud wife of Kirk and mom to Liam, 13 and Luna, 9 months. As the Project Director of our Region’s state-level Strategic Prevention Framework Partnerships for Success Grant, she works in 10 counties across Southwest and South-Central Missouri to prevent youth substance use through empowerment and protective factors. Anna has been a Missouri Prevention Specialist since 2019, when she began working at Community Partnership of the Ozarks as a prevention specialist. In February 2022, Anna was given the opportunity to oversee the R-PFS grant and has since found her stride as a prevention professional. Anna thrives when she is able to help community-led coalitions leverage resources for effective, equitable, and sustainable community betterment. Contact Anna: [email protected] The funder of this project, along with all other products of the Mid-America PTTC is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Although funded by SAMHSA, the content of this recording does not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. Talk, They Hear You is a   national youth substance use prevention campaign that help parents and caregivers, educators, and community members get informed, be prepared, and take action to prevent underage drinking and other substance use. To learn more, visit https://www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you Search Institute has identified 40 positive supports and strengths that young people need to succeed. Half of the assets focus on the relationships and opportunities they need in their families, schools, and communities. The remaining assets focus on the social-emotional strengths, values, and commitments that are nurtured within young people. To learn more, visit searchinstitute.org We’d like to hear from you, please send your comment, topic or guest suggestion to [email protected]

As the Director and Chief Research Scientist at The Montana Institute, Dr. Jeff Linkenbach has developed national award-winning programs that change community norms. Jeff holds a Doctor of Education with a focus on community education, a master’s degree in counseling and has over the past 30 years of experience in public health leadership. He is a co-investigator of the HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) study at the HOPE Center at Tufts School of Medicine and a past Fellow at the Mansfield Academy for Global Leadership at The University of Montana.   In 1998, Jeff created the National Conference on The Social Norms Approach to Prevention, which has since transformed into the renowned Montana Summer Institute on Positive Community Norms. Jeff also founded the Center for Health & Safety Culture at the Western Transportation Institute and is the developer of the Science of the Positive and Positive Community Norms frameworks, which have been utilized by tribal, federal, state, and local organizations to achieve positive change and transformation around issues such as child maltreatment, substance abuse, suicide and traffic safety.  Jeff is known for translating social norms science into practical applications and has trained others to implement effective norms interventions across North America. For the past sixteen years, he has led Positive Community Norms implementation across the state of Minnesota, which has resulted in significant reductions in teen alcohol and other substance abuse. Jeff was a member of the Center for Disease Control & Prevention’s Knowledge-to-Action (K2A) think tank on Essentials for Childhood and was commissioned by the CDC to write a supplemental paper on Promoting Positive Community Norms. He has served as a consultant and trainer for numerous prestigious organizations such as the U.S. White House (Office of National Drug Control Policy), the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, The Canadian Agriculture Safety Association, The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Harvard University, The American Medical Association, The National Football League, and many others. Email: [email protected] Web site: www.montanainstitute.com  

Shanelle Moore recently completed the Building Our Leadership and Diversity (BOLD) Prevention Fellowship Program which was established to focus on increasing the number of prevention scientists working within Black/African American communities. Shanelle represented the Mid-America PTTC through this process, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Public Health from University of Missouri. Shanelle describes her purpose in life as being the voice for the underserved populations in the face of adversity.  She was born and raised in Chicago, IL. and since relocating to Columbia, MO she’s developed a love for helping people and found that to be her area of passion.  The funder of this project, along with all other products of the Mid-America PTTC is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Although funded by SAMHSA, the content of this recording does not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. The Mission of the African American Behavioral Health Center of Excellence is to address the need for greater equity and effectiveness in behavioral health services for African Americans. The center is determined to help transform behavioral health services for African Americans. To learn more visit - https://africanamericanbehavioralhealth.org View Shanelle's Paper  Read about Fellow Participants

Nashville based author and speaker Trish Luna needed the story more than 30 years ago for her then-very young children Nick and Sami as their father struggled with substance use disorder (SUD), a struggle that eventually took his life. Trish knows first-hand that shame, stigma, and chaos that comes from dealing with a loved one’s addiction, which can impact generations to come. Trish has a master’s degree in philosophy and ethics from Vanderbilt University and has a diverse professional background, and “Lambi Talks About Addiction’ A Book About Prevention” continues her life’s work. She remains an in-demand speaker at school’s, court programs, treatment centers, non-profits, and professional conferences. For additional information and resources, please visit www.lambilearns.com or email [email protected] The funder of this project, along with all other products of the Mid-America PTTC is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Although funded by SAMHSA, the content of this recording does not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) are strongly associated with a wide range of health problems that can persist throughout a person’s lifespan. To learn more about Adverse Childhood Experiences and the Role of Substance Misuse Prevention, download a resource guide from the Strategic Prevention Technical Assistance Center (SPTAC): https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/sptac-ace-role-of-substance-misuse-prevention.pdf

Dr. Emily Kline is a clinical psychologist and assistant professor of psychiatry at Boston University School of Medicine. She serves as the Director of Psychological Services for the Wellness and Recovery After Psychosis team and leads the Motivational Interviewing for Loved Ones lab at Boston Medical Center. Her research focuses on early course psychosis, adolescent and young adult mental health, and parent-focused interventions. Dr. Kline is the author of The School of Hard Talks: How to Have Real Conversations with Your (Almost Grown) Kids and the creator of The School of Hard Talks Online. She has published dozens of articles appearing in a range of peer-reviewed scholarly journals, textbooks, and popular magazines, and she has spoken with audiences all over the world about mental health and interpersonal communication. Dr. Kline completed her bachelor’s degree at Haverford College, her master’s and doctoral degrees at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and her clinical and post-doctoral training at Harvard Medical School. She lives in Boston with her family. Email: [email protected] Web sites: www.dremilykline.com  www.learnaboutmilo.com  Socials: Instagram   Linkedin E-course: The School of Hard Talks Book: The School of Hard Talks The funder of this project, along with all other products of the Mid-America PTTC is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Although funded by SAMHSA, the content of this recording does not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. Talk, They Hear You is a   national youth substance use prevention campaign that help parents and caregivers, educators, and community members get informed, be prepared, and take action to prevent underage drinking and other substance use. To learn more, visit https://www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you

Stephanie DeRosa-Hillmann, LPC, Manager – SOCIAL Network, joined the RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery in December 2017. Stephanie is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 10 years’ experience in the fields of mental health and substance use. Stephanie received her B.A. degree in Psychology from Georgian Court University and M.S. degree in Mental Health Counseling with specialization in Substance Use from Monmouth University. Stephanie’s faith has always played a large role in her life, laying the foundation for her career and passion for serving her community. Stephanie spent much of her early career conducting assessments and providing outpatient treatment to both youth and adults. Stephanie has extensive experience in providing clinical case management services within the community. Stephanie’s passion for community engagement and motivation to reduce substance use through collective impact brought her to the Institute for Prevention and Recovery. In her work, she has guided community partners and key stakeholders through a needs assessment process identifying community needs and resources. Stephanie works to open communication and inform collaboration among community partners to best serve youth and families. Her clinical background and strong relationship with faith have come together to kick off the SOCIAL Network project. Email: [email protected]  https://www.rwjbh.org/treatment-care/institute-for-prevention-and-recovery/ https://www.facebook.com/RWJBHifpr https://www.instagram.com/rwjbh_preventionrecovery/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/37461221/ The funder of this project, along with all other products of the Mid-America PTTC is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Although funded by SAMHSA, the content of this recording does not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. Did you know that SAMHSA has actively engaged and supported faith-based and community organizations involved in substance use and mental health services since 1992. To learn more visit https://www.samhsa.gov/faith-based-initiatives

My Guest during this episode is Sierra Thomas. She is new to the prevention world, becoming a Community Prevention Specialist in June of 2023. She previously worked as a certified elementary school counselor and continues to love helping others grow in their mental health and wellness journeys. I met Sierra at a professional development workshop, and she shared with me one of her 28 in 28 goals is to be a podcast guest, so I invited her to the Prevention Perk to chat about her leap into the prevention workforce.  She currently resides in KCMO, but hails from small town South Dakota. During this conversation I hope to learn about, “why the leap into prevention” , “what she hopes from this career path”, and most importantly about her dog Harper." The funder of this project, along with all other products of the Mid-America PTTC is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Although funded by SAMHSA, the content of this recording does not necessarily reflect the views of SAMHSA. To learn more visit www.samhsa.gov The 2023–2026 SAMHSA Strategic Plan presents a new person-centered mission and vision highlighting key guiding principles and presenting new priorities, goals, and objectives. To achieve its mission, SAMHSA has identified five priorities, including strengthening the workforce, to better meet the behavioral health needs of individuals, communities, and service providers. To view the strategic plan visit -  https://www.samhsa.gov/about-us/strategic-plan