Northwest PTTC

Part 3: Equipping College Students: An introduction to First Years Away from Home, a resource to support transitions to college. Webinar Series Description The Prevention and Parenting Across the Lifespan webinar series will highlight programs, research, and resources available to support caregivers in promoting healthy youth development. This series will look at opportunities to prevent substance misuse during adolescence and college-age years. The series is designed to support and enhance the work of substance misuse professionals and coalitions. Webinar Description We will describe the theory, evidence base, and core elements of the First Years Away from Home: Letting Go and Staying Connected handbook for caregivers of first-year college students. We will explore the handbook, which includes information about parenting during the transition to adulthood, guidance on warmly supporting young adults’ growing autonomy, and activities related to values and expectations. We will share outcomes of the clinical trial of the handbook, which found that students whose caregivers received the handbook were significantly less likely to use alcohol and cannabis in their first and second years of college. We will also discuss best practices for collaborating with universities on substance use prevention efforts. Webinar Objectives In this webinar, participants will: Learn about the theoretical grounding, evidence base, and core elements and activities of the Letting Go and Staying Connected handbook for caregivers of first-year college students. Collaboratively explore the interactive caregiver-student activities in the Letting Go and Staying Connected handbook. Learn best practices for engaging and collaborating with colleges and universities on student substance use prevention efforts. Date & Time Thursday, March 27, 2025 10:00 am – 11:00 am Alaska 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Pacific 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Mountain (View in your time zone) Audience Prevention practitioners, allied health partners and community members working to prevent substance misuse in tribes, communities, and states in HHS Region 10 (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington). Presenters Clara Hill, MPH Clara Hill is a Research Associate and co-lead of the Improving Prevention through Action (IMPACT) Research Lab at Washington State University. Her academic background is in public health, with an MPH from the University of Washington and undergraduate degrees in psychology and English literature. Her research interests include mental health promotion, early childhood development, and parenting across the lifespan. Her current work in the IMPACT lab is primarily focused on disseminating evidence-based prevention research and programming and on strengthening the prevention workforce.   Registration Register for Part 3: Equipping College Students: An introduction to First Years Away from Home, a resource to support transitions to college. COST: FREE!   Continuing Education Participants will receive a certificate of attendance of 1 hour for completion of this live webinar event. Questions Please contact Holly Simak ([email protected]) for any questions related to registration.  For any other questions, please contact Kathy Gardner ([email protected]).

Leadership through use of Liberating Structures: Online and in-person! The goal of the 2025 Northwest PTTC Prevention Leadership Academy is to engage leaders in the prevention workforce to identify and build upon their strengths to encourage the heart, model the way, inspire a shared vision, challenge the process, and enable others to act effectively in prevention. The Leadership Academy combines both virtual and in-person sessions to explore leadership principles for prevention coalitions using a set of Liberating Structures. The Northwest PTTC is again collaborating with a dynamic group of facilitators, including Anna Jackson, and Fisher Qua from Liberating Structures, to present the academy. Liberating Structures is a set of practical methods and tools designed to foster active participation and create innovation among team members, collaborators, and communities. Their use flattens hierarchy and facilitates trust-building and shared commitment to group values and outcomes. Northwest PTTC staff is excited to be collaborating with facilitators of Liberating Structures to present the academy. In addition, we have added a special track for returning leadership academy participants. This track will focus on advancing your practice of using liberating structures and taking action on your leadership growth goals. We hope you will join us to extend your learning! Primary Audience The primary audience is community-level and prevention practitioners representing states and tribes throughout HHS Region 10: Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. New and returning participants are welcome to join. The Academy registration will be limited to 80 participants. Participant Expectations Attend all sessions of the Academy on scheduled days/times. Use a web camera and have the appropriate technology to join the three online sessions (i.e., internet connection, built-in or USB webcam, laptop/tablet, built-in/USB/Bluetooth speakers & microphone). Ability to join the in-person academy in Portland, Oregon on April 29 and 30, 2025 (see the In-Person Travel & Lodging Details drop down for hotel details). Actively engage in both online and in-person sessions. Following the April 7th session, complete the Pre-Session 2 Prep Work Packet (including listening to several podcasts) and complete the leadership self-assessment by April 14th.   Leadership Academy Schedule Save these Dates & Times: Session 1 Virtual: Exploring Liberating Structures to Flatten Leadership Hierarchy Date & Time: Monday, April 7, 2025 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Alaska 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Pacific 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm Mountain Session 2 Virtual: Personal Leadership Assessment & Growth Opportunities Date & Time: Monday, April 14, 2025 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Alaska 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Pacific 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm Mountain Session 3 IN-PERSON: Enhancing Leadership by Using Liberating Structures Location: Portland, OR Dates & Times: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 10:00 am – 4:30 pm Pacific Wednesday, April 30, 2025 8:30 am – 3:30 pm Pacific Session 4 Virtual: Leadership Wisdom Group: Application of Learning to Leadership Planning Date & Time: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Alaska 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Pacific 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm Mountain   Meet Your Leadership Academy Facilitators: Anna Jackson S Fisher Qua Dr. Brittany Cooper Capetra Parker Nicole Eisenberg Michelle Frye-Spray Debby Jones Cyndy Hillier Click here to learn more about the facilitators.   Certificates of Participation In order to receive 20 continuing education hours, participants are expected to complete up to 2 hours outside of the sessions, join each session, and be on-camera for the on-line sessions. Participants will need to confirm with their certification board to determine if these certification hours are accepted towards their specific certification requirements. Cost The Leadership Conference is free of charge; however, participants must arrange and pay for their own hotel, per diem, and travel expenses. No meals will be provided. Registration Click here to register for the 2025 Northwest Prevention Leadership Academy. *Participant registration closes on April 7, 2025. Travel & Lodging Details Please be sure to secure your registration for this event prior to making your travel arrangements. Training Venue: University Place Hotel and Conference Center 310 SW Lincoln Street Portland, OR *After registering, you will receive a confirmation email that includes instructions to reserve a room in our hotel room block at a discounted rate. Rooms are available on a first come, first serve basis. Questions? Please contact Holly Simak ([email protected]) for any questions related to registration. For any other questions, please contact Kathy Gardner ([email protected]).

An Enhanced Prevention Learning Series Series Overview: This 5-week series offers a unique interactive experience that explores how to build protection in communities, schools, and families using the Social Development Strategy (SDS).  This learning series will build participants’ understanding of shared protective factors and how the SDS organizes protection into a strategy for action. Participants will learn and practice using the SDS and its components to design activities that will build protection in families, schools, coalitions, and communities. The learning series provides online consultation, skill-based learning and practice, group and individual activities, reading assignments, and discussion on topics essential to building protection using key learnings from prevention science. Learning Objectives By the end of the EPLS, participants will be able to: Describe what ‘shared protective factors’ are Describe how the Social Development Strategy (SDS) organizes protection into a strategy for action Explain the Social Development Strategy to different audiences using story and theory Understand the evidence of the impact of the SDS on positive youth development Practice using the SDS and its components to design activities that will build protection in families, schools, coalitions and communities Audience: Community-level prevention practitioners and allied partners working to prevent substance misuse in the Northwest (HHS Region 10) states of Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Please note: This training is reserved for prevention professionals working in HHS Region 10. Prevention professionals interested in this course but who work outside of HHS Region 10 are encouraged to contact their region’s PTTC to learn about similar courses available to them. Dates and Times: Thursdays, April 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15, 2025 09:30 am - 11:00 am Alaska 10:30 am - 12:00 pm Pacific 11:30 am - 01:00 pm Mountain (View in your time zone) Facilitators: Jaclynn Sagers, is a Community Prevention Strategist and Communities That Care (CTC) Coach Manager, working directly for the Center for Communities That Care. Jaclynn has been involved in the work of CTC for over 17 years and started her CTC journey, working and supporting the CTC Coalition in her community. Jaclynn went on to gain experience and investment in state systems using CTC as their prevention framework and continues to support multiple systems and communities. Jaclynn also coaches Native and Indigenous populations on reservations and in small villages. Jaclynn also works to support coaches-in-training to reach certification as a CTC Coach. Jaclynn is passionate about changing systems to better unite resources and foster a system of community mobilization. Jaclynn works to be creative in her efforts to support boots on the ground work to make changes in communities to create environments where youth and families can thrive. Meghann Wolvert, is a certified Prevention Specialist with a Master's in Environmental Education. She has over 10 years of experience in prevention work, with a strong commitment to fostering health and wellness in her community. She served as the Mackinac County Communities That Care (CTC) coordinator and is a certified Guiding Good Choices (GGC) trainer, empowering families with effective prevention strategies. Ms. Wolvert’s journey into prevention began during her time with AmeriCorps, where she began to develop a deep connection to theories and practices which led to building healthy, supportive environments for youth. Inspired by the potential of SDS to strengthen both her community and her own family, Ms. Wolvert has dedicated herself to supporting others in implementing this framework in their communities. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Ms. Wolvert now resides in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with her family, where she continues to support CTC efforts, promoting positive youth development and long-term well-being across the region. Commitment and Expectations: If your experience with Zoom is limited or you want to review key features of Zoom, please view the 20-minute Introduction to Zoom video prior to the first session on Thursday, April 17, 2025 on how to use and maximize the platform Participate in 5 sessions of training, for 1.5 hours on scheduled series days/times Complete up to ONE hour of independent learning activities between each session Use a web-camera and have access to appropriate technology to join the online videoconferencing platform (i.e., internet connection, built-in or USB webcam, desktop/laptop computer, built-in/USB/Bluetooth speakers & microphone) Actively engage and be on camera 90% of the time during each session, since this is not a webinar series and active participation is essential to gain/improve skills Due to limited enrollment, if you cannot commit to the full participant requirements, please defer this opportunity to others. Certificates: Participants who complete the entire course will receive a certificate of attendance for 12.5 hours. Participants will need to confirm with their state certification board to determine if these hours are accepted towards their specific certification requirements. Register Here: Building Protection Using the Social Development Strategy EPLS Registration Cost: Free!   Questions? Please contact Holly Simak ([email protected]) if you have questions regarding registration. For any other questions, please contact Britany Wiele ([email protected]).

Part 2: Equipping Adolescents: An introduction to Guiding Good Choices, a tested and proven parenting program. ‎ February 27, 2025 ‎ Webinar Series Description: The Prevention and Parenting Across the Lifespan webinar series will highlight programs, research, and resources available to support caregivers in promoting healthy youth development. This series will look at opportunities to prevent substance misuse during adolescence and college-age years. The series is designed to support and enhance the work of substance misuse professionals and coalitions. Webinar Description: In this presentation, we will describe the Guiding Good Choices five-part workshop series for parents of children aged 9-14. We will cover the program’s evidence base, the outcomes, target audience, and describe what is recommended in terms of a successful implementation. We will also cover licensing and available implementation supports for the program. Webinar Objectives: In this webinar, participants will: Be able to describe the GGC program and identify the program’s target population and outcomes. Understand what is required for successful, high-fidelity implementation of GGC. Webinar Recording and Slides: Prevention and Parenting Across the Life Span Series - Part 2 - Recording Prevention and Parenting Across the Life Span Series - Part 2- Slide Deck Presenter: Meghann Wolvert, is a certified Prevention Specialist with a Master's in Environmental Education. She has over 10 years of experience in prevention work, with a strong commitment to fostering health and wellness in her community. She served as the Mackinac County Communities That Care (CTC) Coordinator and is a certified Guiding Good Choices (GGC) trainer, empowering families with effective prevention strategies. Ms. Wolvert’s journey into prevention began during her time with AmeriCorps, where she began to develop a deep connection to theories and practices which led to building healthy, supportive environments for youth. Inspired by the potential of SDS to strengthen both her community and her own family, Ms. Wolvert has dedicated herself to supporting others in implementing this framework in their communities. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Ms. Wolvert now resides in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with her family, where she continues to support CTC efforts, promoting positive youth development and long-term well-being across the region. Questions: Contact Kathy Gardner at [email protected], if you have additional questions about the content related to this webinar.

‎ Part 1: Equipping Caregivers: Adult-supervised drinking during adolescence increases the risk for alcohol misuse. ‎ January 30, 2025 ‎ Webinar Series Description: The Prevention and Parenting Across the Lifespan webinar series will highlight programs, research, and resources available to support caregivers in promoting healthy youth development. This series will look at opportunities to prevent substance misuse during adolescence and college-age years. The series is designed to support and enhance the work of substance misuse professionals and coalitions. Webinar Description: Parents teach their children many skills. Some parents may try to teach their teens how to drink alcohol responsibly in the home so that their teens will know how to better manage alcohol when they move out on their own. Even though this is a very logical thing to do, it can make teen and young adult drinking problems worse. Dr. Bailey will share recent research by her team showing that teens who drank at home with parent or adult supervision have more alcohol problems not only in their teens, but also into their 30s. Webinar Objectives: In this webinar, participants will: Learn basic information about teen alcohol and drug use, including when teens start using different substances, which ones they are most likely to use, and common effects of substance use on teens. Understand why allowing teens to drink in the home is not a good idea. Webinar Recording and Slides: Prevention and Parenting Across the Life Span Series - Part 1 - Recording Prevention and Parenting Across the Life Span Series - Part 1 - Slide Deck Presenters: Jennifer A. Bailey, PhD is the Assistant Director and Director of Research in the Social Development Research Group at the University of Washington. She is trained in developmental psychology, which is the study of how people grow and change during their lifetime. She has over 20 years of experience researching risk and protective factors for drug and alcohol use in adolescence and adulthood. She also studies the effects of drug and alcohol policy on substance use. Questions: Contact Kathy Gardner at [email protected], if you have additional questions about the content related to this webinar.

Webinar 3: How to Effectively Implement an evidence-based program. January 15, 2025   Webinar Series Description: The Evidence-Based Programs Webinar Series is designed to enhance substance misuse prevention efforts through a structured three-part webinar series.   Webinar Description: The third and final webinar in this training series will focus on five best practices for evidence-based program (EBP) implementation. The presenters will provide research-based tools and strategies for assuring you maintain the core elements of the program needed to achieve positive outcomes while also adapting the non-core elements to enhance fit with your target audience. Through the presentation, we will reflect on how these best practices help promote health in the implementation of substance misuse prevention programs. Webinar Objectives: In this webinar, participants will: Learn key terms, theories, and best practices for evidence-based program implementation. Learn how to apply research-based tools and strategies to assure you maintain the core elements of the program needed to achieve positive outcomes while also adapting the non-core elements to enhance fit with your community. Webinar Recording and Slides: Evidence-Based Programs Webinar Series -Webinar 3 - Recording Evidence-Based Programs Webinar Series -Webinar 3 - Slide Deck Additional Resource: EBP Webinar 1-3 Additional Resources Presenters: Brittany Cooper is Associate Professor of Human Development and graduate faculty in the Prevention Science PhD program at Washington State University. She also co-leads the Northwest PTTC and is President of the Society for Prevention Research. Dr. Cooper’s research, teaching, and outreach centers around the translation of prevention science for public health impact. For over a decade, she has collaborated with federal, state, and other community leaders to improve the field’s understanding of how best to support evidence-based prevention programs in diverse community settings. Kat Bruzios is a postdoctoral scholar across University of Washington’s School Mental Health Assessment, Research, and Training (SMART) and the ALACRITY Centers. She earned her PhD in Prevention Science from Washington State University. She has training and experience in identifying effective prevention strategies. Dr. Bruzios has expertise in the implementation of evidence-based prevention programs and using implementation strategies to achieve positive behavioral health outcomes for youth, families, and communities in various settings. Questions: Contact Kathy Gardner at [email protected], if you have additional questions about the content related to this webinar.