In this interactive session, participants will learn what really matters when partnering with youth as a health provider. We will briefly explore participants’ existing knowledge, research behind youth engagement strategies, and conclude with a conversation with a PATCH teen discussing what helpers do to encourage them to be their very best. Throughout the training, the presenters will answer the following questions:
What do you think matters most when engaging with youth?
What does the research say matters most?
What do youth say matters most?
Wisconsin PATCH (Providers and Teens Connecting for Health) is a collaboration of youth and adults that believe programs and policies for youth should include youth. They encourage young people to raise their voices to create positive change, and have programs and resources to EDUCATE, ENGAGE, and EMPOWER others to do the same.
Registrants who fully attend this event or training will receive a certificate of attendance via email within two weeks after the event or training.
Laura A. Saunders, MSSW, is the Wisconsin State Project Manager for the Great Lakes Addiction, Mental Health and Prevention Technology Transfer Centers. Her position is housed at the UW–Madison, where she’s worked since 1988. Since 2001, Laura has provided SBIRT and Motivational Interviewing training to physicians, nurses, medical students, psychologists, specialty addiction treatment providers, social workers, physical therapists, health educators, and staff who work in correctional settings. She has provided feedback and coaching to hundreds of social workers, correctional staff, and other human service providers who are interested in using evidence-based practices with fidelity. Laura joined the international group of Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) in 2006 (Sophia, Bulgaria) and is an active member of the Wisconsin MINT group.
Erica Koepsel, MA, is the PATCH Director of Youth Engagement. With a Master of Arts in Gender and Women’s Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and experience as a sexual health educator for diverse groups of youth in Topeka, KS, and Minneapolis, MN, Erica Koepsel joined the PATCH team in 2015 to continue her passion for improving health education for adolescents and young adults. In her current role with PATCH, she enjoys combining her background in health education with advocacy while also working with Teen Educators to promote open and honest communication about tough topics.
Joined by: PATCH Teen Educator
The Great Lakes MHTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.
