Education

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ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) is an intensive, evidence-based program that equips individuals with the skills to intervene and help prevent suicide. This two-day, interactive workshop teaches participants how to recognize when someone may be at risk for suicide, engage them in meaningful conversation, and provide support that connects them to the appropriate resources.

As an ASIST-certified individual, I have been trained to:

• Identify the signs of suicidal thoughts and behavior.

• Approach individuals in crisis with confidence and empathy.

• Conduct effective, life-saving interventions.

• Create a personalized safety plan to reduce immediate risk.

This certification allows me to advocate for proactive suicide prevention within our communities, especially for Indigenous populations, where culturally sensitive interventions are vital. Through ASIST, I’ve gained the practical tools to assist others during their darkest moments, ensuring they receive the care and support they need.

Mental Health First Aid is a training program designed to teach participants how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health challenges or crises. This certification equips individuals with the tools to provide initial support to someone experiencing a mental health or substance use issue until professional help is available.

Through this certification, I’ve gained skills to:

• Recognize early signs and symptoms of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.

• Approach and engage with someone in crisis with compassion and support.

• Offer practical steps to connect individuals with appropriate resources and care.

• Address both immediate and long-term mental health challenges in a culturally respectful manner.

With a focus on Indigenous communities, my Mental Health First Aid training allows me to advocate for mental health awareness and provide culturally competent support to those in need. This certification strengthens my commitment to fostering mental well-being and ensuring individuals receive timely, effective assistance.

Mending Broken Hearts is a key component of the Wellbriety Movement, focusing on healing unresolved grief, intergenerational trauma, and historical trauma within Indigenous communities. This training provides tools to address the deep emotional wounds caused by loss, trauma, and substance abuse, using culturally grounded methods to promote holistic healing.

Through the Mending Broken Hearts program, I’ve learned to:

• Facilitate healing circles that offer safe spaces for sharing and recovery.

• Address the root causes of grief and trauma with a focus on traditional Indigenous values and practices.

• Support individuals and communities in their journey toward emotional and spiritual healing.

• Promote Wellbriety—a commitment to sobriety and wellness based on cultural principles.

This certification enables me to guide others through the healing process, helping them mend their broken hearts and move forward with strength, hope, and resilience. By integrating cultural wisdom and modern therapeutic approaches, Mending Broken Hearts brings healing to individuals and communities, empowering them to live balanced and healthy lives.

Tribal Behavioral Health 101: Culture is Prevention is a foundational training designed to help individuals understand the unique mental health challenges faced by Indigenous communities. This program emphasizes the critical role that culture plays in preventing behavioral health issues such as substance abuse, depression, and suicide. By reconnecting with cultural identity, traditions, and values, we strengthen the resilience and well-being of Indigenous people.

Through this training, I’ve gained a deep understanding of:

• The historical and intergenerational trauma impacting Indigenous mental health.

• How cultural practices and traditions serve as protective factors in preventing behavioral health challenges.

• Strategies for integrating cultural teachings into mental health interventions.

• The importance of community-led approaches to healing, rooted in Indigenous worldviews.

“Culture is Prevention” reinforces the idea that our traditional practices, stories, and values are essential tools in addressing mental health issues. By embracing our cultural heritage, we foster stronger, healthier communities that are equipped to overcome today’s challenges. This training allows me to advocate for culturally competent behavioral health programs that honor the strength and wisdom of our ancestors while supporting the mental well-being of future generations.

As a Hope Squad advisor, I guide and mentor students in their roles as peer support leaders, helping them become advocates for mental health and suicide prevention within their schools. My role involves providing guidance and training to ensure students are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to recognize peers in distress and connect them with the right resources.

In this role, I:

• Train and mentor students to identify warning signs of mental health issues and intervene with empathy.

• Facilitate discussions on mental health, resilience, and the importance of peer support.

• Build a positive, safe environment where students feel comfortable opening up about their struggles and seeking help.

• Work closely with school staff and the community to promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma.

As an advisor, my goal is to foster leadership, empathy, and resilience in the next generation, ensuring they are well-prepared to support their peers and create a culture of care within their schools.