Three distinct pre-Conference Institutes will take place Monday, May 23 at the Westin Galleria in Houston. 

Please note: Separate Pre-Conference Institute registration is required.

Pre-Conference Institute #1: Introduction to Motivational Interviewing

  • Date: Monday, May 23
  • Time: 9:00am-3:00pm
  • Location: Westin Galleria (5060 W. Alabama Street, Houston, TX 77056)
  • Cost: $75 add-on for conference attendees; $125 for non-attendees

MI is a collaborative, goal-oriented style of communication with particular attention to the language of change. It is designed to strengthen personal motivation for and commitment to a specific goal by eliciting and exploring the person’s own reasons for change within an atmosphere of acceptance and compassion.” (Miller & Rollnick, 2013, p. 29). This Introduction training is an interactive and skill-building training that includes an in-depth and interactive discussion around the core principles of MI and role play based practice around the intervention. Participants in this training will gain a basic skill set and understanding toward facilitating a MI conversation.

Presented by Dr. Erin Espinosa, Evident Change

Pre-Conference Institute #2: Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®): Practical Applications

  • Date: Monday, May 23
  • Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
  • Location: Westin Galleria (5060 W. Alabama Street, Houston, TX 77056)
  • Cost: $75 add-on for conference attendees; $125 for non-attendees

An overview and practical application of TBRI®, a holistic, evidence-based, attachment-based, and trauma-informed intervention that is designed to meet the complex needs of vulnerable children. Connection is at the core of relationships which are vital to creating a safe space for a child/adolescent to heal from trauma. This session will focus on practical applications of TBRI® principles in a variety of settings, including drop in centers/outreach, emergency shelters, transitional care, & the juvenile justice sector.

Presented by Ian Bracken, M.Ed and Dr. Angie Proctor, Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development, Texas Christian University

Pre-Conference Institute #3: Introduction to Youth ThriveTM

  • Date: Monday, May 23
  • Time: 10:00am-4:00pm
  • Location: Westin Galleria (5060 W. Alabama Street, Houston, TX 77056)
  • Cost: $75 add-on for conference attendees; $125 for non-attendees

Developed by the Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP), Youth Thrive™ is a research-based approach that identifies protective and promotive factors that increase the likelihood that adolescents will develop into healthy, thriving adults. Youth Thrive™ is relevant to everyone who works with young people including: child welfare system administrators, supervisors and caseworkers, teachers, staff at private agencies and nonprofits, judges and legal advocates, parents, caregivers, and others who are concerned about teenagers and young adults. While the complete training is made up of 7 modules, this training offers an introduction and practical application of a select few. TNOYS will offer training in the full curriculum in Fall 2022.

Presented by Sedoo Ijir, MPH and Kennedy Quintanilla, TNOYS

*Pre-Conference Institutes are restricted to youth-serving professionals. Youth and young adults are not permitted to register for Pre-Conference Institutes.