Albert Gay
Albert Gay, is a national trainer and consultant in the field of substance use prevention. Over the years, he has worked on many federal, state, county, and local level projects. While working within the field of public health, he has directed substance misuse and HIV prevention strategies. He has trained healthcare workers, the United States military, and multiple coalitions within a collaborative strategy framework. In his community, Albert has served as chair and coordinator for multiple prevention coalitions. Albert is dedicated to ministry and faithbased initiatives, organizational development, youth work, public health and mental health promotion. Currently, he is a business owner (Albert Gay Incorporated) and serves as a managing partner for other partner organizations. His clients include non-profit groups, faith-based organizations, community organizations, and governmental agencies. Albert Gay obtained his B.A. in English Arts from the distinguished, Hampton University in Virginia, and he obtained his Master of Science in Management from Oakland City University in Indiana. He received ministry training from Christian International’s Ministry Training College in Florida.
Beyond Programs to Promised Land: Your Journey from Practitioner to Environmental Change Agent
What if the citizens in your community have been telling you exactly what needs to change – and YOU are the change agent who can lead that transformation? Learn to hear the needs and concerns of the people you serve. Translate what you’re already hearing into actionable environmental strategies, embrace your identity as a community-responsive change agent, and guide your community toward the conditions that prevent substance use. You’ll leave with tools to lead environmental transformation based on what citizens are telling you they need.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1) Identify the barriers (funder expectations, program-level thinking, capacity constraints) that keep them disempowered and heads-down in individual interventions, and demonstrate steps to break free – lifting their heads to see and respond to the environmental conditions and community needs that drive substance misuse at a systems level.
2) Recognize at least 3 environmental factors in their community based on what citizens are telling them about their lived experiences, needs, and concerns
3) Analyze how community members’ stated concerns connect to social determinants of health that create conditions for substance use
4) Develop and articulate one actionable environmental strategy responsive to citizen needs, demonstrating their transformation from program practitioner to empowered community change agent
Prevention Domain 4: Community Organization
Dr. Crystal Collier
Dr. Crystal Collier, PhD, LPC-S, is a therapist, prevention researcher, educator, and author who has worked with individuals and families affected by mental health, behavioral issues, and substance use disorders since 1991. She specializes in adolescent brain development, prevention programming, brain-based parent coaching, family-of-origin work, and training new clinicians. Dr. Collier was honored as Counselor of the Year by the Houston Counseling Association and received a commendation from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence for her prevention model currently being implemented in schools across the US and UK.
Know Your Neuro: A Plug-N-Play Prevention Tool
Know Your Neuro is a free, evidence-based prevention program designed specifically for counselors and prevention specialists working with children and adolescents who want quality content without the burden of curriculum development. This plug-and-play platform provides ready-made lessons on neuroscience, executive functioning, and healthy decision-making that can be deployed immediately in schools, community settings, and prevention programs. Prevention specialists can access easy-to-use facilitator guides, interactive activities, and customizable materials at no cost—no licensing fees, lengthy setup, or extensive training required. Perfect for busy professionals who need impactful, research-backed prevention content that’s as easy to use as it is effective.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1) Describe the core components and neuroscience foundations of the free KnowYourNeuro.org prevention program and explain how it supports adolescent decision-making and healthy behavior.
2) Navigate the KnowYourNeuro.org platform and identify at least two ready-to-use lessons or activities appropriate for their specific prevention setting.
3) Develop a brief implementation plan outlining when, where, and how they will integrate Know Your Neuro materials into their existing prevention services, including any needed adaptations for their population.
Prevention Domain 2: Prevention Education
Marissa Carlson
Marissa Carlson, MS, CPS is the Executive Director of the NH Teen Institute, a leadership development nonprofit working with middle & high school students from around NH & New England in a variety of areas including substance misuse prevention, peer mentoring, and creating positive school & community climate. As part of her role at TI, she oversees and facilitates training for youth participants, youth & adult volunteer program staff, and outside behavioral health and education professionals. She is a facilitator and trainer of trainers for multiple workshops developed through SAMHSA systems and is a member of the advisory council of the New England Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC). In addition, she is the President of the Prevention Certification Board of NH, serves on the IC&RC board of directors, and serves as the chairperson of the IC&RC Credentialing Committee. She graduated from Pomona College with a BA in Psychology, received an MS in Nonprofit Management from Bay Path University, and has been a Certified Prevention Specialist since 2011.
Using The Social Discipline Window To Strengthen Prevention Relationships & Outcomes
In this session, participants will be introduced to (or reacquainted with) the Social Discipline Window as described in restorative practices, and how we as leaders can leverage our influence and support to bring out the best in others. The concepts introduced will be useful for supervisors, with colleagues and program participants, and in our personal relationships.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1) Understand the Social Discipline Window, its four distinct styles, and the different impact each has on our interactions.
2) Increase their ability to set clear expectations and provide support more collaboratively.
3) Help to reduce the avoidance or blame that can come when dealing with difficult situations.
Prevention Domain 6: Professional Growth
Debbie Wertz
Debbie Wertz is a prevention professional with extensive experience in community-based substance use prevention and youth development. Her work emphasizes connection as a protective factor, integrating social emotional learning, life skills, family engagement, and community collaboration. She leads prevention programming for children and families, including the Girls Stand Strong program, Substance Awareness/Life Skills, Home Visiting Program, and is the author of a children’s book focused on teaching emotional regulation and coping strategies.
Connection Is Prevention: Building Strong Kids, Families, And Communities
This session explores connection as a measurable protective factor in substance use prevention and youth wellbeing. Participants will examine how social-emotional learning, life skills development, family engagement, and community-based prevention strategies contribute to reduced risk behaviors and increased resilience. Participants will gain practical, evidence-informed skills to implement connection-driven prevention strategies in professional settings. This includes supporting emotional regulation through developmentally appropriate activities, integrating life skills and coping tools into programs for youth, and teaching strategies that promote resilience and healthy decision-making.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1) Analyze the impact of emotional regulation and life skills on substance use risk and protective factors.
2) Identify at least three family engagement strategies that strengthen connection and communication.
3) Demonstrate how community-based prevention approaches can increase youth resilience and reduce risk behaviors.
Prevention Domain 2: Prevention Education and Service
Mitchell Moore
Mitchell Moore, BAT, LCDC, ICPS, IADC, is a dynamic educator who has a passion for serving those who serve by designing and delivering professional training across America. He is an internationally certified prevention specialist and licensed chemical dependency counselor who has extensive experience working with youth and families in both prevention and recovery settings. He has served as a counselor, prevention specialist, grant writer, program director and executive director of a charitable organization. He is currently the Director of Prevention Training Services, a member of the IC&RC Prevention Group, the vicechair of the Texas Certification Board, parliamentarian of the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals, a member of the Prevention Innovators Think Tank and a beekeeper.
Eyes Alert: Community Environmental Scanning For Prevention
Prevention starts with awareness. Substance Use Disorder (SUD) doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it is shaped by the physical environment, local policies, and community norms of your own neighborhood. This session will empower you to move beyond speculation and gather the hard data required to drive effective, evidence-based prevention strategies. Participants will utilize the Field Observation Checklist while touring the community and report their observations.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1) Identify “Invisible” Influences: detect how retail placement, digital marketing, and public signage normalize substance use among youth.
2) Utilize the Observation Method to document risk & protective factors, policy, social implementation and community norms.
Prevention Domain 4: Community Organization
Using The Strategic Prevention Framework For EVERYTHING
The S.P.F. is an excellent tool that can be applied outside of program planning. It can be used for supervision, deciding upon dinner or what to wear for the evening. In this interactive workshop participants will discover how to use the SPF for supervision and professional development.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1) Name the components of the Strategic Prevention Framework
2) Utilize the Strategic Prevention Framework for supervision and personal development.
Prevention Domain 1: Planning & Evaluation
Fist-To-Five: Building Consensus Among Your Group
Being an effective facilitator hinges on our ability to clearly communicate and build consensus on ideas. When consensus is built correctly, teams become unified, projects gain momentum, and our collective efforts can positively shape culture and drive impactful outcomes. When done poorly, we face attrition, leadership frustration, and the stagnation of vital initiatives. We will explore the distinction between guided and directed facilitation, and when to employ each to ensure your group reaches its objectives efficiently. Participants will move beyond simple voting—which often leaves dissenters unheard—and learn to cultivate durable, high-quality agreements that stakeholders are eager to support.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1) Apply simple facilitation tools to build consensus among any group.
2) Define guided and directed facilitation.
Prevention Domain 3: Communication
Jake White
Jake White is a national speaker and sought-after expert in the field of youth drug prevention. As the cofounder of Vive18, an author and podcast host, he helps students overcome peer pressure with confidence so they can become resilient, passionate leaders for their schools and communities. With over a decade of experience, Jake has contributed significantly to the substance use prevention field with works like “The Vive18 Playbook” for student leaders, “Beyond Alcohol Drug & Vaping” curriculum and toolkit, and “The Opposite Direction: How My Parents Kept Me Off Drugs and Alcohol.” His insights and life changing message have not only been featured in prestigious news outlets like USA Today and ABC, but also showcased on the stages of the DEA’s Youth Summit and various universities across the country. Jake is the founder of Vive18 – a Youth Drug Prevention Initiative, and Party.0, a movement dedicated to sober events, demonstrating his innovative approach to drug prevention. His initiatives have led to the launch of 50 new student clubs, furthering his impact into new communities and schools. Jake White’s journey is more than just a career; it’s a mission to ignite leadership and purpose into young lives for a substance-free future.
Financial Resilience For Coalitions: Effective Techniques To Secure Sustainable Funding
In a time when grant funds are volatile, sustainability is a key to continuing our lifesaving work. Learn how one prevention organization secured 40,000 in annually recurring funds in just 4 months through community networking. You’ll leave with the principles needed to showcase your programs effectively, communicate what donors find important, and a blueprint for developing your pitch to donors, sponsors and supporters.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1) List 4 ways to secure funding for prevention initiatives
2) Analyze methods of fundraising
3) Develop a pitch deck to request funds
Prevention Domain 4: Community Organization
The Youth Launch Framework: How To Create Sustainable Youth Led Clubs
What if the citizens in your community have been telling you exactly what needs to change – and YOU are the change agent who can lead that transformation? Learn to hear the needs and concerns of the people you serve. Translate what you’re already hearing into actionable environmental strategies, embrace your identity as a community-responsive change agent, and guide your community toward the conditions that prevent substance use. You’ll leave with tools to lead environmental transformation based on what citizens are telling you they need.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1) Identify the barriers (funder expectations, program-level thinking, capacity constraints) that keep them disempowered and heads-down in individual interventions, and demonstrate steps to break free – lifting their heads to see and respond to the environmental conditions and community needs that drive substance misuse at a systems level.
2) Recognize at least 3 environmental factors in their community based on what citizens are telling them about their lived experiences, needs, and concerns
3) Analyze how community members’ stated concerns connect to social determinants of health that create conditions for substance use
4) Develop and articulate one actionable environmental strategy responsive to citizen needs, demonstrating their transformation from program practitioner to empowered community change agent
Prevention Domain 4: Community Organization