I lead professional development workshops that are interactive to maximize learning and engagement in all human service settings, including education, health, mental health and corrections. I have a doctorate from Northern Illinois University in Adult Continuing Education focusing on experiential learning. I worked for Northeastern Illinois University for over 25 years, implementing the use of MI in schools as an intervention to help keep students on track and as an alternative to punishment for about 12 years. Coupled with the use of adventure-based counseling (experiential eduation), MI has shown significant results in high school retention. I have presented and continue to present workshops at numerous conferences (US and abroad) and conduct dozens of workshops on MI and evidence-based practices useful in education, health-care, corrections and social service in English and Spanish every year.
In 2016, I co-authored the book Motivational Interviewing in Schools, Conversations to Improve Behavior and Learning (Guilford Press) with Stephen Rollnick and Sebastian Kaplan. The companion webiste: www.MIforSchools.org has ideas and resources for individuals working in educational institutions.
In 2018, I contributed the first chapter for Motivational Interviewing, Children & Young People III: Education and Community Settings (E. McNamara).
I specializing in creating interactive session that engage participants in gaining skills and understanding with an emphasis in participant-centered and experiential approaches. As I've worked in education and social service settings I have found tools and approaches that I found particularly useful in working to promote healthy growth and development of marginalized individuals. I found Motivational Interviewing to be very valuable in this effort. I've been fortunate in being able to have the opportunity to become trained in facilitating the professional development of others. Supporting peoples self-determined decisionmaking is powerful and rewarding and I am happy to support others on the same quest.
