Youth Mental Health First Aid for people living and working in King County

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What is Youth Mental Health First Aid? Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.

Please note: There is a prerequisite of a 2 hour self paced online training to be completed 48 hours prior to the training to be admitted to the virtual instructor led training. The link will be shared several days before the training via via email.

About the Facilitators:

Teri Hardy has 18 years of experience in the Behavioral Health Field, is a licensed SUDP and has a MBA in Healthcare management. Her vast experience ranges from directing residential programs, outpatient clinics, Hospital ITA programs, Co-occurring programs, Intern programs and working with adults, youth and families. Throughout her career, she has been a tireless advocate for creating access to services, opening clinics to underserved populations and focusing on trauma informed care for all clients. As a certified Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainer, she has taught numerous trainings for agencies and communities and absolutely loves teaching and interacting with participants during the course.

Rachel Tomczek has 21 years of experience working with children and young adults ages 0-18, is a registered nurse, certificated school nurse, Certified Naturalist, and has a Master of Arts in Cultural Studies. Her vast experience ranges from working in Hematology/Oncology, Intensive Care (pediatric, neonatal, cardiac), and post-surgical care as a pediatric nurse, mentoring, and teaching with non-profit organizations for science and outdoor/naturalist studies, and working with pre-teens, teens, young adults, and families to support a vast range of needs as a school nurse. Throughout her career, she has been an ardent advocate for supporting families in accessing services for food security, safety, transportation, language support, and mental health needs. As a school nurse, Rachel has created numerous supports for middle school students to help improve mental health/wellbeing access during the school day. Mental health and wellbeing are a passion area for Rachel and she has worked to continue learning in areas of ACEs, Trauma-Informed Care, Resilience, and is in process of becoming a certified Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor. Rachel loves teaching and supporting staff, students, and the families she cares for and is looking forward to teaching YMHFA courses.