Event Description
HerPath Community of Practice - Motivational Interviewing to Support Change and Growth
Supporting Justice-Impacted and At-Risk Girls
The HerPath Community of Practice (CoP) brings together Educators, Juvenile Court Counselors, Social Workers, community-based practitioners, and helping professionals who are committed to better serving girls who are at risk of or impacted by the juvenile justice system. Adolescent females, especially girls of color, often experience layered challenges related to trauma, violence, poverty, and system involvement. As the fastest-growing justice-involved population in the United States, girls need supports that are relational, culturally responsive, and grounded in healing.
This Community of Practice creates space to learn, reflect, and connect with others doing this work. Each session includes a brief share-out from the MESD HerPath Team on ongoing group work using One Circle Foundation’s Girls Circle curriculum with middle and high school girls, followed by focused learning with experienced community partners. Sessions are designed to strengthen trauma-informed, relationship-centered practices that support safety, agency, and long-term well-being for girls.
The HerPath Community of Practice is offered as a three-session learning series, with each session focusing on a different topic related to supporting justice-impacted and at-risk girls. Participants are welcome to register for the full series or attend individual sessions based on their interests, role, or availability. While sessions are designed to stand alone, attending multiple sessions offers a deeper opportunity to build skills, strengthen shared language, and connect with a community of practitioners doing this work across systems.
All sessions will take place at Multnomah Education Service District from 12-4pm. Register for each session individually.
February 11th - Motivational Interviewing with Dr. Crawford
March 19th - Healthy Relationships with New Day
April 7th - Implementing Trauma Informed Care with Daphne Vaughn, MSW
Motivational Interviewing to Support Change and Growth
Presenter: Dr. Janis Crawford
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based, relational approach that strengthens internal motivation for change while honoring autonomy and dignity. Originally developed in addiction treatment, MI is now widely used across helping professions, including education, mental health, and juvenile justice.
In this session, Dr. Janis Crawford will introduce practical communication strategies that support safety, engagement, and goal-oriented conversations—especially when working with youth who may be resistant, ambivalent, or impacted by trauma.
Participants will learn how to:
- Use communication skills that create emotional and relational safety
- Apply evidence-based strategies for productive, goal-oriented conversations
- Respond supportively to challenging behaviors
Bio: Dr. Janis Crawford is a therapist, trainer, and clinical supervisor with extensive experience across criminal justice, behavioral health, and adult learning settings. Her career began in corrections, where she worked as a correctional officer before returning as a therapist and later serving as Program Director of substance abuse treatment. She designed the Treatment of Addictions and Criminal Thinking (TACT) program, which was adopted by multiple correctional institutions, and collaborated with the Wyoming Department of Corrections to integrate Motivational Interviewing into staff training academies. Dr. Crawford now specializes in training and clinical consultation, with a focus on motivational interviewing, group facilitation, and trauma-responsive communication.
Join us if you are a Teacher, School Counselor, Social Worker, Case Manager, youth worker, Juvenile Court Counselors, or community partner who interfaces with girls navigating system involvement, trauma, or instability. Whether you are looking to deepen your skills, reflect on your own practice, or build connections with others in the field, the HerPath Community of Practice offers practical tools, shared learning, and a supportive community committed to doing this work together.
4 PDUs and sub reimbursements are available for educators.
Note for non-district employees: When registering for this event select your ‘ESD / Region’ as MESD and your ‘District’ as Other.
