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Register Now - Ticket = $25 This one day event will feature two morning speakers, breakout sessions, and a closing speaker.

Help Us "Shape the Future" at the 2023 Northland Prevention Conference!

Gather with other caring adults with a passion for protecting our youth for a day of learning, empowerment, and connection! For the first time since March 2020, the Northland Prevention Conference will be taking place in-person! Join us for the 2023 Northland Prevention Conference, “Shaping the Future,” on Friday, February 24th from 8:30am-2:30pm at Platte Woods United Methodist Church. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. To kick off the day, the Northland Coalition president will share a welcome message and then awards will be presented to those who have made an impact in prevention this year. Following awards, attendees will hear from two featured speakers, Aubree Adams and Erik Erazo. Aubree and Erik will share how their real life experiences and programs have changed the lives of those in their communities. After a short break, attendees will pick two breakout sessions to attend. To conclude the day, Latrese Kabuya will provide an empowering message, encouraging us all to be our best selves and make a change in the world. Together, we can use the power of prevention to shape safe and healthy communities for youth to live, learn, and grow.

Sponsorship Opportunities Are Now Available!

The Northland Coalition is seeking conference sponsors to provide financial support for this event. Your generous contribution will help cover various costs including speaker fees, swag, food, and materials. With your help, we can mobilize more individuals to promote healthy and safe environments for youth! 

This year we are offering four sponsorship levels – diamond, star, heart, and other donations. Read more about what is included with each sponsorship level below.

  • Six conference admissions
  • Your business/organization will be announced at the event, alongside other Diamond-level sponsors
  • Your logo included on all marketing materials including the conference agenda, scrolling PowerPoint, and workshop welcome PowerPoint slides, as well as Northland Coalition social media and website
  • Opportunity to host a resource table, if you choose
  • Event outcome data will be provided to share with your organization’s stakeholders
  • Four conference admissions
  • Your business/organization will be announced at the event, alongside other Star-level sponsors
  • Your logo included on all marketing materials including the conference agenda, scrolling PowerPoint, and workshop welcome PowerPoint slides, as well as Northland Coalition social media and website
  • Opportunity to host a resource table for your organization, if you choose
  • Two conference admissions
  • Your business/organization will be listed in the scrolling PowerPoint and on the Northland Coalition website
  • Opportunity to host 1/2 a resource table for your organization, if you choose, on a first come, first-serve basis
  • Your business/organization will be listed on the scrolling PowerPoint and the Northland Coalition website
  • Opportunity to host 1/2 a resource table for your organization, if you choose, on a first come, first-serve basis
Sponsor Today!

Thank You To Our Sponsors!

Diamond Sponsors

Star Sponsors

Heart Sponsors

Mail Works KC

Other Donations

Marlo Howard, Realtor

Park University Department of Social Work

BeSMART

Featured Speakers

Aubree Adams

Aubree Adams

As Director of Every Brain Matters, a primary project of the Parent Action Network, Aubree has grown a community of support and advocacy based on science and lived experience. Aubree co-developed Mar-Anon, a 12-Step program that gives support and hope to families affected by another person’s marijuana use.

Presenter Bio:

Aubree Adams holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Health promotion, but she is most proud of her experience as a mom of two sons, and two dogs, and as a host mom for youth in recovery. After working as a physical therapy assistant for over 20 years, this former Pueblo Colorado mom found herself at ground zero of the marijuana expansion movement. She has shared her devastating Colorado experiences and knowledge of marijuana for drug prevention coalitions, alliances, and health departments all over the country. She has presented her first-hand experience of this public health crisis before the FDA, and the documentary Chronic State, and testified in many state governments; asking them to choose to embrace healthy children and families, not the drug culture expansion.

As Director of Every Brain Matters, a primary project of the Parent Action Network, Aubree has grown a community of support and advocacy based on science and lived experience. Aubree co-developed Mar-Anon, a 12-Step program that gives support and hope to families affected by another person’s marijuana use. She also hosts a podcast called, “It’s Just Pot:  What’s the Problem?”, where she openly discusses the public health crisis caused by the marijuana expansion. Aubree was honored to be a recipient of Drug Free America Foundation’s 2021 Moxie award and her op-ed was published in USA Today.

In 2018, Aubree decided to leave Colorado due to the harms legal marijuana caused her family and community and join her son in a dynamic, enthusiastic recovery community in Houston Texas, where she has volunteered as the parent coordinator. She embraces the opportunity to host teens and young adults who are in recovery in her home. She sponsors, supports, and encourages other parents to work their own recovery programs and currently leads an online recovery group through the Every Brain Matters community.

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Erik Erazo

Erik Erazo

Throughout his career, Erazo has created various programs for students. His two flagship programs are the Olathe Leadership Lowrider Bike Club and The Spot which target at-risk youth by providing mentorship and encourages students to maintain personal identities while removing negative activities. Currently, these programs boast a 100% graduation rate.

Presenter Bio:

Originally from California, Erik Erazo enlisted in the United States Army after earning his associate degree in Automotive Technology. Erazo started at Olathe North High School 20 years ago and was inspired to further his education. Soon after, he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. He currently serves as a district administrator for the Olathe School District.

Throughout his career, Erazo has created various programs for students. His two flagship programs are the Olathe Leadership Lowrider Bike Club and The Spot which target at-risk youth by providing mentorship and encourages students to maintain personal identities while removing negative activities. Currently, these programs boast a 100% graduation rate.

Erazo serves on multiple community boards and received the 2013 Olathe Human Relations Educator Award, the 2017 Olathe Public Schools Emporia State University Master Teacher Award, the 2019 City of Olathe Cathedral Builder Award and the 2021 NCAAP Hero for Diversity Award.

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Latrese Kabuya

Latrese Kabuya

Latrese Kabuya is driven by her passion to inspire, uplift and educate people about their mental wellness. Latrese’s transparency, relatability and energy, makes her a frequently sought-after speaker. She participates in Women’s Wellness seminars, mental health events, workshops, conferences, and as a keynote speaker. In 2015, she hosted her inaugural It’s All About You (IAAY) Empowerment seminar (IAAY) for girls ages 8 – 18.

Presenter Bio:

Latrese Kabuya is driven by her passion to inspire, uplift and educate people about their mental wellness.  

Latrese’s background includes being a professional skin care and makeup artist with over 20 years in the beauty industry. Her experience includes countless runway shows, weddings, and photo-shoots.  She has freelanced for Estee Lauder, MAC, Bobbi Brown, Lancôme, and Kiehl's and was a makeup artist to celebrities. 

As a media personality, Latrese is featured weekly on a local radio show with her segment called, “Motivation Monday with Latrese”. She worked as a “Fill In” Host for a local television show on an NBC affiliate. In that role, she anchored and interviewed guests in a sometimes non-scripted, lifestyle show environment.  Currently, Latrese is a TV Segment Contributor at a CBS affiliate where she provides information on mental health, self-care, and trends related to emotional well-being.  She has also contributed as a writer to SheKc and The Real KC online magazines. Latrese hosts her own Internet YouTube/Podcast Series, “Insights with Latrese,” where she passionately empowers individuals to discover, connect, and express the best version of themselves.  

Latrese’s transparency, relatability and energy, makes her a frequently sought-after speaker.  She participates in Women’s Wellness seminars, mental health events, workshops, conferences, and as a keynote speaker. In 2015, she hosted her inaugural It’s All About You (IAAY) Empowerment seminar (IAAY) for girls ages 8 – 18.  IAAY promotes healthy self-esteem, self-image and provides practical tools to help young girls overcome peer pressure and the host of issues they face today.                              

Latrese is committed to giving back to the community at large as an active member, advisor, and chair of several community initiatives.  She holds a  BA in Organizational Leadership from MidAmerica Nazarene University and MSW at the University of Kansas.  

Latrese is a wife and mother to five beautiful girls, and a surrogate mother and mentor to countless girls in her community.  In her spare time, Latrese enjoys hiking, dancing, and spending time with her family. 

Learn More

Workshop Speakers

Cassidey Collins

Cassidey Collins

Cassidey Collins is the Assistant Director of School Based Integrated Services with Synergy Services and has helped grow the school based program in Jackson, Clay and Platte Counties. She is a trainer of Search Institutes Developmental Assets and Relationships Frameworks, and throughout her career has provided training on trauma informed care, inclusivity and diversity, and positive youth development to community partners, nonprofit agencies, and local school faculty.

Presenter Bio:

Cassidey Collins is the Assistant Director of School Based Integrated Services with Synergy Services. Cassidey grew up in the Northland and then attended Oklahoma State University, earning a bachelor degree in Human Development and Family Science and a minor in Psychology. While managing a school based prevention program in Tulsa, she earned her Master’s Degree in Child and Youth Development. Cassidey moved back home to KC and has been with Synergy the last 5 years, helping grow the school based program in Jackson, Clay and Platte Counties. Cassidey is a trainer of Search Institutes Developmental Assets and Relationships Frameworks, and throughout her career has provided training on trauma informed care, inclusivity and diversity, and positive youth development to community partners, nonprofit agencies, and local school faculty.

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Fahrmeier Jeremy

Jeremy Fahrmeier

Jeremy began his law enforcement career in 1996 with the Lafayette County Missouri Sheriff’s Office. In 2013 he began working for the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.

Presenter Bio:

Jeremy began his law enforcement career in 1996 with the Lafayette County Missouri Sheriff’s Office. In 2013 he began working for the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. At Clay County Jeremey has worked in the Fugitive Apprehension Unit and for the last 4 years has been assigned to the Drug Task Force. His last assignment was as a Task Force Agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration within the Drug Task Force and as of November 2022 he took over as sergeant of the Drug Task Force.

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Kim Halfhill

Kim Halfhill

Kim Halfhill is the founder of KH Consulting. She currently works with both local and national clients to improve community health and quality of life outcomes through a systematic, data-driven approach. Kim serves on the Board of Directors for ACT Missouri, the Excelsior Springs Community Foundation, and is an active coalition member of Excelsior Springs SAFE.

Presenter Bio:

Kim Halfhill is the founder of KH Consulting.  With more than 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, she is dedicated to supporting mission-driven organizations through team building, strategic planning, volunteer management, and leadership coaching.   She currently works with both local and national clients to improve community health and quality of life outcomes through a systematic, data-driven approach.  Kim serves on the Board of Directors for ACT Missouri, the Excelsior Springs Community Foundation, and is an active coalition member of Excelsior Springs SAFE.

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ScreenSanity

Amy Holsopple

Amy loves promoting ideas, products and organizations that have positively impacted her life, in hopes they can make a difference in your life, too. When she discovered Screen Sanity, she not only felt immense relief to have a guide as she raises a digital native, but she felt a call to help further Screen Sanity’s mission — because digital health is a critical component of mental health.

Presenter Bio:

Amy Holsopple is the Community Relations Manager with Screen Sanity. Amy loves promoting ideas, products and organizations that have positively impacted her life, in hopes they can make a difference in your life, too. And it’s that fervor that led her to Screen Sanity. After receiving her bachelor’s and master’s degree from the Missouri School of Journalism, she spent nearly 10 years at an international communications firm, followed by time as a stay-at-home mom, fitness instructor and body image blogger. During that period of writing and reflection, she uncovered a passion for reducing mental health stigma and increasing access to mental health resources. Simultaneously, she began hearing about side effects of technology and experiencing screentime struggles. When she discovered Screen Sanity, she not only felt immense relief to have a guide as she raises a digital native, but she felt a call to help further Screen Sanity’s mission — because digital health is a critical component of mental health. Amy lives in Kansas City with her husband and daughter. 

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Jonathan Ridgeway

Jonathan Ridgeway is a Youth Prevention Media Specialist with Tri-County Mental Health Services. He has a background in marketing, specializing in youth messaging regarding substance use and mental wellness.

Presenter Bio:

Jonathan Ridgeway is a Youth Prevention Media Specialist with Tri-County Mental Health Services. He has a background in marketing, specializing in youth messaging regarding substance use and mental wellness.

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Kim2

Kim Shaw-Ellis

Kim Shaw-Ellis enjoyed a career of more than 33 years in Law Enforcement and is looking forward to continuing to share her experience through training and consulting in her retirement. When she retired, Kim eagerly accepted a position with Synergy Services as a Community Police Liaison. This allowed her to continue her passion for training as a subject matter expert on Domestic Violence Response/Investigation, Diversity & Inclusion and Tactical Communication/De-Escalation.

Presenter Bio:

Kim Shaw-Ellis enjoyed a career of more than 33 years in Law Enforcement and is looking forward to continuing to share her experience through training and consulting in her retirement. When she retired, Kim eagerly accepted a position with Synergy Services as a Community Police Liaison. This allowed her to continue her passion for training as a subject matter expert on Domestic Violence Response/Investigation, Diversity & Inclusion and Tactical Communication/De-Escalation.

Kim began her career in the USAF as Military Police and served active duty for a four-year enlistment.   She then joined the Denver Sheriff Department in 1992 and worked as a Deputy Sheriff for 6 years. 

In 1998, Kim joined the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department and served with KCPD for 23 years.  During her tenure with KCPD, Kim worked in the East Patrol Division, Central Patrol Division, North Patrol Division and as a Detective in the Violent Crimes Division (both Domestic Violence and Homicide).  She was assigned to the Regional Police Training Academy as a Basic Training Instructor as well as the Diversity Officer and LGBTQ Liaison Officer for KCPD when she retired in March 2021. 

Kim has provided training throughout the region and at an international level on topics including Domestic Violence, Crisis Intervention, Tactical Communication/De-escalation, Diversity & Inclusion, Overcoming Implicit Bias, and LGBTQ Youth Suicide Prevention/Awareness.  A highly decorated officer, she has received numerous commendations and awards throughout her career including a Purple Heart for injuries sustained while stopping a violent felon from escaping custody.  One of the notable commendations she received was for her ability to de-escalate an armed homicidal/suicidal domestic violence subject into safely disarming himself and surrendering.  She received her most recent award from the Mid-America Crisis Intervention Team Council for 2020 CIT Instructor of the year.

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Who We Are

The Northland Prevention Conference is hosted by the Northland Coalition, a dedicated group of volunteers whose goal is to prevent and reduce substance use among our youth. This one-day conference is hosted for coalition members and concerned adults in our communities to gain tools, resources, and knowledge that fuel effective prevention efforts across the Northland. The Northland Coalition receives technical assistance from Tri-County Mental Health Services, Inc., the Prevention Resource Center for Clay, Platte, and Ray counties.

Calling Coalition Members and Caring Adults!

Who should attend? Any adult concerned about youth! This includes, but is not limited to, parents, caregivers, educators, law enforcement, health care professionals, youth-serving organizations, civic/volunteer organizations, government officials, and faith leaders

Conference Schedule

Click on the agenda item to see workshop descriptions.

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Registration and Continental Breakfast

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Welcome and Awards

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

Marijuana is Changing Our Families, Now What?

Through personal storytelling, Aubree discusses the devastating effects marijuana legalization in Colorado has had on her family and the community’s safety and mental/physical health. This featured presentation will educate adults and caregivers on how to recognize the signs and harms of marijuana use, and offer practical, time-tested tips on how to find help when your child is suffering. This message will also equip attendees to educate legislators and communities on what happens when we allow marijuana legalization and widespread commercialization into our communities.

Featured Speaker #1: Aubree Adams

10:20 AM - 11:05 AM

A Road to Success Inspired By Gangs

This featured presentation shows how gangs use relationships to pull our youth into a negative lifestyle, and how we can use the same model with a positive twist. Through story and innovation, Erik has created various programs for students using this model. In his presentation, Erik will highlight the programs that have been created in the Olathe School District to serve at-risk students.

Featured Speaker #2: Erik Erazo

11:20 AM - 12:10 PM

Workshop Topics

Everyone's an Asset Builder

Presented by Cassidey Collins

This workshop is designed to help achieve Search Institute's vision: “to create a world where all young people are valued and thrive.” Everyone’s An Asset Builder introduces participants to Search Institute’s Developmental Assets framework and the research behind the power of assets (experiences, opportunities, skills and qualities), and invites them to become asset builders in their personal and professional lives by identifying effective asset builders in their own life and how we can enhance assets in young people, and the connection to positive youth development.

The Problem of Fentanyl in Our Community

Presented by Jeremy Fahrmeier

Law Enforcement in our area is seeing overdoses and deaths among Northland teens and young adults linked to pills that appear to be prescription pills. These illegal pills are laced with the deadly drug fentanyl and it’s impossible to tell which ones are counterfeit. This workshop will provide a synopsis of what Fentanyl is, where it comes from, and the problem and pain it causes for families and communities.

Let's Get Social: Using the Social Determinants of Health to Impact the Future of Prevention

Presented by Kim Halfhill

We all know that things like safe housing, job opportunities, and education can make a difference in a person’s quality of life, but what do they have to do with prevention? Join us as we learn about these (and more) social determinants of health (SDOH) and consider how they impact community prevention.  Plus, participants will explore easy-to-access data sources to help measure SDOH at the local level and discuss how the SDOH can be used as a catalyst to build capacity with new prevention partners.

Screen Sanity: Improving the Digital Health of Our Communities

Presented by Amy Holsopple

Screen Sanity, a national nonprofit, helps communities and families maximize the benefits of technology, while minimizing side effects such as loneliness, comparison and anxiety. You’ll not only walk away from this workshop with tips and tools to improve your digital health but with a curriculum that can be implemented with the families you serve.

Youth Messaging: Reaching, Empowering, and Communicating

Presented by Jonathan Ridgeway

Strong, effective messaging has been proven to improve mental wellness and further build resilience factors in youth. Research has shown that increasing resilience in youth directly decreases youth substance use in our communities. Tri-County Mental Health Services and Youth With Vision, a youth coalition in the Kansas City Northland, are focused on providing reliable information to educate and empower our youth in the face of substance use. In this workshop, attendees will learn about framing techniques that specifically target youth and how to turn awareness into action.

Crossing the Bridge Together

Presented by Kim Shaw-Ellis

This workshop will lead participants through a journey toward a better understanding of how to reach a common goal despite cultural differences. Through various exercises, participants will gain a better understanding of the importance of setting aside cultural judgements and biases and reinforce the need to show genuine care, concern, and empathy when dealing with persons in crisis. The L.E.A.P.S. skill set will be introduced to emphasize the importance of using a learned tool to help communicate successfully with different cultures in order to overcome implicit bias.

Workshop Session #1

12:15 PM - 1:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM - 1:50 PM

Workshop Topics

Everyone's an Asset Builder

Presented by Cassidey Collins

This workshop is designed to help achieve Search Institute's vision: “to create a world where all young people are valued and thrive.” Everyone’s An Asset Builder introduces participants to Search Institute’s Developmental Assets framework and the research behind the power of assets (experiences, opportunities, skills and qualities), and invites them to become asset builders in their personal and professional lives by identifying effective asset builders in their own life and how we can enhance assets in young people, and the connection to positive youth development.

The Problem of Fentanyl in Our Community

Presented by Jeremy Fahrmeier

Law Enforcement in our area is seeing overdoses and deaths among Northland teens and young adults linked to pills that appear to be prescription pills. These illegal pills are laced with the deadly drug fentanyl and it’s impossible to tell which ones are counterfeit. This workshop will provide a synopsis of what Fentanyl is, where it comes from, and the problem and pain it causes for families and communities.

Let's Get Social: Using the Social Determinants of Health to Impact the Future of Prevention

Presented by Kim Halfhill

We all know that things like safe housing, job opportunities, and education can make a difference in a person’s quality of life, but what do they have to do with prevention? Join us as we learn about these (and more) social determinants of health (SDOH) and consider how they impact community prevention.  Plus, participants will explore easy-to-access data sources to help measure SDOH at the local level and discuss how the SDOH can be used as a catalyst to build capacity with new prevention partners.

Screen Sanity: Improving the Digital Health of Our Communities

Presented by Amy Holsopple

Screen Sanity, a national nonprofit, helps communities and families maximize the benefits of technology, while minimizing side effects such as loneliness, comparison and anxiety. You’ll not only walk away from this workshop with tips and tools to improve your digital health but with a curriculum that can be implemented with the families you serve.

Youth Messaging: Reaching, Empowering, and Communicating

Presented by Jonathan Ridgeway

Strong, effective messaging has been proven to improve mental wellness and further build resilience factors in youth. Research has shown that increasing resilience in youth directly decreases youth substance use in our communities. Tri-County Mental Health Services and Youth With Vision, a youth coalition in the Kansas City Northland, are focused on providing reliable information to educate and empower our youth in the face of substance use. In this workshop, attendees will learn about framing techniques that specifically target youth and how to turn awareness into action.

Crossing the Bridge Together

Presented by Kim Shaw-Ellis

This workshop will lead participants through a journey toward a better understanding of how to reach a common goal despite cultural differences. Through various exercises, participants will gain a better understanding of the importance of setting aside cultural judgements and biases and reinforce the need to show genuine care, concern, and empathy when dealing with persons in crisis. The L.E.A.P.S. skill set will be introduced to emphasize the importance of using a learned tool to help communicate successfully with different cultures in order to overcome implicit bias.

Workshop Session #2

2:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Your Story is Your Strength

In this closing session, Latrese Kabuya will empower attendees to never be ashamed of their story and to use it as a tool to strengthen, to encourage, and inspire others. The objectives for this session are: (1) to leave with the greater confidence that they can operate in their power to heal from trauma, (2) that their bad experiences don’t have to limit them and, (3) that they are not defined by their mistakes, failures, or judgments.

Closing with Latrese Kabuya

Workshop topics include how to effectively communicate prevention messages to youth, internet safety, current local drug trends, the role of unconscious bias in prevention, social determinants of health, and the 40 developmental assets.

Register Now This one day event will feature two morning speakers, breakout sessions, and a closing speaker.
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Northland Coalition is a great resource for parents, teens and community leaders throughout Clay, Platte and Ray Counties.  We welcome your ideas and opinions and encourage you to use your skills, time and energy to make a positive difference in our communities.

 

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