Trainers & Presenters

Our Talented Trainers & Presenters

Expert Insights for Your Organization

At the heart of Reclaiming Youth at Risk, our team of esteemed trainers and presenters stands as a testament to our dedication to excellence in training and education. This talented group, comprising leaders and innovators in their respective fields, brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to our mission. They are not just educators; they are catalysts for change, each with a unique story and a shared commitment to empowering youth and professionals alike. Their expertise spans a range of critical areas, from trauma-informed care and psychological disorders to special education and positive youth development, ensuring that our training programs are both comprehensive and cutting-edge.

Our trainers and presenters are equipped with the latest research, methodologies, and practical insights to foster resilience and strength in communities. They deliver a variety of specialized services, including two-day training sessions, keynote presentations, and customized workshops, tailored to meet the unique needs of educational, corporate, and non-profit environments. Their work goes beyond imparting knowledge; they inspire, challenge, and guide participants to rethink traditional approaches and embrace holistic, strength-based strategies. As we embark on this journey of reclaiming youth at risk, our trainers and presenters stand as beacons of hope and agents of transformation in the quest to create healthier, more supportive environments for all.

Larry Brendtro, PhD

Larry K. Brendtro, PhD, earned a doctorate from the University of Michigan specializing in children with emotional and behavioral challenges. He is director of Reclaiming Youth at Risk which provides research, publications, and training in strength- based approaches to youth, families, and communities. He is president emeritus at Starr Commonwealth in Michigan where he piloted the evidence-based Positive Peer Culture model which builds cultures of respect in education, treatment, and juvenile justice settings. He has wide experience as a youth worker, educator, and psychologist, and has taught at the University of Illinois, The Ohio State University, and Augustana University. The author of 18 books and over 200 articles, Dr. Brendtro joined with Lakota psychologist Martin Brokenleg and educator Steve Van Bockern to develop the Circle of Courage model which combines traditional Indigenous wisdom with emerging science of positive youth development. He trains professionals world-wide and is currently consulting with the Office of Refugee Resettlement on applying the Circle of Courage with children and youth from Latin America.

Mark Freado, MA

Mark Freado is founder and Director Growing Edge Training Associates of Westerville, Ohio. He has been Director of the International Training Network for CF Learning, President of Reclaiming Youth International, Executive Director of the American Re-Education Association, and State Director (WV & OH) with Pressley Ridge. Freado’s 40-year professional career encompasses contributions to the mental health field, public education, social services, program development, leadership, consultation, and training. He is a master trainer of Life Space Crisis Intervention (LSCI) and has trained more people in this skill-based course than anyone in the world. He is the co-creator of training, The Art of Kid Whispering: Reaching the Inside Kid. Freado is also a master trainer of Planning Restorative Outcomes: Transforming Assessment, a master trainer of Three Pillars of Transforming Care: Trauma and Resilience in the Other 23 Hours, and a certified trainer of Situational Leadership II with the Ken Blanchard Company. He has worked with private providers, public agencies, and schools throughout the United States as well as Canada, Europe, Australia, South Africa, and Asia, speaking, consulting, and delivering training services. He specializes in program development, leadership skills, and interventions for children and adolescents who have experienced trauma, and their families. Freado holds master’s degrees in Forensic Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, and in Counseling from West Virginia University.

Janice Muench, EdD

Janice is an experienced presenter, educator, and leader. Her career experiences have followed her personal interests and passion for promoting positive youth development, creating healthy organizational culture, and fostering research-proven approaches in educational, corporate, and non-profit environments. Janice believes that we all have a responsibility to support the creation of our communities and to proactively create vibrant and healthy living conditions for ALL. She has served in educational environments for over 25 years and is a proven educational leader, coordinator, presenter, director, and teacher. Janice enjoys giving back to the community through her expertise, energy, and resources. She resides in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada area.

Dr. Muench is certified to provide the following services through Reclaiming Youth:

2-day Reclaiming Youth at Risk Training
2-day Three Pillars of Transforming Care Training
Keynote &/or breakout session presentations focusing on the Circle of Courage (Some topics include Collective Efficacy, Organizational Health, High School Graduation: Successful Strategies for at-risk Youth, the Circle of Courage & Fostering Resilience in Youth)
Customized presentations/workshops based on the unique needs of the organization
Educatonal, Corporate, or Non-Profit consultaton services

Robert Foltz, PsyD

Robert Foltz is an associate professor at The Chicago School, in the Department of Clinical Psychology, with expertise in psychological disorders in youth, pediatric psychopharmacology, and trauma-informed care. He has maintained a private practice in the Chicago area for over 20 years, consulting and working primarily with youth suffering from emotional and behavioral difficulties. Dr. Foltz is a licensed clinical psychologist and has over 35 years of experience working with severely troubled youth. His professional experiences include both administrative and clinical responsibilities in the delivery of care to troubled youth. For many years, Dr. Foltz has studied the benefits and drawbacks of psychotropic medication with children and adolescents and how these treatments integrate with psychosocial approaches. He also served as a member of the Advisory Board for the Association of Children’s Residential and Community services (ACRC) for over a decade. In addition, he has served as an advisor for state child welfare agencies as well as consulting with residential treatment centers. Robert lives near Chicago, Illinois.

Dr. Foltz is certified to provide the following services:

2-day Planning Restorative Outcomes Training
2-day Response Ability Pathways (RAP) Training
2-day Positive Peer Culture (PPC) Training
Keynote &/or breakout session presentations
Consultation services

Vikki Hennard, PhD

Vikki Hennard is a professor and program director of special education at Regis University. She is a member of the Council for Exceptional Children, and of Reclaiming Youth at Risk, and has played an active role in advocacy for individuals serviced under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for over 30 years as a special educator, consultant, trainer, and educational coach. Dr. Hennard specializes in institutional frameworks, student behavior and well-being, and indigenous wisdom and positive youth development practices. Her research interests include transforming school culture and climate, assessment of individuals with emotional and behavioral difficulties, and teacher retention. She continues to work to enhance educational practices based on research-grounded principles and practice-grounded evidence. She is the mother of three young adults who keep her up on current trends and inspire her every day, as does her lovable labradoodle, Oliver. Vikki resides near Denver, Colorado.

Dr Hennard is certified to provide the following services:

2-day Reclaiming Youth at Risk Training
2-day Three Pillars of Transforming Care Training
2-day Response Ability Pathways (RAP) Training
Keynote &/or breakout session presentations
Educational consultation services

Tamara Lunday, Ed.D.

Tamara Lunday, Ed.D., completed her doctoral studies at the University of South Dakota with qualitative research on perspectives of Native American youth on how schools can better engage Native American Students. She worked for over 33 years in a full range of direct service and leadership roles with the Flandreau Indian School which has been serving Native American students since the nineteenth century. Tammy is an enrolled member of the Sisseton- Wahpeton Oyate, Dakota Sioux. She is a member of the Turtle Island Learning Circle and Reclaiming Youth at Risk Boards: and participated in developing the Moccasin Paths training program. She is co-author of Native Birthrights and Indigenous Science and Ohiyesa’s Path: Reclaiming Native Education (2012).

Tammy has presented to numerous organizations including The National Indian Child Welfare Association and the Bureau of Indian Education. Tammy currently works at South Dakota State University, as the Director of the Student Health Clinic and Counseling Services.

Dr. Lunday is certified to provide the following services:

1-day Moccasin Paths and Other Trails Presentation
Keynote and/or breakout session presentations

Anna Brokenleg, MA

Anna Brokenleg holds a Masters degree in Education with an emphasis in special populations from Augustana University. A trainer for Reclaiming Youth at Risk, she has taught for fourteen years in Title I buildings with diverse student populations. For the last 3 years she has served as an Instructional Coach and Chairperson for her local Office of Indian Education. An enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe and mother of two, Ms. Brokenleg regularly speaks on topics of resiliency, Native American youth and culture, and the importance of teaching from multiple perspectives.

Anna is certified to provide the following services:

2-day Reclaiming Youth at Risk Training
1-day Circle of Courage Overview
Educational keynote &/or breakout session presentations

Sue Jones, MS

Sue Jones is a NYS Certified Educator in Early Childhood through Grade 6, Students with Disabilities Birth through Grade 6, and Adjunct Lecturer with Binghamton University. Sue is a Trauma-Informed Practices Coach at Broome-Tioga BOCES, Binghamton, New York. She has worked as a professional case manager for persons with disabilities across a variety of social service organizations and with children who are emotionally disturbed in alternative learning settings. Sue’s expertise includes understanding effects of trauma on brain development and incorporating strategies for building trusting relationships with students and families resulting in positive impact on social/emotional growth and academic progress. She is an advocate of home visits and strives to increase awareness of their benefits and the impact they can have in education. She championed service leadership experiences in which University students mentored students in an alternative education setting. As a former Community Schools Coordinator, Sue played an integral role in raising awareness and understanding about the ACEs study, the impact trauma has on students, and how to better meet the needs of students. Sue is a Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Trainer (Crisis Prevention Institute) and Mental Health First Aid Instructor (Mental Health First Aid USA) and has also completed Life Space Crisis Intervention training (Institute of Life Space Crisis Intervention).

Sue is certified to provide the following services:

2-day Reclaiming Youth at Risk Training
2-day Three Pillars of Transforming Care Training
1-to-5-day Life Space Crisis Intervention Training & presentations
Educational keynote and/or breakout session presentations

Stacy Kelsey, PsyD

Stacy Kelsey is the Founder and Executive Director of Brainworks Pediatric Group, The Mind Development Center, and The Center for Exceptional Learning. These centers provide innovative and individualized educational programs for children with disabilities, developmental delays, and developmental trauma, as well as offering professional development, consultation and training opportunities for parents, administrators, teachers, and therapists in relational education. Stacy created a neurocognitive-developmental program called the Mindful Learning Model, which encompasses relational learning, relationship-building practices, mindful learning engagements, and a relational regulation model. Her innovative programs are being sought after by public school districts as an alternative approach to educating challenging students. Stacy lives near St. Louis, Missouri.

Dr. Kelsey is certified to provide the following services:

2-day Reclaiming Youth at Risk Training
2-day Three Pillars of Transforming Care Training
1-5 day Life Space Crisis Intervention training or presentation
Keynote and/or breakout presentation