Three staff members at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch recently became certified Mental Health First Aid instructors. During the multi-day interactive training, candidates learned how to teach the course with fidelity to a range of diverse audiences and learning styles. The Ranch’s newest certified trainers are Dr. Megan Spencer, Clinical Psychologist; John Campbell, Coordinator of Student Services; and Tom Kopp, Director of Residential Services.
Campbell said, “Knowing how to respond and react to others when they are having a mental health event is a powerful tool in helping our kids, as well as other staff and community members. Becoming a Mental Health First Aid trainer helps me feel confident and competent to support others and be prepared to respond.”
Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based public education and prevention tool. The training teaches the skills needed to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance abuse challenges and crises, and to connect those in need with appropriate support and resources. All Ranch employees are required to attend Mental Health First Aid training.
Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch is a Christ-centered residential treatment and educational center for children and their families. We help the most troubled, complicated, and amazing kids by providing best-in-class psychiatric therapy and trauma-informed care, where we look kids in the eye, walk with them, and help them become their best selves.