Motivational Interviewing [Stages of Change] (Spanish)

Trainer: Dr. Marya Wright, DSW, LCSW

Date: November 17, 2025

Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm UPDATE each time

Location: Virtual – Zoom

Agency: Lincoln Families

Training provided by Lincoln Families offers free training to agencies and participants who provide positive outcomes for youth and caregivers in the following counties: Alameda, Solano, Mendocino, Lake, Contra Costa, Humboldt, Tuolumne and Calaveras

A minimum of 12 participants must be registered one week prior to the training session for it to occur. Please share this information with those who meet the agency's requirements for participation.

Description

This training, facilitated fully in Spanish-Language, aims to equip those who support system-involved youth and families with the knowledge and skills of Motivational Interviewing (MI) and its application in the context of the Stages of Change. Participants will learn how to effectively engage, support, and empower system-involved youth and families at different stages of change, especially within the process of identifying strengths and needs and well as service and support planning efforts. Through interactive exercises, case studies, and role-plays, participants will enhance their ability to apply MI techniques and facilitate positive behavior change in this unique population. The material will be delivered by PowerPoint presentation, short video clips, group discussion, breakout (small group) discussions and participant workbook (handout).

Learning Objectives

• Identify at least two motivational interviewing (MI) techniques to engage and build rapport with pre-contemplative system-involved youth and families. 
• Identify at least one skill to support system-involved youth and families in the action stage by reinforcing progress, addressing setbacks, and promoting self-efficacy.
• Acquire at least one skill to elicit and amplify change talk while working with contemplative system-involved youth and families, using MI techniques such as exploring pros and cons and supporting self-efficacy. 

Transfer of Learning Goals

• Trainees can practice with others who support system-involved youth identifying stages of change within the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) and discuss potential applications.
• Trainees can use at least one skill to engage and build rapport with pre-contemplative system-involved individuals, using MI techniques such as reflective listening and developing discrepancy.

Founder & Lead Trainer Bio

Marya Wright, DSW, LCSW (#128392), is a nationally distinguished Black social worker, consultant, published author, educator, and facilitator with extensive experience in organizational leadership, child welfare services, and curriculum development. As the Founder and CEO of Marya Wright Consulting LLC, Dr. Wright is dedicated to empowering system-involved families through awareness, services, and education. She also provides consultation, training, and facilitation to agencies serving these communities.

Dr. Wright earned her master’s in social work from Cal State East Bay, specializing in child welfare policy and research, and a bachelor’s in social work with a focus on Child Welfare Services and Motivational Interviewing from San Diego State University. She holds a doctorate in social work from the University of Southern California Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, focusing on achieving equal opportunity and justice in the child welfare system.

As a community leader, Dr. Wright prioritizes building relationships, networking, and collaborating with stakeholders to address social and economic issues faced by clients, aiming for justice and peace. She has served as a qualified expert witness and forensic social worker. Additionally, Dr. Wright sits on the Board of Directors for the National Phi Alpha Honor Society and is actively involved with the National Association of Social Workers and California Chapter.

Dr. Wright’s research interests include child sexual exploitation, foster care, and algorithmic decision-making in child welfare. She has published articles and lectured extensively on these topics. Dr. Wright’s teaching experience includes courses in sociology and social work at Cal State East Bay, since January 2020, focusing on sexualities, child welfare policy, family sociology, and sexual violence. Currently, she serves as a professor in the graduate program teaching generalist practice, human behavior and social environment, and advance practice children youth and families.

Spanish-Language Training Specialist Bio

Tania Rodriguez is a bilingual social work professional with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Science in Child and Adolescent Development from California State University, Fullerton. She has extensive experience providing mental health services, child development education, and case management support for youth and families.

Tania has worked as a mental health associate intern at California Youth Services, delivering therapy and support to at-risk youth. She has also served as a teacher at Catalyst Kids, where she implemented developmentally appropriate curriculum and fostered strong relationships with children, families, and communities. Additionally, she has provided case management and life skills training for foster youth through the Transitional Independent Living Program at Leading Purpose.

As the Spanish-Language Training Specialist for Wright Community Services LLC, Tania brings her expertise in youth development, mental health, and culturally responsive engagement to provide high-quality training in Spanish. Her dedication to education, advocacy, and empowerment ensures that Spanish-speaking professionals receive accessible, impactful, and relevant training sessions.