Understanding Motivational Interviewing [General] (Spanish-Language)

Trainer: Dr. Marya Wright, DSW, LCSW

Date: April 19, 2025

Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm

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

In this training, facilitated fully in Spanish-Language, participants will gain a generalized understanding of MI and its benefits for youth and families who are system involved or at high risk of system involvement. Participants will be introduced to the spirit of MI, Righting Reflex, and OARS (open-ended, affirmations, reflections, and summary). Participants will have the opportunity to work in small groups, engage in various activities, and receive tangible examples to use within their efforts to support youth and families who are system involved or at high risk of system involvement. 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 2 benefits of motivational interviewing for youth and families who are system-involved or at high risk of system involvement;
• Identify at least 1 way the spirit of motivational interviewing is beneficial when determining a youth’s or family member’s motivation for change; and
• Explain how to use open-ended questions and affirmations to support person-centered relationships.

Transfer of Learning Goals

• When faced with resistance, participants can recognize their tendency to use the righting reflex and the influence this reflex has on a youth’s or caregiver’s resistance.

• Participants can apply a motivational interviewing skill within their efforts to support youth and families who are system-involved.

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.