Professional Development Series
An annual series of no-cost professional learning opportunities for youth-serving individuals and organizations.
The OYEA Professional Development Series supports Boston's youth population by offering high quality professional educational opportunities to the individuals who serve them every day. This annual series is planned with Boston's youth-serving individuals in mind, offering access to trainings focused on youth work including best practices, mental health, first-aid, and much more.
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1481 TREMONT STREET BOSTON, MA 02120
Upcoming Workshops
You can view and register for all trainings online. Please reach out to daniel.bryan@boston.gov with any questions.
| Date | Title | Trainer | Location | Description |
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Friday, September 4 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. |
Navigating AI: Tools, Ethics, and Impact in Youth Work |
The Possible Zone (Alisha Collins and Timothy Nystrand) and ACLU MA (Liv Santoro and Gideon Epstein) | The Possible Zone's Innovation Center | Join us for the OYEA Fall Professional Development Series kickoff—a free, two-hour session presented in partnership with The Possible Zone and the ACLU of Massachusetts. Designed specifically for youth-serving organizations in Boston, this interactive workshop will help you navigate the evolving world of Artificial Intelligence. Participants will explore easily accessible AI tools, discuss the ethical considerations of AI, and learn practical strategies for leveraging technology to support organizational and student success. |
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Wednesday, September 9 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. |
Recognizing and Responding to Traumatic Stress in Youth |
Michelle Alto and Jessie Fitts, The Baker Center | Bruce C. Bolling Building | Almost two thirds of all youth will experience at least one traumatic event. In this seminar, participants will learn about different kinds of trauma and the impact those experiences have on the brain. They will understand how to recognize trauma triggers and what traumatic stress symptoms look like in youth of different ages. Using interactive activities and case examples, participants will learn simple, effective strategies for supporting youth who have experienced traumatic events. |
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Wednesday, September 16 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. |
Creating Safer Communities for LGBTQ+ Youth |
Tate Duffy, GBPFLAG | Bruce C. Bolling Building | LGBTQ+ people are part of every community, and everyone can help make spaces safer and more welcoming. This training offers clear tools and language to help educators, staff, and community members support and affirm LGBTQ+ individuals of all ages in any environment. You’ll learn how to: • Understand LGBTQ+ identities and inclusive language • Communicate respectfully and confidently • Engage in affirming and positive interactions • Foster inclusive and welcoming environments • Recognize and respond when harm occurs |
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Wednesday, October 14 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. |
Strengthening Youth Organizations using Restorative Practices |
Roy Karp, Tidal Water Consulting | Bruce C. Bolling Building | Healthy organizational culture is built through relationships grounded in trust, accountability, consistency, and shared voice. For youth-serving organizations in particular, the way adults communicate, respond to conflict, navigate challenges, and support one another directly impacts both staff well-being and the quality of support provided to young people. In this hands-on workshop, we will explore how restorative practices can strengthen workplace culture and support positive youth development. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of the restorative framework and tools as well as practical ways to apply them in their everyday work. |
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Tuesday, October 20 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. |
Adolescent Substance Use |
Rick Cresta, LICSW | Bruce C. Bolling Building | Have you ever wondered how best to support adolescents and young adults as they navigate decisions around drug and alcohol use? Do you sometimes struggle to balance confidentiality with a young person's right to self determination or safety concerns? Are you ever frustrated with a teen’s resistance to seeing their use as a problem or a potential one? This workshop will address these challenges and offer practical strategies for working with adolescents around their substance use. |
2025-26 Program Partners
At OYEA, partnerships are at the heart of everything we do. We're proud to be partnered with these outstanding community organizations to provide high quality professional skills training to Boston’s youth-serving individuals.
Past Workshops
Past Workshops-
Combatting Compassion Fatigue: Hope as a Discipline
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Youth Mental Health 101
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Responsive Coaching: Shaping Athlete Behavior
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Restorative Justice: Building Trust in Circles
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Creative Tools for Youth Engagement: Art as a Language
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Supporting Young People Experiencing Grief and Loss
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Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification
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Parent & Family Engagement
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Self Care – Finding Balance in Challenging Times
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The Power of Evaluation: Strengthening Programs with Logic Models
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Coaching with Empathy
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Motivational Interviewing for Youth Workers
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Understanding Anxiety: Creating Supports for Youth Part 2
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Developing Competitors Through Positive Coaching
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Understanding Anxiety: Creating Supports for Youth Part 1
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Empowering Boston’s Youth: Career Readiness and Workforce Development
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Adult, Infant, & Child Heartsaver CPR with AED Certification Course
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LGBTQ+ Identity and Expression 201
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Introduction to Restorative Justice for Youth Workers
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Social Emotional Learning
- Adolescent Development and Relationship Building
- Facilitation and Group Management
- Level Up! Improve Your Program's Quality
- Introduction to Restorative Justice for Youth Workers
- Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification
- Retention and Recruitment of Youth
- Real Talk: Healthy Relationships, Conflict Resolution, and Trauma-Informed Care
- Understanding Anxiety: Creating Supports for Youth
- Chronic Marijuana Use in Teens & Young Adults
- Adult, Infant, & Child Heartsaver CPR with AED Certification Course
- Best Practices in Fundraising
- Creating Safe Communities for LGBTQ+ Youth
- Addressing Youth Substance Use Disorder
- Building and Maintaining Healthy Boundaries with Youth
- Juvenile Justice 101
- Essentials of Working with Youth and Young Adults
Who's Involved:
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1481 TREMONT STREET BOSTON, MA 02120
