Prevention Specialist prevspec1@nativeamericanadvocacy.org
Megan L. Garcia has been a Community Prevention Networker or (CPN) for NAAP since 2006. She is also an addict in recovery since April 2005. She firmly believes in teaching prevention to Native American youth on and off the Rosebud and surrounding reservations to aid not only state prevention services but to better the quality of life for future generations. Megan has worked with over 5,000 youth since 2006 and has given over a 1,000 presentations on Alcohol, Tobacco, Other Drugs and Violence topics. Teaching Lakota Values through hands on projects with youth not only is something she really joys about her job, but she lives the lifestyle. Beading, sewing, and a women’s Jingle Dress dancer, are some of her most relaxing and favorite things to do, she also makes all of her own regalia and has made numerous dance regalia’s for other people as well. Megan is also an active member of the Rosebud Oyate Art Market or better known as ROAM. She also attends school full time with Kaplan University Online Programs majoring in Criminal Justice with specific emphasis on Juvenile Probation and will graduate in January 2012 with a Bachelors degree.
May 2001 Bonesteel – Fairfax High School Bonesteel, SD
· Received High School Diploma
June 2006 Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Training Chamberlain, SD
· To assisted participants to design and implement scientifically defensible prevention strategies. Understand the history of substance abuse and substance abuse prevention efforts in the U.S. Define science-based prevention and understand its relevance. Identify effective prevention principles, programs and strategies that have been evaluated using the scientific process. Use a systematic, scientific process to build effective prevention programs. Determine the effectiveness of existing programs using the criteria described in the training.
June 2006 Love & Logic Parenting Training Winner, SD
· Based on the Love and Logic philosophy, the unique approach unlocks the secrets of successful parenting. Participant learned the specific "how-to's" of successful parenting, not just theoretical concepts.
September 2006 Resiliency In Native American Youth Mission, SD
· Seminar examined the major psychological educational theories of resiliency as they relate to Native American children and youth.
September 2006 Meth Makes You Ugly Sioux Falls, SD
· Received Training to Teach this class to middle to high school students Increase awareness of Meth and the problems associated with its use, manufacture and distribution;
September 2006 Life Skills Sioux Falls, SD
· Received Training to teach Life Skills curriculum to students in middle and high school
April 2007 SDCDA Chamberlain, SD
· Choices and Challenges: Engaging the Prevention and Treatment Professional
April 2007 Native American Cultural Competency Training Chamberlain, SD
· Received training in Native American Cultural perspectives and influences
May 2007 PRIme For Life Chamberlain, SD
· New Instructor training for the PRIme For Life curriculum which is a evidence and research based curriculum meant to empower youth about the fact of substance abuse and to give them the education needed to make the right decisions.
May 2007 Crisis Management in Schools: Ready, Set, GO! Chamberlain, SD
· Received training in managing and preparing for an act of school crisis such as an attack on the school by peers or outsiders.
May 2007 ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) Mission, SD
· Received training and certification in Suicide Intervention Model to better aid in prevention with a person whom is thinking about suicide.
June 2007 Prevention Theories & Practice Rapid City, SD
· This class prepared prevention professionals to develop and sustain effective prevention programming and to learn the theories in prevention of substance abuse and high risk behaviors.
June 2007 American Indian Life Skills Development Curriculum Mission, SD
· AILSDC is a culture based Life Skills curriculum for high school and middle school students to improve decision making, reduce suicide rate in NA youth, and to build on the 40 developmental assets of resiliency in NA youth.
June 2007 Science Based Drug Education Rapid City, SD
· Science Based Drug Education (SBDE) provides substance abuse prevention specialists, substance abuse treatment personnel, School Resource Officers, School Resource Deputies, Community Trainers and National Guard Drug Demand Reduction personnel with an anti-drug curriculum based on scientific research. SBDE is a research based presentation on various drugs and their effect on the human body. It also looks at some of the social issues that the drugs create and involve. SBDE helps to alert communities to warning signs and drug trends. Anti-drug education is critical for schools and communities to be proactive against illicit drugs. This class is for personnel dealing with youth between 10-17 years of age. SBDE is 3.5 days in length. Curriculum allows attendees to build their own presentation to fit their presentation style. Credited for 28 hours of Alcohol and Drug Specific Iowa Board of Substance Abuse Certification CEU's.
September 2007 Child Abuse Winner, SD
· Presenter gave the legal definition of child abuse and the signs to looks for and what to report and whom to report to. Also gave our (as a Prevention Professional) legal responsibility.
September 2007 Sexual Harassment Winner, SD
· Presenter gave information on sexual harassment in the work place along with what to do if youth we are working with cross that boundary.
October 2007 Giddy up & Get Over It Las Vegas, NM
· This training is geared toward any working with people to better understand non-verbal cues in clients. Learn to deescalate and prevent classroom crisis, proven intervention for hard-to-reach youth/clients with the use of horses.
February 2008 Substance Abuse: Methamphetamine Winner, SD
· This training is tailored toward vocational rehabilitation professionals looking for information on methamphetamine use, abuse and treatment. The facilitator presented general information on the spread and impact of methamphetamine use in America, methamphetamine’s impact on the brain and specific strategies to employ when working with a methamphetamine user.
January 2008 Standard First Aid
· Received training from the Black Hills Area American Red Cross in Standard Fist Aid valid for 3 years.
January 2008 CPR – Adult/child
· Received training in American Red Cross CPR- Adult/child from the Black Hills Area Red Cross. Valid for 1 year. Re-Certification due will be completed by Feb 09
September 2008 TAP/TEG Watertown, SD
· Tobacco Education Group (TEG) and Tobacco Awareness Program (TAP) are both research based tobacco program for youth who have never smoked (TAP) and for intervening with youth that are currently tobacco users (TEG).