Boulder's Adolescent Care Team

What is your experience with youth?

I have experience providing residential counseling in a juvenile youth facility, working with youth who are living with autism, and experience working with current and former foster youth in school and home settings. I have held youth recovery and self care groups and provided harm reduction services for adolescents.

Why are you part of the adolescent care team at Boulder?

I carry with me a strong passion for supporting youth and uplifting young voices in a way that is inclusive and equitable for the individual. I believe that all individuals are deserving of respect and fair treatment, regardless of age, background or socio-economic postion.

What do you LOVE in your own life?

I love the support systems I have built for myself and the values I hold. I enjoy art and film, and opportunities to promote social justice within the community. I think that blood is not always thicker than water, and some of us have to work to build the foundations we want for ourselves to find what makes us feel safe, and happy. Learning to accept help with this has been key for me.

Why do you think it's important for young people (under 18) to get care & support for substance use?

Youth are often marginalized by nature of clinical systems that are designed to serve adults. Oftentimes youth fall into categories where there needs are not fully met, or they are not able to access support in the same ways in which an adult might. Support in early recovery or early interest in harm reduction during substance use can disrupt cycles of generational addiction and create a new 'norm' for how youth can be treated.

Anything else to include?

Building trust is huge and doesn't happen over night. In order for us to know how to better serve youth, we must learn from them so that we can determine the best way to offer our support from a place of non-judgement. It is our privelege to serve others and be allowed into their world.

‍