Tuesday, April 28, 2026

This Pre-Conference Academy will be held in the SIERRA room.

9:00AM-5:30PM
$85 per person 
(includes 30-minute lunch break, all workshop materials/manual, and Certificate of Completion)
M, H, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
*This course is mandatory for 8 hours to qualify for the MHFA Certificate. 

Presenters: Rita Rasuli, MS, Prevention Coordinator; Erin Harrison, MS, Coordinator Expanded Learning Programs, Turlock Unified School District, Turlock, CA

Youth Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based training that teaches adults how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in youth. This training helps adults who work with youth be able to provide initial support to youth ages 12-18 who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and guide them to the appropriate care.

Participants will receive a manual that has in-depth information on common mental health challenges in youth, the ALGEE action plan, and responding to youth in both crisis and non-crisis situations. We will also be discussing national resources that are available for those in crisis. Participants will also receive a certificate upon completion.

Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Older Youth

Learning Outcomes:

• Learn to recognize early signs and symptoms of common mental health challenges in youth.
• Reduce stigma around mental health by increasing knowledge, awareness, and comfort in discussing mental health topics.
• The course will teach how to apply the ALGEE (ALGEE is a non-linear action plan used in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) to guide individuals on how to support someone experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis The acronym outlines the five key steps: Approach, assess, for risk of suicide or harm and assist, Listen nonjudgmentally, Give reassurance & information, Encourage appropriate professional help, Encourage self-help and other support strategies.

 Click here to log in to your account and add this Pre-Conference Academy to your registration

Presenters

Rita Rasuli, MS (she/her/hers)
Prevention Coordinator, San Joaquin County Office of Education, Stockton, CA

Rita is a Prevention Coordinator at the San Joaquin County Office of Education, supporting schools with training and resources on trauma-informed care, suicide prevention, and mental health. With nearly 17 years in education, primarily in adult learning, she has discovered the importance of supporting both students and those who serve them. This insight drives her passion for helping others grow through challenges. Rita facilitates workshops including the PersonBrain Model, ACEs, and Mental Health First Aid. Rita has been married for 22 years and is a proud mother of three.

Erin Harrison, MS (she/her/hers)
Coordinator Expanded Learning Programs, Turlock Unified School District, Turlock, CA

Erin brings over 15 years of experience in education with a focus on expanded learning. She currently serves as the Expanded Learning Coordinator for Turlock Unified School District, overseeing the district's Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP).

In her role, Erin leads program operations, provides training and support to site staff, ensures compliance with state requirements, and collaborates with schools and community partners to deliver high‑quality enrichment and academic support for students.

Erin holds a BA in Criminal Justice, an MA in Education, and a CTE credential. She is certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid and as an American Red Cross Instructor, with a strong commitment to student well‑being and program quality.