Join us for this month’s LCTF Coffee and Conversations workshop, where we delve into the crucial topic of teaching children about personal safety and empowering them to speak up. This interactive session will provide parents, educators, and caregivers with practical tools and strategies to help children understand their right to safety, recognize potentially dangerous situations, and confidently express their concerns. During this workshop, our guest speakers with Family & Youth Counseling Agency, Communication strategies, empowerment through education, building trust, and available resources and support.
Learning Objectives:
Comprehend core principles of personal safety
Develop effective communication strategies
Foster empowerment and build trust with families and children involved in child welfare system including courts
About the guest speakers:
Patra Minix: Patra Minix is the Director of Family & Youth’s Children’s Advocacy Center, a Diplomate Child Forensic Interviewer, and has been conducting investigative interviews for over 8 years. She is a member of the Children’s Advocacy Center’s, Department of Child and Family Services, and Sexual Assault Response Team’s Multidisciplinary Teams.
She received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from McNeese State University in 2013 and a Master’s of Psychology Degree from University of Phoenix this year. She is currently in her PH.D. program pursing a Doctorate Degree in Human Services with a specialization in community and social services.
Patra has conducted over 1,700 child forensic interviews, testified in several family and criminal court proceedings, completed over 500 clinical hours of training, provided over 20 prevention presentations to community members, and is the mother of 3 children, 2 who are neurodivergent. Patra’s personal and professional experiences are the reasons she is passionate about advocacy.
Michaelynn Parks: Michaelynn Parks is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners. She holds a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Southeastern Louisiana University and a Master’s in Clinical Social Work from Louisiana State University. Currently serving as Vice President of Family and Youth Counseling Agency, Michaelynn has been with the organization for over six years.
In her role, Michaelynn oversees The Shannon Cox Counseling Center (SCCC), The Human Services Response Institute (HSRI), The Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC), and The Court Appointed Special Advocacy (CASA) divisions. Additionally, she provides direct therapeutic services and support for children, families, and individuals through the Shannon Cox Counseling Center.
Michaelynn’s work is dedicated to supporting families and children affected by abuse through evidence-based and trauma-informed practices with an emphasis on supporting the dignity, empowerment, and well-being of individuals she serves. Michaelynn is a strong advocate for raising awareness around abuse prevention and promoting community resources that foster safety and well-being for vulnerable populations.