As the new school year approached, I had the incredible opportunity to join a team of certified safeTALK trainers from across Nevada to support a life-saving mission: training Churchill County School District staff in suicide awareness and prevention.

Over the course of our sessions, we were able to train more than 400 school staff members in safeTALK — a powerful, evidence-based program designed to teach individuals how to recognize signs of suicide and connect those in need with the right mental health resources.

The goal? To create a community that’s not only aware but actively prepared to support those at risk. When educators, administrators, and school staff are equipped with these skills, they become a vital part of the safety net for students, families, and fellow staff members.

It was an honor to be part of this effort — and to witness a school district take such meaningful steps toward suicide prevention and mental health support.

Every conversation matters. Every connection counts.

If you're interested in bringing suicide prevention training or substance use education to your organization, school, or workplace, feel free to reach out. Together, we can build safer, more supportive communities.

I had the honor and pleasure of joining the Sixth Judicial District Treatment Court Team at this year's National Treatment Court Conference in Kissimmee, Florida. This conference brings together judges, attorneys, law enforcement officers, treatment providers, peer support specialists, and others from around the world to learn about the latest research and best practices related to treatment courts. Hundreds of these professionals were themselves treatment court alumni, having previously graduated from a treatment court program! 

The week was full of education, empowerment, and connection - all of which serve as a reminder that TREATMENT COURTS WORK. Before opening High Desert Healing, I served as a Family Treatment Court Coordinator for over four years. During this time, I witnessed firsthand the impact that treatment courts have not only on the participants themselves, but also on their children, families, and communities. Now, as a counselor, I serve as a clinical representative on our local treatment courts, including Adult Drug Court, DUI Court, and Mental Health Court. Treatment courts continue to be one of the most well-researched and effective criminal justice interventions when it comes to reducing recidivism (the likelihood that an individual will reoffend and be rearrested). These programs produce significantly better outcomes than just incarceration and/or community supervision alone. 

Treatment courts save lives, reunite families, and strengthen communities. 

To learn more about treatment courts, visit: https://allrise.org/

High Desert Healing is partnering with the Humboldt County Library for Mental Health Awareness Month! 

"Voices for Mental Health" is a special program designed for youth in 5th–12th grade to explore mental health, self-care, and the power of speaking up. Through open conversations, creative expression, and supportive resources, we're creating a safe space for young people to learn, share, and grow.

May 20, 2025 at 3:30 PM

📍 Hosted at the Humboldt County Library

🧠 For students in grades 5–12

💚 Open dialogue. Real stories. Youth voices matter.

In May 2025, High Desert Healing had the great honor of attending Humboldt County's 2nd Annual Brain Health Summit. Sponsored by Humboldt Connections Suicide Prevention Task Force and Age & Dementia Friendly Winnemucca, the Brain Health Summit brings together community members to have open and honest conversations about the brain - including mental, physical, and emotional wellness. 

Wellness is more than just a healthy body or a healthy brain. True complete wellness includes emotional wellness, social wellness, financial wellness, occupational wellness, intellectual wellness, spiritual wellness, environmental wellness, and physical wellness.  

Finding balance between all of these dimensions of wellness is not easy. As our lives change and we grow, our priorities and life circumstances change as well - and that's okay. Take a close look at the different kinds of wellness listed above. Which dimensions are doing well in your life? Which do you struggle with? Developing an awareness of your own wellness can help you identify steps to take towards finding balance. Remember, support is available to help you on this journey. You are not alone! 

High Desert Healing hosts a Wellness & Recovery Group every Saturday at 11:00 AM. Call today to learn more and get started!