Professionalizing Youth Work in Oklahoma
Thursday, May 29, 2025
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
OU-Tulsa Schusterman Center
Founders Hall
4502 E 41st St, Tulsa, OK 74135
The University of Oklahoma OUTREACH National Resource Center for Youth Services Trauma Informed Care Project, along with representatives of key state agencies and other youth-serving organizations, present the 15th Annual Professionalizing Youth Work in Oklahoma Conference (PYW). The PYW Conference provides a forum for you to share your experiences, learn and network with other professionals, and celebrate the achievements of youth workers across Oklahoma.
Join us for an engaging conference designed to equip professional youth workers with tools and strategies to enhance their practice. Learn how to effectively integrate the five Cs of Positive Youth Development (PYD) into your work, fostering both your growth and the development of the young people you serve. This event is exclusively for residents within the state of Oklahoma, and is not open to participants from other states.
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Deb Getz
Join Dr. Deb Getz, CYC-P, an expert in youth development with extensive experience in trauma-informed care, for this keynote.
Opportunity and Responsibility: Using Positive Youth Development to Support Youth and Youth Workers in a Trauma-Rich World
In a world where trauma is increasingly prevalent, the role of youth workers has never been more critical. Join us for an inspiring keynote exploring the transformative power of Positive Youth Development (PYD) in supporting youth and those who work with them. Discover how PYD principles can be leveraged to foster resilience, empowerment, and growth in young people facing challenging circumstances and the adults who support them.
Positive Youth Development (PYD) is a research-based approach that focuses on fostering the strengths and potential of young people. Instead of merely addressing problems or deficits, PYD emphasizes building positive attributes and creating supportive environments. This approach is central to supporting the success of youth as they navigate our increasingly complex world.
Developed for work with youth, PYD can be very effective when reflecting on our roles in supporting youth. Attendees will learn how to bring the PYD perspective into their work, enhancing their ability to serve youth while also focusing on their own well-being.
Dr. Getz will provide practical strategies for creating supportive environments that promote healing and positive outcomes. Attendees will gain insight into effective techniques for building strong, trusting relationships, enhancing emotional regulation, and implementing trauma-sensitive practices.
Workshop Leader
Dr. Gregory Williams
Dr. Williams is a Senior Leader at Baylor College of Medicine’s OB/GYN Department at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. A PhD in Counseling, he speaks nationwide on child abuse and Adverse Childhood Experiences. He has authored Shattered by the Darkness and When the Dark Clouds Come, with over 2.2 million copies sold. His new book, Embracing Your Scars, was released in December 2024.
He serves on the Advisory Board of the Institute of Trauma-Informed Practices and chairs United Against Human Trafficking. Dr. Williams is also a certified trainer in Human Trafficking Awareness and is on Governor Abbott's Sexual Assault Survivors' Task Force. He hosts Breaking the Silence, a live radio show heard by over 1.8 million listeners weekly.
Event Registration
Registration is now closed! See you May 29th!
Special Services: Accommodations on the basis of disability are available by contacting NRCYS at (918) 660-3700 as soon as possible.
If you have any questions regarding registration, please contact Danielle Harbinger at (918) 660-3700 or dharbinger@ou.edu.