The BEST Initiative aims to professionalize the youth work field through training, networking, and advocacy to address the challenges of retention and lack of professional development opportunities for youth workers.
Since 1999, the BEST Initiative has served as a training institute for youth workers. Decades of research indicate that professional education and training are key to quality and sustainable programming for young people.
BEST has an established track record of improving the youth work field in New England and nationwide through our BEST Youth Worker Certificate program along with other foundational trainings, which provide youth workers with foundational skills and knowledge of the positive youth development approach.
The BEST Initiative staff are experts in positive youth development and adult learning principles, supervising youth, community engagement and mobilization, program development, and diversity and equity.
Training and development are vital drivers of growth and adaptability. These carefully curated quotes highlight the true power of investing in people, shifting mindsets, and building a culture of continuous improvement.
Reggie Moore, The Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston
OUR TRAINERS
Mo Barbosa Health Resources in Action Senior Director, Community Engagement mbarbosa@hria.org
Lauren Bard Health Resources in Action Senior Training Manager, Training Department lbard@hria.org
Jonathan Ogunleye Health Resources in Action Manager, Training Department jogunleye@hria.org
Daisy P. Ortega Health Resources in Action Managing Director, Training Department dortega@hria.org
Allyson Shifley Health Resources in Action Director, Training Department ashifley@hria.org
