Introduction to Positive Youth Development (Colorado staff only)

Registration is now open! Email Christine Kreger directly at kreger_c@cde.state.co.us to register.

Positive Youth Development and PEER Kindness

Positive Youth Development is a framework on how we, as adults interact with and understand youth. PYD is about us, our families, community, and society. It is the approach we take to assist youth in actualizing their fullest potential. Essentially, how we as adults show up so that youth can show up as their best self. In this fun, fast paced and interactive presentation, we will also cover the difference between conflict and bullying, the bully circle, the science of kindness, and becoming an upstander, the work of PEER Kindness. These all tie together as we all work as adults and youth to change our communities into kinder, more compassionate places.

• Registration is required and will open on Monday October 9, 2023
• Space for the Zoom class is limited to 25 and is reserved for Colorado library staff only.
• Due to anticipated demand, the Zoom class will be limited to 3 individuals per library organization. (We will maintain a wait list for cancellations)
• Participants MUST be able to attend both sessions!
• To allow for open dialogue, the Zoom class will not be recorded.

About the presenters:

Joey Montoya Boese serves as the Executive Director of PEER Kindness, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and preventing bullying among school-aged youth, and empowering youth to foster safe, compassionate, and inclusive school environments. Throughout her career, she has been committed to the nonprofit and education sectors. Before her role at PEER Kindness, she served as the Executive Director of a school-based health center serving Delta County children, and prior to that, she dedicated 15 years to higher education.

Joey is an active member of her community, contributing her expertise to various boards and committees, including her involvement as a Rotarian. She possesses a master’s degree in strategic management and organizational leadership. Over the past 18 years, she and her husband have made Montrose their home, enjoying the multitude of outdoor adventures that beautiful Colorado has to offer.

Beth Meek serves as the Program Director for PEER Kindness. Before joining the PEER Kindness team Beth was a professional school counselor with Montrose County School District, Yupiit School District in Alaska, and a residential counselor at a boarding school in Georgia. Working with youth has always been a passion.

Beth, along with her husband and son have made Montrose her home for the past 10 years. She is active in the school community and also a member of Altrusa International of Montrose. Beth possesses a master’s degree in professional school counseling as well as trauma coaching certifications.