Dacia L. Moore, MA, LPC, NCC, President and founder of Second Wind Counseling & Consulting, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, author, trainer and motivational speaker. She has a Masters Degree in Counseling from Webster University and is a National Board Certified Counselor. As an adjunct professor, Dacia teaches Master’s level courses at Webster University and also serves as a Board Member for the American Counseling Association of Missouri and the Kansas City Chapter of the American Counseling Association. Before starting her company, Dacia was V.P. of Programs at a residential treatment facility where she routinely dealt with difficult diagnoses such as ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Depression and Bipolar Disorder. Dacia has had the honor of studying REBT under Albert Ellis, PhD and holds an advanced REBT certification from the Albert Ellis Institute.

Dacia specializes in professional development training for those who work with angry, aggressive youth. Her modality is using Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), which is very effective in treating youth with mood disorders. Dacia conducts a variety of training sessions, teaching participants how to reduce angry aggressive classroom behavior.

Brian Evans is the Associate Program Director for Suicide Prevention Education Programming at the Mental Health America of Eastern Missouri. He facilitates the suicide PREV, a Prevention, Response, Education and Victory educational training for educators, parents, agency staff and faith communities. He completed his Masters of Social Work degree at Washington University St. Louis in August of 2010. His studies include suicide in African Americans and other marginalized populations. He has 15 years career experience in social services for an urban elementary and middle schools.

Justin Idleburg joined the Independence Center in St. Louis after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He sits on the Independence Center Development Board and the Missouri Department of Mental Health’s Consumer Conference Committee. He has spoken at the United Nations and as a Torch Light Speaker in the Combined Federal Campaign.

Understanding and Preventing Suicide

Suicide is a serious public health problem. It is the 11th leading cause of death across the lifespan claiming the lives of more than 32,000 US citizens each year; nearly 90 people a day. Every two hours and eleven minutes someone under 25 completes suicide. Each suicide affects an untold number of family members, friends and acquaintances. Prevention specialists agree suicide can be prevented and its impact reduced in much the same way that deaths due to drunk driving, HIV/AIDS, and drug abuse have been reduced. Imagine how the lives of people would change if even 20% of suicide deaths were prevented. Every life is important and making a difference can be easy as understanding the issues related to suicide and learning warning signs and prevention strategies that can save lives.

Teen Suicide Prevention

Teen Suicide Prevention: Act Now will focus on signs, symptoms and the treatment of depression in youth. Reducing stigma and how to ACT (acknowledge, care and tell) is an integral part of her program.