Advances and Innovations in Violence Prevention & Treatment:
The First 25 Years of The Melissa Institute

For 25 years The Melissa Institute has been at the forefront in the education and training of violence prevention and treatment in South Florida and beyond. Every year we set out to provide state of the art conceptual and practical tools to help make our lives safer and healthier. During this time the Institute has been part of a remarkable evolution in violence prevention programs and services that has significantly improved the safety and wellbeing of individuals, children, families, schools and neighborhoods across the nation.

The 25th Anniversary Conference highlights essential research-based knowledge and strategies for educators, mental health professionals, social service providers, and policy makers. Following a year where unexpected health, social, and financial challenges have threatened the stability and safety of our lives, this conference offers insights and guidance to address some of the most complicated issues affecting us.

This year’s extraordinary challenges have left us with a deeper sense of appreciation and gratitude for the importance of educators, health professionals, and social service providers in our lives. It has also highlighted the value of research-based violence prevention strategies in making our homes, schools, neighborhoods, and communities safer. By equipping these essential professionals with proven tools to prevent violence, the conference supports their efforts and takes an important step towards creating a much safer and healthier post-pandemic life.

The Melissa Institute’s internationally renowned Scientific Board Members will share their current work on violence prevention and the promotion of well-being. Dr. Ron Slaby make the case for research-based violence prevention as a central component in our efforts to repair the world. Dr. Debra Pepler will talk about early childhood violence prevention and child development research. Dr. Jim Larson will discuss managing adolescent anger and behavioral concerns. Dr. Guerda Nicolas will examine the impact of trauma and racialized violence for racial minorities. The Institute’s Scientific Director, Dr. Donald Meichenbaum will talk about the power of active bystanders to help defuse conflict and prevent violence from escalating. Finally, Dr. Isaac Prilleltensky will discuss research-based methods to help people achieve a higher sense of purpose and a deeper sense of meaning, providing professionals the tools needed to optimize well-being and productivity.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the training participants will be able to:

• Explain the role of emotional competence in successful school experiences and incorporate science-based techniques to promote connection, engagement, and belonging within families, schools and communities;
• Overcome obstacles in the implementation of active bystander violence prevention interventions, community enhancement initiatives and youth school-based interventions;
• Recognize multisystemic roadblocks to key resources to deal with cumulative burdens and support the healthy development of at-risk children, families, and communities;
• Incorporate into professional practice evidence-based skills and interventions to promote mattering and well-being as well as be acquainted with key resources readily available to help individuals, organizations and communities.