A workshop designed for adults at schools, youth serving organizations and programs who are interested in strengthening relationships in their day-to-day activities and interactions with young people. Participants will analyze your work with young people through the lens of the Search Institute’s Developmental Relationships Framework and the context of your program, school or organization; assess the strengths and growth areas of your own relational mindsets and actions; co-create an action plan to integrate inclusive developmental relationships in your daily practices and procedures. Rather than creating additional work, the Developmental Relationships Framework principles of Express Care, Challenge Growth, Provide Support, Share Power and Expand Possibilities will enhance the work you’re already doing.
Hector Contreras, MPS, MAADC I
Youth Counselor, First Call
Hector Contreras is a dedicated Youth Counselor at First Call, passionate about empowering young people to reach their full potential. His commitment to youth development began during his college years in Arkansas, where he worked at a sports and adventure camp on Beaver Lake and later served as an Assistant Site Director for an after-school program supporting underserved communities across Northwest Arkansas.
In 2020, Hector relocated to Kansas City to pursue a career in mental health, serving as a Residential Manager and Behavioral Specialist at Embark Behavioral Health. These experiences have shaped a counseling approach grounded in validation, empowerment, and growth. Drawing from his lived experience as a Native Mexican and his fluency in both English and Spanish, Hector brings a deep understanding from his ethnicity and welcomeness to his work with youth and families. He previously collaborated with Wichita State University and the State of Kansas to develop curriculum exploring the intersection of substance use disorders and Spanish-speaking communities. Beyond his counseling work, Hector continues to challenge himself personally—most recently by completing the Kansas City Half Marathon—a reflection of his commitment to perseverance, growth, and holistic well-being.
Ananda Sallman (she/they), MPS, CPS | Community Prevention Specialist, First Call
Ananda Sallman is in her third year serving as a Prevention Specialist with First Call. She previously built a career in broadcast communications but found purpose in working with at-risk youth while serving in her daughters’ school during the pandemic. Drawing from her own lived experiences with addiction, Ananda is dedicated to empowering young people with the skills and encouragement they need to thrive. In her role at First Call, Ananda works directly with communities to foster youth mental well-being in environments of hope, recovery, and resilience.