Opening Pandora's Box: Addressing Suicide Risk Communication

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Erin Curran, LMHP is the Juvenile Behavioral Health Specialist within the Administrative Office of the Courts and Probation (AOCP) Juvenile Services Division. Erin holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Sciences and Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from Bellevue University. She started her work with Probation in District 2 as a high-risk juvenile probation officer in January 2017, and within a year, she transitioned to a Juvenile Treatment Officer position. During her time in District 2, Erin served as the Juvenile Drug Court Officer in Sarpy County, working with youth with significant substance use needs. Erin has served on several community-based committees and was a statewide trainer for Question Persuade Refer (QPR), Trauma, and Resiliency. Prior to joining Probation, Erin worked as an Intensive Family Preservation therapist with KVC Nebraska, as well as an outpatient therapist with Behaven Kids and Beneficial Behavioral Health. In her time as an Intensive Family Preservation therapist, she also was a treatment provider working with Sarpy County Juvenile Drug Court. Erin’s passion is to work with justice-involved youth and to afford them every opportunity to connect to resources to help them be successful in their lives.

Lindsay Meyer is a Juvenile Justice Program Specialist within the Administrative Office of the Courts and Probation (AOCP) Juvenile Services Division. Lindsay obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Nebraska Wesleyan University. She began her work in this field as a high risk juvenile probation officer in District 3J in Nebraska working with a wide variety of youth who presented with significant risk, needs, and responsivity struggles. Lindsay moved into her current role in July, 2021 where she oversees multiple programs including monitoring and reporting significant juvenile incidents, including youth who attempt suicide while on probation supervision. Through this work Lindsay has gathered data, worked to identify best practices to support youth at risk of suicide, and identify and fill gaps in training for those working directly with these youth.

Dr. Kate Speck has more than 28 years experience working in the field of addiction, including a Masters in Addiction Counseling. Kate received her Ph.D. in Community & Human Resources and her M.A. in Adult & Continuing Education from the University of Nebraska- Lincoln. She received her B.A. in Human Relations from Doane College. In the past Kate taught addictions counseling for eighteen years. Besides working in residential, outpatient, and EAP settings, she has developed and directed addictions programs in Iowa, Louisiana, and in Nebraska. She has taught numerous undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology, theory and ethics, as well as teaching addictions courses at the college level. Kate is a licensed alcohol and drug abuse counselor (LADC) as well as a certified Master Addiction Counselor through the National Associate of Alcohol and Drug Counselors (NAADAC). Her areas of interest include Substance Abuse, Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) and the NAADAC. In addition to her professional work, Kate is also involved withing the community: Advocate for Women involved with Child Protective Services Volunteer, LMEP Young Families Program Justice Behavioral Health Education Committee.