Tomas Barraza returns to notMYkid after six years as a full time Prevention Specialist. He is now a consultant for the organization to continue to bring his skills as a media specialist and facilitator to deliver impactful programs educating and empowering young people to reach their full potential. Tomas’ career in Youth Development started in 2013 working with youth in the Arizona foster care system. He then began training with notMYkid in 2014 and has since presented over 1,300 speaking engagements, reaching an audience of over 200,000 youth and adults both in the United States and Internationally. He also served as the Youth Committee Chair for the Tempe Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking and Drug Use and worked with the Governor’s Youth Commission to inspire student leaders across Arizona to address present challenges in their communities. Tomas is known for his passion. His enthusiasm for his work comes from his personal struggle with substance use and involvement in the drug trade as an adolescent. He is determined to use his past experiences as a teaching tool for today’s youth. It is that dynamic passion that has made Tomas one of the most prominent youth speakers in Arizona. His responsibilities include creating digital content for notMYkid’s programs for youth and adults.
Qualifications, credentialing, and training:
Qualifications, credentialing, and training:
• Certified Peer Support Specialist
• ASIST Trainer
• Certified Botvin LifeSkills Facilitator
• MPOWRD Teen AA Facilitator
• Youth Mental Health First Aid Trained
• Motivational interviewing
• QPR Suicide Gatekeeper Trained
• CADCA Coalition Core Essentials
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Adverse Childhood Experiences
• Cultural Competency
• First-aid trained and CPR certified