It Always Takes A Village Institute

Learning Happens In

Community!

At It Always Takes A Village Institute, we train the next generation of Advocates and Specialists, supporting adolescents as they navigate their formulation of identity while coping the struggles of today's world while on their way towards adulthood. We also provide courses and workshops for personal and professional healing journeys. Our advanced training programs are for Coaches, Therapists, Counselors, Educators, and Members of Faith-Based Communities. Our community of trained Advocates and Specialists are dedicated to:

1. Advocating for their client's needs

2. Support those that provide support for Adolescents and their Families

3. Implementing the best trauma-informed practices in their work

Our specialized curriculums cover a wide range of topics, including mental health awareness, trauma-informed care, development, effective communication strategies, family systems, self-care techniques and more.

Through our experiential learning approach, participants gain practical skills and insights to support adolescents and families in navigating life's challenges with resilience and compassion.

Join us at IATAV and become part of a community committed to making a positive impact in the lives of those we serve.

IATAV Institute's

High Standards of Excellence

Not just certification; Accredited certification that sets you apart.

Our programs are backed by ACTO, ensuring you receive a world-class education, deeply rooted in ethics, professionalism, and real-world impact.

Connection, Community and Continued, Supervisor-Level Support After Certification

We use the name It Always Takes A Village with very conscious intent. One of the most beneficial elements of our education platform and courses is the fact that it is a Community and an Ecosystem. We foster continued growth and offer an environment where there is a community of your colleagues and peers full of support and opportunity for contribution, collaboration and connection with others who share your passion.

In addition to access to a community of peers and colleagues, we offer weekly Supervision sessions to ensure you’re supported both during your classes and after certification. Supervision sessions are held by a trained Supervisor and are attended by other Specialists and Coaches. They provide a space to look for assistance, support and help for anything from struggles with moving forward with your client, setting up your business/practice to needing support for yourself and everything in between. Supervisors are also available for additional one on one coaching sessions.

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How IATAV Certification Can HELP

Education

Discover and gain knowledge and understanding to help you fulfill your desire to help our Adolescents, their families and other who serve them.

Connection

Find connection, continued support and a community full of other heart-lead, like minded advocates, specialists and practitioners that share your passion.

Collaboration For Growth

Be a part of an ecosystem that promotes growing together. One that encourages your desire to continue learning and supports your desire to create and share courses, community projects and more. Creating, overall, a better world the future of our Adolescents and Families.

What Some Of Our Current Certified Adolescents And Family Support Specialists Have To Say:

"It's hard to put into words how much impact this class has had on my life. Not only did I gain incredible insights into how trauma impacts the lives of adolescents, but I also discovered profound truths about my own journey.

But even that wasn't the best part. What truly transformed me was connecting with others who shared similar experiences—people who created a safe space where I could be vulnerable, share openly, and learn deeply. These aren't just classmates; they've become genuine friends I can reach out to for anything.

Being a Specialist in "It Always Takes a Village" is so much more than earning a certification. It's about forming meaningful relationships and finding real-life support that continues long after the program ends."

Lori Williams CAFSS, CTCP

A Liminal Space LLC

" I joined the program during the pilot and right away started using what I was learning, both with my clients and their families, and even in my own life. The live classes are super interactive, and the course comes with everything you need to start working with clients. It's a small group, which makes it feel really comfortable and safe.

I seriously can't recommend it enough.

If you work with teens or families, this is something you'll definitely want in y our toolbox."

Laurie Perez CAFSS-S

Validating You LLC

"The Certified Adolescent and Family Support Specialist program gave me a deep understanding of adolescent development and the complexities of family systems. It has powerfully impacted my work—not only with teens, but also with parents and individual clients, since we all carry parts of our adolescent story into adulthood.

At a time when adolescents are in urgent need of informed, compassionate support, this training offers both the tools and the community to show up well. The education is rich, but the ongoing support from fellow specialists, supervisors, and the leadership at It Always Takes A Village is what truly sets this program apart.

The experience was so transformative that I chose to become a supervisor and make my professional home here. This is more than a certification—it’s a community of impact, healing, and purpose."