At Communities In Schools of Washington (CISWA), our commitment to building trusting relationships with students means continually equipping our staff with the tools and training they need to show up with empathy, intention, and impact. One of the most transformative approaches we’ve embraced in recent years is Motivational Interviewing (MI)—a person-centered counseling method that aligns powerfully with our model of integrated student support.
So, what is MI—and why does it matter now more than ever? “Motivational Interviewing is truly student centered. It is mastering a method of communication that navigates stress and trauma to help students’ brains work better on their own behalf,” said Casey Jackson, Institute for Individual and Organizational Change, who leads our MI training and has tailored the content to fit the unique role of CIS Site Coordinators.
The Power of Presence
In practice, MI is not about offering solutions. Instead, it equips Site Coordinators with the techniques to listen deeply, reflect thoughtfully, and empower students to set and own their goals. MI is especially effective when addressing barriers such as chronic absenteeism, academic disengagement, or behavioral health challenges. It provides a de-escalation framework when trauma is activated or when students are struggling to focus—bringing calm, clarity, and connection back into the moment.
As Nikki Ziegler, Program and Impact Director shared, “Motivational Interviewing helps staff step out of the ‘fixer’ role and into one of compassionate curiosity. It centers student voice and values, removing power struggles, which is essential for long-term behavior change.”
Shifting mindset and skillset to express accurate empathy, support autonomy, partner, guide, and evoke—Site Coordinators are not only supporting student growth, but also practicing cultural humility, confronting their own biases, and creating more inclusive, trauma-informed spaces.
From Concept to Classroom
Since 2024, CISWA has hosted two full-day MI trainings: one in Eastern Washington (including rural regions) and another on the Western side of Washington, bringing together a diverse group of Site Coordinators and staff. These sessions are grounded in brain science and real-world applications. The first half of the training dives into MI’s foundation and research; the second offers case-based practice, often drawn directly from participants lived experiences in schools.
We’ve seen Site Coordinators walk away from MI training with a renewed sense of purpose and stronger tools for connection,” said Erica Limon-Trefielo, Interim Executive Director. “They leave feeling better equipped to walk beside students—not ahead of them.”
Due to high demand and limited resources, not all regions have yet participated. Affiliates in Whatcom, Central, Blue Mountain, North Central, and Benton-Franklin are still awaiting the opportunity to receive training, and a proposed session for Fall 2025 is in the works. The cost—nearly $7,000 per training—requires CISWA to be strategic about timing and funding, especially in the absence of Congressionally Directed Spending support.
Still, the feedback has been clear: everyone who attends, wants more.
Supporting Schools, Strengthening Systems
MI doesn’t just benefit students—it elevates the entire school ecosystem. When Site Coordinators engage in MI, their ability to support educators, administrators, and peers improves. In moments of crisis, such as student mental health concerns or school-wide trauma, MI-trained staff provide calm, empathetic leadership.
We’ve heard from school partners that our MI-trained Site Coordinators are an asset not just to students, but to the school’s culture as a whole,” said Nikki. “It’s a ripple effect—building stronger support teams that foster healthier, more responsive learning environments.”
What’s Next? Help Us Expand Motivational Interviewing Training Across Washington
Motivational Interviewing is just one example of how Communities In Schools of Washington invests in the professional development of staff to ensure every student is met with empathy, consistency, and care. But to bring this powerful tool to every region, we need champions like you.
We invite community partners, school districts, funders, and businesses across the state to join us. Whether through direct funding, event sponsorship, or investing in our training initiatives, your support makes a lasting impact on school climate and student success.
Visit ciswa.org/partnership-opportunities to explore how you can partner with us to expand access to trauma-informed training like Motivational Interviewing and invest in youth success.
Let’s build a future where every young person has a trusted adult by their side—and the support team behind them to make it possible.
Contact Carina Raddatz, Development Director, to start a conversation about financial partnerships, or reach out to Nikki Ziegler, Program and Impact Director, to explore how your support can directly enhance training and program impact across our statewide network.
