Medicine Hat College (MHC) will launch a new Resilience Coach micro-credential in 2025 for individuals interested in supporting others in their development of adaptability and coping skills.
This short course is made possible thanks to generous donations from the Palix Foundation and Our Collective Journey (OCJ). It builds upon the Brain Story Certification course offered through the Alberta Family Wellness Initiative and provides valuable coaching skills aimed at enhancing mental health within communities. The program combines direct instruction with practical training, offering participants hands-on experience as they learn motivational interviewing techniques and gain skills to foster positive recovery outcomes. Using the Brain Story and Resilience Scale frameworks, the course emphasizes the importance of brain development and health for sustained change.
"The launch of MHC's Resilience Coach micro-credential marks a significant advancement in community support. At OCJ, we see firsthand how resilience coaching, rooted in the Brain Story Certification and Resilience Scale framework, empowers individuals to build strength, adaptability, and healthy brain development, creating lasting positive impacts in communities," says Ryan Oscar, OCJ's director of operations and education.
Nancy Mannix, chair and patron of the Palix Foundation, shares the organization's enthusiasm for the program.
"The Palix Foundation is excited to see this program take shape, building on the foundational knowledge of the Brain Story Certification course. It bridges the gap between cutting-edge brain science, mental health, and addiction knowledge, and the application of these insights in policy and practice. This micro-credential provides practitioners and clients with essential tools, establishing a shared knowledge base and language across sectors."
As a leader in education for Southeast Alberta, MHC is proud to deliver valuable learning opportunities that support hope and wellness in our communities.
"We are incredibly grateful for the support from the Palix Foundation and Our Collective Journey, enabling us to make this important program accessible and affordable for our students," adds Jason Openo, dean for the School of Health & Community Services.
"Resilience, like many other human abilities, is a skill that can be cultivated. The Resilience Coach micro-credential prepares professionals, family members, and friends to engage in more meaningful conversations with individuals facing addiction and mental health challenges, using the Brain Story model. By strengthening individual resilience, we build a stronger, more resilient community."
For more information about extended learning opportunities, please visit: Extended Learning
