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Our Staff

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

At Catalyst for Change SD, our dedicated staff is passionate about empowering individuals and fostering community growth. With backgrounds and expertise, each team member brings unique perspectives that enhance our mission. Together, we work to create impactful change and those in need.

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Lead Facilitator

Scotty Graham

scotty@catalystforchangesd.org

619-940-7890

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
Scotty was and raised in San Diego, CA. Growing up in Southeast San Diego, he became a gang member at the age of 16. Over a span of more than 20 years involved in gang, he found himself in the Juvenile Justice system three separate times, leading him down a path destruction that ultimately resulted in 20 years of incarceration from ages 19 to 39. This experience, while challenging, became one of his greatest educational factors earning him the title of "A Subject Matter Expert" on gang and incarceration.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Scotty is the lead facilitator at his company, providing education across various sites in San Diego, including EMJDF, YTC, San Diego Youth Services, Learn 4 Life Innovation Schools, JCCS. His focus areas encompass emotional literacy, social literacy, gang intervention and prevention, trauma-informed care, coping skills, and forward thinking. Scotty has given several presentations at USD and SDSU to Criminal Justice students and professors, discussing topics such as justice-impacted youth, relationship building, and compassion fatigue. Recently, he was nominated by the staff and students North County Learn 4 Life Innovation Schools to be the keynote speaker for the graduating class of 2024, and is now marking his seventh year of service in this vital field.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, CERTIFICATIONS
Scotty's education includes experiences from "The School of Hard Knocks" and Cal St. (Calapatria State Prison). His training and certifications encompass TREC: Trauma-Resilient Professional, Self-Care Practitioner, Equity-Focused Leader, PACEs Science Advocate, Relationship Builder, and Mindfulness Builder.
  • The Change Companies: Forward Thinking Interactive Journaling, Cognitive-Behavioral Group Facilitation Training, Evidence-Based Strategies & Curriculum to assist Justice-Involved Youth in Making Positive Changes to their thoughts, feelings, & behavior. 
  • San Diego County Probation Department: Institutional Security Protocol Training for EMJDF & YTC. 
  • Mental Health First Aid USA: Trained to provide initial help to people experiencing mental health problems such as Depression Anxiety Disorder, Psychosis, & Substance Use Disorder. 
  • Blanchard Institute: Student Self Leadership Training
  • SDCOE: Restorative Justice Practices & Effective Use of Circles, Restorative Conflict Intervention & Restorative Conferencing.
  • Latino Coalition: Seeking Safety-An Evidence Based Model for Trauma & or/Substance Abuse.  
  • Probation Citizen Academy: Participating, Learning, and Experiencing the Job, Situation & Danger Involved with being a Probation Officer. Through Their Lived Experienced Lens. 
PRESENTATIONS
Noticing, recognizing, understanding, and aware that at-promise youth face systemic barriers, trauma, and environments that may lead to gang involvement and other negative behaviors. Equipping participants with the tools to build a growth mindset, development emotional and social literacy, adopt coping mechanisms for navigating challenges. Through partnerships with schools, community organization, law enforcement and families, inspiring to create a sustainable impact. 
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