Moccasin Paths and Other Trails

Moccasin Paths and Other Trails, draws together Indigenous knowledge and contemporary research to build strengths in Native American and First Nations youth, families, schools, and communities. A related goal is to foster greater understanding of how a synergy of Indigenous science with contemporary research can create positive environments for well-being and respect in any cultural group or setting.

Larry Brendtro and his wife Janna Brendtro established the research, publication, and training organization Resilience Resources. Janna has been research editor of all reclaiming youth publications over the past forty years. They reside near Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Larry has trained professionals in 20 nations in fields of education, treatment, child and youth care, and juvenile justice. With colleagues developed a full range of practical, research-grounded courses extending the Circle of Courage model of positive youth development. These include Connecting with Kids in Conflict, Building Resilient Families, Positive Staff and Peer Cultures, and Transforming Trauma into Resilience. Served as a practitioner expert member of the Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in the administrations of Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama. Was ceremonially adopted into the Rosebud Lakota Sioux tribe and has worked with indigenous nations worldwide.

Larry authored or co‑author of over 200 articles and 15 books on strength-based interventions with challenging youth with translations in multiple languages. Book titles include: The Drive to Thrive, Deep Brain Learning, The Resilience Revolution, Reclaiming Youth at Risk, Reclaiming Our Prodigal Sons and Daughters, Positive Peer Culture, and The Other 23 Hours.

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

· Current: Director, Resilience Resources and Licensed Psychologist, Lennox, SD

· Professor Emeritus, Augustana University, Sioux Falls, SD, Faculty of Special Education

· Adjunct Professor, University of Victoria, BC, School of Child and Youth Care

· Co-founder of the Circle of Courage Resilience Model and Reclaiming Youth International

· Former President of Starr Commonwealth, with campuses in Michigan and Ohio

· Assistant Professor, Institute for Exceptional Children, University of Illinois, Urbana

· Clinical Faculty, University of Michigan Fresh Air Camp, Ann Arbor, MI

· Psychology Intern & Residential Counselor, Hawthorn Center, Michigan Mental Health Dept., Livonia, MI

· Principal, teacher, social worker, childcare worker, Children’s Care Hospital and School, Sioux Falls, SD