This four-hour training focuses on practical, everyday techniques for effective communication. It’s designed for government, public service, business, non-profit, and health-care professionals working with customers and community members experiencing mental illness, addiction, trauma, or homelessness. Learn de-escalation strategies for resolving conflict with compassion and confidence.

Ryan Dowd has spent most of his career as Executive Director of Hesed House, a large homeless shelter outside of Chicago, Illinois. In addition to running the shelter, Ryan trains organizations around the world how to work compassionately with individuals in crisis.

Ryan Dowd is author of two books. The Librarian’s Guide to Homelessness: An Empathy-driven Approach to Solving Problems, Preventing Conflict and Serving Everyone, was published by the American Library Association in 2018. A Homeless Christmas Story was published by Empathy Studios in 2021. Both titles are available through Bellingham Public Library. Ryan is a licensed attorney and holds a master’s degree in Public Administration.

Funding for this program has been provided by the Bellingham Public Library, City of Bellingham and Unity Care NW.

Pre-registration is required at mountbakertheater.org. This program will not be recorded or live-streamed.