The FORT Facilitator Training
Professional Development Program
Application deadline: February 28th
Questions? Contact Program Director, Dr. Lacey Rosenbaum at Laceyrosenbaum@RyanBartelFoundation.org.
The FORT Facilitator Training is a professional development program designed to equip caring adults with the skills and confidence to lead our experiential mental wellness programs for teens.
Through a mix of in-person and online sessions, interactive group discussions, skill-building activities, and real facilitation practice, you’ll develop mental health literacy, learn how to create safe, engaging spaces where teens can connect, build resilience, and feel supported.
Once certified, you’ll be eligible for paid opportunities to facilitate Ryan Bartel Foundation (RBF) workshops as a contractor in after-school programs, and evening/weekend programs for teens in and around Loudoun County, Virginia.
Who Should Apply?
We’re looking for passionate individuals who:
-
Are 18 years or older.
-
Live within driving distance of Loudoun County.
-
Can commit to facilitating 3 FORT events (6 workshops) within 12 months of certification (paid as a contractor).
-
Care deeply about promoting mental health and resilience in teens.
-
Possess skills and interests that align with our workshops (yoga, fitness/movement, mindfulness, art, music, horticulture, animals such as therapy dogs or equine, drama/theater, photography, etc.).
-
Can complete all FORT Facilitator program requirements
Training Program Includes:
-
Grounding in RBF’s Mission: Learn our values and approach to incorporating protective factors into teen experiential mental wellness programs in creative, engaging ways.
-
Creating Safe Spaces: Foster acceptance, connection, resiliency, and hope in teens.
-
Skill Development: Engage in supported practice, peer learning, feedback, and coaching to advance your teen facilitation skills.
-
Trauma-Informed Facilitation: Build skills to lead inclusive, trauma-informed experiences that ensure teen safety, belonging, and emotional regulation.
-
Experiential Workshop Design: Receive guidance in creating and delivering mental wellness workshops using four core modalities: movement, creative expression, mindfulness, and nature-based experiences.
Expectations
-
Complete all training events. All virtual and in-person sessions are mandatory.
-
Commit to facilitating a minimum of 6 RBF workshops as a paid contractor during the 12 months following their certification.
FORT Facilitator Spring 2026 Training Schedule
-
Volunteer at one FORT event – Sundays, 1–4 PM (if new to our programs)
-
FORT Facilitator Training Orientation – Virtual, March 12th 7:30-8:30pm
-
Introduction to Becoming a FORT Facilitator Online Course – 2 hours self-paced
-
Virtual Youth Mental Health First Aid (optional for those with prior mental health training)
-
FORT Facilitator Training – Required in-person session: Sunday, March 22nd from 12-5 pm, Trillium Farm Gathering Center, 18915 Lincoln Rd, Hillsboro, VA 20132
-
Deliver FORT Workshop under supervision– Sundays from 1–4 PM (scheduled based on Facilitator's schedule.
-
Deliver First FORT Workshop: Sundays from 1–4 PM
Successful facilitation of FORT Workshop with supervision is the final step to earning FORT Facilitator Certification.
Sign up today and start making a lasting difference.
FAQ
Why complete the FORT Facilitator Training? • To learn how to lead creative, resilience-based workshops that explore mindfulness, expressive arts, nature, animals, relationships, and social-emotional support. • To learn strategies to create a safe space for teens to be authentic selves that fosters acceptance, connection with teens and adults, resiliency, and hope. • To provide interactive resilience-based workshops to young people as a paid contractor in RBF’s community-based programs or partnership with RBF in your school or organization. • To join a cohort of professional colleagues passionate about youth mental health and benefit from peer-to-peer sharing of experiences, best practices, and connections. • To get supervised facilitation practice, feedback, and ongoing coaching and support from RBF staff. • To achieve a new professional credential to showcase on professional materials/platforms to differentiate yourself, complete with a certification to distinguish your commitment to building resilience in teens. • To contribute to the RBF mission of fostering a community of acceptance, compassion, and inclusion where all young people feel connected and hopeful and have the will to live.
How do you achieve FORT Facilitator Training Certification? 1.Complete the FORT Facilitator Training Application by February 28th, 2025 2. Participate in a virtual interview with RBF staff. 3. Complete all components of the SPRING 2026 TRAINING. 4. Sign the RBF FORT Facilitator Agreement, committing to facilitating with pay at 3 FORT events (6 workshops) within 12 months of certification.
How do you maintain your FORT Facilitator Training Certification? Once certified, Facilitators are expected to facilitate, with pay. 3 FORT events (6 workshops) within 12 months of certification and will be eligible for additional contracted facilitator roles. Facilitators are encouraged to join coaching calls with RBF staff and colleagues to discuss challenges and opportunities during the year.
Ready to Apply?
Take the next step in supporting teen mental wellness by applying for the FORT Facilitator Training! Start your application by visiting:
