Dave Ozias, Training Coordinator

Dave worked as a credentialed High Fidelity Wraparound (HFW) Facilitator for four years in Fayette County prior to coming to the Youth and Family Training Institute (YFTI). He became certified as a co-trainer for the Five Day HFW Team Training shortly before joining YFTI. He received his Team Coach credential at YFTI a few years after joining in 2012. Dave loves the HFW process because it reminds him of our country’s roots… a time when people helped their neighbors. He believes that no one should go through life alone. The HFW process helps identify natural supports for youth and families, capitalizes on an individual’s strengths, and builds confidence in families as they develop reciprocal relationships.

Dave lived in Southwestern Pennsylvania until he was 12 years old. His family then moved to South Carolina where he graduated high school. Dave later moved back to PA to experience snow and the beautiful mountains of this region. Dave has four children, three boys and one girl. Two of his children have been involved in the mental health and criminal justice systems. Dave shared that it would have been extremely beneficial if he and his family would have had a HFW team built around them, especially Youth Support Partners for his first two children.

Dave has worked in the social service field since 2002. This includes residential treatment facilities, partial hospitalizations, shelters, and diagnostic studies. Dave’s family was on public assistance when he was young and because of this experience, Dave has a strong desire to give back to others by volunteering his time and being a role model for his own children as well as the children in his community. He has worked as a church youth leader for 20 years, as well as a wrestling, football and baseball coach in his community. Among many outdoor activities, Dave enjoys hunting and exploring caverns.