EVENTS

STEP BY STEP POLIGON

First Aid for Youth with Mental Health Difficulties

28th NOVEMBER 2024
9:30 - 16:00
Cankarjev dom Vrhnika
Tržaška 25, 1360 Vrhnika, Slovenia

STEP Institute invites you to an international event to strengthen your knowledge and skills for working with young people experiencing emotional and behavioural disorders and mental distress. The programme will include interactive theatre activities, case work and expert lectures.

The event is aimed at all those who work with young people, both in youth work and in primary and secondary schools and other organisations. STEP invites all those who are working with young people with mental health problems and are looking for practical approaches to successfully address these challenges. You will have the opportunity to network internationally and exchange ideas and experiences.

The event will be in English and is free of charge for participants, as it is organised in of the project Empatheatry.

MATIC MUNC

Born in 1972, he has been a psychologist since 1998. Between 1993 and 1998, he worked as a radio host at Radio Študent. He completed the professional exam in social welfare and received education in the field of psychosocial assistance, including leading groups for depression and anxiety, and suicide prevention. Previously, he worked at the Ljubljana Moste-Polje Social Work Centre and the Ljubljana Prison. Today, he runs the Psychosocial Counseling Service 'Akcija! Matic Munc s.p.' and serves as the president of the 'Brez limita' Association, a cooperative of professionals offering comprehensive support for depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, eating disorders, self-harm, suicidal behavior, and addictions. From 2019 to 2022, he coordinated the artistic program 'Basement' at ČMC Črnuče (Mladi zmaji). Until 2023, he worked as a psychosocial counselor at the MOČ Association, where he provided support and advocacy in cases of sexual violence. He is also a co-founder of the Scratch Music Agency, which offers comprehensive services in the music industry.

MARINA RISTIĆ

Holds a university degree in Social Pedagogy and a master’s degree in Supervision, Personal, and Organizational Counseling. With 20 years of experience working with young people, 17 of those as an educator, she has dedicated her career to supporting youth. Marina began her journey as an educator in a Educational and Care Institution for Youth with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders/Difficulties. She later transitioned to a public highschool student dormitory setting. In her work, she focuses on helping young people discover and build on their strengths while equipping them with essential life skills. Known for her dynamic, creative, and committed approach, Marina firmly believes in the potential of young people, encouraging them to achieve far more than they might think possible.

IRENA BRENČIČ

M. Sc., is a special education teacher. At the beginning of her career she focused on working with children with severe and moderate mental disabilities. Now she works in a primary school with children with special educational needs; mostly children with specific learning disabilities, AD(H)D, autism spectrum disorder and others. In her master’s degree she focused on behavioral characteristics of children with special needs in the classroom. Working either individually or in group, she tries to provide appropriate integration for these children in terms of social, educational, emotional and physical development. Important part of her school work are also workshops “How to Learn”, designed for all 5th grade children, special trainings to improve attention and participation in the project Child Abuse Prevention – for all children. Furthermore, she offers educational, language and integration support for immigrant children at school.

ERIK BABIČ

Holds a Master's degree in Psychology, focused on employee development and youth education. His areas of expertise include event organization, the development and delivery of educational programs, team coaching, and public speaking. He focuses on topics such as stress management, team dynamics, emotional intelligence, and personal productivity. He also leads the Empatiko Institute, where he designs and conducts training for young people. Erik emphasizes practicality and concreteness in his approach, providing a supportive learning environment while continually introducing new methods into his work. He will take on the role of moderator at the event.

OLIVIJA GRAFENAUER

She is self-employed in the culture sector as an educator, performer, and producer, and is active in the field of improvisational theater. Between 2017 and 2022, she was the head of the nationwide program for the student improvisational theater ŠILA - School Impro League and training for mentors of improvisational theater, youth workers, and other theater staff through Bodigatreba+. As a mentor for improv groups in various contexts, she has been active since 2011, guiding children, youth, adults, and mentors through theatrical creation. Since 2024, she has also been teaching improvisation workshops at the Secondary School for Education, Gymnasium, and Arts Gymnasium in Ljubljana.

DOROTEJA JEMEC

She is a theater improviser and performer working in the field of performing arts and education. Since 2009, she has participated in various performances, projects, and collectives in both improvisational and other forms of theater. She is a qualified and experienced mentor for improvisational groups. She has taken part in numerous training sessions and projects in the field of improvisational theater and other performative arts, as well as youth work. She has also gained leadership and organizational experience through collaborations with other non-governmental organizations and cultural programs. As a performer, she has been involved with theater for over 13 years. Currently, she also serves as the coordinator and project manager for ŠILA - School Impro League and Bodigatreba+ within the Association IMPRO.

MAJA JOTIĆ

Maja has a master’s degree in psychology and is currently focusing on HR psychology and project management. Her work is dynamic, allowing her to use many of her skills while satisfying her need to learn. She is an active member of the Slovenian Psychologists’ Association, where she contributes to organizing various events and conferences. Maja is committed to raising awareness about the importance of mental health and promoting an inclusive society. She is a soft skills trainer and particularly enjoys facilitating workshops with young people. At STEP she is involved in a wide range of projects, from environmental issues and social activism to developing teaching methods using entrepreneurial skills and she runs courses on Emotional Intelligence and Growth Mindset.

JERNEJA ŠIBILJA

She earned her bachelor’s degree in European studies and she was also studying psychology. At STEP she works as the project manager and trainer in projects related to personal and professional growth, strengthening of soft skills and positive psychology, covering topics such as growth mindset, communication, relationships, character strengths, resilience, etc. She is also active in projects that encourage the entrepreneurial mindset of young people. Her passion is the development and implementation of programs that enable children and youth to grow and develop their talents, skills and strengths. She is also skilled in event management, organizing and coordinating international seminars, workshops, and conferences.