Richie Thomas
Dr. Richie Thomas (he/him) is collaborating with the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) to merge the Integrated Guidance, Integrated Model of Mental Health (IMMH), and Trauma-Informed School Systems (TISS) to create innovative educational and health pathways. He focuses on implementing evidence-based programs in networked communities, particularly emphasizing the unique challenges faced by rural and remote areas while empowering the voices of young people. Richie aims to bridge the gap between research and practice by developing effective and context-specific interventions.
Richie has a diverse background, including working as a special education teacher with the Kailana Program in Hawaii. During his tenure there, he integrated open-ocean therapy, maritime education, and culturally sensitive mental health services for participants and their caregivers. Richie has prior experience working at the Hawaii Department of Education as a Behavioral Health Specialist. He has also served as the Director of Education at a therapeutic milieu with Maui Youth and Family Services. He supported students dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues in these roles. Richie leverages social practices to enhance resiliency, utilizing interventions sensitive to traditional subsistence patterns of health and economy. Additionally, he collaborates with local organizations to maximize program capacity and avoid duplicating efforts.
In his research, Richie aims to gain valuable insights into the relationships between ecological health, economic well-being, and civic participation in communities that face limited economic opportunities, degraded landscapes, and political exclusion. He enjoys traveling to learn from and serve within distinct ecological contexts.
