Motivational Interviewing in Schools Conversations to Improve Behavior and Learning

Stephen Rollnick, PhD, is Honorary Distinguished Professor in the School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Wales, United Kingdom. He is a codeveloper of motivational interviewing, with a career in clinical psychology and academia that focused on how to improve conversations about change. He has worked in diverse fields, with special interests in mental health and long-term health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS. Dr. Rollnick has published widely in scientific journals and has written many books on helping people to change behavior. He is coauthor (with William R. Miller) of the classic work Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change, now in its third edition. He has traveled worldwide to train practitioners in many settings and cultures, and now works as a trainer and consultant in healthcare and sports.

Sebastian G. Kaplan, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Section, at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. A former special education teacher, Dr. Kaplan currently focuses his clinical work on helping adolescents and their families overcome a variety of challenges to their growth and development. He has written and presented on the application of MI for pediatricians, mental health providers, and school personnel, and is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers.

Richard Rutschman, EdD, is Senior Program Manager and Professional Development Facilitator at the Center for College Access and Success (formerly the Chicago Teachers' Center) at Northeastern Illinois University. His professional experience in Chicago schools has included being a high school science and Spanish teacher and the principal of an alternative high school. Throughout his career, he has worked to support school improvement efforts focusing on student retention, engagement, leadership development, and preparation for postsecondary education. Dr. Rutschman is a recipient of the Michael Stratton Practitioner Award from the International Association for Experiential Education, for his work using adventure initiatives in Chicago schools, and is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers.