Lauren Bard is a Senior Training Manager on the Training and Capacity Building team at HRiA. She works on the BEST Initiative and Youth Worker Certification program as well as the Community Health Training Initiative. Lauren has many years of experience supporting young people and families in the City of Boston. Before joining HRiA, Lauren ran youth development programs in the arts, athletics, and youth employment and previously worked in drop-out prevention, transitional living, and the juvenile justice system. Lauren is a Licensed Social Worker and holds degrees in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University, where she focused on youth development and restorative practices. Lauren is a fluent Spanish speaker and seasoned training facilitator.