Amanda Etienne
TIPP (Teen Impact Prevention) Project Director
On staff since 2005

Rachelle Valbrun
TIPP Assistant Project Director
On staff since 1999

EXPERTISE:
Amanda: My background is in group work, and substance abuse treatment. HIV/AIDS prevention has led to a new focus on social marketing as a creative tool for bringing our message out in greater force to teens at risk…(see my proudest moments below).
 
Rachelle: I grew up with The Child Center--starting as a youth counselor in college, and then working at the Beacon program as an outreach worker, office manager, and service learning coordinator. Through my hands-on work, I understand what kinds of support and community teens need and that has shaped the way the TIPP program has grown.

PROUDEST MOMENT:
Amanda: Four public service announcements produced by the teens in our programs have aired on cable TV and become the most popular PSA’s in the history of Cable Positive, our producing partner. We also wrote, shot and acted in an award-winning HIV prevention video. To see the dream on kids’ faces when they’re “recognized” from the video and get positive reinforcement from their peers in the community…is everything.
 
Rachelle: The tremendous growth of our program...our annual HIV testing day now brings in 400 kids…2004, our first year, we only saw 66 kids. Our ability to impact kids’ lives has grown nearly 700% in only five years.

FAVORITE PART OF THEIR JOBS:
Amanda: It’s empowering knowing we are giving kids at risk the weapons to protect themselves and refer them to testing. We are breaking down the myths and the myths are heavy…they allow the disease to continue to breed.
 
Rachelle: Providing a truly safe environment for kids to be productive and positive in and have an opportunity to grow. Through the years, I have seen how The Child Center has helped kids as young as 6 develop socially, creatively and go on to have a sense of ownership with their community and take all they have learned and give back…