Chemical Health Support

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YSB gives families the tools they need to support their children

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YSB supports the chemical health needs of youth and their families

Substance Use Prevention

Nicotine Vapes, THC cartridges, alcohol and more – the temptations and pressures which teens face expand and evolve. Yet, chemical use is not just a “normal” part of adolescence and cannot be ignored. Teen brains are at greater risk for developing substance use disorders and addiction. However, that risk decreases each year substance use is delayed during adolescence. That’s why YSB’s chemical health programs focus on prevention, education and early intervention.

MEET OUR Specialists

Nikki Stuhr, B.S., LADC, Lead

Nikki Stuhr has worked in the chemical health field since 2011, including both inpatient and outpatient substance use disorder treatment centers. She currently supports students who are experimenting with or affected by substance use and provides education to youth on accurate substance-related information.

Nikki holds a Bachelor of Science in Alcohol and Drug Studies with a minor in Psychology and is a Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor (LADC). She serves full-time at Stillwater Area High School.
Fun Fact: Nikki is a big history buff and loves Halloween.

Alaina Sweet B.S.

Alaina Sweet provides individual support and education to students and parents around substance use and prevention. She also leads small groups and classroom presentations.

With experience in youth programming at the YMCA, Alaina holds a Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Studies and a Master’s in School Counseling from UW-Stout.
What Inspired Her to Join YSB: A love for working with youth.

Mali Wampach, B.A.

Mali Wampach works directly with staff and students to promote healthy behaviors and reduce substance use. A former health teacher and outreach specialist, she holds a B.S. in Health Education from UW La Crosse and is licensed in health education.

Mali joined YSB out of her passion for supporting youth in making positive health choices.
Fun Fact: She enjoys spending time with her daughter, shopping, lake days, cooking, and traveling.

Tom Wyatt-Yerka, B.A.

Tom Wyatt-Yerka is a Chemical Health Specialist serving South Washington County (ISD 833) High Schools. He provides support, education, and resources to students, families, and staff around youth substance use and prevention.

With a background in inpatient and emergency mental health care, Tom has worked closely with youth in crisis—often navigating the overlap of mental health and the justice system. He joined YSB to help deliver early-intervention and education that can change a young person’s path.
Fun Fact: Tom has already watched over 150 movies in 2025!

Gwen Yang, B.A.

Gwendylene Yang is a Chemical Health Specialist working with middle school students to provide education, guidance, and support around substance use and prevention. Her role focuses on equipping youth with accurate information and helping them make informed, healthy choices.

Gwen holds a B.A. in Developmental Psychology from the University of Minnesota and brings experience from mental health clinics, academic tutoring, and adaptive swim instruction. She was inspired to join YSB by its mission to offer youth meaningful support and opportunities for growth.
Fun Fact: Gwen enjoys powerlifting, exploring the outdoors, and crocheting.

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Addressing concerns early to prevent them from growing larger in the future

Chemical Health Resources

Youth Service Bureau, Inc. recognizes that substance use and abuse adversely impact a young person’s physical, social, and emotional development. YSB wants to share in the responsibility of addressing this issue because preventing and reducing student alcohol, tobacco (including e-cigarettes), and drug use improves quality of life, academic performance, attendance, classroom behaviors, and peer/peer and peer/teacher interactions. It reduces crime and motor vehicle crashes and fatalities and lowers health care costs.

While the good news is the majority of Washington County youth make healthy choices, we have a responsibility to optimize the health and well-being of all young people.

It can feel worrying and overwhelming to think that your child might be experimenting with substances. You may find yourself wondering, “What can I do?” While there aren’t instant solutions, parents do have an important role and there are many resources available to guide and support you along the way.

"YSB has been an invaluable partner in helping us address significant issues related to chemical use among students. Research studies show that risk, harm, and death from illicit substances among youth are rising. Partnering with YSB gives our school both proactive and reactive measures to address chemical issues with our students and is a vital component of how we provide a measure of safety to our students in today's challenging world."

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"The needs of our students grow more complex every day; trauma, social media addiction, anxiety, depression, chemical use, risky behaviors. Schools are challenged to meet these ongoing needs with limited resources. YSB partners with us and provides the resources to support our students and families in the Stillwater Area community".

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“For years, I have been an advocate of the notion that “it takes a village” to raise confident & capable youth. YSB is one of those partners in the village of our community that offer services our youth and families need to navigate the challenges of life. We are fortunate to have dedicated staff from YSB to meet people in our community where they are and to help them get to where they want to be.”

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"I learned to make better choices, and that even small actions without intention could lead to something serious and bad happening."

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"I have personally attended several programs associated with district 834 schools and have always walked away with a positive learning experience......and an opportunity to engage my kids who were also in attendance. Be proactive, stay informed. "

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"I have stopped participating in drugs on my own and I'm proud of the will power I have to hold myself from bad decisions, along with the help of outside people like my therapist and big sister."

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"I'm proud that I was able to talk about my bad choice and then discuss better ways to handle the situation and better prepared for the future."

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"We appreciate very much your willingness to participate in the Yellow Ribbon events. Your work makes an important difference for the soldiers, their families, and especially their children. Thank you!"

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"As a parent, I enjoyed the diversion class! It’s wonderful to see you teaching the kids meaningful lessons and positive values in life. "

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Cottage Grove

7064 W Point Douglas Rd
Suite #201
Cottage Grove, MN 55016
651-458-5224

Stillwater

6120 Oren Avenue N
Stillwater, MN 55082
651-439-8800

Woodbury

7876 Hudson Rd
Suite #1
Woodbury, MN 55125
651-735-9534

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