Drawing from our backgrounds in public health, coalition-building, and strategic communication, we saw a need for something more than just programming—we saw the need for a movement. One that centers culture, equity, and connection in everything it does.
Our Vision
We envision a generation rising — supported by adults who understand, not judge. By communities that prioritize belonging over punishment. And by systems that uplift health, joy, and equity. We believe the key to a better future is creating a culture of change — one where healthy youth development isn’t a side goal... it’s the foundation.
Our Mission
Culture of Change exists to reimagine prevention for a new generation. We offer immersive, educational experiences that uncover the realities of youth culture today — from mental health and substance use to identity, technology, and connection. Through training, storytelling, and creativity, we equip adults and young people with the tools to shift culture, reduce harm, and build thriving, inclusive communities.
Our Philosophy
Substance use prevention is about more than saying no — it’s about saying yes to connection, creativity, purpose, and self-worth.
It’s about naming what really causes harm — shame, isolation, disconnection — and replacing it with care, boundaries, and truth.
We believe:
Mental health, substance use, and digital culture are inseparable.
Prevention must be inclusive, anti-stigmatizing, and youth-centered.
Adults should model the same healthy behaviors we ask of youth.
Cultural competence is prevention. So is joy. So is curiosity.
Our Approach
We don’t just teach, we co-create. We build resources that speak the language of now, social-first, grounded in lived experience, and centered in joy, equity, and possibility.
We offer:
Live & virtual trainings
An interactive online learning portal
Custom curricula & Train the Trainer (TtT) models
Prevention-forward media campaigns
Youth toolkits, infographics, blogs, and podcasts
We aim to reach youth, parents, educators, prevention professionals, and coalitions with content that sticks — content that transforms.
Who We Are
Catherine Barden, CPS
Public Health Director | Prevention Leader | Advocate for Youth
Catherine Barden is an accomplished public health leader and nationally recognized prevention expert with over two decades of experience advancing youth development, community health, and substance use prevention. She currently serves as Public Health Director for Advancement Strategy Consulting, where she leads the CDC-funded Center for Advancing Alcohol Science to Practice. In this role, she oversees a national training and technical assistance initiative that empowers states, territories, and communities to implement evidence-based strategies that prevent excessive alcohol use and promote health equity.
Catherine began her career as a youth advocate and has since served in leadership roles at the Governor’s Prevention Partnership and Madison Youth & Family Services, where she led coalition efforts, social service coordination, and strategic planning initiatives supported by local, state, and federal funding. She is the co-founder of Culture of Change, a movement dedicated to shifting community norms through creative prevention campaigns, youth-centered education, and immersive learning experiences.
Known for her engaging presentations and policy expertise, Catherine has trained professionals and shared resources at local, state, national, and international levels—including poster and live presentations at CADCA, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, OJJDP, NPN, and the Global Alcohol Policy Conference. Her advocacy has contributed to landmark public health legislation, such as Connecticut’s social host law, and she has served on numerous boards and advisory councils dedicated to substance use prevention and youth mental health.
Catherine is a Certified Prevention Specialist, trained Dialogue Educator, a Certified QPR Gatekeeper Trainer, and Tobacco Treatment Specialist. She brings a passionate, people-centered approach to her work and is deeply committed to creating resilient, inclusive communities where youth can thrive.
Cristal Philbrick, RSS
Community Strategist | Prevention Leader | Champion for Equity
Cristal Philbrick is a trusted prevention and social services leader with over 15 years of experience designing community-based programs that support youth well-being, family stability, and mental health. A certified Recovery Support Specialist and accomplished nonprofit director, Cristal has led transformative initiatives across Connecticut—from launching early childhood programs and youth coalitions to expanding community access to essential services.
Her career spans leadership roles at Durham Middlefield Youth & Family Services, Madison Youth Services, and several regional prevention agencies, where she directed strategic planning, social service coordination, and outreach campaigns. She is also a former Vice President of the Connecticut Association of Prevention Professionals Board and a frequent trainer and speaker across the field.
Cristal has presented at national and state-level conferences including the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA), the National Prevention Network (NPN), the Connecticut Youth Services Association (CYSA), and was featured in a poster presentation at the Global Alcohol Policy Conference, highlighting innovative approaches to youth-centered prevention and community engagement.
As co-founder of Culture of Change, Cristal brings both creativity and strategy to the movement, helping coalitions and communities develop culturally responsive prevention efforts rooted in connection, equity, and inclusion. Her work blends trauma-informed practice, systems thinking, and compassionate leadership to help communities thrive.
Contact us
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