Christopher Belisle is a Community Prevention Project Coordinator for Prevent Coalition in the Student & School Success department.

How long have you worked for ESD 112 and what does your job entail?

August 20th, 2018 was my first day as a Community Prevention Project Coordinator with Prevent Coalition. I engage youth, parents and decision makers around youth substance abuse prevention.

What do you like best about your job?

I like being surrounded by talented, passionate colleagues. Our work is data-driven, life-giving, trauma informed, and inclusive of youth voice.

What do you find most challenging about your job?

The conversations and laws surrounding cannabis and young people can get divisive. Not only do we educate/advocate for prevention but we also must work to shift culture.

I seek to hold space for people to have open conversations about public health, resilience and science. Despite this effort there will always remain a demographic displaying resistance or even anger about my call to serve.

What do you consider to be your greatest on-the-job skill or asset?

For prevention in general: my ability to strategically engage unique community sectors and the creativity necessary to do it effectively.

For Prevent Coalition: my experience with and knowledge of social media, design and connection to youth culture.

Single? Married? Kids? Pets?

Single with an 8 year old Chihuahua named Penny (she basically counts as my child and yes, she has an Instagram account of her own! @princesspennypoops).

What do you enjoy doing with your free time?

I enjoy engaging my community: family, friends and faith. I like camping, photography, watching movies and am also in the process of producing a comedic murder-mystery podcast series (just for fun).

If your coworkers wanted to surprise you with a little treat sometime what should it be?

I appreciate being reminded of my value or significance whether it be through email, face-to-face or hand-written communication.

In terms of something tangible, I am a sucker for flowers and my favorite candy is Mounds bars.

What is something that no one would guess about you if they just met you?

I performed improv comedy every weekend for six years (4 with the University of Portland Bluffoons and 2 on the house team at Curious Comedy Theater on MLK). I stopped a few years ago to focus on my career but one day hope to get back on stage!

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and how would you use it?

The power to heal, or make new again.

If you could play one instrument you aren’t able to now, what would it be and why?

Guitar or harp

Would you rather live in the city or the woods? Why?

Connection to nature is an important aspect of my identity and upbringing. I feel at peace in the woods.

What is something you learned in the last week?

I learned what Pimento Cheeseburgers taste like and that I love them (thank you Smokehouse Provisions!).

What did you want to be when you were little?

I have a poster I made in Kindergarten saying “When I grow up I want to be a bird.”

What was your most interesting past job?

My first job was helping raise and breed birds. I helped tame parrots, parrotlets and parakeets.

What famous person do people always say you look like?

One time someone mistook me for Troye Sivan. It was the best compliment ever.