Meet Sarah and Alex
Alex Waitt and Sarah Cameron bring over two decades of combined experience in motivational interviewing (MI) and behavior change, united by their passion for making advanced techniques accessible and practical.
Alex Waitt, a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) since 2014, has pioneered innovative approaches to MI implementation. With over a decade of experience, Alex has developed evidence-based interventions that are used nationwide.
Sarah Cameron, with over 13 years of expertise in behavior change and MI, excels in transforming theory into actionable strategies. As a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist and Nationally Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach. Sarah has trained thousands of professionals to communicate with empathy, clarity, and purpose.
Together, Alex and Sarah have created Ask-Offer-Ask to provide the foundation for meaningful, effective communication that supports lasting organizational and client transformation.
Alex Waitt, LPC, MS, MSEd
Co-Founder and Motivational Interviewing Trainer
Sarah Cameron, MS, CTTS, NBC-HWC
Co-Founder and Motivational Interviewing Trainer
Our Mission
We believe every professional in child welfare and other helping fields deserves the tools to have meaningful, effective conversations—even under the most challenging circumstances. That’s why we created Ask-Offer-Ask (AOA): a practical communication framework that makes advanced skills like motivational interviewing (MI) accessible and actionable from day one.
Our mission is to equip organizations with the tools to bridge theory and practice, enabling transformational change at every level—from leadership to frontline workers.
Our Story
After decades of training professionals in motivational interviewing, we noticed a persistent challenge: organizations invest heavily in MI, yet struggle to see lasting results. The gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application often leaves staff feeling overwhelmed and unprepared, especially in high-stress environments like child welfare.
That’s where Ask-Offer-Ask was born.
AOA was designed to meet professionals where they are, giving them an immediate, easy-to-use tool that builds confidence and paves the way for deeper skills. What started as a solution for child welfare has grown into a movement across industries, helping organizations create cultures of respect, collaboration, and goal-oriented communication.
Our Core Principles
Respectful Engagement
We believe in creating a foundation of respect in every interaction.
AOA emphasizes the importance of meeting clients where they are, listening attentively to their concerns, and ensuring their voices are heard. This principle builds trust, reduces resistance, and fosters collaboration, creating a more positive and productive environment for change.
Empowering Autonomy
Clients are experts in their own lives, and we believe in empowering them to make their own choices.
AOA promotes client autonomy by recognizing that individuals should have the power to decide what’s best for them. We ask questions that honor the client’s perspective and encourage their involvement in decisions, ensuring they feel in control of their journey while still offering professional guidance and support.
Clear and Goal-Oriented Communication
Every conversation should be purposeful and focused on helping clients achieve meaningful outcomes.
AOA ensures that communication is not just a conversation, but a tool for progress. By guiding interactions toward specific goals, we keep the conversation structured and meaningful, helping clients stay focused on what matters most while offering the support they need to take actionable steps forward.
Continuous Learning and Growth
We believe that learning should be ongoing, both for professionals and clients.
AOA is not just a one-time tool, but a method for continuous development. For professionals, it’s a way to develop foundational skills that grow into more advanced techniques. For clients, it’s about providing a supportive environment where change is possible, and every conversation contributes to their personal growth.
Why We Started in Child Welfare
Child welfare is where AOA began—and where its impact is most evident. In an environment defined by high stakes, limited time, and frequent resistance, professionals need more than theory. They need tools they can use today.
AOA equips child welfare workers to:
- Build trust with families under extreme stress.
- Navigate emotionally charged situations with clarity.
- Balance respect and accountability in every interaction.
Connect to Learn More about AOA
Discover how Ask-Offer-Ask can support a culture of MI by infusing AOA. Book a consultation today to explore how we can support you in your MI implementation. Whether you’re interested in AOA training opportunities, or traditional MI, we want to hear from you!