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:: RECOMMENDED SPEAKERS ::
Eddie Slowikowski
Eddie has been a youth speaker for over 15 years. He is a 3-time NCAA All-American athlete, a Gold Medal Winner on the US Track Team and the Founder of LifeRide Leadership Camp.Marceea Clark
Marceea's amazing story is detailed on the speaking topics page of this website. You can contact her personally by e-mail at marceea99@comcast.net.Kevin Wanzer
Kevin doesn't need anymore PR, but he deserves it. Kevin's the man, his presentations have always brought the house down at TIGS!Ed Gerety
Ed is a national keynoter for all ages. His presentations focus on attitude and leadership and are always well-received.Ty Sells
Ty has been involved in youth prevention since he was a youth himself. He is an alcohol and drug-free speaker and works for the prevention group Youth to Youth International.Jostens Speakers Bureau
Jostens Speakers Bureau is the premier bureau for speakers in the youth education market. I'm biased since I recently joined the bureau, but I've known about their great repuation for years. Jostens has thoroughly studied speakers within the education market and will connect you with the best available.
NCAA Speakers Grant List
The NCAA Speakers Grant List is a grant program for participating colleges that awards up to $500 per semester for bringing in one of the listed speaker. It is also a great reference for college-level ATOD speakers.
:: PREVENTION:: College Organizations
C.A.L.V.I.N. & H.O.B.B.E.S., Bucknell University
Check out the C.A.L.V.I.N. & H.O.B.B.E.S. website, the most amazing college prevention group the earth has ever seen! They are about to turn 10 years old in October of 2003 and we are all very proud.P.E.A.N.U.T.S., The College of NJ
From there, check C&H's sibling organizations P.E.A.N.U.T.S., which is also doing great work (The College of NJ, age 7). We can't forget the T.H.U.N.D.E.R.C.A.T.S. (Villanova, age 4), they're pretty amazing too!R.E.A.L., Montclair State University
R.E.A.L. (Redhawks Enjoying an Authentic Lifestyle) is a student developed, student led, Class III organization on Montclair State University campus that promotes living a healthy lifestyle. Members of R.E.A.L are asked to sign a healthy living contract stating that they will remain substance free (alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs included) for the entire school year.
:: PREVENTION:: State and National Organizations
Youth to Youth International
Lindsey Meyer Teen Institute
The group that started it all for me! The Teen Institute of the Garden State, now known as the Lindsey Meyer Teen Institute, is New Jersey's #1 prevention organization. They provide year-round prevention training for middle school, high school and college students.
Youth to Youth International is an amazaing organization with three regional conferences each year targeting the entire country. From its inception Youth to Youth recognized that nationally and internationally, actions needed to be taken to change attitudes and behaviors surrounding drugs and their usage in this generation, or the resulting conditions in our communities could only get worse. Check out their site and their conference! You won't be disappointed. Northern Lights SADD
Northern Lights SADD is the name of a regional SADD effort overseen by Northern Lights Youth Services. NL SADD has active operations in North Dakota under state coordinator Lee Erickson, and are helping to facilitate organization in Minnesota and South Dakota. On a personal note, it was my favorite program of 2006 and a model for other prevention conferences. If you don't mind using engine heaters for your car and hand warmers to go out to lunch, this conference is for you! Sundt Memorial Foundation
From the folks that brought every school in the nation the DVD Natural High and Natural High 2, the Sundt Foundation is really making a difference. They have put out a DVD featuring testimonials from today's top professionals that kids look up to (e.g. Tony Hawk, professional skater, Laird Hamilton, Pro Surfer, and many more) discussing their personal reasons for not using substances. It is am engaging and memorable DVD that will leave the students talking and thiking.American Psychological Association, Addictions Resource Page
The American Psychological Association (APA) is a great resource for all kinds of information related to the field of psychology. The link here is to their page on addiction articles.PA DUI
Life Skills Training by Gilbert Botvin, Ph.D.
The Pennsylvannia DUI Association is a progressive organization which organizes two regional SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) Conferences each year. They have a reputation for booking excellent speakers and workshops. Check it out!
Dr. Botvin is one of the most referenced researchers in the prevention field. His Life Skills Training program offers evidence-based prevention programs for schools, parents and communities. I have not yet experienced the training, but based on his findings, it is effective for students from many cultural backgrounds.PA DUI
The Pennsylvannia DUI Association is a progressive organization which organizes two regional SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) Conferences each year. They have a reputation for booking excellent speakers and workshops. Check it out!http://www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov
The College Drinking Prevention Website is a great resource for guidance couselors, RA's and other students.Above the Influence
Check out this cool website created for the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign (a program of the Office of National Drug Control Policy) about the pressure of substance abuse.
:: PSYCHOLOGY::
Dr. Dara Bellace, Weill Cornell Medical College
Dr. Dara Bellace is my wife, but she is also a very talented clinical psychologist. She specializes in the evaluation and treatment of eating disorders, obesity, and related difficulties, incluing mood and anxiety disorders.Psychology Student Solutions
Are you a student interested in studying psychology? Check out Psych Student Solutions, a great resource for students to learn about the field of psychology and get tips from experts already in the field.
:: COMEDY ::
Manhattan Comedy School
Carl LaBove
I've worked with Carl a number of times he is an amamzing comedian. When comedians sit around and talk about who they like best, Carl's name comes up. His stand-up career has spanned 30 years. He's made numerous Tonight Show appearances, movies and opened for the legendary Sam Kineson. You won't want to miss his show the next time he is near you.
Are you interested in performing stand-up? Andy Engel and the Manhattan Comedy School believe that anyone can perform stand up comedy. They have comedy classes running at all times of the year to help you on your road to funny. Check out their site and perhaps we'll be on the same show one day. Joe Matarese
Joe Matarese is one of New York City's strongest comedians. He's performed on the Late, Late Show and Last Comic Standing. Together, we are developing a college "motivational comedy show". Check out the progress on Joe's site. By the way, we are also cousins. Pete Dominick
Pete is a great friend and a hilarious comedian. He is the host of "Comedy By Request" on Sirius Raw Dog (104), Monday-Friday 12-1pm. He was featured on the season finale of NBC's Apprentice, season 3, warmed up the crowd for the Daily Show with John Stewart, The Cobert Report and Friday's with Greg Giraldo.Brett Leake
Brett Leake, in my opinion, is one of the funniest and most inspirational people on earth! He's clean, original and respected throughout the world of comedy. Check out his site and check out his act if you can.Juston Mckinney
Juston is a friend from L.A. now living back on the East Coast. He is a hilarious comedian whose been on the Tonight Show, King Of Queens and Premium Blend. Juston also has a prevention program called "Living Proof" about growing up with an alcoholic father.Pop Culture Comics
Want a great laugh at some hilarious comics? Check out the site of one of my best friends, Doug Bratton. He is a full-time cartoonist now and writes a strip called Pop Culture Shock Therapy.