BIO
John is the Student Assistance Coordinator and Social Worker for Homewood Flossmoor High School District 233 and has been in this position for twenty two years. John conducts trainings and consults in the area of Safe and Drug Free School Programs and Student Assistance Programs. He has worked with teens as an Adolescent/Family Therapist in an inpatient facility in addition to assisting individuals who may have alcohol and drug issues. He has a Masters in Social Work, a Masters in Theology, is a Certified Student Assistance Professional, and Certified Alcohol/Drug Counselor as well as a Certified Senior Alcohol/Drug Preventionist. John is married and has two sons.
PRESENTATIONS
Alcohol/Drugs and their effects
This presentation emphasizes the effects of alcohol/drugs. John’s interactive presentation shows students how alcohol/drugs can and do effect their health; ability to learn; and who they want to be. Discussion will center on the signs and symptoms of drug use, prevention strategies and ways to get help. Through teen centered real stories and factual information relevant to adolescents, John relates his message to teens. (45-60 minutes)
Children of Addiction
Discussion will focus on the roles found in a family with addiction. Through sculpturing students learn how the enabler, hero, scapegoat, lost child, and mascot develop and interact in an addictive family. Alcohol and drug addiction is a family illness that impacts each individual. This presentation increases understanding of children of addiction and highlights resources for help.
(45-60 minutes)
Drinking Driving –Be part of the solution
John draws on over 30 years of experience working with teens to convey the dangers of drinking, drugging and driving. John presents factual information and stories from victims in his presentation. The emphasis of his talk is on the dangers of drinking and driving while empowering young people to be part of the solution to stop these preventable crashes. (45-60 minutes)
Snowball/Snowflake Staff Trainings
This three hour interactive presentation focuses on how to effectively conduct small groups. John focuses on the three main components of conducting a small group. – Safety/Inclusion, Discussion and Closure. The training demonstrates icebreakers, team activities and group skills necessary for a positive group experience. John has been involved in Operation Snowball/Snowflake since 1988. (3hours)
Leadership/Team Building
Probably the most exciting and rewarding aspect of John’s career has been programs (for adults and students) that foster leadership, communication and assertiveness skills. His presentation is hands on and success oriented leaving participants ready to go forward and make a difference. (length of talk varies)
Crisis Team Training
This presentation focuses on the development, implementation, and roles found on the Crisis Team. Discussion will focus on the common threads found in every crisis while highlighting how to prepare for the unexpected. Effective strategies to assist youth through grief and loss will be discussed.
The 3 hour training includes how to prepare for a crisis; how to manage the team; how to support those affected by a loss. Handouts, role plays and sharing of personal experiences deepen participants understanding of how trauma effects youth and staff. (audience: teachers and staff)
COST
$375 for 60 minute presentations plus mileage/expenses, if presentation is 50 miles from Chicago. (discounts for Snowball events).
$500 for 3 hour trainings plus mileage/expenses, if presentation is 50 miles from Chicago.
