Marc Berkman serves as the CEO of the Organization for Social Media Safety (OFSMS), which he has grown into the world’s preeminent consumer protection organization focused on social media.  Under Marc’s leadership, OFSMS has developed a state-of-the-art social media safety curriculum and has taught essential safety skills to students, parents, and educators across the world.  Marc has also guided OFSMS’ advocacy efforts leading to the passage of groundbreaking social media safety legislation like Jordan’s Law, the nation’s first law to deter social media-motivated violence.  OFSMS’ work has garnered numerous awards, including being recognized as the 2022 California Nonprofit of the Year.  Previously, Marc served for over a decade as a senior advisor to members of the United States Congress and the California State Assembly. During his time as a legislative aide, he developed and helped pass into law numerous legislative initiatives to protect vulnerable children and families.  Marc received his Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School and his Bachelor of Arts from UC Berkeley.

Ashley is the Director of Curriculum and Training for D.A.R.E America. She is thrilled to partner with the Organization for Social Media Safety to bring another lesson on this topic to our enhancement library.

• Actualmente es Director General del Centro de Desarrollo Humanitas en la Ciudad de Mexicali, Baja California.
• Experiencia de 19 años como consultor en Desarrollo
• Miembro del Grupo Especial de Capacitadores y Consultores de la CANACO en la Cd. de México.
• Experiencia de 12 años como asesor educativo y de entrenamiento a
• Director y codesarrollador del proyecto: “Padres Competentes: ¡Hijos Líderes!”
• Entre otras, ha dictado las siguientes Conferencias y Talleres de Desarrollo Humano:
  • Liderazgo Estratégico
  • Comunicación efectiva y asertividad
  • Análisis transaccional
  • Inteligencia emocional
  • Combatiendo la violencia intrafamiliar
  • Los 7 hábitos de la gente altamente efectiva
  • Trabajo colaborativo
  • Manejo del estrés

PALABRAS QUE DEJAN HUELLA

En este ejercicio tomaremos conciencia de la importancia y del impacto que tiene lo que expresamos en los niños y jóvenes que intentamos ayudar cada día. Lo que les digamos, y la manera en que lo hagamos, podrá, o no, cambiar el rumbo de toda una vida.

Semblanza.

Ha participado en cursos de capacitación y actualización en educación especial; psicodrama; musicoterapia;estrategias para el manejo del TEA, etc.

Laboró como Psicóloga en el Departamento Psicopedagógico de la Facultad de Ciencias Humanas de la UABC, de1990 a 1994.

Coordinadora del contenido de la guía operativa para el funcionamiento de los servicios de educación especial en Baja California en 2021.

Asesora académica de la Coordinación Regional de Educación Especial en Mexicali, del 2008 al 2010.

Asesora académica de la Coordinación Estatal de Educación Especial en Baja California, del 2019 al 2022.

Responsable del programa de detección, determinación y atención a alumnos con aptitudes sobresalientes enEducación Básica en Mexicali del 2008 al 2010 y en el Estado de Baja California del 2019 al 2022.

Asesora técnica pedagógica en la Supervisión Escolar de la Zona I de Educación Especial en Mexicali, BajaCalifornia, desde el 2010 a la fecha.

Ha impartido cursos de psicometría; Diseño Universal Para el Aprendizaje; estrategias de atención a alumnos con aptitudes sobresalientes; planeación didáctica argumentada; escuela para padres, entre otros.

Ha colaborado a nivel nacional, representando a Baja California, en la elaboración del libro “Atención Educativa enEstudiantes con Aptitudes Sobresalientes, Preescolar, Primaria y Secundaria” publicado por la Secretaría deEducación Pública en 2022.

Es cofundadora del Centro de Desarrollo Humanitas, en donde actualmente se desempeña como Directora del Área de Atención Psicológica. Ahí, ofrece terapias de apoyo a familias, parejas, niños, adolescentes y jóvenes conalguna condición.

Descubriendo el Talento

En esta conferencia daremos una mirada por el fabuloso mundo de la excepcionalidad, otorgando herramientas para identificar talentos y/o capacidades sobresalientes a través de indicadores que identifiquen a alumnos con gran potencial en áreas específicas como: intelectual, psicomotora, socioafectiva, artística y/o creativa.

 Bill Beacham, Ph.D.  (Univ. of Oxford) Executive Director of the Center for Drug-Free Communities since 1988, specializing in Treatment of Addictive Disorders and Training  for Drug-Free Schools and Workplace Wellness. California Board (BBS) Certified.

He is the former Director of Training/Clinical Services for CareUnit Hospitals where he trained addiction specialists, educators, parents, law enforcement and mental health workers in substance abuse prevention/intervention and treatment.  He specializes in the treatment of adolescents and adults with chemical dependency/psychiatric disorders.

He was a psychologist, teacher and coach in the public schools for 13-years and worked with the National Institute of Mental Health for 4-years in the area of race relations.

Bill is the co-author of the book What Did You Learn in School Today? and has contributed to several other books, including the Major League Baseball Player Association’s It’s OK to Say No to Drugs and It’s OK to Say No to Drugs:  A Parent Child Manual for the Protection of Children.  He also contributed to Project Self-Esteem and the book “That They Might Live”.  Author of “SAFE” Substance Abuse For Educators Manual.

He has been the keynote speaker at many local, state & national conventions, including the “International Drug and Alcohol Conference”, the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) “Drugs and Today’s Athlete” Conference, the “National Student Assistance Conference” and the “National DARE Officers Association” Conference.

Bill has been a writer/technical advisor for four movies. One Too Many, a movie about teenage drinking, aired on ABC.  Shattered: If Your Kid’s on Drugs,  a video staring Burt Reynolds.  My Kid’s Driving Me Crazy,  a parenting film, video Dare to Care  with Edward James Olmos.  Bill is the creator/presenter of the McGraw-Hill series The Drug-Free Family & The Drug-Free Workplace,  “Building Bridges” program for the U.S. Dept. of Education & the newly released DVD”Why Our Kids Are Getting Sicker-Quicker”.

Bill is the founder of Peer Assistance Leadership (PAL®) Camp, a 3-5 day overnight peer helping training program for young people along with TeamWork/Leadership Day Camps at the Challenge Ropes Course focusing on resiliency skills, asset building, violence prevention, conflict resolution, and alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention strategies.

He’s been with the LAPD/DARE program since its inception in 1983 and the US Olympic Committee.  Bill has conducted workshops with many dignitaries including former President Bush, the White House staff and testified at Congressional Hearings.

Recipient-California ”Leadership Tomorrow” – Community Leadership Award

                 Orange County Dept. of  Education – Legacy Award

                        National “Ambassador of Peace”  Award 2011

                  Outstanding Supporter of Prevention Award

                       California – “Heroes In Education” Award

                  Acadia Health Care – “Lifetime Achievement” Award 2022

The ESSENCE (Emotional Spark, Social Engagement, Novelty, Creative Exploration) of the developing adolescent Brain/Mind and how it affects the continuum of addiction.  We will explore the rapid development of the pre-frontal cortex and how it effects the executive function of decision-making, emotional regulation, risk management and how to change the brains chemistry.  Participants will know the 5-15 rule and the “Black Box Warning” of prescription drugs.  In my work with Olympians and other Elite Athletes participants will know how alcohol, marijuana and other drugs effect performance levels.

Dennis Osborn joined D.A.R.E. America after serving over 25 years in law enforcement working primarily in state government. He retired from law enforcement in July 2017 after serving as the Chief of the Nevada Highway Patrol.

As Nevada’s Highway Patrol Chief, Dennis advanced the organization’s technology from a self-reporting system to a fully automated system, published the Highway Patrol’s strategic plan, and redefined the department’s performance measures and mission priorities. Dennis developed key relationships within the Nevada State Legislature and also with the respective employee/labor association leadership increasing trust and efficiency of personnel matters.

Dennis graduated from Northwestern University’s prestigious School of Police Staff and Command and served in the United States Army and Army National Guard as a combat medic. During his military service, Dennis also completed the Primary Leadership Development Course and the Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course.

Dennis holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Nevada State College and an Associate’s degree from Truckee Meadows Community College in Criminal Justice. He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Nevada Sheriff’s and Chief’s association.

Dennis is also a certified Yoga Teacher. He has been a Yoga Practitioner since 2010

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Attendees of the workshop will learn how yoga may benefit them in both their personal and professional lives.  I will share my own story and journey with Yoga as a law enforcement officer and after law enforcement.  Attendees will participate in active discussion about the physical, mental and emotional benefits of yoga as well as experience breath work and basic yoga flows.

Steve Started teaching D.A.R.E. in 1994 for the Hayward Police Department and currently is teaching in 27 schools and approximately 84 fifth grade classrooms. He is also the California D.A.R.E. Coordinator

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One pill can kill – Fentanyl Panel

Overdose is a leading cause of death in the United States – the majority involving opioids. In recent years, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl have become a major driver of this epidemic. Fentanyl is many times stronger than heroin, and it is often present in counterfeit versions of prescription pills without the knowledge of the person taking it. Our panelists will each share stories from their unique perspectives and experiences related to fentanyl – a parent, a child, a D.A.R.E. Officer, and a Narcotics Detective.

Detective Masone has been employed as a Police Officer with the Torrance Police Department for approximately ten years.  For over the last six years, he has diligently worked with the major narcotics unit in the Special Investigations Division assigned as a Vice and Narcotics Detective.  Detective Masone has investigated and lead hundreds of narcotics investigations partnered with investigators from D.E.A., F.B.I., H.S.I., and U.S.P.I.S. culminating successful outcomes. For the past year, he has focused on public education displaying the disguise and deception of fraudulent prescription medication, fentanyl awareness, the extreme potency and addictiveness of opiates, how to be prepared in case of an overdose emergency, and how fentanyl is being sold on social media platforms.

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One pill can kill – Fentanyl Panel

Overdose is a leading cause of death in the United States – the majority involving opioids. In recent years, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl have become a major driver of this epidemic. Fentanyl is many times stronger than heroin, and it is often present in counterfeit versions of prescription pills without the knowledge of the person taking it. Our panelists will each share stories from their unique perspectives and experiences related to fentanyl – a parent, a child, a D.A.R.E. Officer, and a Narcotics Detective.

Crissy Groenewegen

Director, Parent Action Network

Crissy Groenewegen serves as the Director of the Parent Action Network. She comes from a counseling, education and prevention background and has spent the last five years as a community prevention educator, coalition coordinator and Director of a small non-profit agency dedicated to preventing youth initiation into substance use and misuse. She is a skilled prevention specialist, experienced at building the capacity of small grass roots community groups and movements. She is passionate about making a difference in our communities and working to make our neighborhoods safe for youth and families. The decision to take on this role comes from a place of great respect for the advocacy work that SAM does. She shares SAM’s mission and vision of creating a network of parents and families who will be able to tell their stories, and in turn educate lawmakers, and advocate for safe policies surrounding the issue of legalized marijuana and the dangers of the new high potency THC analogs. Crissy is the mother of three adult children and lives in Dutchess County, NY with her husband, their two dogs and two cats.

Presenter: Crissy Groenewegen, Corinne La Marca 

Presentation Summary: 

Parent Action Network (PAN), is an initiative of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) and was created to empower those having experiences with a loved one’s marijuana use to advocate for healthy drug policies by arming them with education and information. This presentation will give an overview of how PAN can assist and support families and communities by giving them the tools and strategies they need to strengthen their confidence in telling their stories. The presentation will also provide a brief overview of marijuana, nicotine vaping, and other mind-altering substances. PAN’s project partner, Jennifer’s Messengers will provide an overview of the dangers of driving under the influence of marijuana. The presentation will conclude with an overview of tips and tools parents and other adults can use to identify signs and symptoms of possible substance use.

Bio: RETRO BILL – Beverly Hills, CA is currently one of the most in-demand Kindergarten through 12th Grade Motivational Speakers in North America. He is currently celebrating his 21st year as a part of the D.A.R.E. Family. Retro Bill’s (in-person and virtual presentations) are unique, energetic and motivational. He is a highly in-demand speaker covering topics such as anti-bullying, character education, career planning, peace building, conflict resolution, safety tips, customer service and good citizenship. He orients his programs for his specific audiences, which include all ages (Children, Adults, Families) Law Enforcement, School Safety Personnel, Educators and employees working within the Airlines, Hotel and Food Service Industry.

RETRO BILL has literally spoken to MILLIONS of FANS Worldwide! He has delivered presentations in all 50 States and throughout all of the Provinces of Canada.  He’s received countless accolades from Government, Educational, Law Enforcement, Corporate and Entertainment Business dignitaries and organizations. CNN’s Larry King called RETRO BILL “a supercharged Mr. Rogers for the 21st Century.”  High compliments indeed.

RETRO BILL is a Graduate of the University of Southern California School of Cinema-Television. He attended USC on a scholarship from Director/Producer Steven Spielberg. RETRO BILL (aka Director/Writer/Producer Bill Russ) directed the Award-Winning film “The Last Ride” (starring Academy-Award Winning actor Ben Johnson). RETRO BILL (Bill Russ) has also directed television commercials, tv specials and numerous music videos (including videos for Kenny G, Michael McDonald, Michael Bolton and Patti Austin to mention a few).  RETRO BILL also directed and starred in the Award-Winning “D.A.R.E. Safety Tips starring RETRO BILL” video, which has been utilized by D.A.R.E. Officers Worldwide since 2001, and remains a HUGE HIT with Grades K-5 students in every classroom it is shown in to this day

Presentation description: This General Session Presented by RETRO BILL – The Official International D.A.R.E. Safety & Self-Esteem Buddy is the perfect opening day of the Conference Motivator!  Celebrating his 25th year as a Motivational Speaker for K-12 Students, Law Eneforcement and Educators, RETRO BILL will bring the “WOW” to ALL in attendance!  His Presentation is informative, motivational, entertaining and visually vibrant. He leaves you with a lasting positive impact that will aid in improving the effectiveness of D.A.R.E. Officers teaching in the Classroom, and he provides new and creative ways to make a powerful prevention connection with K-12 youth! Get ready for an unforgettable time with RETRO BILL as he uses instructable props, humor and dramatic true stories collected from 25 years of experience speaking in schools throughout the United States, Canada and other Countries. He will Lift the Spirits of and Super-Charge all who attend his one-of-kind Keynote Motivational Presention. You will laugh, cry, and be inspired by a D.A.R.E. Conference favorite, and see firsthand why CNN (among others) have referred to RETRO BILL as a “Supercharged 21st Century Mr. Rogers!” 

Dick Clayton was on the faculty in Sociology at the University of Kentucky (1970-2000). In 1977-78 he was a Visiting Scientist at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) helping develop the research agenda on drugs and crime. In 1987 he became Principal Investigator and Director of the Center for Prevention Research, the first prevention center funded by NIDA. In 1991 he was one of the founders of the Society for Prevention Research, was host for the first annual conference in 1993, and served as its second president. In 2001 he accepted an appointment as the Good Samaritan Foundation Endowed Chair of Health Education and Health Promotion in the College of Medicine. He helped establish the College of Public Health in 2004 and became the Associate Dean for Research and Chair of the Department of Health Behavior. In 2012 he was a Visiting Scientist at Jigsaw: The National Centre for Youth Mental Health in Dublin, Ireland. In 2013 he became Professor Emeritus. He is a member of the D.A.R.E. Board of Directors and Chair of the D.A.R.E. Scientific Advisory Board.

In 2024, D.A.R.E. will celebrate its 40th anniversary. It is likely most people think they know what D.A.R.E. is and what it does. In many cases, that perception is neither accurate nor current. D.A.R.E. is a dynamic organization that has undergone significant changes in the last 40 years. The Talking Points provided in this presentation will help D.A.R.E. Officers explain to parents, teachers, school administrators, and civic organizations a better understanding of exactly what D.A.R.E. is and does, and why D.A.R.E. is a good fit for the community’s needs for school-based, curriculum-driven prevention. 

 Instructor Biography: 

As a teacher for 12 years, Esther Lau has taught at Magnet Charter, Private, and Public Schools in California, and has worked with grades 2, 4, 5, and 6. She holds a G.A.T.E (Gifted and Talented Education) and is a Google Certified Instructor. Currently, she teaches 4^th Grade APAAS (Alternative Program for Academically Advanced Students) in the Irvine Unified School District where she infuses multiple platforms of technology throughout the day to engage her students. She is a graduate of the D.A.R.E program herself, and has worked with D.A.R.E. officers in Irvine for four years. In particular, during that time frame, she collaborated with the officers to launch a Bike Ride celebration for all of the students and parents in the community to culminate the year. While navigating through COVID’s primal Distance Teaching phase, she worked with the officers to create their first videos to motivate, encourage students, and assisted in the creation of a new platform of pedagogy with online content to engage students.

The children of today live in a paradoxical dichotomy of being overly-engaged, yet so disengaged all at the same time.  On the surface of a student, we either see a contrast of the nonchalant, disengaged, stooped over the desk silhouette, or the highly combative, attention seeking, hyper-active, or worse: all of the above.

In an era where our children’s minds are flooded with expectations, deadlines, social media, social norm expectations, home life, responsibilities (the list goes on), it can be hard to authentically deliver a lesson that reaches students on all different levels. Their minds are often too preoccupied and it can seem almost impossible to push forward in our lesson when our biggest obstacles seem to be the challenging student in front of us. 

Yet, in so many ways, students are universally similar and there are proven methods and strategies to reach even the most disengaged children.

Join Esther Lau for a session where we explore a hands-on approach, effective classroom management strategies, and how to integrate technology (collaborative websites, gamification, “app smashing” and AI) into the classroom to make your lessons more effective and reach all students!

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Human Trafficking Training providing meaningful content intended to educate participants on common types of human trafficking, how to identify potential victims and traffickers, how to react to and report potential trafficking, and what resources are available to victims.

Human trafficking in the past has been a hidden crime. As a DARE officer, you have the opportunity through your work with the schools, their staff, students, parents, and the community.    

Jim is a recognized Practitioner through the National Association of School Resource Officers, was a past Executive Board Member for the Maryland Association of School Resource Officers, and the past President of the Maryland D.A.R.E. Officer Association. Jim still serves as his agency’s representative to the Maryland D.A.R.E. program. 

In 2015 Jim was honored to be recognized as the Maryland D.A.R.E. Officer of the Year.