To All Who Are Concerned:

I worked closely with Jeff for ten years in my role as an independent school counselor. I left the independent school at which we met about two years ago, so our paths have not crossed much. He continued on as a consultant for the school after my departure, a fact for which I was grateful.

In all the years I worked with Jeff, I found him to be a zealous protector of children. There were many situations where Jeff would come in and be seen as a sanctuary for children who had something difficult to say and couldn’t say it to a person they would see every day. Jeff never promised confidentiality, reporting those situations that were mandated and helping me tune in to those students who needed extra attention and weren’t on the radar. When necessary he would speak to the Head of School to make sure that all bases were touched.

His presentations to parents were thoughtful treatises on helping their children delay their relationship with drugs and alcohol, quoting experts in the field and referring to the most recent research. He and his work fostered trust among administrators, parents and students.

When I started at the school, there was another alcohol and drug educator. A very nice man, well credentialed, who the students would avoid at all costs. I’m sure they learned in his classes, but there was no connection. In order to have children think about changing behavior, there has to be a connection made and the students looked forward to Jeff’s programming as an opportunity to ask questions that they didn’t feel they could ask in other settings without putting themselves at risk.

In a cost cutting age, Jeff was the one expense that was looked at as an investment in the safety and well-being of the students. A decision that I heartily endorse.

Work with Jeff and enjoy a level of professionalism and care for students and families that is hard to match!

                                              Loren,   Independent School Counselor