Client List
2007-2008 Schedule

About Us

Jeffrey S. Wolfsberg and Associates, Inc. is a privately owned consulting firm that works with independent secondary schools (K-12), colleges and universities worldwide to design, implement and sustain effective prevention strategies for the reduction of underage drinking, drug use, and bullying among children and adolescents. The approach is grounded in scientific literature on prevention, resiliency, positive youth development, developmental assets, and risk and protective factors which research has identified as critical for young people's successful growth.

Overview of Our Approach (Our Model)

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Prevention is more than random good acts, done with the hope of touching “just one person.” Addressing substance use and abuse in school begins with early childhood education and continues through high school. Research and our professional experience informs us that an effective prevention strategy is better understood not as a single approach, but rather a portfolio of approaches to reduce underage drinking and other drug use. A single approach to drug prevention can not meet the norms of every school community or the needs of every student. Adolescent substance use and abuse is a complex social problem requiring the hard work of systems change and committed individuals. Moving beyond “quick and easy,” schools and communities are encouraged to build multi-dimensional programs with intensity and duration.

While many look for a simple solution to address problems associated with underage drinking and drug use, no simple solution is forthcoming. The complexities surrounding underage drinking and drug use are clear, similarly, the strategies toward providing solutions are complex. A well conceived, comprehensive alcohol and other drug prevention strategy is a major undertaking, and one which requires substantive commitment to its planning, preparation, implementation, and sustenance. Coordinated, long-term efforts hold the best possibilities for making a permanent and meaningful difference in alcohol misuse and other related problems.

Key Features of Our Approach:

Universal (a school-wide effort)
Systems-oriented AND individual-oriented
Focused on changing norms and behavior
Research-based
Combining both prevention and health promotion activities
NOT time-limited: Requires systematic efforts over time

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Our Beliefs & Goals

We work to increase understanding of drugs and their effects, support responsible behavior, and reduce risk and harm.
We identify all students as being at risk, as drug use is endemic in our culture and world.
We respect the rights of all students to make choices regarding their lives and drug use.
We believe that creating mutually respectful relationships is key to providing effective health education. This means we respect, value and build upon the knowledge students already have. (see our pedagogy)
Drug use does not = drug problem. Drug use does = risk.
Risky behavior does not = problem.
We believe all students need to explore alcohol and other drug-related issues. All students will either use drugs or know and be affected by someone who does.
We are committed to providing complete information. We believe that the science of substance use, accurately reported, contains the most honest and effective prevention messages.
We believe demonizing and romanticizing of the realities of drug use are equally dangerous.
We believe in focusing on the nature of the relationship between the person and the drug or process.
We believe youth must feel ownership of the discussions. If we are successful at creating open dialogue, students will ask for what they need.

Classroom Approach (Inside the classroom)

The classroom approach is a synthesis of constructivist pedagogy and Rogerian counseling theory.

Experiences (learning) are constructed around one or two primary concepts – big ideas – rather than a long list of facts and statistics.
Big ideas are explored, not covered, in the natural and spontaneous context of the student’s own thinking and life.
The student’s point of view is explored, misconceptions are uncovered, and inconsistencies between their notions and new data are confronted.
The instructor structures plans to allow more exploration, add complexity, and help students negotiate ambivalence in their own thinking.[i]

The use of the personal narrative can be a powerful educational tool. The credibility of our instructors is based on solid classroom and counseling experience. Instructors build rapport and gain the respect of students by being authentic, genuine, and appropriate with their experiences - whether they include a history with substances or not. They listen to students and create a classroom environment that fosters openness and reflection.

“The facilitation of significant learning rests upon certain attitudinal qualities that exist in the personal relationship between facilitator and learner” — Carl Rogers

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Founder - Jeffrey S. Wolfsberg

As founder of Jeffrey S. Wolfsberg and Associates, Inc. Jeff reminds us that excellence in drug education is about the transfer of emotion, not just facts. Facts are a necessary condition, but they are rarely sufficient. Ideas – especially those that move students and parents to action – usually have more impact when the originator of that idea conveys the message via the spoken word with authenticity and credibility.

For years, Jeff’s firm has been helping independent secondary schools, colleges, and universities create effective and sustained approaches to reducing the harms associated with underage drinking and teen drug use. His firm’s client list includes some of the best known independent schools and colleges in the world.

Jeff has been featured in TIME Magazine, Independent School Magazine, The Educational Digest, Fox News, Boston Globe, Boston Herald, National Public Radio; he even got a call from Oprah! (She hasn’t yet called back.) His down-to-earth style, practical advice, sense of humor, and narrative approach to speaking make his ideas clear and accessible to adult and student audiences.

“Jeff brings to his presentations a grounded understanding of what it is like working with and parenting children. He injects humor into his presentations and leaves us with much to ponder.”

- Holly Scott, Executive Director, PACT Cleveland, OH

“Jeff forges a powerful relationship with students. I think of him as an advocate for our students. He’s a trusted member of our school community. He’s more than a consultant to the Williams School.”

-Loren Sterman, School Counselor, The Williams School, New London, CT

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Faculty
	Susan Porter, LICSW, Ph.D. Ms. Porter is currently in private practice as an educational consultant and supervisor. She has worked at boarding and day schools on both the East and West coast. Until recently, she was the School Counselor and Wellness Coordinator at The Winsor School in Boston, Massachusetts. Ms. Porter presents to parents on what they can expect from their children at different stages of adolescence. She also presents on specific topics like sexuality, communication between parents and teens, letting go (for parents around graduation). She also presents to faculty on similar subjects. She can consult to administrative teams about team building, dealing with faculty/parents, and discipline. Areas of expertise: Developmental Psychology, Health and Wellness, Sexuality and Human Development, Parenting, and School Systems
	Michelle Kriebel Michelle has been positively influencing students for over twenty years. After working with students in administrative roles at both the college and high school level, she now presents and consults nationwide, sharing her energy, creativity, and passion. Her ability to connect with both students and parents alike makes her a powerful speaker and teacher on the topic of alcohol and drug prevention and teen issues. Michelle received her B.A. in Psychology from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA, and M.Ed. in College Counseling and Student Development from the University of Delaware. Michelle has written a handbook titled "The First Semester: Preparing for College Life" for Educational Video Programming, Inc. and has also written a parent guide for the "First Semester" program. Areas of expertise: Student Leadership Development, Team Building, Transition to High School, and Transition to College.
	Elenie Tsarhopoulos, Ed.M, Integrative Health & Wellness Specialist Elenie Tsarhopoulos, Ed.M, is certified as a health education specialist (CHES), holistic health counselor (CHHC), and Massachusetts health education teacher. Elenie is completing her doctoral studies at Boston University's School of Education with a specialization in Counseling Psychology. As a professional integrative health & wellness educator, coach, and speaker, Elenie assists independent school and college/university students, administration and faculty as well as individuals, groups, families, and corporations in designing and implementing integrative health and wellness programs with the following specialized content areas: holistic nutrition, healthy relationships, life and career transitions, stress reduction, and meditative mindfulness. As a knowledgeable and engaging speaker, Elenie strives to be a dynamic agent of health change and is passionate about helping others gain a greater sense of awareness about the power every person has to create a higher quality of life. Her mission is to assist as many as possible to live their BEST HEALTH EVER! Areas of expertise: Holistic Nutrition, Food Politics, Sexuality and Human Development, and Stress Management
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Client List and 2007-2008 Schedule

Fall Semester

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The Highland School, VA - September 5-7, 2007
3 Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar
Instructor: Kriebel

Crespi Carmelite High School, CA – September 10-14, 2007
5 Day Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar
Instructor: Wolfsberg

Milton Academy, MA – September 19
Assembly
Instructor: Wolfsberg

Buckingham, Browne, and Nichols, MA September 20-21, 27
Junior Class Workshop
Instructor: Wolfsberg

St. Paul’s School for Boys, MD – September 24-27, 2007
4 Day Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar
Instructor: Wolfsberg

The Fay School, MA – October 1, 2007
Assembly: When Bad Things Happen to a Good Kid
Instructor: Wolfsberg and Wolfsberg

The Sturgis School, MA – October 2-5, 2007
4 Day Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar
Instructor: Wolfsberg

The Peddie School, NJ – October 8-11, 2007
4 Day Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar
Instructor: Wolfsberg

Augusta Prep, GA – October 22-25, 2007
4 Day Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar
Instructor: Wolfsberg

Chaminade High School, CA – October 22-26, 2007
5 Day Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar
Instructor: Kriebel

Battleground Academy, TN – October 29-November 2, 2007
5 Day Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar
Instructor: Wolfsberg

The Rivers School, MA – November 5-8, 207
4 Day Nutrition and Human Development Seminar
Instructor: Wolfsberg

Collegiate School, VA – November 6-9, 2007
4 Day Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar
Instructor: Wolfsberg

Miami Valley School, OH – November 13-16, 2007
4 Day Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar
Instructor: Wolfsberg

American Embassy School, New Delhi, India November 26-December 7, 2007
10 Day Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar
Instructor: Porter

The Rivers School, MA – November 27-30, 2007
4 Day Middle School Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar
Instructor: Wolfsberg

St. Margaret’s School, VA – November 27-30, 2007
4 Day Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar
Instructor: Kriebel

LaSalle Academy, RI – December 3-6, 2007
4 Day Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar
Instructor: Wolfsberg

Xaverian Brothers High School, MA – December 10-13, 2007
4 Day Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar
Instructor: Wolfsberg

Spring Semester 2008

The Hammond School, SC – January 8-11, 2008
4 Day Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar
Instructor: Wolfsberg

The Highland School, VA – January 14 and 15, 2008
2 Day Substance Abuse In-Service
Instructor: Kriebel

The Williams School, CT – January 14-18, 2008
5 Day Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar
Instructor: Wolfsberg

The Rivers Upper School, MA – January 22-25, 2008
4 Day Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar
Instructor: Wolfsberg

The Peddie School, NJ – January 28-31, 2008
4 Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar
Instructor: Wolfsberg

Chaminade Middle School, CA – February 4-8, 2008
5 Day Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar
Instructor: Wolfsberg

The Prout School, MA – February 11-15, 2008
5 Day Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar
Instructor: Wolfsberg and Conlan

St. Michael’s Country Day School, RI – February 19-22, 2008
4 Day Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar
Instructor: Wolfsberg

The Rivers Upper School, MA – February 19-22, 2008
4 Day Human Development Seminar
Instructor: Wolfsberg

St. Christopher’s School, VA – February 25-28, 2008
4 Day Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar
Instructor: Wolfsberg

Haverford School, PA – March 3-7, 2008
5 Day Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar
Instructor: Wolfsberg

Friends Select School, PA – March 10-14, 2008
5 Day Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar
Instructor: Wolfsberg

Xaverian Brothers High School, MA – March 17-20, 2008
4 Day Substance Abuser Prevention Seminar
Instructor: Wolfsberg

Scituate High School, MA – March 28, 2008
Assembly
Instructor: Wolfsberg

Blake School, MN – March 31-April 4, 2008
5 Day Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar
Instructor: Wolfsberg

St. Paul Academy and Summit School, MN – April 7-11, 2008
5 Day Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar
Instructor: Wolfsberg

The Meadows School, NV – April 14-17, 2008
4 Day Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar
Instructor: Wolfsberg

The Meadows Upper School, NV – April 18, 2008
College Bound Presentation
Instructor: Wolfsberg

The Williams School, CT – April 21, 2008
College Bound Presentation
Instructor: Wolfsberg

Belmont Hill School, MA – April 22-25, 2008
4 Day Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar
Instructor: Wolfsberg

TMI – Episcopal School of Texas, TX – April 29 – May 2, 2008
4 Day Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar
Instructor: Wolfsberg

Germantown Friends School, PA – May 5-9, 2008
5 Day Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar
Instructor: Wolfsberg

Flint Hill School, VA – May 12-16, 2008
4 Day Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar and Parent Academy
Instructor: Wolfsberg and Koestner

Baylor School, TN – May 19-23, 2008
5 Day Substance Abuse Prevention Seminar
Instructor: Wolfsberg

Prout School, RI – May 27 and 28, 2008
College Bound
Instructor: Wolfsberg

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