Schools & Organizations

Colby has served as the Program Coordinator for Gambling Prevention as well as the Program Coordinator for Youth Development for a Syracuse based Prevention agency. His expertise is on drugs and drug addiction, he has taught classes for NYS addiction counselor credentialing on drug education, addiction and gambling prevention. His goal for youth is to help change the world one youth at a time by teaching them "real life skills" that will enrich their lives and enable them to become successful adults. Additional work experience included, the County of Oswego Council on Alcoholism and Addictions as a Gambling Prevention Specialist.

Colby has a strong back ground in Criminal Justice. He was an Assistant Director for five years at a Federal Re-entry Center for inmates and has spent several years working with troubled youth at Elmcrest Children's Center.

Colby is currently working on his Masters Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia College. He spends most of his free time volunteering at Abundant Life Christian Center, The Rescue Mission and TeenChallenge.

I have been on the news, in the newspapers in schools, community centers, and various other speaking events all on the topic of drugs and addictions. I have spoken to thousands of adults and teens. I have taught and written drug education courses for people hoping to receive their CASAC. I feel this is extremely important. Every teen is touched by drugs in one way or another. I want to bring the wisdom I've shared with the world, into the schools. I want to have a open discussion with young people about the dangers of drugs, why you choose to do drugs, the consequences, and what I have seen and experienced in my life and through my years of being a drug educator. I believe with all my heart, that we are in a war with drugs; a war that is killing our youth and I want to fight back. Young people need other options, they need a safe space to talk openly about this topic. In order to get to the root of the problems they are facing that may lead to drug abuse, they need to be able to ask questions and voice their concerns without fear of being judged.

I also give the youth tools to use instead of drugs, such as coping skills, the power of positive thinking; a positive mind anticipates happiness, joy, health and a successful future. I offer goal setting, long and short term goals; in order to have a future we must have goals and know where we are going. One of the most important things I believe is in the power "choices" most of us take our choices for granted, we need to know how to make a choice, what it can lead to, and to ascertain if it takes us closer to or further from our goals.

Immediately after any workshop I present to young people, I would like to meet with parents. This will provide a similar opportunity to have a open discussion about drugs and to give them a brief education on drugs specific to their geographic location, schools, churches, and communities. At this time I'll also discuss warning signs on what to look for and what to do if their youth or his or her friend is on drugs. Other topics will include: Why youth do drugs in the first place (this part would bring the youth perspective and comes from years and years of talking to youth and just asking them why?).