Pathways 2 Prevention

From Peer Educator to Prevention Leader: Experience as Your Superpower

In this episode of Pathways to Prevention, we explore prevention leadership from a different angle — lived experience that doesn’t come from a degree program, but from doing the work, showing up, and growing through real-world practice.Dave sits down with Emily Parsons, Assistant Director of Health Promotion at the University of Tampa, to talk about her journey from student peer educator to campus prevention leader. Together, they unpack imposter syndrome, non-traditional career paths, mentorship, creativity in prevention work, and why experience and passion often matter just as much as credentials.This conversation is especially meaningful for anyone who has ever looked at a job description and thought, “I’m not sure I fit that box” — yet continues to lead, serve, and make an impact anyway.You’ll hear practical insights on developing student leaders, supervising with curiosity, building confidence, and creating meaningful prevention programming in higher education settings.Key themes in this episode include:• Prevention careers that start outside public health degrees• Mentorship and being seen for your potential• Leading with curiosity instead of having all the answers• Turning imposter syndrome into growth• Why creativity and connection drive student engagement• Supporting staff and students through development conversations• Letting experience — not just credentials — shape leadershipIf you work in prevention, higher education, student wellness, or coalition leadership, this episode offers practical encouragement and grounded wisdom you can apply right away.Subscribe and share with a colleague who is growing into their leadership voice.Learn more and explore resources at dfaf.orgDrug Free America Foundation Links:WebsiteFacebookInstagramYouTube

Where Grief, Maternal Health, and Prevention Meet: A Conversation with Mai Waller

When we talk about prevention, most people think about youth programs, policy change, or school-based education. But prevention also starts in a hospital room, in a living room at 3 a.m. when a parent wonders, “Is this normal?”, and in the quiet after pregnancy or infant loss when families are left to figure out what comes next—often alone.In this episode of Pathways 2 Prevention, Dave sits down with Mai (Maiye) Waller, founder and executive director of the Mace Anthony Williamson Foundation and leader of The Doula Project Resource. Out of the preventable loss of her son, Mace Anthony, Mai chose to become the resource she always wished existed for other families.Together, they explore how community-based doulas, grief-informed care, and culturally grounded support before, during, and after pregnancy are powerful forms of substance use prevention, mental health promotion, and family strengthening.In this episode, we cover:Mai’s journey from grieving mom to founder and executive director of a national nonprofitWhat a doula really is (and is not)How The Doula Project supports families before, during, and long after birthWhy a 3 a.m. “Is this normal?” text is prevention workHow grief, trauma, racism, and isolation increase risk for substance use and mental health challengesThe role of culturally grounded, community-based doulas in reducing maternal and infant health inequitiesWhat “good collaboration” with lived experience leaders should actually look likeConcrete ways prevention coalitions and maternal health advocates can lock arms in the next 2–3 yearsWho this episode is for:Prevention coalition members and state leadersMaternal and child health practitionersDoulas, nurses, social workers, and peer specialistsAnyone who has experienced pregnancy or infant loss or walks alongside those who haveConnect with The Mace Anthony Williamson Foundation:Website: https://www.themawfoundation.org/National Prevention Summit 2026Drug Free America Foundation Links:WebsiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitterIf this conversation resonates, share it with a colleague in prevention, maternal health, or public health—and invite a doula to your next coalition meeting.

The Road to the Youth Declaration: Mobilizing a Global Youth Movement

In this episode of Pathways to Prevention, host Dave Closson spotlights a powerful youth-led global effort: the Youth Declaration on Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery.What began as a spark at a CND side event in Vienna grew into a global core youth group, a multi-country survey, and a declaration that centers one clear message: nothing about us without us.Dave is joined by youth leaders and organizers from across the world, including Cressida (World Federation Against Drugs), Sana, Fuhaira, and Muhammad (Pakistan Youth Organization). Together, they unpack how this declaration came to life, what they learned from youth in 60+ countries, and why meaningful youth participation must be treated as a design principle—not a box to tick.---------------If you are a youth leader or work with youth-serving organizations, this episode is your invitation to:Read the Youth Declaration and its full report to see where your current work already aligns with the six recommendations.Share your story: If you’re already taking action that reflects the declaration—programs, policies, campaigns, or peer-led initiatives—send your activities and outcomes to info@wfad.se for possible inclusion in an upcoming global youth declaration web magazine.Create real seats at the table: In your organization, community, or network, ask where youth are currently informed versus where they are truly involved in decision-making.Resources MentionedYouth Declaration on Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery – full text and data reportWorld Federation Against Drugs (WFAD) – declaration partners and hosts of the global youth web magazinePakistan Youth Organization – a youth-focused organization that helped conceptualize and drive the declaration

It’s Never Too Late: Hope, Help, and Healing for Older Adults in Recovery

Dave Closson sits down with Terry Gerlach, Supervisor of Clinical Services at Hazelden Betty Ford in Naples, to explore recovery and mental health in older adults. Terry shares her career pivot from corporate banking to clinical work, the power of holistic care that treats substance use and mental health together, and practical ways families and providers can recognize risk, strengthen protective factors, and support lasting recovery. The conversation dives into shame versus guilt, “taking your power back,” trauma-informed healing, and small habit shifts that build hopeful momentum at any age.Key takeawaysRecovery has no age limit. It’s never too late to ask for help and rebuild a meaningful life.Treat both substance use and mental health together. A holistic approach closes harmful care “silos.”Older adults face unique risk factors: loss, identity shifts, social isolation, mobility changes, and medication complexity.Protective factors matter: sober support, faith, movement, purposeful activity, and service or mentorship.Shift from shame to guilt. Shame attacks identity. Guilt focuses on behaviors you can change.“Take your power back.” Focus on what you can control today. One day at a time counts.Family and providers can be bridges. Notice subtle cues, stay connected, offer options without judgment.Small practices, big impact: affirmations, breathwork, gratitude, “habit stacking,” and boundaries to prevent compassion fatigue.Topics covered- Holistic treatment: integrated care for substance use and mental health- Levels of care: residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient- Older adult programming and considerations- Risk and protective factors for older adults- Shame vs. guilt and practical self-forgiveness routines- Trauma-informed care: EMDR, nervous system work- Family roles, early cues, and supportive conversations- Provider self-care and boundaries to avoid compassion fatigue- Simple daily practices: gratitude, affirmations, measured breathing, limiting negative media, transitional ritualsNotable quotes- “It is never too late to get help. Help is available. You are worth saving.” — Terry- “Take your power back by focusing on what you can control—today.”- “Hope has no age limit.”Resources mentioned- Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation- Falling Upward by Richard Rohr- The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk- Atomic Habits by James Clear- VolunteerMatch.org for purpose-building opportunities-National Prevention Summit 2026Drug Free America Foundation Links:WebsiteFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitter

Helping Teens Make Better Choices: A Conversation with Jason Dorr

In this episode of Pathways 2 Prevention, Dave Closson sits down with Jason Dorr, a longtime youth mentor and prevention educator from More2Life. With nearly two decades of experience working with teens in schools, churches, and communities, Jason shares how his passion for helping youth make positive choices has shaped his work—and the lives of countless young people.Together, Dave and Jason explore:✔️ How prevention and youth development go hand in hand✔️ What it takes to truly engage teens in meaningful conversations✔️ Why social media, substance use, and relationships are essential topics to address✔️ How parents can build trust and open communication with their kids✔️ The ripple effect of making one good choice—and the power of one caring adultWhether you’re a parent, educator, prevention leader, or someone who cares about the next generation, this episode offers practical insights, real-world stories, and encouragement to keep showing up.Links: https://www.m2l.org/ http://www.facebook.com/#!/more2lifeflhttps://www.instagram.com/more2lifefl/https://www.dfaf.org/