ProfNet Experts Available on Sandra Bland, Highway Trust Fund, Student Loans, More
Also in This Edition: Jobs for Writers, Media Industry Blog Posts
NEW YORK, July 29, 2015 Below are experts from the ProfNet network that are available to discuss timely issues in your coverage area.
You can also submit a query to the hundreds of thousands of experts in our network – it's easy and free! Just fill out the query form to get started: http://prn.to/alertswire.
EXPERT ALERTS
- Highway Trust Fund: Updated Transportation Network a Necessity
- If Sandra Bland Were White, Statistics Show She'd Be Alive Today
- Student Loan Discharge a Question of Public Policy
- October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
EXPERT ROUNDUP
- National Bullying Prevention Month (39 experts)
MEDIA JOBS
- Media Partnerships Editor – NerdWallet (CA)
- Promotions Producer – WHYY (PA)
- Freelance Writer/Producer – WABC-TV (NY)
OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES
- White Papers: Seven Challenges (and How to Overcome Them)
- Seven Cool Blog Tools Every Blogger Must Try
- Steps to Self-Publishing Your Book
EXPERT ALERTS:
Highway Trust Fund: Updated Transportation Network a Necessity
Steve Handschuh
President and CEO
Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association
As reporters continue to cover the Highway Trust Fund, Handschuh can offer perspective from the U.S. motor vehicle parts manufacturing industry: "A strong infrastructure is a shared resource and a shared responsibility. A safe and efficient transportation system is a fundamental requirement of a vibrant economy. With new safety technologies on the horizon, such as advanced emergency braking, lane keeping devices, and V2V and V2X a modern, an updated transportation network will be required. With poor road conditions contributing to more than one-third of all highway fatalities, and highway crashes costing Americans more than $230 billion annually, according to NHTSA, there is work to be done. In order for the U.S. economy to continue growing, we cannot overemphasize the importance of a strong infrastructure to keep people mobile and safe."
As an automotive industry veteran of more than 35 years, Handschuh can provide the automotive suppliers' perspective on the impact of continued delays to this legislation. He can also address the need for a stronger political will to implement long-term funding solutions through the gas tax, public-private partnerships and/or an infrastructure bank. The U.S. motor vehicle parts manufacturing segment represents 3% of the U.S. GDP and directly employs more than 734,000 U.S. workers in the automotive OE, aftermarket, heavy vehicle and remanufactured parts industries, which is the largest sector of manufacturing jobs in the U.S. MEMA's 1,000+ members include some of the industry's most renowned suppliers and represents large, small and medium-size businesses that help stimulate economic growth in communities across the country.
ProfNet Profile: http://www.profnetconnect.com/steve_handschuh
Website: http://www.mema.org
Contact: Nicole Burdiss, [email protected]
If Sandra Bland Were White, Statistics Show She'd Be Alive Today
Lisa Durden
Pop Culture/Political Commentator
"The dash-cam video of Bland's confrontation with a Texas State Trooper shows the demise of an American woman who posed absolutely no threat to anyone. Unfortunately, data shows that had she been a white woman, Bland would have had a greater chance of being alive today. For example, one alarming statistic from the Sentencing Project states that 'black women were more than three times as likely as white women to be incarcerated in prison or jail.'"
Durden is a sought-after African American pop culture/political commentator booked to share her "keep it real," "straight no chaser" view on all things hot topics. She appears on Fox 5 News Live at 6 p.m. with Ernie Anastos and as a regular expert guest on nationally syndicated network radio and shows like FOX 5's "The Morning Show with Mike & Juliet," FoxNews.com's "The Strategy Room," Comcast's "It's Your Call: With Lynn Doyle," My9 News and more.
Website: http://www.lisadurden.com
Contact: Mark Goldman, [email protected]
Student Loan Discharge a Question of Public Policy
Sid Scheinberg
Bankruptcy Attorney
Godwin Lewis, PC, Dallas
With public support for student loan forgiveness gaining momentum, many people drowning in debt have newfound hope. However, true reforms cannot happen without a change in public policy. Says Scheinberg: "In creating the bankruptcy laws, the federal government gave itself preferred creditor status, where its interest has greater protections than other creditors. There are very few means currently where you would be able to have your pre-2010 federally backed student loan discharged in a bankruptcy. There is a specific three-prong test that you must prove, and those standards are very hard to prove even for those in what you would consider a 'dire' financial situation. When the guaranteed loan program ended, it created a large group that may never be able to repay their loans, but making the payments, while painful for them, is still possible. So until the federal government is willing to compromise on its preferred status, a lot of people with student loans are going to have very limited options."
Contact: Rhonda Reddick, [email protected]
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Joy Guinn Shabandar, NCC, Ph.D.
Department Chair, Behavioral Sciences; Assistant Professor
Argosy University, Los Angeles
"Domestic violence continues to be a part of life for men, women, and children. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence states that one in five women and one in seven men experience some form of physical abuse in their lifetime. Victims of domestic violence need non-judgmental support and concrete resources provided to them on how to make themselves and their family safe."
Dr. Shabandar has worked with victims of domestic violence and their families since 1996. She is a National Certified Counselor in addition to holding a doctoral degree in counseling. She has been licensed and practiced counseling in four states. She has also acted as an expert witness in cases involving domestic violence. Dr. Shabandar specializes in treatment of sexual assault, addiction, and mental illness. She supervises student interns entering into the counseling profession and teaches courses related to forensic psychology and counseling psychology.
Contact: Ryan C. Smith, [email protected]
EXPERT ROUNDUP: National Bullying Prevention Month
With National Bullying Prevention Month coming up in October, we put together a roundup of experts from the ProfNet network who are available to discuss bullying. You can also view the full roundup here: http://prn.to/bullyingexperts
With National Bullying Prevention Month coming up in October, following is a roundup of experts from the ProfNet network who are available to discuss bullying and related issues:
Eliza Kingsford, M.A., LPC
Executive Director
Wellspring Camps
"If you are worried your child is being bullied, the best thing you can do is create a relationship with them that promotes open communication. If your children know they can come to you when they are struggling with something (good or bad), and that you will actively listen to them and offer your support and guidance, they are more likely to give you the clues you need to be aware of what's going on. The more you know your children and their friends, the more likely it is that you'll be aware of the signs."
Kingsford is a licensed psychotherapist specializing in weight management, body image and eating disorders. An experienced speaker and presenter, she has appeared on various television shows ("Dr. Phil," "Dr. Drew" and "Dr. Oz"), at national conferences and workshops, and in various publications. A member of the Obesity Action Coalition, Kingsford is passionate about changing health reform to include better treatment options for obesity and serves on various OAC committees. She is available to discuss weight-based bullying, defining bullying, types of bullying, how to talk to your child about bullying, and do's and don'ts when your child is being bullied.
Contact: Laura Bernstein, [email protected]
R. Brian Salinas, Psy.D.
Assistant Professor
Argosy University, San Francisco Bay Area
"Victims of bullying are being abused in a manner that impacts their psyche and can lead to a form of complex trauma. The first step a parent or teacher will want to take is helping the child create a place where they feel safe. The second step is to help the child create a plan of action. The third step is for the parent or teacher to foster ongoing dialog with the child. During National Bullying Prevention Month, let us bring our attention to how we can help the victims of bullying overcome the trauma."
Dr. Salinas has worked as a school counselor and in private practice settings. He conducts therapist and teacher workshops on the subject and teaches weekly anti-bullying classes to children. His dissertation focused on the hypothesis that bullying impacts victims in the same manner as child abuse affects its victims and presented therapy options to support the victims in their recovery.
Contact: [email protected]
Carole Lieberman, M.D.
Forensic Psychiatrist
"Bullies and their victims are both the result of dysfunctional childhoods, where they have been abused and/or neglected. Bullies act out on other kids what has been done to them, and victims are vulnerable because they have come to expect being treated badly. It is a tragedy for both children."
Dr. Lieberman is a Beverly Hills forensic psychiatrist who not only treats kids suffering the pain of bullying, but who has testified in high-profile bullying cases. For example, she was involved in the famous Florida case of two girls accused of bullying a girl who committed suicide by jumping off a building. She is also an author, TV personality and radio talk show host. Topics she can discuss include: the mind of a bully and of their victim; why kids become bullies or victims; what parents can do to prevent their child from becoming a bully or a victim; real-life cases of bullying she has been involved in as a forensic psychiatrist; what schools should do to prevent bullying.
Contact: [email protected]
Barbara Cavallo, LCSW
Associate Executive Director of Programs
Partnership with Children
"Bullying can have serious consequences on a child or adolescent's physical and emotional health. It's important for adults to remember to never minimize the situation with comments like 'this will pass' or 'just ignore it.' It is crucial to take the situation seriously and to do something about it. Listen and validate his or her feelings; advocate on your child's behalf; and take action by strengthening your child's confidence, building social skills, and establishing a safety plan."
Cavallo is an experienced social worker and direct practitioner and is the founder of Partnership with Children's school-based program. Recognized as an expert in systemic change, Cavallo is also the author of several guides for families and children, including "Taming the Test Monster," "Taming the Food Monster" and "Taming the Bullying Monster." She serves as the agency's liaison to the NYC Department of Education and is often called upon to present at city-wide conferences and gatherings of educational professionals. She holds an MSW from Fordham University and a BSW from Concordia College. She has trained at the Comer School Development Program at Yale University and is a graduate of the Institute for Non-Profit Management, Executive Development Program at the Columbia Business School. In 2014, she received the National Association of Social Workers Leadership Award. She is available to discuss bullying, education, trauma-informed counseling, crisis intervention, school-wide services, mental health, and poverty.
Contact: Kristy Godette, [email protected]
Denise Daniels
Child Development and Parenting Expert
Daniels can weigh in on all child development and parenting issues, but she specializes in the emotional development of children, including the topic of bullying. Her advice to parents: "Live by example and let your children know that it's never okay to bully or hurt someone to make yourself feel better or to get your own way. Model the desired behavior you would like from your child. Help them to express their emotions in a socially acceptable manner. Teach your child how to use his or her words by giving them a vocabulary for their feelings. Remember, how you treat your children is how they will treat others."
Daniels is a Peabody award-winning broadcast journalist, parenting and child development expert, and author who specializes in the social and emotional development of children. Her workbooks have reached more than 15 million children and her clear, simple advice has helped parents on several national TV programs from "Oprah" to the "Today" show, of which she was a regular parenting contributor. Daniels also hosted her own daily parenting show, "Parents Helper," on NBC's cable network. Committed to her lifelong work of teaching children emotional literacy skills, Daniels developed The Moodsters, a new line of educational toys and book designed to teach young children the fundamentals of feelings. This groundbreaking preschool property is based on the curriculum developed by Marc Brackett, Ph.D. of Yale University, and will launch in Target stores nationwide and on Target.com in September 2015.
Contact: Jodie Thomas, [email protected]
Guro Errol Ballesteros
Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) Instructor
Legacy Life Center, Brunswick, N.J.
"The first time I got bullied, I told a teacher about it. The second time, I hit back. I was being bullied and called racial slurs because of my Filipino heritage. After getting jumped and suffering two broken arms, I learned to defend myself. Bullying happens in good neighborhoods and bad. All the karate tournament trophies in the world won't help if students aren't prepared for real life scenarios -- including the likelihood that there will be more than one attacker. FMA is not about techniques that will win points in a competition. It is a combative, weapons-based, controlled form of street fighting, specifically designed to prepare students for real-life, worst-case scenario situations when there is no other option but to fight back. 'Weapons' can be defined as just about any improvised object: a newspaper, book, water bottle, pen, keys, umbrella and even empty hands. FMA is body mechanics and control, hitting vital areas and not throwing wild punches. Our students experience various scenarios where they face off against multiple armed attackers utilizing whatever they have on hand to defend themselves -- and win. It's not about what you have in your hand, but how you use it. Because of the complexity of the martial art and the maturity required to practice such a potentially deadly form, all students must be at least 16 years of age."
Website: www.LegacyLifeCenter.com
Contact: Suzan French, [email protected]
Joan Kingsley
Psychotherapist
"In the hierarchical organization of the brain, the main drivers are contained in systems at the bottom. Evolution built the brain from the bottom up, not from the top down. No matter how brilliant, gifted and educated a person may be, if the internal milieu is flooded with fear and loathing, those destructive emotions have the potential to cause mayhem and havoc -- internally and externally. Bullying bosses may rise through the organization on their cunning and know-how, but oh, the damage these people do to anyone who gets in their line of fire. Nerds have feelings too, and safety in cyberspace is continually threatened by angry techies bent on destruction and acting out their rage on a global scale. At its extreme, bullying and abuse carve emotionally painful wounds from which many people never properly heal. The wound is there to be reopened under stress. There should be zero tolerance for bullying, brutish and belittling behavior, which is fairly easily observed, difficult to deal with though it is."
Kingsley has spent the past 25 years researching the links between brain systems and our psychological lives. Together with clinical and organizational psychologist and executive coach Dr. Paul Brown and oil and gas professional Sue Paterson, Kingsley wrote "The Fear-Free Organization: Vital Insights from Neuroscience to Transform Your Business Culture." The book gives people insight into the destructive force of fear; how fear affects our personal lives and permeates business environments. Kingsley also has a private practice in London, is Honorary Consultant Psychotherapist at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, and is on the Psychotherapist register at the School of Life. She practices as an executive coach and has a vast amount of experience of working with businesses in supporting their staff. She is a member of The New York Academy of Sciences, a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts, and a member of the Royal Academy of Medicine and is registered with the UKCP.
Contact: Carole Claps, [email protected]
Joelle Casteix
Author
"There is a huge intersection between child sexual abuse and bullying. What parents and the public need to understand is that the best way to keep our children safe is to teach them strong body boundaries, help children build authentic self-esteem, and create an environment where speaking out against bullying and child sexual abuse is safe."
Casteix is the award-winning author of the upcoming book, "The Well-Armored Child: A Parent's Guide to Preventing Abuse" (RiverGrove Books), and the author of, "Scram! A Parent's Quick-Start Guide to Preventing, Identifying and Ending Bullying." A successful writer and blogger, she is also a leading national "in the trenches" expert on the prevention and exposure of child sex abuse and cover-up, especially within institutions such as the Catholic Church. She also conducts trainings for families, parenting groups, and communities on how to raise empowered children and keep our communities safe from child sexual abuse (including child-on-child abuse) and bullying. She is a 2015 Ambassador of Peace awarded by the Violence Prevention Coalition of Orange County, Calif. and was a featured speaker at TEDx Pasadena Women in May 2015. Her expertise includes an in-depth understanding and recognition of: patterns of bullying and child sexual abuse; predatory behaviors, grooming; prevention and parenting strategies; institutional disregard; criminal cover-up; legal issues; child-on-child sexual abuse.
Websites: www.casteix.com and www.theworthyadversary.com
Contact: Joelle Casteix, [email protected]
Dr. Jackie Gilbert, Ph.D.
Professor of Management
Middle Tennessee State University College of Business
Gilbert is available to discuss bullying in the school system and the workplace: "Bad behavior occurs at work because people are not educated on its consequences, its impact on other people or, more essentially, on what constitutes bullying."
Gilbert received her BBA in management from the University of Texas at Austin, and her MBA and Ph.D. degrees in management from the University of Houston. Her research interests include cross-cultural studies, civility, diversity, and gender issues. She is a founding fellow of the U.S. Academy on Workplace Bullying, Mobbing, and Abuse.
Press/Research: http://mtweb.mtsu.edu/jgilbert
Contact: [email protected]
Dr. Ellen deLara, M.S.W., Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Social Work
Syracuse University, Falk College
Dr. deLara is available to address the following topics: bullying and school violence; hazing; adolescent bullying, harassment, and emotional violence; school-bus bullying; cyberbullying. She is an associate professor of social work at Syracuse University's Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics. Internationally recognized for her expertise in the areas of bullying and adolescent development, Dr. deLara's research agenda includes systemic school violence, bullying, and social policy, which was the focus of her research efforts for more than a decade as a faculty fellow at Cornell University's Family Life Development Center. She is the co-author of "And Words Can Hurt Forever: How to protect adolescents from bullying, harassment, and emotional violence" (NY: Simon and Schuster/ The Free Press) and "An Educator's Guide to School-Based Interventions" (Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company). Her research projects include "Immediate and Long-Term Impact of Childhood School Bullying," "School Bus Bullying: Perceptions of bus drivers and students" and "Adolescents' Solutions for Decreasing Bullying in Suburban and Rural School Districts."
Dr. deLara's original research was provided to the American Medical Association for its platform statement on the national recognition of the social phenomenon of bullying and has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including The Journal of School Violence and The Child & Adolescent Social Work Journal. A sought-after expert on topics of bullying and school violence by national media including ABC News, Christian Science Monitor, Washington Post, and Parents Magazine, her expertise has been used in the video production "Hazing: Break the Tradition or Break the Law" (National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, Indianapolis), distributed nationally to prevent hazing among student athletes. She was recently invited to participate on an expert panel for the Canadian National Center for Excellence (Ottawa, Ontario) reviewing applications for Canadian government-funded research grants. Honored for teaching excellence in the classroom, Dr. deLara is the faculty advisor for graduate students and teaches courses in clinical perspectives in school violence, bullying and trauma, advanced social work practice with children, adolescents and families, and human behavior.
Contact: Michele Barrett, [email protected]
Joe Wenke
LGBTQI Activist, Author
Wenke has written and spoken about bullying of the LGBTQI community. His current book, "The Human Agenda: Conversations About Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity," featured interviews with leading change agents from the LGBTQI community about topics like growing up (in which bullying often played a nasty role), coming out (another place where bullying comes into the picture), finding your identity (yet another area for potential bullying), marriage, parenting, healthcare, careers and more.
Website: www.joewenke.org
Contact: Deb Zipf, [email protected]
Jonathan Alpert
Psychotherapist
A Manhattan psychotherapist, Alpert specializes in bullying -- at work, school, in relationships, and beyond. Here's a link to a recent article he wrote on bullying: http://tinyurl.com/olczfpe. He's also the author of "Be Fearless: Change Your Life in 28 Days," and a contributor to the Huffington Post, where his column addresses a wide range of topics, including mental health, lifestyle and hot-button issues, sex, dating, relationships, and current events. He also writes a column for Inc.com on business-related topics, including entrepreneurship, branding, motivation, success, workplace issues, and more. He previously penned a column for Metro newspaper called "No More Drama," which ran from 2006 to 2013 and reached over 1 million readers in Boston, New York, and Philadelphia. He holds an advanced degree in psychology and is licensed in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C., as a Professional Counselor. He started his career in emergency care, later worked in academia, did a stint at the FBI, then a major corporation, and currently has a thriving practice in New York.
Bio: http://jonathanalpert.com/about/
Contact: [email protected]
Kate Walton
Author
Walton is the author of "Cracked" and "Empty," two contemporary Young Adult novels that focus on the effects of bullying. Both of her novels were included in national anti-bullying campaigns: Speak Up (a collaboration between Simon & Schuster and Cartoon Network); No Name-Calling Week; TeenCentral.net. Walton is a member of the Simon & Schuster Speakers Bureau and specializes in speaking to schools and universities on the topic of "The Power of Human Kindness." Walton spent 12 years as a public school teacher (10 of them in middle school), where she developed highly successful ways to stop bullying, resulting in her presenting to her entire faculty, school board, and eventually, her district. She was also the director/owner of the summer day camp, Camp Kindness, and has contributed to numerous news articles on bullying.
Website: http://www.kmwalton.com
Contact: [email protected]
Jill Vanderwood
Author and Speaker
The author of "Erase the Problem of Bullying," Vanderwood was the victim of bullying by all the boys in her class in elementary school. In the fifth grade, all the girls in her class decided to elect her as class president. Since there were more girls than boys in the class, she won the election. The boys booed and jeered so much that her first and only act as president was to resign. She made a vow to never do anything to call attention to herself. She would never speak up in any group setting, and this carried on into adulthood. Her lack of communication skills led her to a career as a writer. She is now the author of seven books. In her books, Vanderwood shares her story, along with the stories of others who overcame the effects of bullying to become successful in life. She tells how to determine whether you are being bullied or harassed. She also talks to kids about the problem of being a bully, and how, as in the case of federal prisoner Cedric Dean, bullying can lead to a life of crime. She has appeared on radio shows and TV news programs; has been interviewed by newspapers; and speaks frequently to parents, students, church groups, Boys and Girls Clubs, Scout troops, and summer camps.
Website: http://www.jillvanderwood.com
Contact: [email protected]
Michael Morrow, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Graduate Program in Counseling Psychology
Arcadia University
Morrow's areas of expertise include: effects of bullying on children's mental health; how to support children and families with bullying; how to help schools improve their bullying prevention efforts. He is a licensed psychologist and specializes in working with children and adolescents who have experienced serious bullying. In addition to his role with Arcadia University's Graduate Counseling Program, he also runs a small private practice. Dr. Morrow conducts research on the psychological impact of bullying on children and also evaluates bullying prevention programs in schools. He has also developed a family support and skills group for children who have experienced severe bullying by peers.
Contact: [email protected]
Anne Williford
Associate Professor of Social Welfare
University of Kansas
Williford has done extensive research and writing in bullying and bullying prevention. She can discuss anti-bullying efforts in schools, cyberbullying, the role of teachers in preventing bullying, addressing bullying through school policy and related topics. Her research has sought to understand characteristics associated with bullying and peer victimization among children and adolescents and identifying strategies to prevent such behaviors in school settings. Her dissertation research focused on identifying correlates of physical and relational aggression and victimization among middle school girls. She has worked as a clinical and community-level social worker with diverse populations including children and adults with developmental disabilities, adults with mental illness and chemical dependency and children and youth participating in primary prevention programs. Williford has also done research in teachers' roles in preventing cyberbullying, co-organized and hosted an anti-bullying summit with educators and some of the world's leading scholars at the University of Kansas and led a team that has developed and helped implement anti-bullying policies for schools across Kansas.
Contact: Mike Krings, [email protected]
Paula Fite
Associate Professor of Clinical Child Psychology
University of Kansas
Fite has authored more than 95 empirical papers in her area of expertise and is on the editorial board of Child Psychiatry and Human Development, the Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, and Substance Abuse: Research and Treatment. She can discuss aggressive and problematic behavior in youth, the link between substance abuse and bullying and environmental factors as they relate to bullying. Her research examines developmental models of risk for child and adolescent problem behavior. Her work studies how the unique and interactive impact of environment such as neighborhood, parents and peers and child characteristics such as genetics and temperament affect developmental progression of child and adolescent problem behavior, consistent with social learning theory. She is a member of a team that has developed and helped implement anti-bullying policies for schools across Kansas and co-organized and hosted an anti-bullying summit with educators and some of the world's leading scholars at the University of Kansas.
Contact: Mike Krings, [email protected]
Dr. Gail Gross, Ph.D., Ed.D., M.Ed.
Psychologist
Gross is a Houston-based psychologist who specializes in family, child development, relationships and behavior. She is a regular contributor to the Huffington Post and is frequently called upon by national and regional media to offer her insights on various topics. She has written several blogs on bullying, including: http://drgailgross.com/signs-child-bullied-bully/ and http://drgailgross.com/causes-child-become-bully/. Dr. Gross would be a perfect expert to turn to when covering National Bullying Prevention Month.
Website: http://drgailgross.com
Contact: Penny Griego, [email protected]
Dr. William Weinberg
Senior Manager of Behavioral Health
Banner Thunderbird Medical Center
A licensed professional counselor, Dr. Weinberg is an expert on children, self-esteem, bullying, childhood communication, anti-bullying, and mental health in children.
Contact: Caitlin Wendt, [email protected]
Meg Fryling
Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Siena College, Loudonville, N.Y.
Fryling's research, "Cyberbullying or normal game play? Impact of age, gender and experience on cyberbullying in multi-player online gaming environments: Perceptions from one gaming forum," was published in the Journal of Information Systems Applied Research in 2015. She has also written on the issue of cyberbullying at large, including an op-ed that was published in the Harrisburg Patriot News.
Contact: Jeff Canning, [email protected]
Laurel Barrette, MAE
Director, School Counseling Programs
K12 Inc.
Barrette is available to discuss how online schooling environments can foster an atmosphere that is safe for both "bullies" and bullied kids. She is particularly interested in the pendulum swing and the potential unintended negative consequences when we label kids as "bullies." It's a common label, and yet in education we all know we should use student-first language and focus on the behavior vs. the child.
Barrette is the director of School Counseling Programs with K12, a national provider of individualized online learning curriculum. She has worked as a certified teacher and counselor in virtual and brick and mortar settings at the middle and high school levels in California, Arizona and Virginia. In addition, she has worked in residential treatment with at risk adolescents. She has presented nationally on virtual school counseling and bullying and works with K12 schools across the U.S. on program development. She's also the mother of three boys, ranging in age from elementary school to college.
Contact: Kelsey Ruane, [email protected]
Clark Power
Professor of Psychology and Education
University of Notre Dame
Power is the director of Notre Dame's Play Like a Champion Today program, the world's only university-based (not-for-profit) initiative focused on promoting a positive sports culture for all young people. He specializes in bullying, cheating, youth sports character education and moral development.
Contact: Shannon Chapla, [email protected]
Jeffrey Ervine
Founder and President
Bridg-it
Ervine is the founder and president of Bridg-it, a provider of innovative solutions committed to building safe, positive schools and communities. After enduring a difficult experience of being attacked online, he realized there needed to be a technology-based solution for bullying and cyberbullying. He then decided to find the solution to this problem, which is destroying lives and is becoming more difficult to avoid or escape. He can weigh in on any of the following topics: bullying; cyberbullying; restorative approaches to addressing bullying; ways to encourage students to report bullying; and building positive communities.
Contact: Kathleen Fusco, [email protected]
Nadja Reilly
Clinical Psychologist
William James College
Reilly has over 15 years of experience specializing in children, adolescents, and families. She just came out with her new book, "Anxiety and Depression in the Classroom: A Teacher's Guide to Fostering Self-Regulation in Young Students." She can comment on the psychology of bullying – what's going on in a kids head when he/she is bullying or being bullied.
Bio: http://www.williamjames.edu/about/profiles/faculty/nadja-reilly.cfm
Contact: Josh Tammaro, [email protected]
Bob Lichetenstein
Psychologist
William James College
Lichetenstein is a nationally certified school psychologist and licensed psychologist with formal training in the areas of school psychology, clinical psychology, elementary education, school administration, and neuropsychology. He can discuss how parents, teachers, school administrators can handle bullying in a way that benefits all involved.
Bio: http://www.williamjames.edu/about/profiles/faculty/bob-lichtenstein.cfm
Contact: Josh Tammaro, [email protected]
Bruce Ecker
Director, Concentration in Children and Families of Adversity and Resilience
William James College
Ecker is director of the college's child and family clinical training program. He is training the school psychologists who will talk to the kids who are bullying/bullied tomorrow.
Bio: http://www.williamjames.edu/about/profiles/faculty/bruce-ecker.cfm
Contact: Josh Tammaro, [email protected]
Tess Cacciatore
Co-founder and Spokesperson
GWEN, the Global Women's Empowerment Network
Cacciatore's expert insight into pressing social issues like human trafficking, bullying, and domestic and sexual violence is sought after by the likes of The New York Times, the "Today" show, the Manny Alvarez FOX health show, "Prime Time With John Stossel," Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, and Family Circle, to name a few. Combining over two decades of film and nonprofit experience, Cacciatore has created a truly unique approach to human rights, fostering connectivity and education through technology to promote an agenda of peace and equality.
The Global Women's Empowerment Network (GWEN) is an international nonprofit organization that is harnessing new technologies to create a community platform devoted to supporting and empowering women who have experienced abuse in their lifetime. GWEN's mobile and online platforms provide communication and cause-related solutions that inspire victims from around the globe to cultivate, strengthen and share their inner voice. Their free mobile app, the GWEN Alert, provides users in distress with immediate emergency support. In case of an emergency, the GWEN ALERT allows you to discreetly send a preset text message to up to five pre-programmed contacts (GWEN FIVE), simultaneously alerting them to the fact that you are in danger and signaling your GPS position.
Website: http://www.Gwennetworks.com
Contact: Steve Allen, [email protected]
Dr. Nadine Connell
Assistant Professor of Criminology
University of Texas at Dallas
Dr. Connell is a leading expert and researcher on bullying. Her research on the issue includes a study that found that adults who bullied others when they were adolescents may have a higher likelihood of engaging in criminal behavior later in life. Her most recent study examines factors that can help predict bullying behavior. Connell also can respond to questions about bullying and its outcomes for victims and perpetrators. Before joining UT Dallas, Connell evaluated a bullying prevention program at 30 middle schools in New Jersey. She has been quoted in numerous publications and authored a USA Today column saying that criminal charges do not deter bullies.
Contact: Kim Horner, [email protected]
Akram Alashari, M.D.
General Surgery, Surgical Critical Care, Trauma
Grand Strand Regional Medical Center
Alashari has a unique perspective on bullying, as he deals with trauma patients on a daily basis and has seen devastating cases of assault that were clearly due to bullying. He has also witnessed the humiliation that occurs to the victim of bullying. Alashari also deals regularly with workplace bullying, and says the healthcare industry has a higher prevalence of workplace bullying than any other industry, and that surgeons and nurses are the major perpetrators when it comes to workplace bullying and intimidation.
Bio: http://www.thepowerofpeakstate.com/about-us.html
Contact: [email protected]
Clara Huff
Author
Expert areas: Ways to speak out about bullying, how to cope with being bullied and ways to positively express yourself
Huff is a voice for the voiceless and is ready to speak on their behalf. She knows what it's like to be bullied. But rather than sit alone in silence and mask the pain, this teen visual artist, athlete, actress and avid scholar decided to speak up and share her story in the powerful youth book collaboration, "A Letter to My Bully: Sticks, Stones & Words Do Hurt" (Lilies of the Field Media LLC, $14.95). In the book, Huff, whose chapter begins on page 30, is transparent about what she experienced, how the bullying affected her and what she is doing to empower other youth. In addition to the book, Huff -- who is Miss Youth Matter Teen 2013 -- travels around the Hampton Roads, Va., area speaking about the signs and effects of youth bullying. She has spoken to the Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association of Norfolk and was the guest speaker at Powerhouse Media Group's November 2014 "Sistahood & Spoken Word" event, which was centered on bullying. She set up a table at Chesapeake RU Ready Family Night event at Greenbrier Middle School in Chesapeake, Va., where she received support from Chesapeake Mayor Alan Krasnoff. Huff calls herself an "Anti-Bully Agent" and is totally committed to spreading love, not gossip. She has an anti-bullying initiative called "Spread Love Not Gossip" and was recently named "Upstander of the Week" by nationally recognized The Bully Project for her work in combating bullying. Her book is currently in circulation in the Media Center at Indian River Middle School in Chesapeake. She has been featured on The Hampton Roads Show, The Vadio Show, and Fire 91.8's The Mr. G. Morning Show. She has received editorial coverage in The New Journal & Guide, Be Your Own You Magazine and Reality Magazine.
Contact: Feona or Clara Huff, [email protected]
Dr. Michael Roberts
Head of School
Catherine Cook School in Chicago
As Head of School at a uniquely progressive school in the area, serving grades prek-8, Dr. Roberts can specifically speak to: 1) bullying in the tech age: how it looks and how to prevent it; 2) teaching ethical literacy early to build a culture of morality and respect; 3) instilling global citizenship: a proactive approach toward combatting bullying. Dr. Roberts has spent more than 30 years in education, as a teacher, program director, and curriculum director. He is regarded as a leader in his field with a number of independent school associations, including ISACS, NAIS, ESHA, and LMAIS. He has led strategic planning and diversity workshops for independent school boards and has served on the boards of a number of nonprofit organizations. He has served as both member and chair of the Evaluation Review Committee for ISACS and as a visiting team leader for several schools across the Midwest. In addition, he currently serves as president of the Lake Michigan Association of Independent Schools (LMAIS). He holds a bachelor's degree from Central Methodist College and a master's and doctorate in education from Washington University in St. Louis.
Contact: Nausheen Farishta, [email protected]
Stuart W. Twemlow, M.D.
Author
A noted psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, and a leading international expert on school and community violence, Dr. Twemlow has conducted 30 years of research on bullying and community violence. He is a 2012 recipient of the prestigious Sigourney Award, which recognizes significant contributions to clinical psychoanalysis or psychoanalytical research. He is first author of the books "Why School Antibullying Programs Don't Work" and "Preventing Bullying and School Violence," and an international lecturer on the physical and psychological aspects of violence. President Bill Clinton appointed him to serve on the Academic Advisory Council of the United States Presidential Campaign Against Youth Violence. He has consulted with government leaders in Jamaica, Australia, Hungary, and Finland on school bullying and violence; with the government of Paraguay on violence in communities; and with the FBI on threat assessment and school violence in the United States.
Contact: Wylie G. Tene, [email protected]
Dr. Paul Holinger
Founder
Center for Child and Adolescent Therapy
Dr. Holinger is a leading go-to expert on child development and child behavior for both the media and for parents and caregivers.
Website: http://www.paulcholinger.com
Contact: Wylie G. Tene, [email protected]
Brad Reedy, Ph.D.
Owner, Clinical Director
Evoke Therapy Programs
Dr. Reedy has developed an accessible and liberating approach to adolescents, young-adults and their parents. His powerful ability to use his own story -- and stories from the thousands of families he has treated -- offers hope to families suffering with mental health, addiction and stage-of-life issues, including bullying. He is a captivating public speaker and has been invited to deliver several keynote addresses on wilderness therapy, addiction treatment, parenting, and teen issues. He is often asked to present at parent education conferences, symposiums and workshops, and has been invited to speak as an expert on national syndicated radio shows. He has broadcast over 700 webinars on parenting since 2007. He is the author of "The Journey of the Heroic Parent: Your Child's Struggle & the Road Home." He has served on the board of the Utah Department of Child and Family Services and the board of the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs. He is available to discuss the effects of teen bullying, why teens bully, how bullying is effectively treated, and specific issues for the bully and the bullied young person.
Website: http://evoketherapy.com
Contact: Kristen Hayes, [email protected]
Mark Smaller, Ph.D.
President
American Psychoanalytic Association
Dr. Smaller has spoken nationally on the issue of bullying, and drafted a paper titled, "The Plague of Bullying." He is also a founding member for Project Realize, an in-school treatment and research project at Morton Alternative High School in Cicero, Ill. Students have come to Morton Alternative High School after expulsion from the area high schools for violent and gang related behaviors. PR provides in-school psychoanalytic individual and group psychotherapy to students, and ongoing consultation with teachers, staff and parents.
Contact: Wylie G. Tene, [email protected]
Deborah K. Heisz
Co-founder, COO, Editorial Director
Live Happy, LLC
Heisz is responsible for the management and development of the Live Happy business and creative operations. Live Happy's mission is to impact the world by bringing the happiness movement to a personal level and inspiring people to engage in purpose-driven, healthy, meaningful lives. Its mission comes to life on LiveHappy.com; with Live Happy magazine, a first-of-its-kind publication combining the science of happiness with practical advice from positive psychology experts; a weekly audio series, Live Happy Now, featuring interviews with happiness experts; as well as the annual #HappyActs Challenge campaign aiming to make the world a happier place by engaging in small acts to share happiness in honor of the United Nations' International Day of Happiness.
Heisz is available to discuss recent research highlighting the underlying causes of bullying, and unique and successful intervention techniques. She can share research-based methods for identifying, addressing and stopping bullying, and can offer solutions for bullies, bystanders, victims, parents and schools, including removing the "cool" factor and fostering a positive environment for all. She can also discuss the importance of keeping the lines of communication open and noticing subtle changes (e.g., loss of appetite and sleep) in building a safe environment for kids to open up about what's actually happening.
Contact: Gabriella DeLuca, [email protected]
Stacy Kaiser
Editor at Large
Live Happy magazine
Kaiser, a successful Southern California-based licensed psychotherapist, author, relationship and parenting expert, and media personality, is the editor at Large of Live Happy magazine. With more than 100 television appearances on major networks, including CNN, NBC, CBS and FOX, Kaiser has built a reputation for bringing a unique mix of thoughtful and provocative insights to a wide range of topics. She is available to discuss: 1) socialization skills – listening, socialization, and relationships with parents/authority figures are important to how children interact with others, especially during challenging times, such as bullying; 2) tips for children and parents to deal with bullies and bullying; 3) improving relationships -- tips to nurture relationships with partners and children and strengthen the lines of communication.
Website: http://www.livehappy.com
Contact: Rachel Albert, [email protected]
Micki O'Brien, M.A.
Founder
Aligned Education
O'Brien is an established educator who specializes in engaging with marginalized communities and changing their connections made in the classroom. These marginalized communities include both bullies and the bullied. Using the Nurtured Heart Approach, among other progressive educational modalities, O'Brien helps educators and parents more closely connect with their kids, in turn reducing the risk of bullying.
Contact: Chelsea Merget, [email protected]
Carrie D. Ali, M. Ed.
Regional Operations Consultant
Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academies
With 15 years of teaching experience in the area of general education and special education, Ali can speak to the following topics: what is bullying; types of bullying; how to identify bullying (school/workplace); how to address and resolve bullying (school/workplace). She holds a B.A. degree in English from Montclair State University, and completed a state-approved program in the area of special education from Bloomfield College, where she obtained eligibility to become certified to teach students with disabilities in an inclusive setting. She completed her master's degree in education from Capella University, and is set to begin her doctoral program in the area of higher education and leadership. She is an approved Beginning Level l Trainer for the state of Georgia and a Master Level Trainer for the state of Texas.
Contact: Elayne Sommers, [email protected]
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