Garfield Park Academy Hosts Workshop to Address Addiction Crises

Willingboro, NJ -The Training Institute at Garfield Park Academy offers free trainings to school leaders and other educators with a focus on innovative, evidence-based approaches to serving students with social, emotional, learning, and behavioral challenges. Recognizing the stronghold that narcotics and alcohol can have on any student, Garfield Park Academy is hosting an important workshop to help area educators and support staff learn how to keep students safe and connected.

Guest speaker, Dr. Sandy Gibson, is passionate about helping teens avoid addiction altogether or emancipate themselves from its grip. Dr. Gibson served as a substance abuse counselor at an intensive day and outpatient treatment as well as an inpatient detox center. She directed and secured millions of dollars for studies in addiction-related research grants and developed a program of effective prevention methods and intervention strategies.

The workshop ‘Just Say Know: Reframing Our Understanding of Drug Use in Teens’ will address ways to encourage teens to delay their decision to use drugs; explore why teens choose to use drugs; and, provide effective communication strategies to help them reduce the harmful effects. The workshop will take place on Friday, March 29th from 9:00 AM- 12:30 PM, with a light lunch to follow. It is offered at no charge as an outreach service to the greater education community in and around southern New Jersey. Required registration and additional information can be found at https://gpamarch2019.eventbrite.com or by calling the school at 609-877-4111. The event will take place at the school’s campus on 24 Glenolden Lane in Willingboro. 3 CEUs for NJ educators will be offered at no charge.

ABOUT: Garfield Park Academy, located in Willingboro, is a New Jersey state-approved private special education school serving students grades K-12 with learning, social, emotional, and behavioral challenges in a family-like environment. GPA’s comprehensive program, combined with traditional academics and preparation for college or postgraduate vocations, enhances the chances of students with emotional and social challenges to succeed in an educational environment and in life. Students with disabilities ages 5-21 are placed by their local school district and attend at no cost to parents. For more information please visit: www.garfieldparkacademy.org, or call 609-877-4111.