Crystal Meth, Drug and Alcohol Prevention Speaker Presents Keynotes and Workshops

Motivating earlier action towards abuse and addiction prevention and treatment.

Testimonials

Meeting Planners Say:

"Kerry the feedback verbally throughout the community has been astounding. This conference and presenters were in everybody’s conversation over the weekend and the following week… The evaluation on the overall presentations was "very good" or "good". Everyone enjoyed them and wished they were longer.

I (we the community) really enjoyed your presentation and would recommend it to others. We hope that in the future we will be able to work together again. Everyone applauds your courage to speak out on such a sensitive topic. It takes people like you to make a difference. My fondest regards,"

– Jeannette Anderson, Northwest Addiction Services, Terrace BC

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"Kerry and Kim sent powerful messages to parents, excellent presentation, great audience participation."

– Constable Glen Roberts, White Rock Elementary PAC meeting co-ordinator

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"Thank you again for speaking to our grade 9's... There were over 250 students in the theatre and you could hear a pin drop during your presentation. You presented the story of Ryan's life in a way that the students could relate to. I think it was helpful for them to hear the other side as well ie. the impact on the parents. Our students are now more aware of the potential implications of early trauma, particularly head trauma, as well as the potential for drug induced mental illness for those with a genetic predisposition. Your presentation went straight to the hearts of all the students and staff fortunate enough to hear you speak today. Thank you and all the best as you continue with your journey."

– Brent Steele, Counsellor, Fraser Heights Secondary School

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"I admire your courage and determination to help other families in preventing their children from facing the terrible challenges that your dear son Ryan was faced with. I appreciate your dedication to this important cause. You are truly a blessing to our community..."

– Judy Forster, Mayor of White Rock - Community Meth Forum

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"Kerry's honesty and reflection… made us all keenly aware of our vulnerability, regardless of how much we… think we are doing the right thing. A personal story takes it from theory to reality."

– Susan Nash, Chair of The Mulgrave Public Programs Committee -Crystal Meth Forum addressing youths, then adults (W. Vancouver, B.C.)

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"We have heard a lot of good feedback on your presentation here."

– Andrew Burton, conference coordinator - Northern Health/Prince George Native Friendship Centre regional conference on methamphetamine

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"Kerry Jackson led a workshop for our Tri Team Mental Health Meeting .... She presented an excellent, well organized presentation about her life's mission to help parents recognize the signs of depression, addiction and vulnerability in their children. She also talked about her 20/20 Parenting program which works towards educating teachers, professionals working with children and youth to these vulnerabilities and how to improve the ways in which we can help them before it is too late.

Her workshop was very well received and Kerry spoke very movingly about her own son's suicide. I would highly recommend Kerry for anyone looking for a workshop facilitator and also highly recommend her 20/20 Parenting program."

– Dorothy Beavington, Whale House Coordinator, Options: Services to Communities Society

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Thank you so much for sharing your story about Ryan to our school last week. The parents really got a lot of useful information from it. Your passion, and love for your son came through... your dedication could save one child and for that you should be proud.

– Denise, PAC coordinator, Crescent Park Elementary.

Audience Members Say:

Kerry, believe me, you are making a huge difference. When I thought I was losing Michael, I have never felt so alone and desperate. It was at that time that I met you at the workshop in Langley... Your journey threw a life-line out to me... I know if I had not taken Michael to Dr. Swingle, our story would have been a tragic one.

– Debra

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The other night, I went to the forum at John Oliver. Your story, truly touched my heart. The sadness and the pain I felt as you talked of your son. After sitting there and hearing of the [s..t] in it, and your story, I really believe I am not going to use this [crystal meth] again. I love my mom and family and seen what this has done to you as a mother. Thank you. Thank you for your story and sharing it with others.

– Dale

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[As a result of this presentation I will:] "discuss this in more detail with my kids"
[Value I received:] "A clearer insight into how easy it is to become addicted & the effects"

– Stuart Mason, Peace Arch Elementary School parent

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[As a result of this presentation I will:] "recognizing the importance of family "stuff" and doing my best to not contribute to it!! "
[Value I received:] "priceless"

– Lisa Landon, Peace Arch Elementary School parent

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Value rating from a total of 22 responses for Terrace/Kitimat presentations May 24, 25, 2007:
From 1 - 5: Little to Highly: 86% rated "5" or "4" for their work with youths and/or for their own family. (total of 24 - 5s and 6 - 4s)

Feedback:

[As a result of this presentation I will:] "listen and ask more background questions"
[Benefit I will tell others I received:] "a better understanding of how to help both youth and parents"

– Trish Connaughton, Victim Services, Terrace

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[As a result of this presentation I will:] "spend more time enforcing the importance of my kids not doing drugs once they leave home and before"
[Benefit I will tell others I received:] "The pain of losing a child, the experience of dealing with ... drug addicts.
This was an awesome presentation. You have a lot of courage and are making a difference!! Thank you!! "

– Barbara Duff, L.P.N., Terrace

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[As a result of this presentation I will:] "Identify warning signs and vulnerabilities"
[Benefit I will tell others I received:] "Knowledge of impact on family"

– Nadia Ouellet, Skeena Family Resources, Terrace

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As a result of this presentation I will:] "What the mother and child went through"
[Benefit I will tell others I received:] "Knowledge of impact on family"

– Jeanne Harris, RN, Kitsumkalum Band, Terrace

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[As a result of this presentation I will:] "talk to the whole family (even the little ones) and check into brain injury (there have been some huge falls)"

– Shelley Harris, Terrace

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[As a result of this presentation I will:] "instead of second-guessing the fact that I am being a "pain" I will continue to advocate"

– Leah Domoney, Family Coordinator, BC Schizophrenia Society, Terrace

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[As a result of this presentation I will:] "Treat people with the understanding that they could be going through anything"
[Benefit I will tell others I received:] "ADD/ADHD is [sometimes] misdiagnosed with MTBIs [mild traumatic brain injury]"

– Norelle Lindstrom, Terrace

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[As a result of this presentation I will:] "not BS and use scare tactics "
[Benefit I will tell others I received:] "It is important to express your love and honor of your child."

– Agnes Wells, Aboriginal Family Advocate, Kermode Friendship Society, Terrace

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[As a result of this presentation I will:] "think about the addict in active addiction & be more helpful to them"
[Benefit I will tell others I received:] "learned more about the addict in addiction"

– Nedra Lee Prisk, Terrace

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[As a result of this presentation I will:] "Think before I speak!"
[Benefit I will tell others I received:] "Knowledge"

– Dorothy Derrick, Foster Parent, MCFD, Terrace

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[As a result of this presentation I will:] "Tell friends that I definitely won't do drugs...Ever!!"

– Anonymous, Terrace (young person)

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[As a result of this presentation I will:] "Talk to more youth and parents about the effects of crystal meth"
[Benefit I will tell others I received:] "The impact of hearing from a Mom & the changes you would make if you could"

– Anonymous, Terrace (young person)

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[As a result of this presentation I will:] "Not make assumptions"
[Benefit I will tell others I received:] "The "Death by Jib" DVD was very informative."

– Anonymous, Terrace

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[As a result of this presentation I will:] "pay attention to my parenting style and take care of self"
"Great Presentation. I thank you for your courage... "

– Debbie Randell, Child Prof. Social Worker, MCFD, Kitimat

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[Benefit Iwill tell others I received::] "proactive, prevention and presentation by a regular everyday Mom"

– Anonymous, Kitimat

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[As a result of this presentation I will:] "speak more openly to my kids about drugs."
[Value I received:] "Better understanding of crystal meth thanks to Kim and Kerry".

– Katherine De Vita, White Rock Elementary School parent

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[As a result of this presentation I will] "go to more [presentations], talk to other parents and continue to tell my kids"
[Value I received:] "INVALUABLE"

– Debra Tomkow, White Rock Elementary School parent

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“Kerry Jackson delivers raw and from the heart. One is embraced by her grace as she shares her story of grief, challenges and ultimate acceptance from the loss of a cherished son to drug addiction. Her words are laced with soulful passion calling us to stop, listen, and care for those in our lives for which we hold love and reverence. Kerry Jackson is one of those people called to make a difference in our lives. It is important for you to join in that journey.”

– Dennis Paget, RPC, Registered Professional Counselor, - Langley Chamber of Commerce, Drugs & Addiction In The Workplace Symposium: breakfast keynote

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Question: What did you enjoy most about the presentation?

" Personal experience was wonderful to understand what a parent of an addict went through and of a person who was an addict."

" Great visuals and wonderful speakers. So honest and real."

" Things that led up to where you are today; looking back and identifying things that happened throughout life and the skeletons visuals"

" The visual skeletons and her openness and honesty, along with her education were extremely powerful."

" Knowing that the presenter had walked the walk."

" The honesty and non-blame oriented perspective."

" Personal disclosure by both presenters. Concrete information that can be used. Loved the skeletons; it is motivating to know this information as a mom of young children; appreciate openness and honesty."

" I always love the personal – real life stories and definitely got that from Summer and Kerry."

– Parent and Health Professionals, Fraser Valley Foster Parents Association/MCFD workshop

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"Very informative", I'm glad I came", "I learned that [my daugher] may be disguising her internal pain with laughter", "I feel that this workshop was important to me", "Informative", "It was good to see both a parent's view, as well as a recovering addict's view", "Thanks for sharing."

– Paricipants of Tuning Into Your Teens, Soroptomist International of the Langleys conference

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"Your presentation touched me very deeply."

"I was really moved by your insight and wisdom."

"I realized I have to tell my son I love him more often...I could feel her tears like warning signals we have to put our attention at. She is great!"

"I look up to you for how you've handled this horrible tragedy in your life. You have reassured me ...that I am in the right field."

"I was deeply touched...I now realize how important addiction workers are and that makes me want to pursue this career path even more."

– CDI College workshop participants

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“Kerry presented an excellent well organized presentation about her life's mission to help parents…and professionals working with children and youths…[She] spoke very movingly about her own son's suicide. I would highly recommend Kerry …and her 20/20 Parenting program for anyone looking for a workshop facilitator.”

"The presentation was extremely informative and educational. A dramatic perspective from a parent’s point of view to help parents who are going through the same issues with their kids."

"An emotionally charged and informative presentation delivered in an effective and professional way. A unique perspective dealing with Meth [and other precursor drugs/alcohol] and it’s affects on the family. Substance was very personal and can be expected to be extremely helpful for parents."

" Kerry’s presentation was heartfelt and educational. Her emotional connection to the issue helps Kerry connect with the audience. The layout and useful visual aid made the presentation easy to follow."

– Facilitator training participants, Children of the Street Society workshop