Drug Educators Alliance

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About Drug Educators Alliance

Drug Educators Alliance (DEA) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing drug abuse through education, early intervention, and community collaboration.

Our mission is to empower educators, organizations, and communities with accurate information, practical tools, and proven programs that help people make informed decisions and reduce the long-term impact of substance abuse.

5 Million Kids Impact Campaign

Who We Are

Drug Educators Alliance was formed to address a growing need for credible, effective drug education that goes beyond fear-based messaging and one-size-fits-all solutions.

We operate nationally, working with schools, law enforcement, courts, employers, and community partners to deliver education that is:

  • Accurate and evidence based
  • Age-appropriate and respectful
  • Grounded in prevention and early intervention
  • Aligned with the responsibilities organizations carry when serving youth or managing workplaces

DEA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Clearwater, Florida, serving communities across all 50 states.

Our Mission and Purpose

Our mission is to prevent drug abuse by empowering educators, organizations, and communities with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to address substance use responsibly.

We focus on education that:

  • Supports informed decision-making
  • Encourages personal responsibility
  • Strengthens families, schools, and workplaces
  • Reduces long-term harm through early intervention

Everything we do is driven by the belief that prevention through education creates lasting impact.

Our Approach to Drug Education and Prevention

Drug Educators Alliance takes a prevention-first approach rooted in real-world experience and evolving substance trends. Our approach is designed to:
  • Educate without exaggeration or judgment
  • Address real risks with factual information
  • Support early intervention before problems escalate
  • Respect the dignity and potential of every individual
This approach allows our programs to be effective across classrooms, court systems, workplaces, and community settings.

A National Organization with Proven Reach

Drug Educators Alliance has built a national footprint by working directly with educators and organizations across the country. Our impact includes:
  • Training more than 20,000 educators
  • Reaching over 5 million individuals
  • Delivering programs in all 50 states
  • Hosting hundreds of education and training events nationwide
This scale allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality education while adapting to local community needs.

Education and Training for Educators

DEA provides comprehensive training for teachers, school staff, law enforcement officers, driver education instructors, parents, and community leaders. These programs help participants:
  • Understand current substance trends
  • Communicate effectively with youth and adults
  • Identify early warning signs
  • Deliver prevention-focused education with confidence
Our educator training programs strengthen those on the front lines of prevention.

Free In-School Drug Education for Students

Through donor support and partnerships, DEA delivers free drug education presentations to students nationwide. These student programs are designed to:
  • Provide accurate, age-appropriate information
  • Encourage critical thinking and informed choices
  • Reduce curiosity driven by misinformation
  • Support healthy, drug-free lifestyles
Many schools and communities rely on DEA to provide education they otherwise could not afford.

Online Drug Education Courses for Legal Programs

DEA offers online drug education courses used by courts and legal programs as part of diversion and first-time offender education. These courses are built to:
  • Focus on education rather than punishment
  • Support early intervention and accountability
  • Help participants understand consequences and risks
  • Reduce repeat offenses through awareness
Courts use these programs as constructive alternatives within the justice system.

Corporate Drug Education and Workplace Training

DEA provides drug education programs for employers seeking to reduce risk and support drug-free workplace initiatives. Our corporate training helps organizations:
  • Support workplace compliance efforts
  • Educate employees and supervisors responsibly
  • Address safety-sensitive roles
  • Document good-faith prevention efforts
Programs are customized to align with organizational policies, workforce needs, and industry considerations.

Resources, Tools, and Ongoing Support

Beyond training, Drug Educators Alliance develops educational resources that support ongoing learning and prevention.

These resources include:

  • Educational guides and materials
  • Digital learning tools
  • Access to a national network of educators
  • Ongoing support for program implementation

Our goal is to ensure education continues long after a training session ends.

Partnerships That Expand Impact

Drug Educators Alliance works collaboratively with nonprofit organizations, law enforcement agencies, schools, and employers to expand access to drug education.

Our partnerships allow us to:

  • Deliver education at scale
  • Maintain consistent quality and accuracy
  • Reach underserved communities

We are proud to leverage proven, evidence-based educational content free of charge to many communities through ongoing partnerships. 

Our Commitment

DEA is committed to long-term prevention, integrity, and collaboration. We remain focused on:
  • Accuracy and transparency
  • Respect for individuals and communities
  • Responsible education practices
  • Building a future where drug abuse is no longer a threat
This commitment guides every program we deliver and every partnership we form.

Board of Directors

Darren Tessitore

Founder & CEO
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Carol Renna

CEO
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Gerard Renna

Advisor to the Founder
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Dr. Stephen Nedd

Vice President of Research
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Dr. Alf Garbutt, DC, DACRB, DCBCN

Vice President of Administration
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Phyllis Aden

Treasurer
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Wil Seabrook

Board Member
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Steve Rodriguez

Board Member
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David Aden

Board Member
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Darren Tessitore Founder & President

Darren Tessitore

Founder & President

Darren Tessitore is the Founder and President of Drug Educators Alliance (DEA), a national nonprofit dedicated to equipping educators and communities with the tools to prevent drug abuse before it starts. With more than two decades of experience in drug education, Darren has trained over 20,000 educators across all 50 states and helped reach more than 5 million young people through in-school programs, educator trainings, and community initiatives. He is widely recognized for building one of the largest and most active drug education efforts in the country, combining practical classroom experience with proven, science-based curriculum. Darren founded DEA to scale this work nationally, ensuring schools, law enforcement, and organizations have access to effective, prevention-focused drug education that creates lasting impact.
Carol Renna CEO

Carol Renna

CEO

Carol Renna brings a diverse background and a wealth of experience to her role. She spent five years in the drug rehabilitation field, where she was instrumental in establishing centers and worked directly with individuals struggling with addiction, as well as their families. Most recently, Carol Renna served as HR Director at an AI company, overseeing hiring, HR programs, administration, and a broad range of human resources responsibilities. Prior to her work in AI, Carol Renna co-founded and managed a business consulting partnership with her husband for 14 years. Earlier in her career, she excelled in sales, representing more than 20 manufacturers in the natural products market. Carol Renna currently resides in Clearwater, FL, where she enjoys outdoor activities such as bike riding, hiking, and traveling with her husband.
Gerard Renna Adviser to the Founder

Gerard Renna

Adviser to the Founder

Gerard Renna brings decades of leadership in nonprofit development, legal compliance, community relations, and organizational growth. Early in his career, he founded and scaled a nonprofit organization from a small startup to a staff of over 30 within 18 months, while establishing robust legal, governance, and tax-exempt safeguards. Serving in senior executive and legal-officer capacities, he managed trial preparation, resolved complex legal disputes, protected organizational goodwill. His work earned recognition and cooperation from civic leaders, including mayors in Buffalo and Boston, and he was honored as an Ambassador of Peace for his 9/11 first-responder efforts. He has also led large-scale fundraising initiatives exceeding $1 million, overseen award-winning regional expansions, and launched literacy and volunteer programs serving underprivileged communities.

Following 2017, Mr. Renna focused his expertise on drug education, rehabilitation, and health-centered recovery initiatives. He joined Narconon Arrowhead as Deputy Executive Director to help establish an international training center and support alternative, non-drug rehabilitation methodologies, including projects in the United Kingdom. He later became a board member—and now Chairman of the Board—at Narconon Suncoast, contributing to governance, strategy, and program integrity. In parallel, his consulting work has strengthened healthcare and integrative medicine organizations, significantly increasing patient reach, revenue, and profitability. As a board advisor to the Drug Educator Alliance, Mr. Renna offers seasoned guidance rooted in prevention, education, ethical leadership, and a long-standing commitment to improving individual and community well-being.

Dr. Stephen Nedd

Dr. Stephen Nedd

Vice President of Research

Dr.  Stephen Need is a Doctor of Chiropractic, originally in Fort Myers and now Clearwater, Florida. He has been in private practice for over 35 years and has lectured on the harmful effects of recreational and the abuse of certain pharmaceutical drugs including opioids.

He has recorded over 300 weekly podcasts covering numerous health topics, including an 8-part series on the dangers of various recreational drugs using Drug Free World references as part of his research into these topics.

  • With thousands of hours of seminar and independent study in clinical nutrition, Dr. Nedd has also been able to help patients overcome drug dependence using nutrition, diet, exercise, acupuncture, and other effective natural healing and lifestyle approaches.
    Partial List of Professional Achievements:
    Board certified in acupuncture, physiotherapy and phlebotomy
  • Diplomate from the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians
  • Fellow, International Academy of Medical Acupuncture
Dr. Alf Garbutt

Dr. Alf Garbutt, DC, DACRB, DCBCN

Vice President of Administration

Dr. Alf Garbutt is an international humanitarian and human rights leader.  He has worked in these fields for 30years.  His most notable accomplishments to date include his investigation in India where he exposed abuses with electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) and other harmful practices in the largest known psychiatric facility/prison in Asia.  This investigation led to multiple laws enacted including one that prohibits the use of ECT to those under the age of 18 (440+ million people). 

Dr. Garbutt received his certification as the Drug Prevention Specialist from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.  He also trained  inmates in a federal prison in California who, under his leadership, counseled other inmates on the harmful effects of illicit drugs and the results of abuse and addictive qualities of prescribed drugs.

Dr. Garbutt is an inventor, designed, lecturer, writer, university instructor in sports medicine, academic and clinical researcher, Doctor of Chiropractic and Clinical Nutrition for over 45 years, International Sports Medicine Director for World Organization of Martial Arts Athletes, Martial arts instructor and competition coach, personally a 26 time martial arts world champion, member of 3 international martial arts hall of fame.  He holds 4 world records in martial arts competition, consultant and doctor for numerous Olympic, pro and other world class athletes, as well as an editor for a the Journal of The North American Rehab Specialist.

Phyllis Aden Treasurer

Phyllis Aden

Treasurer

Phyllis Aden is a Board Member and Treasurer of Drug Educators Alliance, bringing decades of nonprofit leadership and financial oversight experience to support the organization’s mission. Originally from Chelmsford, Massachusetts, she studied in the medical field at Northwestern University before choosing a career in humanitarian-focused nonprofit work.

Throughout her career, Phyllis partnered closely with executive leadership to strengthen funding, guide responsible budgeting, and ensure resources were used in ways that matched each organization’s purpose—supporting effective drug rehabilitation programs, education and literacy initiatives, and community-based relief efforts. She is honored to help advance the work of Drug Educators Alliance and its commitment to protecting and empowering young people through drug education.

Will Seabrook

Will Seabrook

Board Member

Wil Seabrook is an entrepreneur, creative executive, and nonprofit advocate with more than two decades of experience building organizations that drive meaningful impact. He is the founder and CEO of Light Touch Media Group, a nationally recognized creative agency that has produced thousands of video and digital campaigns for Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and growing brands. Wil has earned multiple industry awards and been named to the Inc. 5000 list six times, reflecting sustained growth and operational excellence.

In addition to his business work, Wil is deeply committed to human rights and education initiatives. He is the founder of Rock For Human Rights, a nonprofit that uses music and media to promote awareness of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights around the world. His combined experience in storytelling, organizational leadership, and mission-driven advocacy allows him to bring a practical, results-oriented perspective to the board of Drug Educators Alliance, supporting its mission to educate and empower communities through credible, preventative education.

Steve Rodriguez

Steve Rodriguez

Board Member

Steve Rodriguez, known to his clients as Coach Steve, has worked with business owners and entrepreneurs for over 35 years, helping them achieve higher levels of success, income, and the proud knowingness of accomplishment.

Coach Steve also spent several years working with professional athletes, primarily from the NFL -National Football League, delivering a program designed to eliminate the harmful effects of drugs and toxins and support peak performance.

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