How is Thom Kessler’s (the TUHSD Alcohol Prevention Counselor) role in “Be the Influence” different from BACR New Perspective counselors already at the schools?
The New Perspectives program is a comprehensive, existing service within all THUSD schools and involves: counseling for elementary, middle and high school youth on a wide range of presenting issues, including a focus on drug and alcohol prevention and intervention assistance; classroom education about drugs and alcohol and life skills; crisis support and consultation to schools; family counseling and parent education, and family advocacy, case management and other family support services. “Be the Influence” is a project specifically designed to reach students engaged in or at-risk of binge drinking within the TUHSD. The County of Marin has contracted with Bay Area Community Resources to engage the expertise of a trained alcohol and drug counselor, Thom Kessler, to work with the students in the project. Additionally, Thom works with the New Perspectives Counselors to identify students who would benefit from the services of the “Be the Influence” project. Both New Perspectives Counselors
