Our Message & Mission
Addiction is Real began with a simple question. How can we educate parents on the dangers of drugs and alcohol, and provide them with the tools needed to guide and engage their children through this very rough and sensitive terrain?
Start a Conversation
Addiction is Real begun with a simple question. How can we educate parents on the dangers of drugs and alcohol, and provide them with the tools needed to guide and engage their children through this very rough and sensitive terrain?
Personal Passion
The circumstances surrounding our group’s passion to do more was unfortunately grounded in loss, but also a deep and passionate understanding of how important it is to speak to your child early and often about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
Barriers
It is reported that only 25% of parents speak with their children about the dangers of drugs. There are many reasons why these conversations don’t take place, but the main one that we have heard over and over again is that some parents just don’t think their child will ever have an issue with drugs or alcohol, making the conversation unnecessary.
“Not My Child.”
Is usually the phrase we hear over and over again. Of course, the hope is that no child ever goes down the path of drug experimentation, but the reality is far different from our hope.
Board of Directors
Erin Johnston
Executive Director
Erin Johnston joined Addiction is Real with 25+ years of experience leading nonprofit organizations focused on under resourced communities.
Dr. Anne Miller
Past President
Dr. Anne Miller recently retired as the Principal of Parkway West Middle School in Chesterfield, Missouri.
Teri Douglas
Vice President
Teri is happily married to her husband, Tim, for over 40 years. Tim is also involved with the organization, Addiction Is Real.
Brett Mitchell
Teasurer
Brett Mitchell currently works for Centene Corporation and is responsible for Cybersecurity. He spent most of his career in law enforcement.
Farrah Gilbert
Director/Secretary
Farrah Gilbert has lived in St Louis since 2017 with her husband and daughter. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in interior design from Missouri State University.
Tiffany Foster
Board Member
Tiffany Foster began her education in psychology at Missouri State University where she spent many years working in social services.
Jude Hassan
Co-Founder | Emeritus Director
Jude Hassan was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and lives there to this day with his wife and son, Rachel and Kingston.
Kelly Prunty
Co-Founder
Kelly Prunty graduated with a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications from Northwestern University.