Conference Presentations
References
Jerry Blackburn has spoken at our middle school for the past three years about the neurological aspects of substance dependence. The moment students were seated in front of Jerry they were captivated by his enthusiasm and sense of humor. Students remained engaged as Jerry demonstrated how the brain adjusts to the introduction of chemicals. Using colorful stories and interesting visuals to explain the facts, students are able to comprehend how chemical dependence happens in a way that is nonjudgmental or threatening. My students were able to ask questions freely and enjoyed interacting with Jerry. Most commented afterwards that it was refreshing to not get lectured simply on how "drugs are bad for them". They found Jerry's presentation stimulating as well as educational. Jerry encourages students to think in a different way about the physiological and psychological effects of substances. Because Jerry is able to relate to students and is able to make them laugh, the understanding of substance dependence sticks with them. This makes Jerry's presentation invaluable.
Valerie J. Martin
Evergreen Middle School
8th Grade Language Arts
I’ve worked with Jerry Blackburn in many capacities over the past 15 year. Jerry is passionate about the adolescents he works with, engaging in any material he presents, funny and honest. He delivers complex material in a format that is approachable and easy to understand for any audience. He presents on a wide range of topics related to addiction and the chemistry of the brain. I have travelled to many conferences around the Pacific Northwest with Jerry and always walked away with ah ha moments of wonder about his talent to teach and the passion with which he presents the material.
Judi Bixby, Director of Alaska Services
Lakeside-Milam Recovery Centers
Jerry Blackburn is a much-in-demand speaker because his lively presentations on the science of brain development and addiction engage students and adults alike in the learning process. Some speakers talk above, around or under their audiences. Jerry talks with his audience, and that personal connection brings the message home with lasting impact.
Barbara de Michele, Project Director
Issaquah Drug Free Community Coalition
Jerry Blackburn is a dynamic and energetic presenter who can captivate and engage both small and large audiences. What students respected the most was his honesty and elements of humor while addressing the serious and sad realities of chemical addiction and the impacts drugs have on adolescent brains. We were most impressed by his ability to explain the complexities of neurological science to a diverse group of high school students while balancing the human side of drug addiction and the science behind it. If you are looking for a fast-paced, energetic, funny and informative presentation then Jerry fits the bill.
Michael Schiehser
Principal, Tiger Mountain Community High School
I have been acquainted with Jerry Blackburn for over 12 years now. During this time I have had the pleasure of hearing him teach both students and peers. Jerry possesses a natural ability to engage his audience whether it is an audience of 15 or an auditorium of 1000. He is a highly capable and passionate speaker about all things addiction whether it is neurology of the brain or the foundations of recovery. He captures the audience’s attention with his outgoing, charming style. I have appreciated his willingness to tailor his presentations to his audience’s needs and ages. Jerry is very knowledgeable about the subject of addiction and the brain and I would highly recommend him to any audience.
Monica Robbins , BA, CDP
Tahoma School District Intervention Specialist
In the Press:
Smoking is out, Vaping is in: ITC educates parents on effects of teen vaping | Issaquah Reporter
‘This is a we thing’: school, parents, community unite to address substance abuse | Issaquah Reporter
School program challenges parents to find signs of drug and alcohol use | Issaquah Reporter
New king and queen of Issaquah crowned, volunteers honored at annual event | Issaquah Reporter
Skate park supporters seek more features, space.
New blog hopes to reach teens with mental health, drug issues.
Local school district partnering with community for drug understanding. Kiro 7 interview with Michelle Millman.
Looking Past the Tragedy
Speaker gives useful drug abuse speech.
Heroin problem contributing to spike in overdoses.
College invites public to chemical dependency awareness day.
- NAADAC Annual Conference & 40th Anniversary Celebration
- WA Co-Occurring Disorders and Treatment Conference
- WA Behavioral Healthcare Conference
- WA AAP Annual Conference
- AK Annual School of Addiction and Behavioral Health
- WA Prevention Summit
- Merrill Scott Symposium
- WA AAP Annual Providers Conference
- Counselor Camp: Youth/Young Adult Conference
- WA Spring Youth Forum
References
Jerry Blackburn has spoken at our middle school for the past three years about the neurological aspects of substance dependence. The moment students were seated in front of Jerry they were captivated by his enthusiasm and sense of humor. Students remained engaged as Jerry demonstrated how the brain adjusts to the introduction of chemicals. Using colorful stories and interesting visuals to explain the facts, students are able to comprehend how chemical dependence happens in a way that is nonjudgmental or threatening. My students were able to ask questions freely and enjoyed interacting with Jerry. Most commented afterwards that it was refreshing to not get lectured simply on how "drugs are bad for them". They found Jerry's presentation stimulating as well as educational. Jerry encourages students to think in a different way about the physiological and psychological effects of substances. Because Jerry is able to relate to students and is able to make them laugh, the understanding of substance dependence sticks with them. This makes Jerry's presentation invaluable.
Valerie J. Martin
Evergreen Middle School
8th Grade Language Arts
I’ve worked with Jerry Blackburn in many capacities over the past 15 year. Jerry is passionate about the adolescents he works with, engaging in any material he presents, funny and honest. He delivers complex material in a format that is approachable and easy to understand for any audience. He presents on a wide range of topics related to addiction and the chemistry of the brain. I have travelled to many conferences around the Pacific Northwest with Jerry and always walked away with ah ha moments of wonder about his talent to teach and the passion with which he presents the material.
Judi Bixby, Director of Alaska Services
Lakeside-Milam Recovery Centers
Jerry Blackburn is a much-in-demand speaker because his lively presentations on the science of brain development and addiction engage students and adults alike in the learning process. Some speakers talk above, around or under their audiences. Jerry talks with his audience, and that personal connection brings the message home with lasting impact.
Barbara de Michele, Project Director
Issaquah Drug Free Community Coalition
Jerry Blackburn is a dynamic and energetic presenter who can captivate and engage both small and large audiences. What students respected the most was his honesty and elements of humor while addressing the serious and sad realities of chemical addiction and the impacts drugs have on adolescent brains. We were most impressed by his ability to explain the complexities of neurological science to a diverse group of high school students while balancing the human side of drug addiction and the science behind it. If you are looking for a fast-paced, energetic, funny and informative presentation then Jerry fits the bill.
Michael Schiehser
Principal, Tiger Mountain Community High School
I have been acquainted with Jerry Blackburn for over 12 years now. During this time I have had the pleasure of hearing him teach both students and peers. Jerry possesses a natural ability to engage his audience whether it is an audience of 15 or an auditorium of 1000. He is a highly capable and passionate speaker about all things addiction whether it is neurology of the brain or the foundations of recovery. He captures the audience’s attention with his outgoing, charming style. I have appreciated his willingness to tailor his presentations to his audience’s needs and ages. Jerry is very knowledgeable about the subject of addiction and the brain and I would highly recommend him to any audience.
Monica Robbins , BA, CDP
Tahoma School District Intervention Specialist
In the Press:
Smoking is out, Vaping is in: ITC educates parents on effects of teen vaping | Issaquah Reporter
‘This is a we thing’: school, parents, community unite to address substance abuse | Issaquah Reporter
School program challenges parents to find signs of drug and alcohol use | Issaquah Reporter
New king and queen of Issaquah crowned, volunteers honored at annual event | Issaquah Reporter
Skate park supporters seek more features, space.
New blog hopes to reach teens with mental health, drug issues.
Local school district partnering with community for drug understanding. Kiro 7 interview with Michelle Millman.
Looking Past the Tragedy
Speaker gives useful drug abuse speech.
Heroin problem contributing to spike in overdoses.
College invites public to chemical dependency awareness day.