Choices Unfiltered

What does online safety look like when you move from high school to college?In this Teen Talk return episode of Choices Unfiltered, Mike Stackhouse sits down with Laela — a former Montgomery County high school senior and now a college freshman — to talk about navigating digital life during one of the biggest transitions young people experience.Laela reflects on her senior year of high school, what she expected college to be like, and how the reality has compared — especially when it comes to social media, online identity, boundaries, and safety. Drawing from her current learning and writing around online safety, she shares general insights into how teens and young adults can think more intentionally about their digital presence.The episode closes with advice and perspective for today’s high school seniors as they prepare for graduation and life beyond it.A thoughtful, honest Teen Talk conversation focused on prevention, awareness, and making healthy choices — online and offline.#showupforyou #letstalkaboutit #teentalk #preventionsju

In this episode, Mike takes listeners inside Prevention Academy’s Adult Working Group — a cohort designed to shift professionals from a downstream, crisis-focused mindset to an upstream, prevention-centered one. He walks through each session’s insights and shares a brief but meaningful conversation with clinician Max Masino, who reflects on how data and new perspectives reshaped his approach to supporting young people.#upstreamprevention #preventionsju #letstalkabout it

In this special episode of Choices Unfiltered, Editor-in-Chief of the EmpowerED Library, David Sherrell, shares a powerful and personal message for the senior class—one filled with honesty, humor, and the kind of real talk every soon-to-be graduate deserves.Through stories from his own senior year, lessons in leadership, and a surprising moment of clarity a decade later, David explores what it really means to be a role model—even when you don’t feel like one.Whether you're a senior navigating the mix of excitement and uncertainty, an underclassman looking ahead, or an adult supporting the teens in your life, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and a reminder that leadership often begins with simply acting “as if.”Tune in for this warm, insightful piece from the EmpowerED Library—and leave feeling a little more grounded, a little more confident, and a lot less alone in the journey ahead.#preventionsju #letstalkaboutit #wedontwalkalone #EmpowerED

In this episode of Choices Unfiltered, Mike talks with Michael Anthony, Community Mobilizer for the Pottstown Community Coalition for Youth, one of the newest members of the Montgomery County Alliance for Prevention.Michael shares how PCCY is beginning its prevention work in Pottstown — from listening to residents and building community partnerships to connecting with other MAP coalitions and Family Services. They discuss early goals, emerging needs, and the fresh perspective Michael brings to local prevention efforts.A great conversation about starting a coalition, engaging youth and families, and building prevention from the ground up.For more information, visit: https://www.montcoallianceforprevention.org/pottstown-community-coalition-for-youth#montcoallianceforprevention #preventionsju #letstalkaboutit #wedontwalkalone

In this episode of Choices Unfiltered, Mike sits down with Wendy Rosenfeld and Charla DeValia Walker from Cheltenham Communities That Care, part of the Montgomery County Alliance for Prevention. Together, they explore how community partnerships are driving prevention forward — from connecting with students to building programs that strengthen families and promote resilience.Wendy and Charla share their personal journeys into prevention, what’s happening right now at Cheltenham CTC, and what’s next for their work in empowering youth and supporting healthy communities. Learn more about Cheltenham CTC at https://cheltenhamcommunitiesthatcare.org/#preventionsju #letstalkaboutit #wedontwalkalone #communitiesthatcare

In this episode of Choices Unfiltered, host Mike Stackhouse is joined by Kiersten Simon, Executive Director of Prevention Academy, and Juliette Louer, Prevention Specialist and master’s level public health student at Temple University. Together, they sit down with Hallie Weaver and Tanesha Outterbridge from Family Services of Montgomery County to explore how collaboration, prevention education, and strong community partnerships are creating lasting change for youth and families across Montgomery County.Learn more at fsmontco.org and montcoallianceforprevention.org.#preventionsju #letstalkaboutit #wedontwalkalone #ittakesavillage #fsmontco

In this episode, host Mike Stackhouse and Prevention Academy's Executive Director Kiersten Simon sit down with Jeff Hanley, Executive Director of the Commonwealth Prevention Alliance (CPA).Jeff shares his prevention story — from his early days in the field to leading one of Pennsylvania’s most influential prevention organizations. Together, they discuss the evolution of prevention, the power of collaboration, and what gives Jeff hope for the future of this work.Tune in to hear how prevention begins long before a problem starts — and how people like Jeff are helping communities across Pennsylvania stay strong, connected, and well.Learn more about CPA: https://paprevention.org#mypreventionstory #letstalkabout it #preventionsju

In this episode of Choices Unfiltered, host Mike Stackhouse sits down with Prevention Academy’s Executive Director Kiersten Simon and intern Carly Janco for a conversation about mentorship, learning, and prevention in action.Carly shares her experience stepping into the prevention world for the first time and what she’s learned working alongside Kiersten on new parent-focused resources. Together, they explore cura personalis — “care for the whole person” — and how open, everyday conversations between parents and kids can make prevention part of daily life.#preventionsju #parentingandprevention #wedontwalkalone #letstalkaboutit

This week on Choices Unfiltered, we’re sharing a story straight from our EmpowerED Resource Library. Written by our Editor-in-Chief, David Sherrell, “Have You Met Prevention Academy Yet?” invites listeners into the Prevention Academy classroom — a space built on learning, curiosity, and connection.Through this narrated feature, discover how Prevention Academy works to empower students to make informed, healthy choices and create open, judgment-free conversations about prevention and wellness.Whether you’ve already met one of our Prevention Specialists or you’re just getting to know what we’re all about, this short episode offers a thoughtful look at how prevention begins with education — and the courage to ask, “What does this mean for me?”#showupforyou #preventionsju #letstalkaboutit #EmpowerED

In this episode of Choices Unfiltered, host Mike Stackhouse sits down with Caroline Heffernan, Social Media Manager for Prevention Academy, and Taylor Moran, Assistant Director, for a behind-the-scenes look at Prevention Academy’s growing social media presence. Together, they discuss the creative process behind prevention messaging, the impact of connecting with students and families online, and what’s ahead for the new school year — from new post series to Caroline bringing prevention lessons into the classroom. It’s an engaging conversation about how thoughtful, intentional communication can inspire healthy choices and positive change — both on social media and in real life.#preventionsju #socialmedialiteracy #letstalkaboutit

In this episode of Choices Unfiltered, Mike sits down with Maura Farrell of Maura Farrell Counseling, LLC and Aubri Smith, a counselor who works with her. Maura provides Equine Assisted Therapeutic Services through a partnership with Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Perkasie, PA, where she incorporates horses and nature into the healing process. Together, they discuss how equine therapy works, the unique benefits it offers, and how this kind of support can connect to prevention — building resilience, coping skills, and healthier pathways for young people before substance use ever becomes a risk.#preventionsju #equineassistedtherapy #wedontawalkalone

In this episode of Choices Unfiltered, Mike sits down with Kristen Harootunian, Education Alliance Specialist with the Caron Foundation, Young Adult Speaker for Minding Your Mind, and mentor to student athletes at La Salle University. Kristen shares why working with athletes is such a unique and powerful opportunity in prevention, how she connects with young people on and off the field, and the lessons she’s learned from supporting this often-overlooked demographic. This conversation is all about meeting students where they are, building resilience, and showing how prevention can help athletes — and all young people — thrive.#preventionsju #wedontwalkalone #showupfor you #letstalkaboutit #preventionforathletes

Senior Prevention Specialist Erin Ryan joins Choices Unfiltered to talk about the role of community-informed prevention and how it shapes her work at Prevention Academy. Erin shares insights from her classroom experiences, including the meaningful conversations she’s had with students that continue to strengthen her cultural competence and her approach to prevention. This episode highlights the power of listening, learning, and building prevention strategies that truly reflect the communities we serve.#preventionsju #culturalhumility #culturalcompetence #letstalkaboutit

Starting a new school year means big transitions—whether it’s entering a new grade, heading off to college or trade school, or stepping into the workforce. In this episode of Choices Unfiltered, Mike talks with David Sherrell, Editor-In-Chief of The Empowered Resource Library at Prevention Academy, about why these moments of change can feel stressful and how students and families can manage that stress while embracing new opportunities.#preventionsju #showupforyou #letstalkaboutit #transitions

In this episode of Choices Unfiltered, host Mike Stackhouse sits down with Taylor Moran, Assistant Director of Prevention Academy, to explore what prevention programming looks like behind the scenes. From program design to classroom delivery, Taylor shares how Prevention Academy equips students with the tools to make healthy choices and how she plans to bring her vision to life as she joins students in the classroom this school year.#preventionsju #letstalkaboutit #showupforyou #snapshotPA

Season 2 of Choices Unfiltered is here! To kick things off, host Mike Stackhouse sits down with Kiersten Simon, Executive Director of Prevention Academy, to talk about the exciting changes and opportunities ahead. From expanding into Montgomery County while continuing strong in Delaware County, to welcoming new prevention specialists and preparing for the upcoming Pennsylvania Youth Survey, there’s a lot happening this school year.Tune in for an inspiring conversation about prevention, growth, and the power of young people to make healthy, empowered choices.#preventionsju #showupforyou #letstalkboutit #keepinghealthykidshealthy #wedontwalkalone

Season One of Choices Unfiltered is in the books! In this special wrap-up episode, host Mike Stackhouse takes a moment to reflect on an incredible first year—filled with powerful guests, honest conversations, and real prevention in action. Prevention Academy reached over 10,000 students in Delaware County last year, and this year we’re expanding into Montgomery County as well. Mike also shares what’s ahead in Season Two, from more community voices and prevention specialists to an exciting lineup of Teen Talk and Tween Talk episodes. Tune in for a quick look back, and a preview of what’s to come!#letstalkaboutit #showupfor you #preventionacademysju

In this episode of Choices Unfiltered, host Mike Stackhouse welcomes Lucy, a rising 6th grader, along with Kiersten Simon, Executive Director of Prevention Academy. Together, Kiersten and Lucy dive into an honest and age-appropriate conversation about social media —from what’s fun about scrolling, to what feels tricky, to how kids can start making healthy digital choices early on.Blending a real tween perspective with professional guidance, Tween Talk!: Social Media offers valuable insight for parents, educators, and young listeners alike.#showupforyou #letstalkaboutit #medialiteracy

In this episode of Choices Unfiltered, we sit down with Christine, a school counselor and person in long-term, healthy recovery, to talk about what real prevention looks like in schools and in life. From her personal journey to the work she does every day with students, Christine shares how risk and protective factors shape outcomes—and how small, consistent support can make a big impact.It’s a conversation about resilience, relationships, and the power of showing up.#preventionsju #showupfor you #letstalkaboutit #preventioninaction

In this episode of Choices Unfiltered, we sit down with Caroline Heffernan, a recent Saint Joseph’s University graduate and Prevention Academy’s Social Media Manager. Together, we explore Caroline’s popular mini-series “Mindfulness Mondays,” the power of being present, and how simple mindfulness practices can support healthier choices. Caroline also opens up about her personal use of DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) skills — sharing relatable stories and practical tools that can help anyone navigate stress, big emotions, and everyday challenges. It’s an honest, engaging conversation about mental wellness, prevention, and finding small ways to take care of ourselves.#showupforyou #mindfulnessmondays #wedontwalkalone #selfcare

What students think their peers are doing often matters more than what’s actually true. In this episode of Choices Unfiltered, we sit down with David Sherrell, Editor-in-Chief of the EmpowerED Library, to explore how social norms shape the way middle and high school students see substance use—and themselves.We dig into why misperceptions about peer behavior are so common, how media and culture fuel them, and the ways schools can flip the script to promote healthier, more accurate norms. David also shares insights on the power of student voice, the role of storytelling, and why positive peer influence might be one of the strongest prevention tools we have.Whether you’re an educator, parent, or just curious about what really drives teen choices, this conversation shines a light on the small shifts that can make a big difference.

Laela, a high school senior who recently graduated at just 16, returns to Teen Talk to share what it’s like to navigate one of life’s biggest transitions. In this episode, we talk about the emotions, uncertainties, and growth that come with closing one chapter and stepping into the next — whether that’s college, work, or the unknown.Laela opens up about the support systems, protective factors, and self-awareness that are helping her stay grounded. This conversation speaks to all teens facing change — and reminds us that healthy choices and strong connections can make all the difference along the way.#preventionsju #showupforyou #letstalkaboutit #transitions

In this episode, we're back with Taylor Moran, Assistant Director of Prevention Academy, to continue our conversation on emotional well-being—this time with a focus on the summer months. While summer often brings a break from school and more free time, it can also create new emotional challenges for middle and high school students. Taylor shares insight into how young people can stay emotionally grounded, manage summer stressors, and make choices that support their mental health and overall well-being. #preventionsju #wedontwalkalone #showupforyou #emotionalwellbeing #keepinghealthykidshealthy

This special episode of Choices Unfiltered is our heartfelt tribute to an incredible year of growth, connection, and prevention.Join us for an Audio Yearbook that celebrates the inaugural school year of Prevention Academy, where we reached over 10,000 students with substance use prevention programming across Delaware County. You'll hear powerful reflections from our faculty leaders, Prevention Specialists, new trainees, school partners, and students—all sharing what this year meant to them.Whether you were part of this year or just want a window into what prevention looks like in action—this episode is for you.We love you, Delco. ❤️#preventionsju #showupforyou #wedontwalkalone #schoolsoutforsummer #celebrateeachother

As the school year comes to a close, Choices Unfiltered takes a pause from its usual format to honor the Class of 2025 with a special episode just for them.In this tribute, Editor in Chief of The EmpowerED Library, David Sherrell, shares two powerful letters written to graduates—one for those surrounded by proud families, and one for those who may have walked a lonelier road. These letters, read aloud by the author, acknowledge the complexity of this milestone moment and the many different journeys it took to get here.#preventionsju #wedontwalkalone #showupforyou #2letters1message

In this episode, we take A Look Inside the powerful connection between emotional well-being and substance use prevention. Our guest, Taylor Moran, Assistant Director of Prevention Academy, joins us for an honest and insightful conversation about how emotional health plays a critical role in the choices young people make. Stay tuned for a compassionate and eye-opening take on why emotional well-being matters more than ever.

Jackie Perez, a prevention specialist with Prevention Academy, is going to help clear the air around the topic of nicotine. In this episode, Jackie opens up about her personal experience with nicotine and shares with us what some of the conversations have been like in the classroom. This one's going to hit home for many of us. Stay tuned!#preventionsju #showupforyou #wedontwalkalone #putdownthevape #saynotonicotine

Today, we're continuing the conversation with Erin Ryan, a Prevention Specialist at Prevention Academy. She will be talking with us about protective factors, why they matter, and how we can recognize them in our lives. Stay tuned in and let's get talking.#preventionsju #wedontwalkalone #letstalkaboutit #showupforyou #protectivefactors

In this Teen Talk episode, we sit down with Laela, a high school senior in Montgomery County, to unpack some of the realities of marijuana in today's teen world. From shifting social norms to peer pressure, Laela shares her firsthand perspective on how marijuana shows up in everyday life for students. We also dive into key facts and insights from Prevention Academy’s classroom discussions—busting myths and highlighting the impact of this often-polarizing topic. Stick around - it's going to be a fun chat!#preventionsju #wedontwalkalone #letstalkaboutit #showupforyou

Today, we will be talking about Risk Factors for addiction and how they may present themselves in our lives. We are speaking with Erin Ryan, a Prevention Specialist with Prevention Academy, who will review the F.A.C.T.S. model that Prevention Academy uses to help assess risk. It's going to be a great conversation - stay tuned!#preventionsju #riskfactors #showupfor you #keepinghealthykidshealthy

In this episode, we will be talking with Collin Wainwright, a Prevention Specialist at Prevention Academy. Join us in a conversation about alcohol. Collin will cover some basic facts, the stages of intoxication, as well as some of the things that have come up in the classroom. Tune in and turn it up!#prevention #preventionacademysju #alcoholtalk #empowerment #wedontwalkalone #showupforyou

In this episode, we’re joined by Kiersten Simon, Executive Director of Prevention Academy. Kiersten shares how Prevention Academy is empowering adolescents and young adults with the knowledge and tools they need to build healthier, safer communities. From an inside look at the program to the powerful vision and leadership driving it forward, this conversation is both inspiring and informative. Tune in and be part of the conversation!#prevention #empowerment #keepinghealthykidshealthy #wedontwalkalone #showupforyou

In this episode, we will be talking with Dr. Joshua Power, the visionary leader who pioneered the initial Delaware County awarded grant program that we now know as Prevention Academy.

Welcome to Choices Unfiltered - the podcast that gives you the real talk on substance use prevention. The podcast is brought to you by Prevention Academy, housed within Saint Joseph’s University School of Education and Human development. Our mission is to equip young people with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the pressures, risks and choices that come with growing up today.