Stop Child Abuse Now (SCAN) - 1141

Tonight's special guest is Debra Alessandra from Stuart, Florida. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Elementary Education. Debra's background as an educator, prevention specialist, and counselor in the drug and alcohol field has prompted her to help young children with her new book, "12 Steps 12 Stories: Spiritual messages of recovery for children and the child in you." Her set of simple yet profound stories help children understand the 12 step design for living and assists families impacted by the disease of addiction and blessed with the joy of recovery. Included with each story are follow up questions to continue the conversation. Debra has seen first-hand the effects on children especially in families where alcohol and substance abuse occurs. She believes her book will result in untold benefits, not only for the child but for the family and ultimately society as a whole. For the past two decades she has been providing direct instruction to students from grades 3 through 12. Debra has encouraged solid literacy skills with all of her students. Her website www.12steps12stories has additional resources for adults and children, articles, and a blog for people in the recovering community, and she'll offer her book at a discount to those who're listening to the show. She says, "I believe in personal responsibility. I want to leave something of value to the next generation."