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?
We envision communities where every child is surrounded by trusted, informed adults and addiction is addressed openly, not hidden in silence.
Start a Conversation
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 in late 2022 with over 25 years’ experience leading nonprofit organizations focused on under resourced communities/health & wellness.
Dr. Anne Miller
Past President
Dr. Anne Miller recently retired as the Principal of Parkway West Middle School in Chesterfield, Missouri. Anne is a graduate from Northwest Missouri State University with a Doctorate from Missouri Baptist University.
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. Teri loves nothing more than spending time with her family.
Brett Mitchell
Teasurer
Brett Mitchell currently works for Centene Corporation and is responsible for Cybersecurity. He spent most of his career in law enforcement. He retired from the City of Cottleville where he served as Chief of Police.
Farrah Gilbert
Director / Secretary
Farrah Gilbert has lived in St Louis since 2017 with her husband and daughter. She graduated with a bachelors 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.
Pam Greenberg
Board Member
Pam Greenberg is an independent healthcare consultant who lives in St. Louis, MO with her husband, Marty.
Cate Hartley
Board Member
Cate Hartley’s journey with nonprofits advocating against substance use began many years ago, where she discovered her passion for helping others through challenging and traumatic times.
Aimee Meyer
Board Member
Aimee Meyer is a Juvenile Justice Advocate with Centene (Home State Health). She graduated with a BSW from MacMurray College and an MSW from the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University.
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. Jude published his memoir, Suburban Junky, following the loss of his dear friend to addiction.
Kelly Prunty
Co-Founder
Kelly Prunty graduated with a Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications from Northwestern University. She and her husband, Kevin, live in St. Louis and have four children.