What makes a substance use prevention coalition successful? It’s the people, organizations, businesses, public agencies and local governments that commit time, resources and guidance to help address substance use risk factors and strengthen protective factors so that our young people can thrive. So, I am beyond excited to introduce our newest Advisory Board members – Sheriff Mark Anderson and Leland and Gray Teacher and Advisor Rory O’Donnall. Having advisors with expertise in local law enforcement and education is essential to the work we do.
Many of us know Mark and Rory through their key roles in our community, so I thought it would be fun to get to know them a little better through a short interview. Enjoy!
Sheriff Mark Anderson
- What do you enjoy most about your job/career?
I get to interact with a lot of really neat, interesting people from many walks of life almost every day. We get to talk about what the world “should be.” We get to work on what needs to change in and around Windham County. What more could one ask for in their career than a higher purpose?
- What is a substance misuse issue that really concerns you?
Many people look at substance misuse as the problem, rather than a symptom of the problem. More often than not, trauma, stress and economic issues serve as the problem where the symptom seen is substance misuse as a coping strategy. Developing resilience and compassion within our communities needs to be at the forefront.
- What is a fun fact that people should know about you?
I am a wicked geek. I enjoy finding new ways to implement technology for useful AND pointless reasons. How cool would it be if every time someone walked into their place of employment or classroom, the entry played the person’s theme song?
Educator Rory O’Donnall
- What do you enjoy most about your job/career?
I enjoy helping young adults find themselves, and figure out who they are, and what they believe. Watching a student learn to question the world around them, and figure out where they stand is the most satisfying part of my career as an educator. Once students find themselves, I can work with them and the community to help them find a direction and define their futures. Guiding a young person to find their path to the future is what I most enjoy.
- What is a substance misuse issue that really concerns you?
I grew up in a smoke and substance abuse free household, and life was still hard. I can only imagine trying to juggle adolescents with the peer pressure and acceptance of some of the lifestyle choices our children see every day. A few years ago, a friend of mine passed from addiction, and the problem that used to be so distant, was suddenly reality. I strongly believe that alcohol and tobacco act as gateway drugs in the lives of teens and young adults. Now, the introduction of e-cigarettes and vape products threaten to negatively impact the lives of the students I try to motivate each day. It KILLS me knowing students are skipping class to feed addictions in our school bathrooms, yet no-one seems to have a real solution. My goal as a teacher, and as a member of this board is to be a part of that solution.
- What is a fun fact that people should know about you?
I really enjoy backpacking and camping. My favorite activity is building a fire, it’s always been a passion since I was young. My summers are spent in the backwoods for days at a time camping and exploring the outdoors. A couple years ago I finished the Long Trail, and that journey through Vermont helped inspire me to relocate. I have not regretted it one bit, I am thrilled to be a part of a community that values fresh air as much as I do.