Brenda Conlan has been an Alcohol and Other Drug Educator since 1994. Students, parents and faculty in hundreds of schools throughout the world have enjoyed her lively, honest presentation style and her colorful personality. In addition to her work in classrooms, Brenda has given presentations at international conferences in Europe (ECIS) and China (EARCOS) for independent schools abroad. She has also provided schools with in-service workshops and assisted in developing curriculum and policies regarding substance use. A 1989 graduate of UMASS Amherst, Brenda taught languages in Germany before she began her training in the field of drug prevention. Brenda’s truthful account of her own adolescence, which was derailed by early addiction to drugs, gives her a magic credibility in her student seminars. Each workshop is as unique as the individuals participating 
in it and Brenda is thankful to the students who have allowed her into their world. They have taught her much about being young and negotiating today’s mind-boggling social landscape. Brenda lives on Cape Cod with her family (mostly canine), and enjoys running, reading and gardening. In the summer months Brenda shares her love of music and poetry as a DJ on WOMR, a community radio station in Provincetown, MA.
“For over ten years we have worked with Brenda in the middle school at Collegiate in Richmond, Virginia. As a school community we treasure our relationship wth Brenda, and faculty and students alike look forward to her work here in the Fall and Spring with our eighth graders, faculty and parents. Brenda’s teaching and our ongoing relationship with her is an integral part of our health and drug education curriculum. As a teacher Brenda is informatve, wise, and most importantly, knows how to match her curriculum with with the needs of the students. Brenda has a gift for talking honestly and appropriately with students – the students trust Brenda’s authenticity, enjoy her sense of humor and thoughtfully consider the ideas generated in the conversations connected with her teaching. ”
Sally Chambers – middle school counselor, Collegiate School