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Parent Education & Support

Drug Free Action Alliance is a statewide, 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization founded in 1987. They deliver up-to-date information and develop initiatives that serve the immediate needs of those working to prevent substance abuse throughout the State of Ohio and beyond.  While young people are our primary target population, we also engage in efforts to promote healthy lifestyles for all Ohioans. We form partnerships with businesses, community members, substance abuse prevention professionals, policy makers, law enforcement, school personnel, and, most importantly, parents.  For more information, please visit DFAA’s website at (link listed below).

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For the parents of children ages 11-17

Thirteen years in development, the Parent Project is the only course of its kind, providing activity-based instruction, support groups and curriculum addressing the most destructive of adolescent behaviors. Over 150,000 families have attended Parent Project classes nationwide.

With a proven track record, Parent Project reduced juvenile crime by one-third, while significantly improving both school attendance and academic performance.

The Philosophy of Parent Project        
The vast majority of parents love and care about their children.
Parents are the integral key to successful children.
When provided the necessary skills and support, parents can and will make the difference!

Find out more
Courses will be offered more than once each calendar year. Check with the MRESC for local dates and times. There is no charge for the class. A light dinner and snacks will be provided. If child care is needed, the MRESC will provide it for $2.50 per child, per week.

Parenting is a process. You never arrive with all the skills you need.
Learn to parent without arguing with the strong-willed child! Share with other parents who are facing similar challenges–you are not alone. Parents participate and learn in a classroom model to manage teen behavior at home.

For the parents of children ages 5-10

Thirteen years in development, the Parent Project is the only course of its kind, providing activity-based instruction, support groups and curriculum addressing the most destructive of adolescent behaviors. Loving Solutions is part of the Parent Project, but for younger children, ages 5-10.

With a proven track record, the Parent Project has reduced juvenile crime by one-third, while significantly improving both school attendance and academic performance.

The Philosophy of Loving Solutions
The vast majority of parents love and care about their children.
Parents are the integral key to successful children.
When provided the necessary skills and support, parents can and will make the difference!

Find out more
Courses will be offered more than once each calendar year. Check with the MRESC for local dates and times. There is no charge for the class. A light dinner and snacks will be provided. If child care is needed, the YMCA will provide it for $2.50 per child, per week.

Sybil Truster

Director of Administrative Services

asimindinger@mresc.org

937-498-1354 ext. 7020

Amy Simindinger

Juvenile Court Liaison

Amy Simindinger serves the role of Juvenile Court Liaison for Shelby County. Amy is a graduate of Sidney High School and The Ohio State University. Prior to her role with the MRESC, Amy was principal of Nicholas School in Piqua for 11 years, serving children with academic and social challenges. Amy is also the director of the IMPACT program and serves as a Parent Project Facilitator.

Amy has served in several nonprofit organizations in Shelby County including 8 years with Charity League, 6 years with Shelby County CASA/GAL and five years with Wilma Valentine Childcare.

Amy also advocates for animals and serves as a foster family for the Shelby County Animal Shelter and other area animal rescues. In her free time, Amy enjoys Ohio State Football, reading and spending time with her family.

ebaer@mresc.org

937-498-1354 ext. 7004

Erica Baer

Director of Student Achievement & Gifted Learning

Erica brings a wide range of experiences and perspectives to our team. After graduating with honors from The Ohio State University with both a Bachelor’s in English (French minor) and her Master’s in Education focused on integrated, cross-curricular, multi-ability teaching (elementary, 1-8), Erica’s 19 years in education span grades 3-12 (with over 14 years at the high school level). During those teaching assignments, Erica created the curriculum for each of the courses taught, whether focused on honors, “college prep”, or modifying the work for students with special needs and/ or twice exceptionalities.

Passionate about learning, travel, and positive change, Erica frequently particpates in service opportunities both nationally and internationally, including week-long student summer enrichment opportunities for Native American youth and month-long international camps where students from 10 or more countries learn to build friendships and cross cultural barriers.

Erica’s travels to and work with students across cultures and contexts have helped her to understand that, though kids’ situations may differ, at their core, all kids deserve the opportunity to grow, to thrive, and to become their personal best. During her free time, Erica enjoys time with friends and family by hiking or enjoying the great outdoors, listening to or creating music, exploring new cultures, and challenging herself to continue growing in body, mind, and spirit.

lberger@mresc.org

937-498-1354

Lori Berger

Early Childhood Director

struster@mresc.org

937-498-1354 ext. 7003

Sybil Truster

Director of Administrative Services

Sybil Truster serves as the Director of Administrative Services for the Midwest Regional Educational Service Center. Sybil has worked as an Adjunct Professor for the University of Dayton, Ashland University, Urbana University and a teaching assistant at Harvard University.

Mrs. Truster holds a BS from Wilmington, an M.ED from Miami University and an Administrative Degree from Wright State University. She has received the STAR Award from the National Science Teacher Foundation and the Christa McCullife Fellowship. She has presented at numerous state and national conferences and the International Conference of Gifted Education.

Mrs. Truster’ current responsibilities include program management for the 21st Community Learning Center grants, the Career NETWORK, Shelby County Counselors and Shelby County Parent Project. Mrs. Truster is the Director of the MRESC – Sidney City Schools Opportunity School.