This February, Gateway’s 7th, 8th, and 9th graders took a break from their usual schedules for something much more personal. On February 5th, 6th, and 12th, Gateway Regional welcomed Dr. Heather DiBlasi for a series of talks that went way beyond a standard health class.
By inviting Dr. DiBlasi, it was clear to all that Gateway focused not just on individual student choices but also on school culture. She joined ‘the swamp’ to dive into the real-world challenges of substance use and to advise how students can make choices that actually serve their futures.
It definitely wasn’t the average lecture. Instead of just sharing boring statistics, Dr. DiBlasi created a space where students could ask real questions and get honest answers without feeling like they were being judged. Gateway students showed up with a lot of curiosity and respect, proving how much these topics actually matter to them.
One of the best parts was how practical she was. She offered actual “refusal skills,” the tools to say “no” or back out of high-pressure social situations without things getting awkward. By keeping the vibe safe and open, she helped students see that being resilient and looking out for one’s long-term well-being is way more important than following trends.
By bringing in a national expert like Dr. DiBlasi, Gateway is helping to build a school culture where Gators support each other and make informed decisions together.
With over 30 years of experience as an addiction psychologist, Dr. DiBlasi is a highly respected national keynote speaker and the author of Understanding Addiction and Recovery: The Ultimate Guide to Hope, Healing, and Self-Discovery.
Students are so grateful that she shared her time and expertise with them, so they ultimately went back to class feeling empowered.
