SUNSHINE PREVENTION CENTER Inc.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Carol Carter – Co-founder/Chief Executive
Director

It was, and is, Carol’s belief that prevention should be the first step in the war against drug and alcohol abuse for our children. Carol became a co-founder of Sunshine Babes, Inc. due to her personal experiences with the affects of alcohol and drug addiction on her family and to be an advocate for the children facing these problems. Carol completed her graduate work in October 1998 through Nova Southeastern University earning a Masters of Science. She majored in Youth & ChildCare Administration with her primary emphasis concentrating on the needs of those most at-risk. She received her B.S. degree from Empire State College majoring in Community and Human Services with a concentration on children and families. She also received her degree as an alcoholism counselor in 1994. November 2000, Carol earned her C.P.P. Credential (Credentialed Prevention Professional) through OASAS (NYS Office of Alcohol & Substance Abuse Services). Carol was one of the few to be Grandfathered in under the new credential after working over 10,000 hours in the field of prevention (volunteering her time over _ of the hours). Carol is currently the Administrator and CEO of the Sunshine Prevention Center for Youth & Families (formerly known as Sunshine Babes, Inc). Besides performing the administrative duties, Carol coordinates, directs, and runs programs for children and families. She is also deeply involved with Outreach Services, special projects and the hiring and training of all staff while lending her expertise to grant writing, letter writing, advertising, public relations and fund raising. Carol is currently enrolled in the Ed.D program through Nova Southeastern University and is concentrating on Curriculum Development and Family Services.

Carol values her faith the most. She truly believes that God is present in her life and has an exciting direction for her. Through her own life experiences Carol aims to provide hope to the hopeless and help and inspiration to those who come her way.Her mission is to let others know that though their days may be dark and lonely and they feel they can not go on - All they need is a little hope – because

John Venza, Certified Social WorkerWorks

with Sunshine Prevention Center on a consultant basis.  John has been working with adolescents and their families for the past 16 years. His work has been both in and outside of NYS in a variety of settings, which include community treatment programs, the juvenile system and school. John is a trainer and student advisor at the Outreach Training Institute. John’s private consulting practice focuses on training and education for schools and community-based programs, specializing in adolescent development, treatment and substance abuse. In January 1998, John was featured on the NEWS 12 television series, “People Making a Difference” for his work with teenagers and their families on Long Island.

John Roth – Master’s level Art Therapist

Working on his Board Certification.  John joined our staff in 1996 as Art and Recreation Director.  After completing his education, earning his MA in Art Therapy from Marywood University in Scranton Pa, John has come on board as Program Director and Group Facilitator.  He has brought with him extensive knowledge and experience working with children of all ages.  He utilizes his expertise in the field of art and counseling as a tool when working with children. 

 

SPC is staffed with a wide-array of professionals who are experienced in working with children, adolescents and families.  

Sunshine has a working relationship with many of the local colleges & universities, including Stony Brook, Dowling, Long Island University, CW Post, Suffolk Community College, and St. Joseph's.  College. Students who are completing or have competed their education in the area of Community & Human Services, including Social Work, Teaching, Counseling, or Healthcare are hired as Facilitators, Leaders, Assistants, Camp Counselors, and various other positions at the center.  

All staff are trained in the "Sunshine Philosophy" and gain experience in the areas of Anger Management, Substance Use & Abuse, Character Education, Violence Prevention, Alcohol & Drug Prevention and Social Skills Building.