"Connectors" are dedicated volunteers who share Informed Families' prevention message with their vast network of contacts to help expand the organization's reach. Deborah Montilla, executive director of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools' Division of Student Services and Vice Chairman of the Informed Families Board of Trustees, is a Connector extraordinaire and this month's spotlighted Connector.
“I believe in the power of prevention," said Montilla. "Informed Families sends clear and consistent messages, which can benefit anyone who lives and breathes. The problems we focus on preventing are not limited to any single population or community."
Montilla has participated in Informed Families’ universal campaigns and programs since 1984, while in a multitude of roles, from coordinator of the Safe & Drug Free Schools program and consultant to the Department of Education to assistant principal and her current role with the Division of Student Services.
As a Connector, Debbie shares information about Informed Families four universal campaigns (Family Day, Red Ribbon Week, Lock Your Meds and Safe Homes Smart Parties) and our Ambassador program with school principals, counselors and educators throughout the County. Thanks to our long-standing partnership, Miami-Dade County boasts the highest number of Ambassadors in the State.
However, her reach is not limited to South Florida; rather, Montilla has been quite helpful in recruiting Ambassadors in various locations throughout the State of Florida, thanks to her wide network of contacts in the education and prevention fields.
"I am very happy to be a connector to help get the message out to more people and to bring more groups to the table who can work together on our common goal," said Montilla. "I know the difference prevention makes.”
Informed Families wouldn’t exist today if it weren’t for outstanding volunteers; after all, we started out in 1982 with six volunteers sitting around a kitchen table discussing what to do about rampant youth drug use. With the help of individuals like Debbie Montilla, we will continue to grow and flourish to help kids grow up safe, healthy and drug free for generations to come.Join Deborah Montilla and make a difference in your community.