I am a former high school English teacher, and I love students! These days I most love helping students get involved doing good and being tolerant and kind. While in the classroom, creating an environment of mutual respect was of utmost importance to me. Helping students learn to be tolerant of other classmates’ differences was always one of my main goals.

Through Project Ellie I am able to continue to spread this message. My work these past six years since leaving the classroom with the homeless population has taught me a lot about judging others and tolerance. Bringing this message to students and getting students involved in this cause helps to bring understanding and to foster empathy.

My daughter Ellie’s story reinforces this message and calls upon fostering tolerance as well. There is a strong stigma associated with drug addiction, and tolerance and a nonjudgmental attitude are powerful tools to combat this stigma. Sadly most students today know someone impacted by the opioid crisis. Students will connect with Ellie's story and Project Ellie's message.