Johnny's Ambassadors Youth THC Prevention

Mission

Johnny's Ambassadors educates parents, teens, and communities about the dangers of today's high potency THC products (marijuana, dabs, vapes, edibles) on adolescent brain development, mental illness, and suicide.

“Laura knocked it out of the park and delivered a strong message to our students. Her knowledge about high potency THC and the ramifications it has for young adult users is data driven, current, and extremely informative. These are unprecedented times, where youth and adults know little about today’s marijuana and the correlation it shares with mental health. As a high school Student Assistance Counselor for 26 years, who has coordinated hundreds of assemblies for students and parents, I can confidently say that Laura Stack is a pioneer and on the front line in terms of educating youth and caregivers on a very dangerous substance that sadly is perceived as harmless by far too many.”

– Lori Ann Roland, LPC, LCADC, Licensed Professional Counselor, Brick Township High School, NJ

“I am so grateful Laura Stack was willing to share her story with our students at FRA. Johnny’s Ambassadors had a huge impact on our students and parents alike! While it was a hard topic to share with our students, it was critically important. Laura conveyed it in such a way that was incredibly well-received by our students. You could have heard a pin drop in the room when she was speaking. A number of parents followed up commenting their students came home that night talking about what she said. It is a message everyone needs to hear.”

– Sean Casey, Head of School, Franklin Road Academy, Nashville, TN

“Dear Laura, I just finished listening to the webinar you did for us and had to take a moment to thank you. Thank you for your passion and persistence. This webinar was the best I ever attended. The information you shared was priceless, practical, and will save lives. There were so many takeaways for me but this one says it all: “Silence implies permission.” Your passion has re-ignited my passion to not be silent about marijuana and the many other issues we address. I am so sorry for your loss of Johnny, an amazing son! Thank you for sharing his life with all of us.

– Jean Schumm, President & Founder, Operation Parent”

“I have received a tremendous amount of positive feedback from your talk!! The players were very receptive to it, and your message resonated with them for sure. Let me know if I can help you with other schools, and I will absolutely give your name to my counterparts at other programs! “

– Jeff Allen, Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine, University of Alabama D1 Football team

“I am a Junior at Grand Valley High School. You guys just walked out of the gym, and I didn’t get the chance to tell you guys thank you. I am a strong Christian and truly believe that God is using you guys to save the lives of teens all across the world. Your talk has now given me the courage to have a hard conversation with my best friend, she vapes and she knows I don’t agree with it but we’ve never really talked about it, now I know if I don’t say anything that can be more dangerous. Thank you for being brave enough to learn the hard stuff and really put yourself out there. I’m sorry for everything you’ve been through but am thankful that God is using you to save others! Thank you again.”

“We saw you speak tonight. My son came up to you afterwards and chatted for a bit. Thank you so much for talking/listening to him. He said he ‘likes you a lot.’ We talked all the way home about what we learned from your talk. Jonah got really quiet and then said “Mom, I’m done with pot. I won’t do it anymore.” From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for what you do. And from the bottom of my heart I ache for your loss. My son has been dabbing and vaping this whole freshman year. We found out about it a month ago. I’m a nurse. How did I not know? Tonight I saw a glimpse of my old, friendly, sweet, talkative son. So I will take it. And I thank you. God Bless you and your family. I will remember Johnny always.”

“Your presentation was powerful and enlightening – one of the best I’ve heard in almost 23 years of doing this work. I truly believe the information and data you shared, along with Johnny’s story, is going to spark meaningful conversations in our community – creating opportunities for us to better educate families about the dangers of these products.

– Mike Wade, Coordinator, Community Wellness & Outreach, New River Valley Services

“I have just attended the Saltus Speaks with Laura Stack from Johnny’s Ambassadors. Wow. I thought I was kind of well-versed on marijuana with a teenager, but I knew NOTHING about 98% of what she spoke about. It was heartbreaking. Laura was inspiring. Her message is terrifying. Every parent and teacher needs to hear her speak. I cannot recommend that you go strongly enough. We have so much to learn about how this ‘innocent’ drug is damaging our children’s brains. Please go if you can. You won’t regret it. You will learn so much about such a readily available drug, which will scare the pants off you. Thank you to for bringing this talk to us (and for now giving me sleepless nights!), but we cannot continue to think of this drug as harmless. We dragged our daughter along, and she has since spent 25 minutes discussing the talk with us.”

– Samantha Willis, teacher, Saltus School, Bermuda

“I don’t remember another debate where so many people changed their minds. You were great, and I think the American experience that you outlined was crucial.”

– Sir Robin Murray, after the Maudsley Forum debates in the UK

“Laura delivers a heart-felt message with plenty of data and science to illustrate the dangers of today’s marijuana and high-THC concentrates. She’s a masterful speaker with a keen ability to tell a story that captivates the attention of kids and adults alike. I left her presentation saying, “I didn’t know what I didn’t know! What an eye-opener!”

– Chris Ridge, Director of Comprehensive Health and Prevention, Ventura County Office of Education

“This morning as my daughter was getting ready for school, she was telling me about the assembly they’d be having today. She didn’t want to attend, and said it was a “stupid marijuana assembly.” As a mom, I was concerned. She’s only 12, and I haven’t seen much of the teenage attitude like that…yet. So, I was surprised she felt that way, and we briefly talked about it, but I could tell I wasn’t making much of an impact. That conversation weighed heavily on my mind for most of the day. I knew it was a conversation I’d continue to have with her in the coming years and was anxious to hear what she thought this afternoon. When she got home today, I didn’t have to ask her about the assembly. My 7th grade daughter and I cried as she recalled Johnnys story and the heartbreak you have endured. From one mom to another, I wanted to let you know the profound impact Johnny’s life is already having on my daughter and how grateful I am that you have made the choice to turn your pain into progress in our communities. I know this can’t be easy, and I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you can find some comfort, however small, knowing that your family’s story will help others. Thank you for the courage and commitment you have to your children, you are inspiring as a mother.“

– A mom from Windsor Middle School, Windsor, CO

“I was so impressed that Laura was able to keep the attention of our 600+ student body (grades 7-12) for an hour. The way she shared Johnny’s story was moving, but she didn’t stop there. She backed up the story with facts and research that made Johnny’s story applicable to us all. We heard students leaving the school say, “That was the best assembly ever!” Many other students commented on how informative it was. I am going to be a better teacher and administrator moving forward because I now know the real dangers of THC and the effect it has on users. It was a wake-up call that I am grateful to have had.”

– Ted Gilbert, Principal, Karl Maeser Preparatory Academy, Lindon, UT

“Dear Mrs. Stack, my name is Ebenezer and I’m a senior at MBA. You came and spoke to us on Tuesday, and I just wanted to thank you. I know that your words have had a profound impact on me and my friends and taught us much about something that we never really thought could be dangerous. I don’t really know what else to say but thank you. Sincerely, Ebenezer”

“The Dangerous Truth About Today’s Marijuana” is a Must! One of the most powerful, authentically delivered, and science-informed educational awareness webinars I’ve seen for parents, adolescents, and prevention stakeholders that can save lives and promote healthy choices.”

– Deborah Nixon Hughes, Central East PTTC Project Director

“We recently had the opportunity to welcome Laura Stack to our campus to speak with parents, faculty, middle school students, and high school students and could not have been more impressed. Laura is a compelling and engaging public speaker and the information she shared was developmentally and age appropriate for each group. The combination of scientific-based research and the passion and heartbreak of Laura’s personal story led to three separate assemblies in which the audience was fully “locked in” to this critically important content. The feedback from parents and students was incredibly positive and having worked in education for more than 30 years, I can easily rank Laura among the very best outside speakers I have heard. If you can bring Laura to your campus, you will not regret it!”

– Chris Cleveland, Head of School, Wesleyan School, Atlanta, GA

“We were able to send 11 SROs to this presentation. SRO Deputy Savage at Chaparral HS attended and was very impressed with her knowledge stating that Laura Stack was very well informed on the current trends and usage of marijuana by youth in the schools. He stated that it was the best presentation on THC that he has seen, and we hope to get her to speak in other schools so that all SROs can attend. In addition, I spoke to the YESS instructors, and they would like to ask her to speak at our next Parent Academy.“

– Lt. Rotherham, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Juvenile/SRO Section

Thank you for the incredible presentation today! After 5 pages of notes (LOL, I write big), reflecting with my class of 7th graders, and then taking the time to have them write their thoughts/connections, I felt my eyes being opened yesterday. Not only did I learn some new terms (thankful to know the lingo that goes from a dance move to vaping), I learned some new things about my students:

* Most of them know of people (more specifically peers) that are currently using marijuana.

* Several of them are scared of HS because of peer pressure and scared of how to say no.

* All of them heard you and took something away.

When I hugged you, you told me that you just hoped that they heard something that would help them. Of the 24 in my class, I’d say that the percentage of success is very high! You are a force to be reckoned with and I am so grateful I was able to hear you speak. The best part is that I’m not the only one. I’m attaching a copy of the reflections that were shared with me. They didn’t have to share, they chose to. Please pay close attention to the end of the first one (you might want a Kleenex before you read it). Thank you again for taking the time to be vulnerable (I’m sorry for your loss), share what you learned on your journey (powerful to share what you didn’t know), and be a voice for change (you are making an impact)!

– Dawne Mangus, 7/8th grade Math/TIDES Teacher

“Thank you so much for speaking with our school and parent communities last week. We are already seeing the fruits of your talk! On Friday, we spent half of the school day debriefing from your talk and practicing refusal skills. Students have given the feedback that they appreciated the scientific approach of your talk and that it hit just the right note of being both compelling and focused on facts. I thought your talk was fantastic, and delivered in a way that guaranteed teenagers were receptive to it. We have had productive group and individual conversations, and students seem freer to talk about THC use and to express concerns to and about each other. You have given us a gift! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and wisdom with us. Please be assured that you remain in our prayers. Thank you.”

– Krissie Betbeze, M.Ed., LCSW, Director of Personal Counseling, St. Cecilia’s Academy, Nashville

“Eyes opened. Jaws dropped. Minds blown. Hearts hurting. Marijuana madness. Who knew how dangerous it has proven to be! I surely didn’t until I read your book on Johnny’s life and death then even more information presented during your seminar on “The Dangerous Truth About Today’s Marijuana” in FL. Your topics explained so much: The brain connections and damage, the types of THC products easily available, the mental health issues that can be permanent, and the sad reality of suicide risk. You truly opened our eyes and front-loaded our team and community to better understand the danger of this substance that seems to be gripping our youth. Thank you for taking your pain and purposely making Johnny’s life count by educating our youth and community.”

– Susan Foley, Palm Beach County Behavioral Health Coalition

“Laura, THANK YOU so much for coming to EHS and sharing your story and message with our students! Johnny’s Ambassadors was so impactful for our students, staff, and community! Laura’s message is based on science and WHY teen brains should be protected from the dangers of THC. It’s also a message of hope so that today’s youth can make educated decisions about what they choose to put in their bodies. Our best hope is that they will remember her message and her son, Johnny when they are faced with the choice. Thank you, Laura Stack and the entire organization of Johnny’s Ambassadors for having the courage to share your tragic story in an attempt to save others. ”

– Jessica Grable, Principal, Eaton High School

“I was sad that he couldn’t get the help he needed. He kept trying but the drugs were stronger than him. But his mom is so strong.”– 8th grade student, Daly City, CA

“Laura Stack’s presentation was both informative and engaging. Her educational approach to the topic was welcomed by high school students, whom she captivated for the entirety of the presentation. Highly recommended.”

– Andrew Theado, Principal, Upper Arlington High School VA

“One of the best presentations I have ever heard in my 10+ years working in child welfare/prevention. I am STILL thinking about it and have shared with others. You are amazing.”

– Sarah Wiedenhoeft / AMP Statewide Coordinator, IA

“The Dangerous Truth About Today’s Marijuana” is a presentation every parent and high schooler should attend. It is a tragic and heartfelt story that can happen to any family. I asked an adult parent, “What is dabbing?” and he had no idea. I then asked my high school daughter, and she knew what it was and how popular it was for her age group. What is not known is how dangerous it is, and Johnny’s Ambassadors has taken on the mission to educate everyone on this danger. Everyone needs to know how dangerous today’s marijuana can be for our children!”

– Andy Tsui, Special Agent in Charge IRS Criminal Investigation, Executive Board Member of the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program

“This was truly the best presentation I’ve seen to date on the current state of marijuana. Those of us who work in prevention need to fully understand what you shared with us.”

– Carie Wimberly, Executive Director, Addiction Prevention Coalition

“Thank you for coming to Hancock County. To be completely honest, as a building administrator, I was concerned that the topics would be dark and emotionally challenging for students; especially in light of the recent trainings on student social/emotional awareness. However, I was so pleased with the delivery and the scientific approach you brought to our students. Tragedy is so often accompanied by a sense of shyness to verbalize the “why.” Sometimes, asking “how” is never answered, and you answered it so perfectly. Explaining how Johnny’s journey started and how impactful his life was (and continues to be) is relative to our students. Comparing the older version of drugs to the newer versions is brilliant. Thank you so much!”

Ginger Estes – Principal Hancock County High School

“Laura is one of the most effective speakers we have ever utilized. She speaks from the heart, coupled with knowledge and passion to connect with parents and students. This was our first in-person daytime event since the pandemic and to look at the faces in the audience, Laura has made an impact on so many students. Before the presentation, parents and even law enforcement were completely unaware of the dangers of high-potency THC and shocked at its effect on our youth.“

– Connie Bruno, Director, Program Development and Community Engagement

Manhasset Coalition Against Substance Abuse (CASA), Inc.

“I just wanted to say thank you for coming to Eaton Middle School today!! I am a parent of 5th and 6th grade boys as well as an educator. I was able to attend the assembly. Thank you for taking your pain and your story and allowing the Lord to use your pain for His good and glory! I am confident that what you are choosing to do will have an impact in so many lives; parents, educators and students! I learned so much as a parent and finally feel like I am not trying to play catch up to learn all this so that I can teach my boys about it. I no longer feel in the dark. I feel like I have the tools now to talk knowledgeably and comfortably with my boys about this topic. I am so thankful my 6th grader was able to hear all of this as well. We got in the car after school, and he immediately wanted to share it all with his little brother…so we did. Thank you!! I am so sorry for your loss in Johnny! Thank you for choosing to share and teach! I will be praying for your ministry!”

– Parent of Eaton CO Middle School student

“Laura’s presentation was very well received by our students and staff at Hershey High School. She did an outstanding job of educating us about the research around THC and how it can impact the human brain, especially in adolescents. She explains the research and also has a personal story to connect the presentation by telling about the impact her loss of Johnny has had and why we should be aware of the growing use of THC in teens. Her website and book “The Dangerous Truth About Today’s Marijuana” are great resources for students, parents, and educators who are looking for information about THC and how it can change a child’s life. I feel very fortunate that we were able to have Laura spend time at our school sharing her story and helping us learn more about Johnny’s Ambassadors!”

Jeff Steinbeck, 7th-12 grade Principal at Hershey High School NE

“Thank you so much for coming to Muskogee and sharing your story. Our feedback from students and adults has been wonderful. This presentation has truly touched the hearts of our community. So many parents are coming up to me and telling me that their student came home talking about the “Marijuana Presentation.” That was the goal. We want them to talk about it and to really think about it before trying it or continuing to use it. Thank you for helping us to start the conversation! “

– Candice Otto, NBN Drug-Free Communities Coordinator, Muskogee CAN (Community Anti-Drug Network) Coalition, OK

“We had Laura Stack speak to a gathering of our parents and students, and she was fantastic. Her presentation was a blend of her own family story with current data and trends. Throughout the presentation, Laura was engaged with the audience, using photos, studies, and even current legislation to paint a picture for our audience. The Q&A went on for a long time and people stayed for nearly an hour to talk more after her presentation concluded.”

– Prentice Stabler, Head of School, Ensworth Academy, Nashville TN

“Words cannot express how much we appreciated your presentation yesterday. The fact that you have been able to take what is arguably the most difficult experience anyone could have and turn it into a teaching tool with a cautionary word for others is so humbling for those of us who are in your presence. We will absolutely be in touch about having you join us again next year.”

– Kristen Arute, Program Director, Hingham Cares, Inc.

I brought Laura in virtually for my Drug Free Communities coalition to present on the up and coming marijuana issues our community will face with the new recreational marijuana law being passed. The majority of the audience was law enforcement and public health professionals and they were all very engaged during the training. They all responded and said that Laura was knowledgeable about the training topics and she was easy to follow. Getting an inside look at all of the different forms or marijuana was eye opening for the coalition members. Most of coalition members said they would love to have Laura in person to do another training, especially for our educators and I hope that this is something I can do for my coalition in the future. Laura’s presentations are valuable to anyone that wants to know about the dangers of marijuana!

– Jaylea Olson, Drug Free Communities Coordinator, Richland County Health Department

“Thank you so much for sharing your difficult but very important message with our students. You are a class act, and I really appreciate what you did for our students today!”

– George Pickup, Principal, Central Dewitt IA High School

“Johnny’s Ambassadors presentation ‘The Dangerous Truth of Today’s Marijuana,’ led by Laura Stack, was an outstanding experience for one of our local high schools. Laura was warm, engaging, and easily connected with the students in a relatable way. The students found the presentation informative and could apply what they learned to their own lives. Many felt comfortable asking Laura for additional resources afterwards, which she readily provided. They left feeling more confident and empowered to make healthy choices. I would highly recommend this evidence-based and data-driven presentation to anyone looking to educate youth on the risks of marijuana use.”

– Jaleese Simpson, CPS , Assistant Director, Cheatham County Community Enhancement Coalition

“Mrs. Stack’s presentations for both our families and students were very powerful, informative, and timely. Mrs. Stack used her personal experience as well as the latest research to help our school community better understand, in a very real and personal way, the negative impacts marijuana use can have on an individual, a family, a community. Students, parents, and school leaders alike spoke highly of Mrs. Stack’s presentations. And, we appreciate her positive, meaningful work borne out of the most difficult of circumstances.”

– Josh Whitlow, Principal, Hidden Valley High School, Roanoke VA

Your presentation on November 5, 2021 in Comfort Texas was very well received. We are still getting comments about how your story of the dangerous Truth about today’s Marijuana really opened the eyes of the attendees. Many said, “I had no idea marijuana could do that!” You have inspired our new nonprofit organization, Drug Free Comfort, to work with the local Sheriff’s office, School District, and our local Community Foundation to form a coalition to carry on the work you have started here in Comfort. We thank you for all you are doing.

– Dick Holmberg, Drug Free Comfort TX

“Laura Stack is not only a dynamic, well-versed speaker, but her connection with the students and parents alike is impressive. I was fortunate enough to meet Laura through loss, and although nobody wants to meet anyone through loss, I feel it a privilege to be able to work with her through my foundation. We have created a bond, which I feel is incredibly beneficial to the students in my community, and I am thrilled to be able to offer Laura as a speaker and educator. She is truly second to none. I would recommend her program to any school, any student, or any parent wanting an in depth look at the current trends in youth marijuana use.”

– Andrea Leland, Executive Director, Tigger Stavola Foundation

“We had the pleasure of having Laura Stack from Johnny’s Ambassadors Youth Marijuana Prevention present to our school. The presentation by Laura was something all students need to hear. She detailed her son’s experience and the dangers of marijuana in general and in particular for adolescents. The program was pulled at the heartstrings, provided an incredible amount of scientific data, and kept our students engaged for over an hour. The students and staff in the room gained knowledge about marijuana, and more importantly, the skills to avoid starting marijuana use in the first place. After the presentation, Laura and her husband John answered questions and provided advice to students, staff, and parents who had additional questions. This is a wonderful program and a much-needed reality check for students and the community!”

– Jeff Clinton, Principal, Manuel F. Cunha Intermediate School.

“We brought Laura to Roanoke, VA, to speak in our high schools and community. The scientific studies she shared can’t be argued with, unless you are blinded by the industry. The raw emotion of a mother who’s lost her son touches your heart. From the very beginning of her student presentation, Laura states, “I am Johnny’s mother – I am not your mother – and I’m not here to tell you what to do.” Her message to them was clearly to wait until your brain is developed. When addressing her adult audience, Laura is fully transparent about trying marijuana in her youth. She gives excellent explanations with concrete visuals to follow as to why this is “not the same pot.” She and her husband John stayed afterward to talk with anyone who had questions or needed support. This is a must-see presentation for anyone connected to the developing brains of our future generations. The train has left the station. Laura helps her audience navigate the “Now what?”

– Nancy Henderson, Project Coordinator, Prevention Council of Roanoke