In 2000, sober and working in the field of mental health and addiction Dr. Tishler graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor is Substance Abuse and certified as an Addiction Professional in Florida. After years of work in the field of mental health and addiction he went on to become an entrepreneur receiving a patent for a nationally sold computer invention. Dr. Tishler’s career then progressed into retail executive management positions with several national companies. He then went on to earn his MBA and Doctorate degrees from Nova Southeastern University, further certification as a Certified Prevention Professional,  Certified Recovery Peer Specialist, and Professional Certification in Trauma and Resilience Level One and Two from FSU.

Dr. Tishler now takes his life experience, education, professional background and passion to serve to lead the Addiction Education Foundation inc., and the Managing Director of the Northeast Ace Alliance.

Attorney James Smith is a partner at Smith and Schroder and member of Florida and American Bar Associations.

Mr. Smith a Captain in the US Army later went on to become an attorney and counselor for the Supreme Court of the United States, Certified Circuit Mediator, and a board-Certified Specialist in Civil Trial Law. Past President of the Volusia County Bar Association and a Member of American College of Trial Lawyers.

Mr. Smith received his Bachelor of Arts from Stetson and Juris Doctorate from Stetson College of Law.

Mr. Jenkins is a successful self-made business owner and entrepreneur founding several healthcare service companies both private and public.

Mr. Jenkins founded Shore Health Care and St. Catherine's Home Healthcare Company than created and successfully offered through Common Goals Capital two public securities funds.

A Registered Stock Broker and Investment Advisor with the Securities Exchange Commission.

Is am an accomplished medical professional with a proven and consistent track record of success in providing a scope of health and wellness services.

Mrs. Garceau began her career in the aviation field as an International Flight Attendant with TWA. A challenging role that provided a wide variety of duties, services, and responsibilities that included aviation emergency, safety, and security measures, first aid, care and comfort, and a positive culture as an ambassador of the airlines. Mrs. Garceau's tenor with TWA transitioned into a career in the medical field where she was a part of a long-time successful practice that cared for and treated serious medical issues with a high level of care and compassion that supported the patients care plan. Later she joined ERAU as a medical assistant and member of the wellness team where she carried on the global care and enthusiasm that I practice to provide students and staff not only the best medical care but compassion and understanding that supported and drove the ERAU culture and commitment.  Grateful to be a part of a team that supports and provides additional opportunities she took part in and championed the ERAU experience by participating with career days, graduation, and volunteer work such as Easter Seals and overdose prevention training with the ERT team. Karen is a  certified recovery peer specialist and is vested in providing staff and students real life experience in health and wellness that incorporates recovery information about substance use disorder, healthy lifestyle options and education.

Nero is always there to lend a Paw and to be the Best friend ever... and Foundations Mascot

The Role of Assistance Dogs in Recovering from Substance Abuse

Neurotransmitters are powerful, and artificial stimulation of receptors in our brains has powerful medical applications that can transform lives. On the flip side, however, these receptors leave us vulnerable to drug abuse, which relies on complex pathways in the brain to make recovery mentally, physically, and emotionally challenging. Fortunately, individuals in recovery from drug dependence can find alternative methods of stimulating those receptors–safely and naturally–through emotional support animals, animal-assisted therapy, and service dogs. These animals can also help recovering addicts in other essential ways, such as establishing daily routines, forming healthy bonds, and providing loyal support.

Dogs are naturally gifted with a host of attributes that help their owners live longer, happier lives. They also have a long history of assisting people in difficult circumstances. In recent years, treatment protocols have expanded to take advantage of the ways that dogs can help prevent relapse and give patients in recovery a better chance at leading full, meaningful lives. There is life beyond addiction, and assistance dogs can provide a key piece of the puzzle.