Facts, not fear.
Prevention that works.
Darren Tessitore is a keynote speaker and trainer for driver educators, school resource officers and teachers. In 20 years he has helped more than 20,000 educators talk to young people about drugs, fentanyl, vaping and impaired driving without lecturing or scare tactics.
Trusted by NASRO, ADTSEA and state transportation and health agencies · Programs in all 50 states
Organizations that have brought Darren in
Built for the people who protect young people
What Darren brings to your stage
Facts, Not Fear
How the adults who reach kids every day can actually change their decisions about drugs.
Scare tactics stopped working a generation ago. In this high-energy, story-driven keynote, Darren shares the story of losing seven friends to drugs and alcohol before he turned 16, and what he learned from training more than 20,000 educators since. Audiences laugh, lean in, and leave with a method they can use the next day.
45–60 min keynote · 90-min breakout · half-day workshop · virtual
- Talk about drugs with young people without lecturing or losing them
- Explain today’s real risks, including fentanyl, THC potency, vaping and drug-impaired driving, in plain language
- Answer the hard questions with confidence and credibility
- Turn one presentation into lasting habits, not a one-time assembly
The Purpose Effect
Clarity of purpose is what turns effort into impact.
For association, leadership and corporate audiences. Darren tells how a personal loss became a national mission, and gives people a simple way to reconnect their daily work with the reason it matters.
45–60 min keynote · virtual
Workplace drug awareness
Practical, non-judgmental drug awareness for teams.
For HR, safety and employer events. What employees and their families need to know about today’s drugs, delivered without shame or jargon.
60-min session · lunch-and-learn · virtual
Not sure which fits? Tell us about your event and Darren will recommend one.
Why I do this work
Before I turned 16, I lost seven friends to drugs and alcohol. Nobody had given them the truth in a way they could hear.
In 2006 I found a fact-based, non-judgmental way to talk with young people about drugs, and I’ve spent every year since teaching it to the adults who see kids every day. In 2019 I founded the nonprofit Drug Educators Alliance to take that work national.
I don’t come to scare anyone. I come to give your people the words that work.
The reach of one well-trained educator
Through programs Darren built and the Drug Educators Alliance, as of October 2026.
“Darren is a passionate and authentic speaker who connects with students and delivers a powerful message about the dangers and life-changing consequences of drugs, alcohol, and other substances. He captures students’ attention, encourages them to think beyond the moment, and reinforces the importance of personal responsibility and smart choices. I highly recommend Darren to schools and youth organizations. He brings purpose, passion, and a genuine desire to make a lasting impact on young lives.”
“Darren was an invited speaker at our PASRO conference. Leading up to the event I was taken aback at how generous he was, ensuring our attendees each received reference and training materials to bring back to their schools. He was a dream to work with!”
“Darren talks to the audience, not at them. He comes from a place of understanding, not judgment.”
“Darren immediately commands attention, infusing every interaction with poise and authenticity. The audience consistently leaves with actionable insights.”
“Darren is amazing to watch.”
Questions event planners ask
What does Darren Tessitore speak about?
Drug prevention for the adults who reach young people: how to talk about drugs, fentanyl, vaping, THC and drug-impaired driving in a way youth actually hear. He also delivers The Purpose Effect for leadership audiences.
Who books Darren?
State and national driver education associations, school resource officer associations, police departments, transportation and health agencies, school districts and community prevention groups.
Does Darren speak virtually?
Yes, keynotes and workshops are available virtually.
Can the talk be customized?
Yes. Darren holds a short planning call before every event to tailor examples and language to your audience.
What does it cost to book Darren?
Fees depend on format and location. Tell us about your event for a quote.
Is Darren the same person behind Drug Educators Alliance?
Yes. Darren founded the nonprofit Drug Educators Alliance in 2019. For educator training and certification, visit drugeducators.org.
Bring Darren to your next conference
Tell us about your event. You’ll hear back within one business day with availability and options.