The Council on Chemical Abuse prevention team celebrated National Prevention Week on May 11-17, 2025 by recognizing Berks County professionals who are champions of substance use prevention in area schools and communities. Rather than invite award winners to a ceremony, COCA’s prevention staff went on “tour,” surprising recipients by delivering awards to eight different Berks County sites.
Lorane Elementary School 2nd and 4th Grade Teachers: For supporting the COCA staff during the implementation of the Too Good for Drugs program and their dedication to prevention services.
Jacksonwald Elementary School 2nd and 4th Grade Teachers – For supporting the COCA staff during the implementation of the Too Good for Drugs program and their dedication to prevention services.
Casey Trexler – Youth Volunteer Corps Program Coordinator – For her many years of collaborating with COCA and her service to the youth of Berks County to provide important prevention services, first with the Muhlenberg SD and now with Voice Up.
Justin Underkoffler – School Counselor at 13th & Union – For recognizing the importance of primary prevention and the work he puts into coordinating services each school year with COCA.
Jared Perella – RSD teacher and Project Peace Advisor at Southwest Middle School – For his decades of services to the RSD community especially at the helm of Project Peace and coordination the yearly Project Peace March. His passion for teaching and prevention are clearly evident through his dedication to advocating for the needs of his students and the need for Project Peace to remain a source of education, protection and inspiration for RSD students.
Steven Snisky – RSD teacher and Project Peace Advisor at Reading High School. For his strong leadership and dedication to providing prevention services through Project Peace and for always going above and beyond to inspire RSD students.
Jennifer Hoffa – Governor Mifflin SD Social Worker – For advocating the facilitation of primary prevention for all elementary and middle school students in the GMSD and recognizing the importance of strong SAP leadership to help students learn and receive the education they deserve.
Not Pictured: Owatin Elementary School 2nd and 4th Grade Teachers
Traveling Quit Kit TourRead More »
Quit Kit Order FormRead More »
COCA Highlights from 2025Read More »
2024-2025 COCA Annual ReportRead More »
10 Tips to Quit Smoking or VapingRead More »
