“Our organization hired Sam Anthony Lucania to come to Illinois. He delivered presentations to the four high schools in our county, talked with our County Mental Health recovery groups and did a free community event over a two-day span. Every one of his presentations was compelling, genuine, and engaging. Sam is the real-deal! He speaks from the heart and his message provides his audience with encouragement and hope with whatever issue they’re dealing with. Students and adults were drawn into his presentation from the opening. Afterwards, many asked serious, thought provoking questions. Sam’s presentation definitely is a start to help others turn their lives around. Do not hesitate to book Sam to speak to your students and adults. You will not be disappointed!”
Dawn Young APRN, CNP
Secretary, Cross Over Ministries
Hillsboro, IL
“What I really liked about Sam’s presentation was how students connected with him, but instead of just leaving afterwards he stayed for the day to meet with students and respond to their direct messages on social media. It was a very personable presentation, one that in the past we’ve never had on that personable of a level and it was a great experience for all the staff and students.”
Janene Pack
Counselor
Lake Braddock Secondary School
“The most relatable speaker we’ve had yet. One of the best parts….Although there was a focus on drug and alcohol prevention… he also focused on depression and anxiety…..which is the biggest thing I come across as a counselor.”
David Chango
Student Assistant Counselor
New Providence Jr/Sr High
“Thank you very much for sharing your story with our social work students. Your work in educating communities and helping professionals on the disease of addiction and the process of recovery, is an important and timely contribution.”
Professor Holly Matto
George Mason University
“Sam did an amazing job and received great feedback from the youth. They listened to his story intently and engaged with several questions at the end. The youth stated he was one of their favorite guest speakers! They also enjoyed when he came to participate in some of the recreational activities. We look forward to having him come back and speak at Camp R.E.A.L.”
Melanie Myers
Senior Prevention / Intervention Specialist
Loudoun County
“Sam is an honest, engaging, and relatable speaker. He shares why he began using drugs and alcohol as a teen, where his addiction led him, his journey to recovery, and where he is today; grateful and sober. Sam’s story is inspiring, helps to break down the stigma surrounding addiction, and encourages those suffering to seek help. I look forward to collaborating with Sam to reach more youth.”
Jennifer Wall LPC
Supervisor, Student Assistance Services
Loudoun County
“Sam is a gifted and passionate speaker who has humbly taken his mess and turned it into his message, spreading the restoring hope of God. He exudes love and acceptance and his story and desire to help others will inspire a generation to live clean, fully and connected to what really matters in life.”
Trish Blackwell
Author, Confidence Coach, and Podcast Host
“I am one of the many moms who was fortunate enough to hear your talk last week at the Ashburn Library at our YMSL meeting. I know my son was deeply impacted by your story and we had a great conversation about it afterwards. Thank you for your honesty, courage, and desire to open both parents’ and teenagers’ eyes to the realities of how one day, one “small” decision can change the course of your life forever. What a powerful and deeply moving experience it was to listen to you. I know neither of us will ever forget it.”
Christine Sullivan, Parent
“Sam’s presentation about his life and his mess that he is turning into a positive message is a must-see for anyone! You could hear a pin drop in the auditorium as the students were completely engaged while listening to Sam tell his story of addiction that began as a depressed teen and his day-to-day continuing recovery. He then went to great lengths to make sure every public and anonymous (via text) question he received was answered, and there were many. If you have the chance to hear him speak, GO! If you have the chance to have him speak at your school, don’t miss it! Sam poured his heart into our school and our students, and he will do the same for yours. As trite as it sounds, his message could be life-saving.“
Debbie Norberg
Briar Woods High School – PTSO President
“I have had the privilege to witness Sam speak to two totally different groups in the past few months. His presentation is life-changing and I believe potentially life-saving. As a parent, to hear and learn from Sam’s experiences, changes your perspective and outlook on substance use, abuse and prevention. Hearing Sam talk about his feelings, anxieties and insecurities as a young teen and through his life and his family support over the years we could all see our life’s and families in his stories — shattering the stereotypes of the addict that we all share. Sam openly shares his stories and his struggles and helps break the stigmas and stereotypes around mental health so deeply ingrained in our society. As a professional working in youth suicide prevention, hearing Sam speak on his behaviors and substance use and abuse as “Self-Harming / Suicidal Behavior” is so powerful and accurate. As we know that evidence shows alcohol and drug use increases the risk of suicidal ideation significantly, but the power of hearing this from someone who has overcome and works daily to overcome is impactful in far greater ways. As impactful as his presentations are to the adults of our community, it is seeing him present to a group of teens that is magical. This is the moment where Sam’s presentation goes from incredible and impactful to having the real potential to be LIFE CHANGING. The manner in which Sam speaks to the teens whether in small groups or in a large auditorium forums is magical to experience. The truth he shares in his stories and the direct and honest content immediately breaks the boundaries with the teens and engages them to listen to his story and his call to action with youth is so powerful. They can see themselves, their friends or their loved ones in him. They can see a man who has made mistakes, owns them and has overcome them. His presentation transcends just Substance Use and Abuse Prevention but is a call-to-action — focused on Healthy and HELP seeking behaviors. The messages HOPE and the potential to control the outcome of your STORY, that one choice or mistake does not have to define you, that there is always tomorrow. The STRENGTH-focused messaging is a clear, as he EMPOWERS the audience to believe that there is a way to overcome struggles. The focus on the power of gratitude and positivity, as a tool to keep yourself safe, making good choices, asking for help, and being the connection to help. If you have a teenager, know a teenager or young adult, you MUST get yourself or them to one of Sam’s presentations.“
Joanne Trimmer
Program and Development Director
Ryan Bartel Foundation
www.RyanBartelFoundation.org
