LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Tag: Johnnie Kanoza

  • LEAAD’s ‘Right Under Your Nose 2.0’ a success for parents

    LEAAD’s ‘Right Under Your Nose 2.0’ a success for parents

    Miami Township Police Chief Sue Madsen, Loveland Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse, and Loveland Police Chief Sean Rahe presenting at the Right Under Your Nose 2.0 event.

    By Johnnie Kanoza,

    Great success. 

    That’s the way participants of the Loveland Educating Against Alcohol & Drugs (LEAAD) Right Under Your Nose (RUYN) 2.0 event described the Sunday, March 11, informational session at Prince of Peace Church. Attended by Loveland parents and members of the surrounding communities, the event was designed as an educational opportunity for adults only, uncoveringthe hidden dangers that students face on a daily basis, including: substance abuse, violence, juvenile crime, technology, and risky behaviors.  

    The evening was kicked off by hearing a powerful, joint message from Loveland Superintendent Dr. Amy Crouse, Loveland Police Chief Sean Rahe and Miami Township Police Chief Sue Madsen expressing their commitment of locking arms to make our communities safer as we face the drug epidemic through promoting awareness.  

    RUYN 2.0 educated us on several ways as parents we can help guide and lead our children. In these rapidly changing times where technology has become a key mode of communication, it is important to equip parents with information about what their students have access to. LEAAD Executive Committee Member and Loveland Middle School Assistant Principal Jayson Bruce did an outstanding job on sharing insight about different apps and aspects of social media, coaching parents that conversations with children around the potential dangers of technology and social media are as important as conversations around the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

    Loveland School Resource Officer Fred Barnes shared his knowledge on drug paraphernalia and use, along with telltale signs to look for in the bedrooms of our children. The “mock bedroom” display was a great way to bring his message together. Officer Barnes reminded us all the power of simply talking to our children, and even more importantly, always listening and knowing they are looking for guidance.  

    Speaker Beth Renner shared a powerful, personal story of loss as she talked about her son Zack, who lost his life to addiction. It was a poignant message filled with courage and her hope to impact one life as she continues to share her story.

    As the program coordinator of LEAAD, I want to offer a special and sincere thank you to Loveland’s Prince of Peace Church for allowing us to host our event in their beautiful facility, and to all of the community resources that made this such a great evening.  

    Johnnie Kanoza is the Program Coordinator for Loveland Educating Against Alcohol & Drugs

    As we move forward into spring, LEAAD’s mission is to continue leading, educating and promoting awareness about alcohol and drug abuse throughout the Loveland community. We are dedicated to providing the resources and tools to help keep our schools, neighborhoods and surrounding communities safe. Our hope is through events like this we will activate our community to take action, join together and stand united as one.

    More details on the event will be located on our LEAAD Facebook page, along with other events we will be participating in.  

    Our work is just getting started. There are many great things in the works for next school year. Stay tuned!

  • A new face and fresh look for the Loveland Drug Task Force

    A new face and fresh look for the Loveland Drug Task Force

    By Johnnie Kanoza

    Johnnie Kanoza is the program coordinator for LEAAD

    Hello Tiger Family! 

    My name is Johnnie Kanoza, and I am the new Loveland City School District program coordinator for Loveland Educating Against Alcohol & Drugs, or – as we like to call it – LEAAD. This group, formally known as the Loveland Drug Task Force is in a transitional pilot year, but with the same commitment to stand – school and community – united as one to bring positive impact to our students.  

    United as one to bring positive impact to our students.

    I have a true passion for health and wellness, with more than 10 years of professional experience in personal training and health coaching; in addition to my exciting new role with LEAAD, I am also the owner of Empowher Fitness Studio, focusing on women’s health. 

    From youth obesity to eating disorders, from alcohol consumption to drug use – addiction can present itself in many ways. As parents, we also have seen how social media has influenced behaviors and perceptions – one being a strong desire for instant gratification.

    In Loveland, with LEAAD – we are looking for opportunities to educate both parents and students to inspire the desire for true change.

    In Loveland, with LEAAD – we are looking for opportunities to educate both parents and students to inspire the desire for true change; this involves a different level of connection. If we can start this process when the need arises it can change the life direction for our students in a positive way. The key is to create habits today that will set a solid foundation and build confidence in better decision making.  

    I am a wife and a stepmom to three beautiful adult children. I have experienced first-hand the concerns of many unknowns that come with raising great adults. Through this and our personal journey together I developed a desire to help impact more young adult lives.    

    This opportunity gives me the ability to do just that. 

    I look forward to you joining us as we make our community stronger, together!  For more information on how you can help LEAAD this change, email me at kanozajo@lovelandschools.org.

    Johnnie Kanoza is the program coordinator for LEAAD