Our advisors work hard to provide the members of S.T.A.R.S. Leaders Clubs receive everything they need to learn what healthy decisions are and how to impliment them in their own lives.
For their work and dedication, our S.T.A.R.S. Leaders Clubs have been honored as "Program of the Year" at the S.T.A.R.S. National Conference two years in a row!
Gina Newton
For the last decade, Gina has focused on working with youth. she enjoys being an After School Advisor and treasures the opportunity to teach teens what risky behaviors can look like, the personal consequences that can come with them, and how to avoid them in the future.
Gina (known by her students as "Mama G" or "Ms. Gina") was born and reared in Dayton, Ohio. She graduated with a B.A. in Physical Education and Biology from Kentucky State Uiversity. In 2009, Gina was honored as "National Coordinator of the Year" by Friends First, the creator of the S.T.A.R.S. curriculum.
She enjoys paying close attention to the small things in life, taking advantage of the moment, and dusting her opponents in the game Corn Hole. She loves comedies, karaoke, playing softball and tennis, watching sports, eating funnel cakes, singing, dancing, Winnie the Pooh, and spending time with her family.
Matt Porter
Matt comes from Wooster, located in the farm country of Northeast Ohio. With a strong passion for guiding young people towards maturity, he has worked with teens for over a decade. helping them to avoid risky behaviors, develop healthy relationships, and make better decisions for their lives. By being a "servant-leader," he strives to instill in teens the desire to help others, and the empowering idea that anyone can make a difference in the world while becoming a leader in the community.
Matt graduted with a B.S. in Christian Ministries from Kentucky Christian University. He is married but has no children (yet), so he can give his time and love to other people's kids.
He enjoys football, weightlifting, skiing, riding his snowmobile, and watching movies. His favorite food is Jamacian Jerk Chicken, and his favorite movie is "Tommy Boy" with Chris Farley.