My Journey

My name is Dina Cannizzaro. 

I was married at age 22, had three children (currently aged 35, 30, and 26), and then divorced after 17 years. I am now 60 years old and still, thankfully, have all three of my precious children. 

I used to say I lived an idyllic life, because I was brought up in such a great family with two siblings, great parents, and what I would call a normal upbringing with no trauma.

I was a high school teacher, counselor, admissions director, and vice principal for 36 years. I have recently retired to pursue my passion for helping parents and "getting the word out" about substance use being an equal opportunity destroyer that can happen to "good" families too. After years of working with adolescents, I know how the adolescent mind works and can help parents to navigate their child’s SUD (Substance Use Disorder) and move their child into positive change.

I hope to help parents create boundaries they can live with, while maintaining a healthy and loving dialogue with their children -- no matter what their age or drug of choice.  I believe that each story is different and, therefore, may require a unique approach. I also believe that each parent handles their child's Substance Use Disorder in their own way and in their own time.  Most of us need tools that we learn along the way that can help us live through the chapters of life with a child who suffers from SUD. 

Experience & Credentials

• Coach for Parents of Adolescents and Young Adults

• Specialty - Parents of children struggling with Substance Use Disorder (SUD)

• BA - Psychology, San Jose State University

• MA - Counseling Psychology/PPS Credential Santa Clara University

• Administrative Credential - Santa Clara University

• Parenting Coach Certification - Partnership for Ending Addiction

• Drug and Alcohol Counselor - Pathway Society, Inc.

• Trained and Certified CMC/ITC - Foundation for Change, Invitation to Change

• High School Teacher - 36 years

• Counselor - 7 years

• Mentor - 4 years

• Administrator - 12 years