Looking for a presenter or educator for an event? Below are some people who can help you spread the word about safe driving in your school or community. Do you know of someone who might like to be included on this list? Let us know.
This list is to connect outside resources with schools and the community. Teens in the Driver Seat, Youth Transportation Safety Program, and Texas A&M Transportation Institute are not responsible for these speaker’s schedules or content. All agreements made are between speakers and their hosts.
Survivor Speakers:
Tyson Dever – Texas
www.tysondever.com
On March 11, 2005, Tyson survived a car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. On that day, Tyson lost his ability to walk, and life as he knew it changed forever. What Tyson gained was a desire to inspire people to be determined in life and to live life completely.
Tyson Dever is a world-class speaker that will inspire and motivate your group to reach higher than ever before. He is a graduate of Texas State University-San Marcos and now resides in the Austin area. Stemming from a real-life car accident that left him paralyzed at the waist, his high-energy keynote presentation will bring you to tears but leave you more determined than ever before. Tyson’s background as a speaker, teacher, and coach gives him an unparalleled connection with his audience. His drive to live life to the fullest has inspired groups from all over to understand that quitting is not an option!
Jamie Chapman – Texas
YouTube Video
Jamie made the bad decision to drive after drinking and crashed into a tree, which caused brain trauma. Luckily, he was by himself and no one else was involved. After much healing and on-going therapy, Jamie wants to share his message to other teens so they won’t make the same mistake.
Jamie speaks honestly about his injuries and what his life is like. His normal format is speaking, showing his video, then questions and answers with the audience. Contact Katrina Chapman for arrangements and scheduling at rchapman14@comcast.net.
Jeff LeGrow – Texas and Surrounding Areas
www.NickelFromNicole.com
In memory of Nicole LeGrow, a passenger in a car, who’s aspiring life came to a tragic end on July 8, 2010, at the young age of 16. Nicole’s tragic death is a wake-up call and reminder of all of the fatal consequences that can result from reckless behavior behind the wheel of a vehicle.
Nicole’s family is carrying her memory forward by sharing her story and encouraging teens and other drivers to remember Nicole by attaching a nickel inside their car to help remind them to slow down and be safe. Nickel From Nicole cards (with nickel) can be ordered from the website.
Brandy Williams – Georgia
Brandy lost her left leg and suffered a stroke after her Chevy Malibu veered off the road and into a tree. She was texting a friend at the time of the wreck. Brandy is available for presentations to schools as her schedule allows. Brandy’s cell phone is 912-245-0348. Her email is brandy.williams.08@hotmail.com.
Cara Filler – Nationwide
carafiller.com
A leading speaker on peer pressure, risk-taking and traffic safety. Drawing from immense personal tragedy in her own life, watching her identical twin sister die in a car crash the day after their 18th birthday, Cara’s inspiring presentations focus on dealing with peer pressure, being a role model, avoiding negative risks such as drugs and alcohol and being You-nique.
Using humor and touching stories, Cara captivates her audience and leads them on an emotional roller coaster ride.
Email Info@carafiller.com or call 1-866-700-9903.
Sean Carter with When Sean Speaks – Nationwide
http://whenseanspeaks.com/home/
Sean’s journey into his new life started at the crash site in Wichita Falls, Texas, during the wee hours of Sunday, March 27, 2005. At the time of his motor vehicle crash, Sean was a student at Midwestern State University majoring in Business Administration. He was the passenger in a truck, driven by a college friend who was drunk. As the truck spun and slammed into a tree, Sean’s journey began.
Sean suffered multiple fractures, internal injuries, but worst of all a traumatic brain injury. Sean is now well down the path of his new life. Although he has forgotten how to walk and talk, Sean continues to make progress.
Sean and his mom present his story to others around the nation. The presentation lasts approximately 40 minutes, but they ask for at least another 5-10 minutes for a “No Holds Barred” Question and Answer session. This block of time is vital to your youths’ understanding that Sean represents every man (student). He could be any one of them, and so could his Mom.
Please contact for pricing and scheduling. Contact Jenny at 469-323-5627 or e-mail at jenny@WhenSeanSpeaks.com
Shelley Forney – Colorado and Nationwide
shelleyfor@msn.com
Ms. Forney’s 9-year-old daughter, Erica, was riding on her bike on her way home from school on November 25th, 2008 when an adult driver approaching from the opposite direction from her drifted into the bike lane and hit Erica head-on. Erica died from a severe brain injury two days later on Thanksgiving Day. Since then Ms. Forney helped launch FocusDriven Advocates for Cell-Free Driving and has traveled all over the United States and Canada to educate the public about distracted driving.
Ms. Forney charges a speaker fee (1/2 off for schools) plus travel costs. Please contact Shelley Forney at 970-691-5997 or by email at shelleyfor@msn.com for cost estimates.
DaQuarius “Q” Greene – Georgia
His story is one of personal triumph and hope. Born in Augusta, GA, this young man grew up wanting to follow his dad’s footsteps and join the military after graduating from high school. However, On May 7, 2014 (days before graduation), Q’s life was forever changed when he made one bad decision to take his parent’s car without permission and speed down a two-lane street with two of his friends in the car without wearing seat belts. As a result, he lost control of the vehicle and everyone was ejected.
After being paralyzed and in a coma for months, he was faced with the stark reality that one of his friends was seriously injured and the other had died. Drawing from his faith and loved ones, he triumphed to move past his darkness. His mission now is to educate youth about the impact of their decisions and the effect that they have not only on themselves but their family, friends, and community.
As an inspirational speaker, Q is committed to sharing with people of all ages about the power of their decisions, specifically regarding distracted driving. You can reach Q at: 770-714-6817 or dqgreene09@yahoo.com or find him online. Facebook: @DaQuariusQGreene | Instagram: @_1DecisionAway | Twitter: @1DecisionAway | http://1decisionaway.com/
Educators:
Jermaine Galloway, Tall Cop Says Stop – Nationwide
tallcopsaysstop.com
Officer Galloway specializes in the prevention of underage drinking and drug use. He has traveled the country helping communities combat drinking and drugs.
Contact him through his website for scheduling and cost information. Costs depend upon the length of training, travel, and inclusion of community alcohol and drug scans.
Garry Parker & Associates- Nationwide
https://garryparkerandassociates.com/
Garry Parker and Associates is a network of trainers, presenters and consultants with expertise in traffic safety, emergency vehicle operation, crash reconstruction, and expert testimony in traffic crashes. Trainers provide presentations to teen and adult audiences on distracted driving, driving attitudes, alcohol and drug education related to vehicle operation, and defensive driving.
Georgia Department of Transportation – Georgia
Contact Robert Baker, Jr., Transportation Engineer Associate, for career day presentations and school events. 404-635-2837 or robbaker@dot.ga.gov.
Grady Health Systems – Atlanta, GA Metro Area
Grady provides a driving simulator for school and community events. Contact Elizabeth Williams, MPH, CHES, Injury Prevention Coordinator at 404-616-6486 or eiwilliams@gmh.edu
Georgia Trauma Commission – Georgia
Contact Billy Kunkle for presentations from the EMS or trauma perspective. billy@gtcnc.org or 706-841-2800. http://georgiatraumacommission.org
Texas Department of Transportation – Texas
http://txdot.gov/
Traffic Safety Specialists offer public information and education for adults and children, which includes presentations, educational materials and booths. Driver education and behavior includes distracted driving (talking/texting while driving), pedestrian/bicycle safety, project celebration, alcohol & other drug countermeasures, speed control, occupant protection, child passenger safety, and school bus safety.
Texas Municipal Courts Education Center
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission – Texas
www.tabc.state.tx.us
TABC Officers will present and share underage drinking information. Contact your local office.
Texas Municipal Police Association – Texas
Distracted driving is a dangerous epidemic on America’s roadways. In 2010 alone, over 3,000 people were killed in distracted driving crashes. The message is simple, if you’re on the road, stay off the phone!
This 2.5 to 3 hour presentation is available to junior highs, high schools, and colleges at no cost.
Karisa Miller
karisa.miller@tmpa.org
512-454-8900
Brazos Valley Injury Prevention Coalition
Offers alcohol and distracted driving programs in the following Texas counties: Brazos, Burleson, Freestone, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Milam, Robertson, Walker and Washington.
Cindy Kovar
cmkovar@ag.tamu.edu
979-862-1921
San Antonio Police Department
Presentations and Resources for your activities.
210-207-7413
MADD – Nationwide www.madd.org
Mothers Against Drunk Driving makes presentations and shares information. Contact your local chapter to coordinate.