Rodney Poole

Rodney Poole

NC, US

One of the nations most dynamic, engaging and effective drug prevention educators!!!

Rodney began his prevention education career with FCD / Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, gaining unparalleled experience in the drug prevention education space, while also establishing himself as a respected Prevention Specialist. Currently working as a Program Coordinator for the State of North Carolina’s Alcoholic Beverage control Commission, Rodney is widely known for his ability to connect with his audience, subject knowledge, and thought provoking presentations. While his speaking engagements have taken him to some of the top schools in the United States, Dubai, Qatar, Thailand, Mumbai, Singapore and Nairobi, Rodney is proud to call North Carolina home.


Rodney’s style is one-of-a-kind. As a seasoned speaker, he combines education, information, and humor to ensure that his presentations are both entertaining and enlightening. Rodney knows how to engage with the audience, making potentially boring information interesting and fun. Students and parents absolutely love his ability to deliver crucial information in a way that sticks. Schools invite him back year after year.


Rodney is a Shaw University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a former collegiate track and field athlete. He is a former middle school special education teacher, and middle school track and field coach. Rodney is a devoted and loving husband, a fitness enthusiast and enjoys teaching, traveling with his wife and experiencing the many cultures of the world.

Rodney is extremely passionate about positively impacting the lives of young people and their families.

Rodney began his prevention education career with FCD / Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, gaining unparalleled experience in the drug prevention education space, while also establishing himself as a respected Prevention Specialist. Currently working as a Program Coordinator for the State of North Carolina’s Alcoholic Beverage control Commission, Rodney is widely known for his ability to connect with his audience, subject knowledge, and thought provoking presentations. While his speaking engagements have taken him to some of the top schools in the United States, Dubai, Qatar, Thailand, Mumbai, Singapore and Nairobi, Rodney is proud to call North Carolina home.


Rodney’s style is one-of-a-kind. As a seasoned speaker, he combines education, information, and humor to ensure that his presentations are both entertaining and enlightening. Rodney knows how to engage with the audience, making potentially boring information interesting and fun. Students and parents absolutely love his ability to deliver crucial information in a way that sticks. Schools invite him back year after year.


Rodney is a Shaw University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a former collegiate track and field athlete. He is a former middle school special education teacher, and middle school track and field coach. Rodney is a devoted and loving husband, a fitness enthusiast and enjoys teaching, traveling with his wife and experiencing the many cultures of the world.

Rodney is extremely passionate about positively impacting the lives of young people and their families.

Lit Without Lighting Up

As a high school student I did everthing wrong!!! Skipping classes, smoking weed, poor study habits, mediocre athletic efforts, no goal setting. I wasted four very important years of life. Lit without lighting up highlights the importance of realizing that life can be a blast without substances. We talk about the natural development that takes place as a high school student and the problems that may occur when that development is hindered by substances.
Entertainment-basedEducational / InformativeInspirational / Life-changingHumorous / Funny

Salty Brownies

The teenage brain is in a state of development from ages 12-20. During that time if substances are used, the risk of developing substance use disorder is increased greatly!! We talk about the  research that has shown that  there are major benefits for the teen that decides against substance use during the teenage years.
Educational / Informative

You Are an Army of One

We can be ourselves without explanation or apology. Through interactive activities and discussion we explore what that looks like and how to strengthen self identity. We also encourage healthy friend selection and the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive peers.
Entertainment-basedAudience ActivityEducational / InformativeTechnical / SpecificInspirational / Life-changingHumorous / Funny

Swallowed, Smoked, Vaped or Snorted

What happens when a teen misuses a substance? We look at the ins and outs of substance misuse. We clarify myths and incorrect information about the substances that teens have heard about or are curious about.
Entertainment-basedEducational / InformativeTechnical / SpecificInspirational / Life-changing