CONTACT US

Robin comes from a strong finance and banking background. She worked at numerous banks in Western New York. Her finance career began in 1982 at Buffalo Savings Bank. From there, she worked at Goldome Reality Credit Corp. in 1986. After 18 years, Robin began working at Sgroi Financial LLC. She began her career at Kids Escaping Drugs in 2001 as a volunteer with her family. She saw the benefits of her teenage children coming to the Campus to educate them about the dangers and consequences of substance abuse and addiction. In 2007, Robin became the Volunteer Coordinator at Kids Escaping Drugs, and was quickly promoted to Finance Director. In 2012, Robin became the Executive Director of Kids Escaping Drugs. In 2014, when Renaissance Addiction Services Inc. was established, Robin became Executive Director of both KED and RASI. Robin is a member of the Erie County Opioid Task Force.

John Bennett is the Face2Face Program Director at Kids Escaping Drugs. In his current role John supervises the Face2Face program and conducts programming for adult audiences. John focuses on the Face2Face in the Workplace program (drug trends), adult vaping education, and Social Media and Drugs presentation. In his role as Program Director, John meets with school administrators, counselors, school resource officers, and other staff to establish or enhance partnerships. John is a graduate of Hilbert College where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. Prior to joining Kids Escaping Drugs in 2016, John had worked as a Sheriff's Deputy since 2011. During most of his time with the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office, John worked as a School Resource Officer in the Gowanda Central School District. As a School Resource Officer, John worked with students going through a variety of issues such as mental health issues, domestic violence issues, and substance abuse issues. He developed an appreciation for counseling and working with at-risk adolescents.

Intrigued by marketing since her 10th grade intro to marketing class. Originally from Canada, Jennifer moved to the Buffalo area in 2000, since becoming a Buffalonian she has worked with some great organizations focused on digital marketing, event planning, and relationship building in both the public and private sector. She is a proud mom of two amazing young men who educate her about video games every day. Jennifer sits on five boards, as either President or Treasurer, focused on enriching the lives of our youth in arts, education, and athletics. She is also the VP of Marketing & Communications for Buffalo Niagara Sales & Marketing Executives (BNSME). BNSME is honoring Jennifer in 2022 as an Elite Sales & Marketing Executive for her digital marketing work with the organization. In her role here as Director of Development she will build relationships in the community to support and spread awareness of KED's critical no cost services.

Intrigued by marketing since her 10th grade intro to marketing class. Jennifer was VP of our MarCom committee in 2005-2008 and rejoined the board in 2020 just before the Pandemic hit. Jennifer quickly guided us through the digital pivot by creating our new digital newsletter the BNSME Buzz, helped us to redesign our website to ensure mobile responsiveness, and has elevated our social media presence. Jennifer is a proud mom of two amazing young men who educate her about video games every day. Jennifer sits on five boards, as either President or Treasurer, focused on enriching the lives of our youth in arts, education, and athletics. Jennifer recently joined Kids Escaping Drugs (KED) as Director of Development helping to spread awareness of KED's critical no cost services.

Who in the world would want to be responsible for the Marketing & Communications of a Marketing and Sales organization like BNSME? Jennifer Szustakowski! Jennifer was our VP of MarCom back in 2005-2008 and reprised that role again in 2020. Jennifer helped our organization through the digital pivot by creating our new digital newsletter the BNSME Buzz, helped us to redesign our website to ensure mobile responsiveness, and has elevated our social media presence. Originally from Canada, Jennifer moved to the Buffalo area in 2000, since becoming a Buffalonian she has worked with some great organizations focused on digital marketing, event planning, and relationship building in both the public and private sector. Jennifer is a proud mom of two amazing young men who educate her about video games every day. Aside from BNSME, Jennifer is heavily involved in the community, she sits on five other boards, as either President or Treasurer, focused on enriching the lives of our youth in arts, education, and athletics. Jennifer recently joined Kids Escaping Drugs as Director of Development, who's mission is to help to end the drug epidemic in Western New York by empowering adolescents and families to live a life free from the disease of addiction through community outreach, education, and early intervention.

Angela is the Finance and Development Specialist at Kids Escaping Drugs (KED). She started working for the organization in October of 2017. Angela received her Associate's Degree in Hospitality Management from Trocaire College. Angela has previous non-profit experience and enjoys being part of an organization that gives back to the community. She has always had a compassion toward helping others. She enjoys working at KED because she gets to interact with the patients on campus and because KED is making a positive difference in the WNY community by raising awareness of substance abuse and addiction.

Ashley is a Face2Face Program Coordinator at Kids Escaping Drugs. In her current role, she provides both education as well as community outreach to local youth through Peer2Peer Panel Presentations at schools, and Early Interventions for at risk youth. Prior to joining KED, she spent seven years as both a staff trainer and direct support professional for a non-profit agency that serves developmentally and intellectually disabled adults, as well as many years as both a volunteer and paid EMT. Ashley is a 2008 graduate of Frontier High School and has remained in the area to raise her family. Ashley began working at Kids Escaping Drugs in January of 2022 and has enjoyed every day. Interacting with the youth both on the campus and in the community is enjoyable and fulfilling. She hopes her passion and enthusiasm comes across in the presentations and Early Interventions she conducts and is able to make a difference in someone's life.

Brittany Smorol is a Face2Face Program Coordinator at Kids Escaping Drugs. Brittany works with local schools to provide educational presentations and helps at risk youth through the Face2Face Early Intervention Program. Prior to joining Kids Escaping Drugs in January 2022, Brittany had worked as the Assistant Director at Independent Living of Niagara County for six years. She also completed an internship at the Western New York Children's Psychiatric Center. Additionally, Brittany has extensive volunteer service with the EMW Boys and Girls Club and previously volunteered with the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps - Sullivans Division. Brittany received the Volunteer of the Year Award for the EMW Boys and Girls Club in 2010 and was awarded the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce Student Star Award in 2013. Brittany is passionate about working with children and through Kids Escaping Drugs, she educates youth on the dangers and consequences of substance use and addiction, ultimately guiding them to live a healthy lifestyle.

Face2Face Program Counselor