This counsellor goes above and beyond to keep students off alcohol, drugs

22 Jan 2018

Bill Geha, a dedicated drug counsellor for school districts in the US, has always gone above and beyond for the students he works with. From attending painful funerals of his students to working with nearly every drug-prevention advocacy group in Lucas County, Geha puts in the best for his work.

His commitment got the recognition it deserved when he was named the top drug counsellor of the year by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) for his leadership and commitment to his profession.

Sylvania Community Action Team executive director Deb Chany said, as quoted by Toledo Blade: “He’s very passionate about his work … He’s compassionate about people, and he’s been a tremendous resource for us all.”

Our @SylvaniaSchools district and the Sylvania community as a whole are thankful everyday for the passion, dedication and drive of the one and only Mr. Bill Geha! https://t.co/jdAajT5vIA

— Adam Fineske (@AdamFineske) January 22, 2018

“Choosing Bill for this award was an easy decision for our panel to make”, IAOTP President Stephanie Cirami said.

“His commitment, dedication, his passion for helping people and kids, along with his long list of accomplishments and accolades are beyond impressive, he truly gives his 500 percent into everything he does.”

Before becoming a professional drug counsellor for Washington Local Schools in 1989, Geha was an educator for 20 years. A student of his then had gone to a party and passed out from drinking. Later, the student died of alcohol poisoning.

Inspired by this, Geha became a drug counsellor, helping student battle alcohol or drug addiction. It’s more than a 9-to-5 job for him, and students have his phone number to call even on weekends.

He started serving both Sylvania and Springfield four years ago, when he switched to the school districts there.

“It’s not about teaching. It’s not about counseling. It’s about interacting with amazing kids.”

Geha said it could be difficult coping with some of the tragedies his profession encounters, but it never discourages him from pushing forward and trying to help the next student.

@TimberstoneJHS students went to Project Hope, a full-day leadership skill & empathy building workshop led by Bill Geha, our district prevention coordinator.@SylvaniaSchools pic.twitter.com/83CFKG0Kmr

— TSJH Counselors (@TSJHCounselors) November 29, 2017

“It’s very painful at times,” he said. “Last year I went to four funerals, but I never give up — ever. I know there’s only so much I can do and I just never give up — ever,” he said.

“I think the key is for everybody that I work with is to look for the child inside,” he said. “When you find that child inside there is an amazing person.”