This month the Commission features Kate Thomsen.  We commend her for many years of commitment to and involvement with this Onondaga County community anti-drug coalition.  

Kate Thomsen has over 25 years of experience working in both agency and educational settings on issues related to youth development. She is a certified English teacher with a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and a certificate of advanced study in Educational Administration. She served for many years as the Director of Special Programs, supervising many programs including the school-based ADAPEP Program, at OCM BOCES.

Kate has published two books, Building Resilient Students (2002) and Service Learning In Grades K-8 (2005) through Corwin Press. Limited copies of Ms. Thomsen's book, Building Resilient Students, is available for purchase through the Commission office. Kate has also published 3 articles on topics related to positive youth development in Exceptional Parent Magazine (Nov. 2001), Reclaiming Children and Youth Journal (Summer 2004), and In Transition (Spring, 2006), NYS Middle School Association’s journal. 

Kate Thomsen has long been an active member of the Syracuse/Onondaga Drug and Alcohol Abuse Commission.  She has assisted with many of the Commission's key activities, including the Clear Minds Clear Messages media campaign.  She currently serves on the Executive Committee and serves as a consultant regarding youth development issues.