History of The DB Foundation:
The DB Foundation is a not for profit educational foundation founded by Kate B. Leonardi in January of 2006 focusing on
education and awareness of risky teen behaviors. Kate was stunned to learn of one risky behavior she wasn't aware of, the
Choking Game, after her 11 year old son, Dylan, passed away in October 2005. In the few years since, The DB Foundation has
become a nationally recognized organization. We have been quoted in The New York Times (pg 1 Feb 2007) and The US
Centers for Disease Control (MMWR Feb 2008), and cited as a statistical source for Choking Game data on NBC's TODAY show
(April 24, 2009) to name a few. We have been used as a resource to tens of thousands of parents, school districts and medical
personnel seeking information, direction and Dangers of the Choking Game Presentations in their efforts to prevent a tragedy.
Our Philosophy:
The DB Foundation operates on a 'community based and community driven' philosophy. As a community, we each bring to the
table our own personal, often tragic, experience and knowledge. It is each one of these voices, coming together creating our
passion and united front as we gain ground on reaching other communities for the sake of education and preventative measures
against dangerous adolescent behaviors. Not a single voice is ever turned away from wishing to help join our forces.
The Mission of The DB Foundation:
Our mission is to establish and implement awareness and educational programs regarding dangerous adolescent behaviors to
parents, schools, law enforcement, Health Care Professionals and children for the purpose of injury prevention and risk
reduction. This will be achieved through changing legislation, providing seminars, school assemblies, community
presentations, a website presence, an availability to the media and a quarterly newsletter and providing, free of charge,
educational materials such as brochures to those seeking this information.
The DB Foundation is a not for profit educational foundation founded by Kate B. Leonardi in January of 2006 focusing on
education and awareness of risky teen behaviors. Kate was stunned to learn of one risky behavior she wasn't aware of, the
Choking Game, after her 11 year old son, Dylan, passed away in October 2005. In the few years since, The DB Foundation has
become a nationally recognized organization. We have been quoted in The New York Times (pg 1 Feb 2007) and The US
Centers for Disease Control (MMWR Feb 2008), and cited as a statistical source for Choking Game data on NBC's TODAY show
(April 24, 2009) to name a few. We have been used as a resource to tens of thousands of parents, school districts and medical
personnel seeking information, direction and Dangers of the Choking Game Presentations in their efforts to prevent a tragedy.
Our Philosophy:
The DB Foundation operates on a 'community based and community driven' philosophy. As a community, we each bring to the
table our own personal, often tragic, experience and knowledge. It is each one of these voices, coming together creating our
passion and united front as we gain ground on reaching other communities for the sake of education and preventative measures
against dangerous adolescent behaviors. Not a single voice is ever turned away from wishing to help join our forces.
The Mission of The DB Foundation:
Our mission is to establish and implement awareness and educational programs regarding dangerous adolescent behaviors to
parents, schools, law enforcement, Health Care Professionals and children for the purpose of injury prevention and risk
reduction. This will be achieved through changing legislation, providing seminars, school assemblies, community
presentations, a website presence, an availability to the media and a quarterly newsletter and providing, free of charge,
educational materials such as brochures to those seeking this information.
Board Members and Advisors of DBF
Physician Liaison
Physician Liaison
| Phone: (904) 315-2222 |
JOIN The DB Foundation Community
We welcome anyone who has a common
philosophy and goal of raising awareness
about the dangers of The Choking Game. Our
army of volunteers has reached millions people
directly with the message of the Dangers of The
Choking Game. Volunteers often begin by
raising awareness within their own community,
Some are front and center, in the spotlight and
others enjoy a more behind the scenes role. All
are important to reaching our goal of injury
prevention and risk reduction.
The DBF army of volunteers welcome additional
assistance in conducting research,
corresponding with families, maintaining data
and references and more! If you would like
more info on joining our army please email us!
We welcome anyone who has a common
philosophy and goal of raising awareness
about the dangers of The Choking Game. Our
army of volunteers has reached millions people
directly with the message of the Dangers of The
Choking Game. Volunteers often begin by
raising awareness within their own community,
Some are front and center, in the spotlight and
others enjoy a more behind the scenes role. All
are important to reaching our goal of injury
prevention and risk reduction.
The DBF army of volunteers welcome additional
assistance in conducting research,
corresponding with families, maintaining data
and references and more! If you would like
more info on joining our army please email us!
Kate Leonardi - Founding Director
Kate Leonardi has been with The DB Foundation since it's creation in 2006. She was the single parent of her only child,
Dylan (11 yrs old) when he passed away and she first learned of The Choking Game. Kate's role with The DB
Foundation has changed as the foundation has grown through the years. Currently, Kate is involved in providing
educational speaking engagements nationwide, the media contact person, and speaks at length with newly bereaved
parents. Kate also contributes to research and Foundation development, maintenance of information on the website and
member coordination. She currently is a stay-at-home mom residing in Northeast Florida with her husband, 2 children;
Matthew and Amy and their dog Mack.
Dale Galloway - Chair
Michele Galloway - Treasurer
Dale and Michele Galloway became a part of the DB Foundation in 2007 after the loss of their son, Connor. As career
educators they realized that the lack of clear and comprehensive education about the choking game played a role in the
loss of their child. Since Con-nor’s death they have dedicated their time and efforts is issues involving health education
reform. They have been guest speakers at schools and community organizations, advocates for legislative changes in
North Carolina and nationally, and have provided a DVD in cooperation with Asheville City Schools that addresses many
examples of adolescent risky behaviors and their relevance to health education reform.
Officer Cliff O’Quinn
Officer Cliff O’Quinn is 55 years old, married and the father of three. He started his police career in 1977 and has 33
years of experience and has worked in all aspects of law enforcement. Officer O’Quinn became involved with the
Choking Game in 2007 after taking training at Sam Houston State University. Over the past three years he has done
over 80 presentations to all age groups. He has been listed as a presenter on the D.B. Foundation since 2007. He has
investigated numerous cases of students engaging in the deadly act of “The Choking Game”. Some of the cases were in
the class room during class instruction. Officer O’Quinn has earned all five state certifications offered by, The Texas Law
Enforcement Commission for Officer Standards and Education. He has 8 years in the education field working with all
ages of juveniles and young adults. He was featured on FOX News Network hosted by Carolyn Canville in a three part
series on the dangers of “The Choking Game”.
Carlos Flores
Carlos Flores, RN, is the Trauma Coordinator for Children’s Hospital Central California in Madera , California . Carlos
enjoys the blessings of family life with his bride and their four sons. He has experienced a 23 year career as a pediatric
nurse focused on Pediatric Emergency and Trauma Care. As part of his position with Children’s Hospital, Carlos has
been developed a wide spectrum injury prevention and professional outreach program in Central California which
includes presentations on the Choking Game. Since 2003, his projects have reached over 40,000 kids, parents, and
professional groups averaging 70 venues per year. With the help of local community groups such as Kiwanis, he offers
these services at no cost to the community. His advocacy for child safety includes television & radio exposure, community
partnerships, legislative education, and a vast network of community groups involved in the welfare of children.
Dr. Trish Russell
Trish (Patricia Russell) is a family practice physician in Washington State. She learned of the choking game when her
son Colin died in September, 2005. She coauthored the first CDC report on the choking game ( MMWR Feb 15, 2008)
and has collaborated with other practicing physicians, nurses and medical examiners in the US and Canada on a number
of projects aimed at increasing awareness of pass out activities in the medical and public health communities. An
information letter written by Dr Russell for physicians, school nurses and other health care providers is available in the
printable materials section of the DB Foundation
web site.
Stephanie B. Small, M.A., M.F.C.T.
Stephanie is a Licensed Marriage, Family, and Child Psychotherapist who specializes in working with children,
adolescents,adults, couples and families in Los Angeles, CA. Areas of expertise are grief, trauma, relationships, working
with individuals who chronically or terminally illness. Stephanie brings to DBF her extensive knowledge of children and
youth risk behaviors along with an understanding of workings of the teen thought process and how it relates to those
risks.
| Phone (828) 631-1315 |
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| The Dangerous Behaviors Foundation is a not for profit organization advocating awareness and education of dangerous adolescent behaviors. |
Advisors of DBF
| The DB Foundation Inc .A Non Profit Educational Foundation 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization Status Pending Note: Information on this website is not intended to take the place of medical advice. |