What was it that brought about the idea to create SPARK, specifically? Was it an event, a series of events, a general feeling that built over time?

Southlake's mayor at the time, Andy Wambsganss, received a call from two Southlake families whose teenage daughters were in crisis. He immediately set up a meeting with the families and invited me to attend. At the time I was heavily involved in Game Over, a pre-prom program held at the high school that dealt with the dangers of drinking and driving. Honestly, I went into the meeting thinking that I had little to offer the struggling families, but when one of the fathers asked us 'What is the city doing to help our kids?' I decided there had to be something I could do.

What are SPARK's key functions?

Our goal is to "spark" conversation. We want to empower parents with the knowledge and resources needed to talk about tough subjects with their kids. Through our efforts over the past six years, we have noticed an amazing shift in our community, a new willingness to talk about the challenges of raising kids today. Parents are talking more honestly with other parents and admitting their family struggles. Young people are starting to ask for help not just for themselves but also for each other.

How has SPARK grown since it was born?

Originally we depended greatly on the advice of experts who deal with children on a daily basis. We spent hours meeting with local doctors, therapists, police, pastors and educators. That volunteer network of local professionals has allowed us to remain current with today's issues. All of our programs are free of charge, and depending on the topic and type of presentation, children are encouraged to attend with their parents; however, some of our meetings are for adults only. Folks attend to hear about the issues that interest them.

Who have been the most instrumental people in SPARK since its inception?

There are so many who were there from the very beginning. It started with city staff and their willingness to try something new. Carroll ISD and Southlake DPS got behind SPARK immediately, which gave it credibility, and from there we began developing a network of local professional experts. These professionals have donated their expertise to the tough issues facing our youth. Co-founder Suzanne Maisto and I have been the guiding forces since day one. SPARK has tackled problems like bullying, Internet safety, sexting, depression, suicide, stress, eating disorders as well as drugs, alcohol and prescription [pill abuse] to name a few.

How have you observed SPARK impacting the local community's students and parents?

SPARK has given hundreds of parents the knowledge and tools that they need to have open and meaningful conversations with their kids about tough subjects. As a parent, you must talk to your kids about depression, stress, drugs, alcohol, et cetera—it isn't optional. Parents can no longer say 'not my child' because sooner or later their child will be confronted [with] or exposed to one of these issues. We aim to educate, inform and empower parents and their kids to work through problems together.

Students and Parents Against Risks to our Kids aims to spark ideas, share information, identify needs, educate the community, mobilize resources, promote collaboration, and advocate for youth. Learn more at www.sparknow.org.