Griffen Halko is the Director of Program Development for both Claremont Counseling and Support Center, A Psychological Corporation and Chino Hills Counseling. He is also a Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LAADC). Mr. Halko has led the authoring, implementation, and facilitation of Chances For Change, an umbrella program that includes a behavioral skills based module, a substance abuse module, and an impact panel. These programs have been utilized in office, as well as in conjunction with local educational facilities within Chino Valley Unified School District, nationally recognized trade schools, and local employers . The behavioral skills based module of Chances For Change has been utilized for the past few years as a legal diversion program for on-campus offenses committed by first offenders at Don Lugo High School, as approved by the San Bernardino County District Attorney's office and local law enforcement.
Prior to working full-time with Claremont Counseling and Support Center and Chino Hills Counseling, Griffen was the founder and Executive Director of Stay Designated, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3), California non-profit organization where he focused on the development of various outpatient programs, interventions, fundraisers, victim advocacy programs, and several DUI prevention formats.
Education
Mr. Halko has a Masters of Science Degree in Psychology (M.S.) with an emphasis on Alcoholism and Chemical Dependency, along with a Chemical Dependency Certification from California Southern University, in Costa Mesa, CA. He is currently enrolled in California Southern University's Doctorate Program in Psychology with a concentration in Pastoral Care. Griffen is also recognized by the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals as a Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LAADC).
Professional Speaker
Griffen is an accomplished professional and public speaker. He has spoken to thousands of individuals on the topic of Decision Vs. Consequence, Substance Use, Abuse, and Addiction, as well as Driving Under the Influence. While doing so, he has worked alongside various organizations including, but not limited to: California Highway Patrol, MADD, Police Departments and School Districts throughout San Bernardino, Riverside, and Los Angeles Counties, and both San Bernardino and Los Angeles Probation Departments. Mr. Halko has been a part of several nationally recognized programs such as Every 15 Minutes, Safe and Sober, Red Ribbon Week, MADD Victim Impact Panels, and Start Smart, just to name a few.
Professional Associations
California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP).