Valuable Choices Intro Slides
Phoenix House Texas • Houston
Day 1 Foundation
LifeSkills Training & Positive Alternatives
First Day Introduction & Valuable Choices
Building healthy decision-making, clarifying core values, and creating a supportive classroom community for personal growth.
Donna Sherfield-Nelson
Prevention Specialist, BS, APS
phoenixhousetx.org
Youth Prevention Education Services
A Little About Me
Donna Sherfield-Nelson • Phoenix House Texas

Getting to know your Prevention Specialist • Houston, Texas Welcome to LifeSkills!
Passions & Perspectives
Connecting Through Joy
Background
Proud military brat who traveled widely before finding home in Texas.
Adaptive & Global Mindset
Education & Sports
University of Texas Graduate & collegiate UT Track & Field athlete. Hook 'em!
Discipline & Teamwork
Passions & Joy
Health & wellness champion, creative dance, faith ministry, family & pets, and delicious seafood!
Whole-Person Wellness
Icebreaker Connection: Today is about discovering what makes YOU thrive!
Phoenix House Houston
Day One Roadmap
Agenda & Overview
1
Welcome & Introductions
Meeting your specialist and setting our group foundation.
2
Group Guidelines & Norms
Confidentiality, safety boundaries, and mutual respect.
3
Participant Rights
Understanding your rights, voice, and opt-in safety protections.
4
Pre-Survey & Consent
Baseline questions and state program documentation.
5
LifeSkills Scope & Sequence
What we will explore across our high school sessions.
6
Valuable Choices Activity
Interactive values clarification and positive alternative planning.
Focus: Active participation and open discussion First Step: Establishing Our Safe Space →
Classroom Guidelines
Mutual Respect & Safety
Confidentiality
What is shared here stays here.
Safety Exception: We must break silence if someone plans to harm self, is being harmed, or plans to harm another.
Keep Stories Anonymous
When sharing real-life examples, avoid using real names or identifying details. Protect everyone's privacy and dignity.
One Person Talks at a Time
Raise your hand to speak so every voice is clearly heard. Give full attention to whoever holds the floor without side chatter.
Respect Without Criticism
You are free to express thoughts and opinions without fear of ridicule. Keep an open mind and respect different points of view.
NUMBER ONE RULE: HAVE FUN & PARTICIPATE!
Safe & Supportive Space
Your Rights as a Participant
Protected & Empowered
Safety & Protection: Right to be free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Dignity: Right to always be treated with dignity, courtesy, and respect.
Equal Opportunity: Free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, or disability.
Informed Consent: Right to understand program goals and session length in advance.
Voluntary Comfort: Right to step back from any session if you or your guardians feel uncomfortable.
Advocacy & Voice: Right to file questions or complaints without retaliation at any time.
Phoenix House Feedback: 832-547-9286
Texas HHSC: 1-888-388-6332 • SAPrevention@dshs.tx.gov
What is LifeSkills?
High School 9th–12th Grade • 10 Class Periods

Evidence-based Botvin curriculum proven to build life resilience and healthy decisions. 10 Total Class Periods
Valuable Choices Activity
VALUABLE CHOICES • Donna Sherfield-Nelson, BS
Valuable Choices Worksheet
Hoja de trabajo de opciones valiosas
Three Favorite Activities
Tres actividades favoritas
Five Important People in My Life
Cinco personas importantes en mi vida
Three Goals I have for the Future
Tres metas que tengo para el futuro
Three Favorite Possessions
Tres posesiones favoritas
Two Things I Would Like to Own Someday.
Dos cosas que me gustaría tener algún día.
Worksheet for Clarifying Values/Valuables Squares Activity – Modified by D Nelson
Complete all four sections on your printed handout Next: Values Into Action →
Values Into Action: Positive Alternatives
Connecting Choices to Future
1. Protect What You Value
How could risky behaviors (substance use, negative peer pressure) threaten the people, passions, or goals on your list?
Risk vs. Reality
2. Positive Alternatives
When stressed, bored, or pressured, how can turning to your favorite activities provide genuine relief without harmful consequences?
Healthy Coping Habits
3. Staying Focused on Goals
Which future goal excites you most? What is one daily decision you can make this week that brings you closer to it?
Momentum & Growth
Remember: "A positive alternative isn't just saying no to risks—it's saying YES to your passions and future."
Thank You for Your Time!
See You in Session 2
Today's Presenter
Donna Sherfield-Nelson
Prevention Specialist, BS, APS
dnelson@phoenixhousetx.org
To Schedule Programs & Presentations:
Erin Vesely, Prevention Director, ACPS
evesely@phoenixhousetx.org • 832-547-9286
Phoenix House Texas
2525 North Loop West, Suite 225
Houston, TX 77008
phoenixhousetx.org
Stay Connected:
Facebook: @PhoenixHouseTexas
Instagram: @PhoenixHouseHouston
Next Up: Unit 1 — The Value of Good Health Make Every Choice Count!