About Us
The Gifted Growing Abstinence Education Program is a youth-development initiative dedicated to helping students build strong character, healthy relationships, and responsible decision-making skills. Our curriculum is grounded in real classroom experience, evidence-based practices, and a deep commitment to supporting young people as they navigate the challenges of adolescence.
At the heart of our program is a team of educators, advisors, and community leaders whose combined experience spans decades of teaching, curriculum design, school leadership, and nonprofit service.
Our Team
Jamal Johnson — Abstinence Education Advisor & Curriculum Writer
Jamal Johnson is a veteran educator with nearly two decades of experience teaching abstinence education in the public schools of Chicago, IL; Paterson, NJ; and Elizabeth, NJ. His extensive work with thousands of students shaped the principles, activities, and classroom-tested methods that form the core of our curriculum today.
As our Abstinence Education Advisor, Jamal continues to develop content, write instructional materials, and guide new program initiatives with the insight and clarity that only long-term frontline experience can provide.
Steve Salowsky — Director & Curriculum Developer
Steve Salowsky is a seasoned educator, curriculum specialist, and current headmaster of a private preparatory school. He has developed curriculum, administered the facilities, and taught in educational centers across the United States and internationally.
As Director of the Gifted Growing Program, Steve brings strategic leadership, curriculum design expertise, and a lifelong commitment to helping students grow academically, emotionally, and socially. His vision and guidance have been central to the program’s formation and continued expansion.
Zena Sykes — Founder of "Trusted Friends" 501(c)(3) & Program Support Advisor
Zena Sykes is the founder of Trusted Friends, a recognized 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to youth support and empowerment. She plays an essential advisory role in shaping the Gifted Growing Abstinence Education Program and serves as the intermediary between the board and program investors.
Her nonprofit leadership, organizational insight, and steadfast support ensure that the program remains mission-focused, well-resourced, and structurally strong as it grows.
Our Purpose
Together, our team works to deliver a comprehensive, engaging, and empowering abstinence education experience—one that helps students understand their worth, set healthy boundaries, and make choices that support their long-term well-being and personal goals.