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Substance Use Programs
By Prevention Specialists

Meet the Psychologists

Unlock a Fresh Approach to Substance Use Prevention

Panaptic’s substance use programs take a refreshing and empathetic stance on substance use prevention. We ignite paradigm-shifting conversations within communities, involving everyone in the transformative process of reevaluating their perceptions of substance use and making informed life decisions.

Let’s Connect

Why “Panaptic”?

Like the word panoptic, which means “a view from above,” Panaptic is centered around discovering new perspectives. We help communities see the power of substance use programs in transforming relationships and setting participants up for success.

Empowering Teens and Adults to Ask Questions

Too often, individuals, both young and adult, resort to substance use because they’re afraid to ask questions for fear of being seen as uneducated or uncool. Our substance use programs provide a safe space for people to have all their questions about substance use answered, ensuring they make informed choices rather than blindly following the status quo.

We Are…

Join us in reshaping the conversation around substance use, promoting healthier decisions, and building stronger, more informed communities.

Sarah Ferraro Cunningham, PsyD

The Compassionate Groundbreaker

Education:

  • Master’s degree from Northeastern University (2000)
  • Completed training with Cambridge Health Alliance, affiliated with Harvard University Medical School
  • Doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology in San Francisco

Throughout my career, I have been deeply committed to research, innovation, and early intervention. I have had the honor of serving as a clinical leader within The Permanente Medical Group, a nationally acclaimed leader in preventive care. My passion for helping individuals of all ages struggling with substance use has driven me to contribute to nationally recognized research projects focused on prevention and early intervention.

One significant milestone in my dedication to marijuana prevention was the opportunity to represent Panaptic. I was selected to participate in the inaugural year of a groundbreaking program, Innovation to Impact at Yale University. This collaborative initiative, established through a partnership between Yale University and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), unites leaders in substance use prevention and research from across the nation with a common goal: to make a substantial impact on the national substance use crisis.

On a personal note, I reside in Sonoma County with my husband and two children. As a mother, I understand the importance of helping young adults and their families navigate the challenges associated with frequent marijuana use. My commitment is to provide support and prevention, drawing from both professional expertise and personal understanding.

Richard Von Feldt, PsyD

The Inspiring Recovery Guide

Education:

  • Undergraduate degree from Boston College
  • Post-baccalaureate studies at New York University, Hunter College
  • Master’s and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology in San Francisco

Throughout my career, I’ve focused on substance abuse treatment for adolescents and adults, working in hospitals and community clinics. In addition to my clinical work, I’ve taken on the role of an educator, dedicating my career to creating and directing nationally recognized training programs for health service psychologists at Kaiser Permanente in Northern California.

As the Co-Founder of Panaptic, I’m known for my innovative approach to cannabis prevention and abuse for teens, young adults, and families. I’ve also become a national leader in providing training for healthcare workers, educators, and community agencies.

With over 32 years of recovery under my belt, I offer a deep personal understanding of the struggles and liberation from addiction. My commitment is to provide young people with effective prevention education, drawing from both professional expertise and my journey.

Leading the Way in Substance Use Prevention

At Panaptic, we aren’t just professionals—we’re leaders and innovators in substance use prevention. Our results speak for themselves, as most of our clients return for more of our impactful services. We’re proud to partner with schools nationwide.

Our crowning achievement is our IMPACT program, which has shown consistent, robust results over five years. We believe in changing attitudes and beliefs about cannabis use, which, in turn, influences behavior. Our clients are our best advocates, and we’re here to offer meaningful support without adding to the burdens that schools and educators already face.

In an era of rising adolescent and young adult cannabis use, we’ve been at the forefront of this critical work for years. With our extensive experience and a wealth of positive results in cannabis prevention, we’re well-equipped to meet the growing demand for prevention education.

While substance use prevention has a reputation for being “boring,” we bring innovation, compassion, and heart to the table. Our approach doesn’t just inform; it transforms lives.

Why Choose Panaptic

Selecting the right prevention experts to steer your community away from substance use can be challenging. Discover what sets Panaptic apart and makes us truly unique in our field. Experience the most caring, compassionate, and collaborative substance use programs available today.

Here’s Why Our Approach Works