Father Engagement Changes Everything

When fathers are actively involved in their children's education, outcomes improve academically, emotionally, and socially. DRH Media, LLC helps schools, school districts, educational organizations, businesses, nonprofit groups, and community leaders turn that involvement into meaningful action.

Based in Clarksburg, Maryland, and serving clients nationwide through virtual and in-person programs, DRH Media works with organizations to create environments where fathers feel welcomed, valued, and encouraged to participate.

Founded by Dr. Deborah R. Higdon—a retired PreK–12 principal, central office administrator, educational leader, and author with a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership—DRH Media provides the training, resources, and guidance needed to strengthen school-family partnerships, increase father involvement, support student achievement, and foster stronger father-child relationships.

The Dad Difference Book Cover

The Dad Difference

Published by ISTE & ASCD — the most trusted names in educational publishing — The Dad Difference is a comprehensive, research-backed guide for every educator who wants to bring fathers into the school community as true partners.

Dr. Higdon draws on her extensive experience as a principal and education leader to deliver practical strategies, inspiring stories, and a clear call to action: schools that engage fathers change lives.

Whether you're a classroom teacher or a district superintendent, this book gives you the tools, the framework, and the confidence to make father engagement a living priority.

Meet Dr. Higdon
Meet Dr. Higdon

A Lifetime of Leading With Purpose

Dr. Deborah R. Higdon is a nationally recognized authority on father engagement in education. With a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and decades of experience as a PreK–12 principal and central office administrator, she has dedicated her career to closing the gap between schools and the fathers who matter most.

Her landmark book, The Dad Difference: How and Why to Invite Fathers Into Your School, published by ISTE & ASCD, has become an essential resource for educators across the country seeking to build stronger school-family partnerships.

Today, through DRH Media LLC, Dr. Higdon consults with schools, districts, and businesses — bringing evidence-based strategies, professional development, and community outreach programs that measurably improve father involvement and student success.

  • Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership
  • Author — The Dad Difference (ISTE & ASCD)
  • Retired Principal, PreK–12 & Central Office
  • Adjunct Professor, Montgomery College
  • Clarksburg, Maryland
  • NAFSCE Member

Consulting

Strategic guidance that ties father engagement directly to your school or district improvement goals and metrics.


Workshops

Interactive professional learning that equips staff with practical tools to welcome and engage fathers every day.


Programs

Father-focused programs that increase attendance, strengthen relationships, and build trust.


A Clear Path Forward

Every engagement begins with a conversation focused on understanding the unique goals, challenges, and opportunities facing the organization. This initial discussion helps identify current strengths, areas for improvement, and priorities related to father engagement and family involvement.

Once goals have been established, DRH Media develops recommendations and strategies that align with the organization's objectives. Support may include consulting, training, program development, workshops, educational resources, or implementation guidance. Throughout the process, the focus remains on helping organizations create meaningful opportunities for fathers to engage and contribute in ways that support long-term success.

When Fathers Engage, Children Thrive

Discover practical strategies, expert guidance, and valuable resources that help schools, organizations, and communities strengthen father involvement and family engagement.