Who is VH1’s ‘Dad Camp’ host Dr. Jeff Gardere?

VH1 is ready to launch a new program on May 31st called Dad Camp.  The show will follow six young men that are expectant fathers as they are taught how to systematically prepare to be responsible parents.  From the Vh1 Dad Camp show page:

Last Father’s Day, President Obama challenged young men to step up as fathers, asking them to recognize that their “responsibility does not end at conception.”   VH1 and 3 Ball Productions are taking that call to heart with the new series VH1 Dad Camp, which tasks a small group of young fathers-to-be to step up and become responsible and caring parents.  VH1 Dad  Camp premieres on VH1 on Monday, May 31 at 10 PM.

Leading these expecting dads is Dr. Jeff Gardere.  So who is he and what qualifies him to help out with this most important responsibility?  Lets find out about the good Doctor.

Background Information:

My research has turned up quite a bit of information about Dr. Jeff whose nickname is “America’s Psychologist.”  Gardere was born in Brooklyn in 1956.  He received his doctorate from George Washington University and began his career working in prison settings helping inmates cope with childhood traumas.  After becoming a Chief Psychologist for the Federal Bureau of Prisons he started his own clinical practice, The Rainbow Clinics,  focusing on the mental health needs of families; in particular children in adoptive and foster care settings.  The first of four Rainbow Clinics was opened up in 1990 not far from where he grew up in Brooklyn.

Dr. Gardere’s Media History:

Hosting Dad Camp certainly will not be anything new for Gardere.  The doctor has been in the public eye for a long time now as an author, radio host, TV show host, and valued public speaker.

Author: Dr. Gardere has written a number of books, the more popular titles include, Love Parenting, Practical Parenting (which he co-wrote with Montel Williams), and Smart Parenting for African Americans: Helping Your Kids Thrive in a Difficult World.

TV Personality: The better way to approach this might have been to find out what show Dr. Gardere hasn’t been on.  His personal website lists the following shows that he has been a part of.  The Today Show, CNN, MSNBC, The Maury Povich Show, The CBS Early Morning Show, FOX Business News, FOX News and even Nancy Grace.  Well now he can add VH1 to his TV appearance cred.

Here is a clip from an appearance on the CBS Early Show with Russ Mitchell discussing that whole balloon boy incident, you remember that don’t you:

And here is another clip from The Today Show where Dr. Gardere discusses the danger of social networking following the murder of a woman by a man she friended on Facebook:

Personal Info: Rumor has it that Dr. Gardere is actually one heck of a Jazz musician to boot, and is also a major real estate player.  He hosts The Real Estate Doctor on FOX Business Network, and lives with his family in the NYC.

Photos: YouTube / VH1 Promotional