Denise Garibaldi

After losing her 24-year-old son, Rob Garibaldi, to anabolic steroid-induced depression that culminated in his suicide in 2002, Denise Garibaldi has been advocating against and extending education about performance-enhancing drugs and supplements privately, professionally, and publicly. She and her husband, Ray, have gained national recognition for their work in raising awareness about the dangerous physical and mental effects of steroid use by athletes.

The Garibaldis testified before US Congress in 2005, with Don Hooton, regarding Major League Baseball's steroid usage in sport. They also testified before the California State Senate in 2004 and 2005 which resulted in the passage of Senate Bill 37 which prohibits the sale or possession of performance-enhancing substances to minors and prescribes training and education for high school coaches.

The story of Rob's death was featured in the book, Game of Shadows, written by San Francisco journalists Mark Fainaru-Wada and Lance Williams. Game of Shadows brought public attention to the BALCO lab and Barry Bond's alleged steroid use. She continues to be well received as she speaks throughout the nation.

Dr. Garibaldi is a 1994 Ph.D. graduate from Pacific Graduate School of Psychology. A licensed psychologist in clinical private practice in Petaluma, CA, she specializes in psychotherapy and assessment of children, adolescents, and their families. Dr. Garibaldi has another son, Raymond Jr., age 31, married with one child. In addition to her speaking engagements and practice, she finds joy in the life of her 3-year-old granddaughter.