He earned his doctorate from St. John's University in Queens, New York, and became an adherent of family systems theory after working with clients, young and old, who were involved with drugs or growing up in families struggling with alcohol and drug abuse. He is passionate about helping people become aware that they can break out of their childhood roles and free themselves to make healthy choices. Married to his wife, Dianne, for forty-five years, the couple currently lives in Shoreham, on Long Island, and is frequently surrounded by their tribe of four married children and eleven grandchildren. In addition to his interest in psychology, Canzoniero also has a great love for baseball, scuba diving, and golf.