December 2003, Seen 'n Heard

OLIVERIAN SCHOOL TO OPEN NEXT FALL
(September 30, 2003) Barclay Mackinnon Jr., Head of School, The Oliverian School, Haverhill, New Hampshire, 603-989-5105, www.oliverianschool.org, announced they are in the third year of their design phase and will open for students in September of 2004. The school will be for "students who have been struggling in more traditional environments," and the school's guiding principles "are to foster individual growth, inspire academic excellence, and develop positive character, while cultivating a sense of responsibility and zest for life."

COLORADO BOYS RANCH EDUCATION CENTER DEDICATED
(October 2003) Martin Masar, Director of Admissions and Clinical Affairs, Colorado Boys Ranch, La Junta, Colorado, 800-790-4993, www.coloradoboysranch.org, cbradmission@ria.net, announced the dedication of the Jacqueline G. Archer Center for Education and Learning. The dedication featured the boys who had helped build the two-story center, which also served as "a construction training ground for the boys."

RAY GWILLIAM’S FAMILY COACHING & CONSULTING RELOCATES
(October 8, 2003) Ray G. Gwilliam, Ph.D. informs us he has relocated his Family Coaching and Consulting, Inc. services to 15255 S. 94th Ave, Suite 601, Orland Park, Illinois, 708-873-3440, 480-577-9497 (cell), dray@familycci.com, www.familycci.com. His individual and family in-office or on-site needs assessments and coaching were described in a New Perspectives article appearing in Woodbury Reports NL # 92, Apr, 2002. He also offers telephone coaching by appointment, as well as parenting programs, character development and student leadership programs for schools, therapeutic and wilderness programs.

MEDIA STORIES ON STRUGGLINGTEENS.COM
(October 27, 2003) The Woodbury Reports’ website, www.strugglingteens.com, in its “Breaking News” section contains links to stories regarding Restraints (11/12/03), WWASPS News (11/12/03), Skyline Signing Off (10/27/03), CEDU HS & MS Evacuated Due To CA Fires (10/30/03) and their return to campus, CEDU HS & MS Return To Campus (11/10/03), Aspen Education Group’s acquisition of a new program, Aspen Acquires Cedars Academy (11/5/03), and the death of Micheal DeSisto, DeSisto School (11/5/03).

NATSAP ANNUAL CONFERENCE JANUARY 29-31, 2004
(November 2003) The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) announces its 2004 Annual Conference on January 29-31, 2004, to be held in Clearwater Beach, Florida. Keynote Speakers include: Dr. Edward Hallowell, M.D., Harvard Medical School instructor and Director of the Hallowell Center for Cognitive and Emotional Health; Dr. Carol Santa, Ph.D., the co-owner and Educational Director of Montana Academy and Co-director of Project CRISS, used by school districts in 37 states and five European countries; and Dr. Mike Gass, Ph.D., Coordinator of the Outdoor Educational Option in the School of Health and Human Services at the University of New Hampshire, and recipient of the Kurt Hahn Award from the Association for Experiential Education.

BOULDER CREEK IMPLEMENTS PARENT-LEAD INITIATIVES
(November 2003) Paul Johnson, Director, Boulder Creek Academy, Bonners Ferry, Idaho, 208-267-2873, pjohnson@cedu.com, presented their first issue of Boulder Creek Academy News. In it, Johnson is “happy to report” that parent-lead initiatives are beginning this month. Also, Linda Daggy, LPC, will hold regular social-skills groups on campus, and selected students are attending a 12-step alcohol-dependency group in the local community.

ECHO SPRINGS CELEBRATES IT’S TENTH YEAR
(November 1, 2003) A recent newsletter from Echo Springs Transition Study Center, Doug Kim-Brown, Director, Bonners Ferry, Idaho, 208-267-1111, www.echo-springs.com, announced they are celebrating their tenth year, with their Alaska experience in its fifth year. They have added program components and staff over the years while still maintaining their commitment to work with small groups of 6-10 students at a time. They “have been priviledged to work with 92 families since opening in 1993” and featured updates on some of their graduates’ various academic and career accomplishments.

SAN CRISTOBAL ADDS YOGA CLASS
(November 1, 2003) San Cristobal Ranch Academy, Taos, New Mexico, 505-776-2524, www.sancristobalranchacademy.org, ageraci@starband.net, a transition program for boys ages 18 and older, announced they are adding Yoga exercises in a once weekly class. The purpose is to help the young men to develop a connection between mind, body and spirit.

ATTACHMENT THERAPY TRAINING
(November 3, 2003) Villa Santa Maria, a treatment center at Cedar Crest, New Mexico, specializing in children ages 5-14 with serious psychiatric diagnoses, 505-281-3609, www.villasantamaria.com, Attachkids@aol.com, announced they will be teaming up with Daniel Hughes, Ph.D., to provide three days of training in Attachment Therapy Training focusing on attachment principles and interventions in therapy. The 24 hours of training will occur December 8-10, 2003.

SHEPHERD'S HILL FARM RECEIVES ACCREDITATION
(November 4, 2003) Beth Embry from The Shepherd's Hill Farm, 706-779-5736, shepherdshillfarm@alltel.net, www.shepherdhillfarm.org, announced their on-campus junior/senior high school has recently received its accreditation from The Georgia Accrediting Commission. No longer with Gables Stone Mountain, they now operate the Shepherds’ Hill Farm Discipline Camp, an outdoor residential therapeutic program and school for youth struggling with behavioral issues. Their 80-acre camp strives to equip youth with spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical tools, “building relationships and trust between staff and students, based on biblical truth.”

DANCER AT ANASAZI IECA RECEPTION
(November 6, 2003) One of the highlights at the IECA Conference at Phoenix, Arizona was the Anasazi reception that featured an Indian dancer. The 27 year old manipulated the 26 hoops with amazing skill. He later told me he had started practicing at the age of 4, so had 23 years of experience. -Lon

GENELLE PETREY, NEW CHEROKEE CREEK BOYS SCHOOL EXEC. DIRECTOR
(November 8, 2003) Susan Pecuch, specuch@cherokeecreek.net, Cherokee Creek Boys School, Westminster, South Carolina, 407-622-7770, www.cherokeecreek.net is pleased to announce that Admissions Director, Genelle Petrey, 864 647-1885, email, gpetrey@cherokeecreek.net, has been promoted to Executive Director. Genelle brings more than eleven years experience with residential and emotional growth boarding schools to her new role. Her background includes serving as Admissions Director for both Cascade School in Whitmore, California and Mount Bachelor in Prineville, Oregon and she has a Master of Arts Degree in Whole Systems Design from Antioch University, in Seattle. Genelle succeeds Jackson Culotta who served as Headmaster during the opening phase of the school. Her promotion completes the leadership team that also includes Beth Black, President and Founder, Jane May, Director of Business Operations and Human Resources and Cheryl Smart, MSW, LSW, Director of Clinical Services. Cherokee Creek Boys School, a residential middle school for boys ages 12-15, opened in the spring of 2003.

SCOTT CANTER CELEBRATES BIRTH OF
GRACE ELIZABETH
(November 09, 2003) Scott Canter, scottcanter@earthlink.net, Director of Special Projects, Outdoor Division, Aspen Education Group, writes: he’s “Sorry to have missed everyone at IECA,” but “wanted to be there for the birth of my daughter, Grace Elizabeth” who was born Thursday, November 6th at 3:04pm. She weighed exactly 6.0 lbs and was 17 ¾ inches long. My wife Abigail and I want to formally introduce you to Gracie. Here's a couple small pictures I hope you enjoy. I will be out of work for a little while getting to know Gracie and helping my wife. I look speaking with you soon.”

NEW EQUINE THERAPISTS AT UINTA ACADEMY
(November 10, 2003) Robert Simpson, simpsonqh@earthlink.net, Unita Academy, Lewiston, Utah, 435-258-2400 reports Rita Peters has joined their staff as an Equine Therapist, bringing “a wealth of experience and knowledge to Uinta Academy. Ms. Peters is EAGALA certified and formerly was an equine therapist at Aspen Ranch. They also welcome Mashelle Boswell, L.C.S.W, who has extensive experience in all areas of psychotherapy, especially alcohol and drug counseling and is also EAGALA certified as an equine therapist. Ms. Boswell will be using the equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP) to help girls with substance abuse problems, as well as other treatment issues. “Each of the girls at Uinta Academy selects her horse from a herd of about 20 horses. She helps take care of the horse, while also learning horsemanship and participating in equine assisted psychotherapy to learn about behavior patterns, build self confidence, develop patience, and learn effective anger management skills.”

GARRISON FOREST SCHOOL
(November 12, 2003) Alexandra Holden, Assistant Director of Admission, Garrison Forest School, Owings Mills, MD, 410-559-3113, www.gfs.org sends greetings From Garrison Forest School, informing us that they “have a brand new Athletic and Dining facility and a new equestrian center that just opened up last fall. Please also know that we would love to host any potential candidates you may have for us on our Garrison Getaway Overnight program on January 6th-7th, 2004.”

VALENTINE LAUNCHES EVER HIGHER, INC.
(November 13, 2003) Dr. Bill Valentine PsyD, formerly Director of Family Education and Support for the CEDU Schools, announces the formation of his firm, Ever Higher, Inc. to provide consulting services to emotional growth schools and programs. In addition, Ever Higher will provide seminars and workshops for educators, business leaders, parents and other growing adults. Dr. Valentine has over 40 years experience as a business executive and educational administrator and has led thousands of adults in parenting and personal growth workshops. Ever Higher is located at 7203 SW McVey Avenue, Redmond, Oregon 97756, 541-504-4748, Fax 541-504-4746, everhigher@bendnet.com.

EXCITING CHANGES AT THREE SPRINGS' DUCK RIVER CAMPUS
(November 13, 2003) During this past year there has been the addition of many services and features at Three Spring’s Duck River, Centerville, Tennessee, 888-758-4356, www.threesprings.com/newsletters/november2003/default.asp, including a Climbing Tower that “integrates well” with their existing low and high ropes courses.” They now also offer a free aftercare service for their graduates from the program, who can “call staff to talk over an issue or just catch up… They can also come to the program and spend a weekend with a group. This “refresher” allows the boys to remember the skills that enabled them to graduate from the program.” Also there have been several therapeutic adventure trips throughout the year and many groups planned a trip that incorporated their students’ families.

DANA COLLEGE OFFERS FOCUS PROGRAM
(November 14, 2003) Dana College, Blair, Nebraska, 800-444-DANA x 1, offers their Focus Program for “students who have completed a substance abuse treatment program and are committed to earning a degree.” It provides “separate, zero tolerance housing, weekly on-campus 12-step meetings, individual counseling with a certified CD counselor, academic advisor, career planning, tutoring and technology support.

NEW EDUCATIONAL SERVICES AT CENTER FOR CHANGE
(November 14, 2003) Ken Cozzens, Director of Business Development, Center for Change, Orem, Utah, 801-224-8255, www.centerforchange.com, informed us that Center for Change now offers educational services. Their high school academic program is for adolescents grades 8 – 12, who receive approximately five hours of daily academic instruction that is integrated with their clinical treatment. Their Adult Education program is for adults 18 and older, either for high school or GED completion, or vocational or career preparation. Center for Change staff also wrote a therapeutic Life Skills Curriculum that covers many topics and experiential activities, which all patients receive as part of treatment.

SAGEWALK ADDS STAFF, SEEKS ADMISSIONS DIRECTOR
(November 19, 2003) Guy LeGuyonne, Admissions for SageWalk, The Wilderness School, 800-877-1922, www.sagewalk.com, informed us that Dr. Willow Huffine, an experienced licensed Psychologist and RN, will now oversee SageWalk students’ medical needs and medications, and will administer Psycho-educational testing. Also, GageYoung MA, SageWalk’s new Academic Director, will assess the educational needs of each student and facilitate the Educational Curriculum in the field. SageWalk is also interviewing to find a self-starter with excellent communication and organizational skills and experience with Special Needs placements, to join their team as Admissions Director. Interested candidates who would be willing to move to beautiful Bend, Oregon, should FAX their resume to Guy at 541-316-4810 or e-mail Guy@sagewalk.com.

CEDU SETTLES LAWSUIT ON OVERCHARGE CLAIMS
(November 23, 2003) Reported in Sandpoint, Idaho’s Daily Bee: “A lawsuit accusing CEDU Educational Services of breach of contract, fraud, violation of the Idaho Consumer Protection Act and racketeering was settled late last month on undisclosed terms. Bonner County District Court Judge John P. Luster dismissed the case Oct. 27, ending more than three years of litigation. Each party will pay its own attorney’s fees. Part of the settlement agreement was that details of it would be kept confidential, said CEDU spokesperson Julia Andrick.”

DISTANT DRUMS ADDS NEW WEBSITE, INDIVIDUAL PROGRAMS
(November 24, 2003) Heather Roeder, Admission's Director, Distant Drums, www.distant-drums.com, hroeder@distant-drums.com, 866-822-8336, Cell Phone: 802-274-0124 reports the website for Distant Drums is up and running. Distant Drums, which offers a 30 and 60-day therapeutic wilderness program for young adults over the age of 18, also has added several wilderness adventure programs for individuals or groups. For more detailed information, visit their website or call Program Director, Mark Wardle, 435-623-0548.

FOUNDERS OF MODERN WILDERNESS MOVEMENT HONORED IN “CLAN OF THE HAND” CEREMONY
(November 24, 2003) Mitch Cole, Information Manager, mitchc@redcliffascent.com, Redcliff Ascent, Enterprise, Utah, 800-898-1244, www.redcliffascent.com reports that RedCliff Ascent recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Outpost, a newly developed skills camp that will also serve as a graduation facility and ceremonial area. Many hours of labor went into the rock laying and backfilling to create an authentic replica of a Chaco-era Kiva. Five different camps at the Outpost will have a theme associated with it such as leatherwork, blacksmithing, knapping, basketry and pottery. The Outpost will have permanent running water, a latrine, and shower facilities. An outdoor amphitheater was also constructed, as well as a large covered pavilion.

GOLDBERGS TO AFFILIATE WITH HALLOWELL CENTER
(November 24, 2003) Renee Goldberg, EdD, CEP, Somerville, Massachusetts, 617-864-8864, renee@sotionsined.com, www.optionsined.com, announced that she and Marvin will start an affiliation with the Hallowell Center, which provides the diagnosis and treatment of persons with Attention Deficit Disorder. They will be seeing clients in the Center's Sudbury and Andover, Massachusetts offices.

SAFEGUARD ADOLESCENT SERVICES INTRODUCES INTERIM HOUSE
(November 29, 2003) Safeguard Adolescent Services, LLC in Spanish Fork, UT, www.safeguardas.com, 801-763-1319, introduces a new alternative to short term and emergency placements for adolescents in transition: the Interim House. It will be used for adolescents who are waiting to enter a program, making a transition from a short term to long term program, in the process of changing programs, or who are serving suspension from boarding schools.

ASPEN EDUCATION GROUP ANNOUNCEMENTS
(December 2, 2003) Patty Evans, Vice President of Business Development, Aspen Education Group 317-873-9952, pevans@aspeneducation.com, announces the December 2, 2003 opening of The Academy of the Sierras, Admissions Director Clinton Dorny, 888-571-0777, www.academyofthesierras.com. Aspen’s first residential school in California, this Fresno-based school will work with mild to moderate learning disabilities and social development challenges, using individualized educational plans. A Grand Opening celebration in January is planned and they are offering special financial arrangements for the first twenty students enrolled at The Academy of the Sierras. Also, in November Aspen Education Group acquired The Cedars Academy in Bridgeville, Delaware, which serves a coed ADD/ADHD student population, and has operated since 1989. Also announced: Carrie Carter is no longer the Program Director of Aspen Ranch. AEG expresses appreciation for the many contributions that Carrie provided as both Clinical Director and later as Program Director. Robin Stephens, 801-942-5354, rstephens@aspeneducation.com, Regional Director for Aspen Education Group, will serve as the interim Director for Aspen Ranch Operations. Becky Brown, Admissions Director, 877-231-0734 is also available for assistance on a local basis.

PO Box 1671 | Bonners Ferry, ID 83805 | 208-267-5550