SANDERSON SPEAKS AT ESI CONFERENCE
(November 18, 2008) Dr. Daniel Sanderson, Clinical Director at RedCliff Ascent, spoke at the 12th annual conference on Critical Issues Facing Children and Adolescents. The conference was sponsored by ESI Management Group in partnership with the Children's Behavioral Health Institute, Primary Children's Medical Center, the University of Utah Neuropsychiatric Institute, the Edward G. Callister Foundation and the Utah Department of Health. For more information contact Jennifer Jones, Communications Specialist at 801-682-2315.
OXBOW STAFF PARTICIPATE IN WORKSHOP
(November 19, 2008) Oxbow Academy's Heather Green and Shawn Brooks, Clinical Director and Executive Director, were guest presenters at a continuing education seminar on recognizing and treating teens with sexual dependencies sponsored by Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs. In attendance were local clinicians, mental health professionals, school counselors and juvenile probation officers. For additional information on this, contact Jennifer Jones, Communications Specialist at
801-682-2315.
LAUGHLIN LAUNCHES SOUTH POLE EXPEDITION
(November 21, 2008) Director and co-founder of Impossible2Possible (I2P), Will Laughlin, 919-428-0050, is excited about I2P's latest expedition, a 700 mile record setting run to the South Pole which will be gathering data for three research projects. Will Laughlin has worked in both traditional and special needs education for 20 years, including Vive!, CEDU and a number of other programs. Impossible2Possible guides young adults and youth in learning adventures that highlight critical environmental issues in the areas where these adventures take place. For more information on I2P and this expedition or future expeditions, contact Will Laughlin.
PEAVEY JOINS RIGHT DIRECTION
(November 24, 2008) Right Direction Crisis Intervention (RDCI) has announced Audrey Peavey has joined the Right Direction Team as their Client Services Manager. Audrey comes to Right Direction in Salt Lake City, UT, after eight years working as the Admissions and Marketing Director for New Horizons for Young Women. Audrey has also been actively involved in NATSAP over the past four years where most recently she is finishing a two-year term on the Board of Directors. For more information, contact Audrey Peavey at 207-356-0930.
REAZIN LEAVES IN BALANCE RANCH
(November 24, 2008) David Reazin said goodbye to his clients, families and coworkers at In Balance Ranch in Tucson, AZ. David, who had worked as a therapist for the past four years, decided to move back to Virginia to be near his family. For questions or concerns, contact Patrick Barrasso, owner and Program Director at 520-390-4426.
JCAHO ACCREDITED FULSHEAR RANCH ACADEMY
(November 24, 2008) Fulshear Ranch Academy, in Needville, TX, an InnerChange program, has been granted a Comprehensive Accreditation for Behavioral Health Care by The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO). Every InnerChange program: New Haven, Sunrise, Fulshear Ranch Academy, and Alldredge Wilderness Journey are all now accredited by The Joint Commission. For information, contact Ashley Auchterlonie, Director of Marketing at 281-414-3026 (Mobile).
ASPIRO MOVES INTO NEW HOME
(November 25, 2008) Aspiro has moved from its former leased base camp to a new facility. It includes a 7,600 sq. foot facility which will hold offices and conference areas plus a 4,000 sq. foot warehouse. In addition, Aspiro has acquired 120 acres of spectacular land bordering the National Forest. For more information on this move, contact Brian Church, Vice President and Business Development at
801-349-2740.
RED ROCK CANYON SCHOOL FED 1500 FOR THANKSGIVING
(November 26, 2008) An article featured in The Spectrum, reports the students and staff at Red Rock Canyon School, along with other community members were preparing to feed 1500 people in the community, a traditional Thanksgiving dinner at the school. As part of an ongoing tradition, the students learn about helping others and participate with the cooking, dishing and serving as well as the clean up.
CHARTER SCHOOL HELPS AT-RISK YOUTH
(November 26, 2008) Hyde School in Bath, ME has written an article chronicling a young man's journey through his stay and eventual graduation from the Hyde School. To read this article in full, visit the struggling teen's website, or for more information on the Hyde School, contact Rose Mulligan, Marketing and Media Outreach at 207-443-7379.
CANADVENTURE ACCREDITED BY AEE
(November 28, 2008) Sandra Hamilton, Marketing Director for Can Adventure Education, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada, 250-412-7723, reported CanAdventure has been fully accredited by the Association of Experiential Education (AEE), one of only two organizations in Canada to gain full accreditation. For more information contact Sandra by phone or email.
REDCLIFF ASCENT ON THE NET
(November 29, 2008) Parents, alumni and staffers at Redcliff Ascent in Springville, UT, are keeping connected via the Internet. Blogging, FaceBook and YouTube are all creative ways the program is communicating, sharing photos, videos and messages. For more information, contact Redcliff Ascent at 800-898-1244.
JOHNSON & CALDER VISIT WOODBURY REPORTS
(December 3, 20008) Jan Johnson, MSW, LCSW, Executive Director of Summit Preparatory School and Jason Calder, LMFT, LCPC, Clinical Therapist at Summit Prep stopped by Woodbury Reports, Inc. for a visit while touring programs in North Idaho.
PINNACLE NAMES DIRECTORS & ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATOR
(December 3, 2008) The Pinnacle Schools in Huntsville, AL, announced the following new staff appointments: Zane Slocumb, L.P.C., N.C.C., D.A.P.A. has been appointed as the Clinical Director of the Elk River Wilderness Challenge, Elk River Lifestyle Challenge and Elk River Academy. He holds a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Alabama A&M University and is a licensed professional counselor, a nationally certified counselor and diplomat of the American Psychotherapy Association. Bonnie Robertson, RN, MSN, CRNP has been named Director of Medical Services. Robertson is a Nurse Practitioner with over 25 years experience; Ann Corley, B.A. has been named the Director of Marketing and Admissions of The Pinnacle Schools and Carah Lynn Billups, B.A., M.A., M.Ed. has been named Academic Administrator for The Pinnacle Schools and Elk River Academy. For more information, contact Alexa Nuessle at 256-518-9998.
WILDERNESS PROGRAMS RAMP UP FOR ADMISSIONS SURGE
(December 4, 2008) PR Web reports more families are turning towards wilderness therapy programs, such as SUWS and Aspen Education Group for support and help with their struggling teens during the stressful holiday season, where many parents are pushed to the breaking point with their acting out, defiant and angry teen.
HAPPENINGS AT OLIVERIAN
(December 5, 2008) The Oliverian School is offering its students an Intersession trip in February 2009, to Bosque Seco Lalo Loor, Ecuador, where students will be working and living in the village, helping the Peace Corps volunteers with local projects, reforestation projects and assisting with data collection. Also at the school, Martial Arts has been added as an activity for students which focuses on Kenpo, a Japanese art form on discipline and self defense and is taught by Sensai Joe Champagne, a local instructor. For more information on The Oliverian School, contact Julie Gaffey at 603-989-5100.
TRIPLETT MOVES ON
(December 7, 2008) After 2 ˝ years at Morningside Recovery, Jana Triplett has left Morningside Recovery, and has taken a position at Mark Houston Recovery Center in Manor, Texas. Her new phone number is 512-289-4143. If you have questions concerning Morningside, contact Mark Greenberg or Jeremy Broderick at 949-675-0006.
TIMBER RIDGE PARENTS SCHOLARSHIP
(December 8, 2008) The parents of a recent graduate of Timber Ridge Preparatory School for Girls in Clark Fork, ID, have established a scholarship for one new student who enrolls into Timber Ridge in the amount of $1000.00 per month for the next 12 months. Please call Virginia Short, Director of Admissions at 208-777-1615 for more information.
SAVING TEENS CALABORATIVE BBB MEMBER
(December 8, 2008) Saving Teens In Crisis Collaborative (STICC) has announced they have met all 20 Standards of Charity Accountability and is now a Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity and has received a license to display the BBB Seal on their website and is now in the BBB National Database as an Accredited Charity. For more information, contact Patricia R. Abreu, Executive Director at 877-249-1336.
REAP CALLS FOR PAPERS FOR SYMPOSIUM
(December 9, 2008) The 5th Annual Research and Evaluation of Adventure Programming (REAP) Symposium will be held March 18-20, 2009 at the Embassy Suites Hotel Atlanta, Georgia. For more information on the symposium contact Alison Rheingold at 978-524-4650 or by email.
PARENT PLEASED WITH BERKSHIRE HILLS MUSIC ACADEMY
(December 10, 2009) In a letter to Berkshire Hills Music Academy, a parent from Morris, NY, shared the positive experience their 16 year old daughter, with Down syndrome and is on the autism spectrum, had at their Summer Camp Program, which they discovered while reading a review of the school written by Larry Stednitz. To view this letter in its entirety, visit the struggling teen's website.
WHITE MOUNTAIN OFFERS SUMMER ADVENTURES
(December 10, 2008) White Mountain School, Bethlehem, NH has announced their upcoming 2009 summer adventure programs, which include: Exploration and Expression, June 27-July 12, 2009; White Mountain Kayak, July 12-July 18, 2009; White Mountain Climbing, July 12- July 18, 2009 and Ultimate Northeast, July 18-August 7, 2009. For more information, contact Ben Mirkin, Director, at 603-444-2928.
CHAPEL HAVEN WEST ON ABC WORLD NEWS
(December 10, 2008) ABC World News has featured an article on Chapel Haven West Program, a transitional residential program for young adults with autism attending the University of Arizona in Tucson.
HILLSTEAD JOINS REDCLIFF ASCENT
(December 10, 2008) Dr. David Hillstead has joined the team at RedCliff Ascent, Springville, UT as a therapist. Dr. David Hilstead has more than 11 years experience as a therapist, with his prior experience at Aspen Achievement and Second Nature. Dr. Hillstead earned his doctoral degree in Marriage and Family therapy from Brigham Young University. For more information, contact Steve Nadauld at
801-380-8819.
MCKINNON BOOK "AN UNCHANGED MIND" NOW AVAILABLE
(December 10, 2008) John McKinnon, MD has announced his book: "An Unchanged Mind: The Problem of Immaturity in Adolescence", about the struggle teenagers have in growing up, is available now at Lantern Books Warehouse. To order call 1-800-856-8664 or order online.
BURDICK VISITS PATHWAYS OF ARGENTINA
(December 11, 2008) Pathways of Argentina had a visitor last month, Dr. Mark Burdick, an educational consultant, who spent 5 days in Mendoza, exploring and visiting the program. While there, Mark, a song writer who had a number of his songs recorded by artists in the 80's, started a song with the students, which they hope will be completed in spite of his busy schedule. For more information on Pathways contact owners, Rich and Wendy Simpson at 208-935-6195.
STAFF CHANGE AT ASPEN INSTITUTE FOR BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT
(December 11, 2008) Jared Balmer, PhD, Executive Director for Aspen Institute for Behavioral Assessment in Syracuse, UT, 801-825-5222 announced Dr. Parth Gandhi has left Aspen Institute to pursue independent psychological consulting interest. In addition, Dr. David Ericksen, a licensed clinical neuropsychologist has joined the team. Dr. Ericksen obtained his PhD. in 1982 from the University of Utah and has worked with numerous inpatient and residential programs for adolescents and adults since 1980.
VARDELL PART OF ISLAND VIEW FUTURE
(December 11, 2008) In an announcement from Dr. Jared Balmer, Executive Director, Aspen Institute for Behavioral Assessment and Island View RTC, Don Vardell will take over as Executive Director of Island View effective January 12, 2009. Don has served as Executive Director of Peninsula Village, Academy of Swift River and most recently, Excel Academy. Don Vardell can be reached at 801-773-0200 and Jared Balmer at 801-825-5222.
PAT MOORE FOUNDATION CELEBRATES 23 YEARS
(December 11, 2008) The Pat Moore Foundation in Costa Mesa, CA, 866-537-6495, celebrated 23 years of drug and alcohol addiction treatment and recovery on November 13, 2008, with a gratitude luncheon for staff, family and friends, with special guest speaker Donald J. Kurth, MD, FASAM, MBA, MPA.
RED HILL ACADEMY GRAND OPENING
(December 12, 2008) Red Hill Academy in San Anselmo, CA, is pleased to announce their grand opening event will happen January 21 and 22, 2009 with a cocktail and dinner event at Insalata's on the 21st and a brunch, tour and question and answer period with the students following on the 22nd. For more information or assistance with travel and accommodations, contact Jodie Mathison at 415-256-9312 or contact her via her email.
ALPINE ACADEMY ADDS TRANSITION PROGRAM
(December 15, 2008) Alpine Academy, Erda, UT is excited to announce the addition of a small transition and life skills program, named FOUNDATIONS, to their facility. Also, the academy is proud to announce their full academic accreditation with NAAS, as a secondary special purpose school that serves students from 7-12 grades. For more information on Alpines news, contact Janet Mulitalo, Program Director at
800-244-1113.
WELLSPRING ADVICE ON WEIGHT LOSS GOALS
(December 15, 2008) News Blaze reports Wellspring Weight loss camps have shared advice with families whose teens have made their New Year's resolution to lose weight and exercise.
ONE PEARL DONATES TO SAVING TEENS
(December 15, 2008) Theresa Wing Hines, founder of One Pearl, a private jewelry business, and a Saving Teens in Crisis Collaborative (STICC) board member, held a sale of her jewelry during the holiday season, and donated 40% of all of their web purchases to Saving Teens in Crisis Collaborative. For more information on this, contact John D. Reuben, President and Founder of STICC at 877-249-1336.
SECOND NATURE PROGRAMS 1ST TO RECEIVE ACCREDITATION
(December 15, 2008) Devan Glissmeyer, PhD; Brad Reedy PhD; Cheryl Kehl, LCSW; and Vaughn Heath PhD, founders of Second Nature are proud to announce Second Nature is the first therapeutic wilderness program accredited by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools. In addition, the visiting accreditation team has asked Second Nature's Academic Administrator to assist in the on-going development of academic standards and evaluations for all wilderness programs.
12: IS THERE LIFE AFTER REHAB IN RECOVERY
(December 15, 2008) Jack V. Sinclair, 405-842-2334, announced the documentary "12" - Is There Life after Rehab in Recovery? is now available in DVD format. This 44 minute documentary is about young people who are seeking recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. For more information contact Jack by phone or email.
EXCITEMENT AT AULDERN ACADEMY
(December 16, 2008) Auldern Academy in Siler City, NC announced they have just received full accreditation from the National Independent Private Schools Association for both their academics and therapeutic program. In addition, six students graduated from the program on December 13, 2008, releasing colorful balloons as a symbolic gesture of their new lives. For more information on Auldern Academy, contact Jane Samuel or Joyce Latimer at 919-837-2336.
ALLDREDGE ACADEMY TO CLOSE DEC. 31
(December 16, 2008) In a letter written by David Michel, President and CEO of InnerChange, it was announced that Alldredge Academy will be closing as of December 31, 2008, due to low census levels and the current market downturn and national economic slump. For more information, contact David Michel at 214-272-6870 or by email. To view this letter in its entirety, visit www.strugglingteens.com.
ATG ANNOUNCES AT-HOME PROGRAM
(December 16, 2008) Achievement Transition Group, Missoula, MT, 406-546-9574, announced the addition of their new program: AT-HOME, which is an early intervention service that assists parents by providing support and connects them to community resources to help keep their struggling teen at home. For more information, contact James Morton, CEO of ATG at 406-546-9574.
BOBBIE JENSEN JOINS CARE SCHOOLS
(December 16, 2008) Bobbie Jensen announced she has joined CARE Schools (Falcon Ridge in Virgin, UT, 866-968-4673 and Red Rock Canyon, St. George, UT, 800-635-4441) as their Assistant Admissions Director. Bobbie previously worked as Admissions Director at Sunrise Academy. For more information, contact Bobbie at 435-673-6111 x 106.
OXBOW & FREER SEMINAR ON PORN
(December 16, 2008) The Oregonian reports professionals that included social workers, psychologists; school counselors and foster parents attended a workshop presented by Heather Green, Clinical Director of Oxbow Academy and Shawn Brooks, Executive Director at Oxbow, addressing the growing concerns parents have with their children's use of online pornography. Oxbow staffs have been giving workshops across the country similar to one that was organized by the Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy program in November in Albany, OR.
SUMMIT PREP FEATURED IN MONTANA LIVING
(December 17, 2008) Summit Prep School in Kalispell, MT, 406-758-8113 shared their exciting news with us: an article about the school and its program is featured in the December issue of Montana Living magazine, which you can view in its entirety on their website.
FAMILY FOUNDATION SCHOOL NEWS
(December 18, 2008) Rabbi Michele Medwin is the new Director of Jewish Studies at The Family Foundation School in Hancock, NY, 845-887-5213, replacing Ellen Singer who retired after serving in the post for 13 years. Medwin joined FFS a year ago and currently leads weekly Jewish services on campus and teaches classes in Beginning Hebrew, "The Jewish Approach to the 12 Steps," and meditation techniques. She also serves as rabbi for a Jewish congregation in nearby Monticello, NY. Another exciting happening at FFS includes Athletic Director and head coach, Bill Musgrove, has been named Section IX winner of the 2008-2009 Athletic Administrator Award by the New York State Athletic Administrators Association. Musgrove has been on staff at FFS since 1997. Additional news from FFS includes a record mid-year graduation of 39 students received both Family Foundation School and New York State Regents diplomas at ceremonies held on December 13, 2008, with 34 of the students admitted to 2- or 4-year colleges beginning in January or next fall.
FFS EARNS GOLD SEAL
(December 18, 2008) The Family Foundation School, Hancock, NY, 845-887-5213 has been accredited by the Joint Commission, earning the Gold Seal of Approval™ for meeting the group's national standards for safety and quality behavioral health care services. A Joint Commission evaluation team visited the school and conducted an extensive on-site survey in October. FFS president, Emmanuel ("Mike") Argiros, shared their therapeutic program is now receiving the same recognition for excellence as their academic program. For more information on the Family Foundation School, contact Jeff Brain, MA, and VP for External Relations and Acting Director of Admissions.
AULDERN ACADEMY LAUDED BY NIPSA OFFICIAL
(December 18, 2008) Jane Samuel, MA and Head of School at Auldern Academy, Siler City, NC, 919-837-2336 received a letter from Allan J. Blau, EdD, VP Clinical Certification for the National Independent Private School Association, who performed the therapeutic portion of their recent accreditation. To view this in its entirety, visit the struggling teen's website.
CROSSROADS ACADEMY OPENS SKATEPARK
(December 18, 2008) Sam Dahlin, PhD., LMFT, Owner and Clinical Director of Crossroads Academy, Ogden, UT, 801-369-0238, shared with us that Crossroads Academy opened up its own 9000 sq. foot skateboard and snowboard shop with an indoor skate park on November 15th. The store allows the boys to gain work experience and a hands on business 101 course, in addition to providing the community a drug free environment for kids and adults. For more information on this, contact Sam by phone or email.
CORE TO PUBLICIZE NATIONAL RESIDENTIAL EDUCATION DAY
(December 18, 2008)Coalition for Residential Education (CORE), Bethesda, MD, 301-656-6101, is excited to share a new CORE event, The National Residential Education Day, on May 6, 2009, in which CORE will explain "residential education" to national media and organizations and CORE members will reach out to local and state individuals and organizations, inviting them to visit and learn about their specific RE program. For more information, contact Heidi Goldsmith, Executive Director of CORE.
THE LOSS OF BRIAN EDWARD BREKKE
(December 18, 2008) Brian Edward Brekke, 30, the son of John and Nancy Brekke, Owners of Wilderness Treatment Center, passed way Sunday, Dec. 7, 2008, in Tempe, Arizona. He was born Oct. 12, 1978 in Kalispell; MT. Brian graduated from Montana State University with a degree in psychology and started his career as a wilderness instructor for Wilderness Treatment Center. He then became a licensed addiction counselor and continued his work at WTC until 2004. At age 26, Brian followed his dream and became a founding member of Sober College in Woodland Hills, CA, and as that program became successful, he wanted to do more. His drive helped him to develop Sober College University. For more information, contact Ben Dorrington, LAC, Director of Referral Relations at WTC; 406-854-2832. Woodbury Reports extends our condolences.
ACADEMY AT SISTERS HOSTS NEW BLOG
(December 19, 2008) The Academy at Sisters in Bend, OR, announced its Academic Department has posted a new informational blog site for their parents. It displays the students' work, class projects and field trips. There are individual sites for both the Read Campus and the Lodge Campus. The parent login has graduated security and postings are updated weekly. For more information, contact Guy LeGuyonne at 800-910-0412.
NEW VIEWS FOR CLEARVIEW
(December 19, 2008) Mary Thielbahr, Clearview Horizon, 208-263-5894, announced the lodge at Clearview has two new wings from which students and staff enjoy wilderness views during therapy and yoga. These views include a creek and endless forest with the mountain ridges, in addition to supplying comfortable viewing areas for watching the students on the sledding hill.
PINE RIVER INSTITUTE RE-OPENS BENO'S GYM
(December 19, 2008) Working since last May, students and staff at Pine River Institute have refurbished an old garage on campus with new flooring, walls, doors and trims, insulation and paint to officially re-open Beno's Gym which is now equipped with top quality work out equipment and boxing equipment. In addition, staff member Mile Benotto brought in Heavy bags, speed bags and boxing gloves. For more information contact John Fallis, Executive Director at 519-925-9225.
JOHN DEWEY'S 2009 GRADUATES ADMITTED IN EARLY DECISION
(December 19, 2008) Tom Bratter, President of John Dewey Academy, Great Barrington, MA, announced members of the JDA class of 2009, were admitted, early decision and will attend Columbia University, Grinnell and Skidmore Colleges and The University of Chicago. For more information call 413-528-9800.
APPARENT PROGRAM AND SCHOOL CLOSURES
(December 22, 2008) Woodbury Reports, Inc. has found through persistent phone calls and web site searches that several programs and schools appear to have closed. These include Big Sky Youth Home, Robert Brown and Robert Becker, Program Directors, Thompson Falls, MT; Distant Drums, founded by Mark and Lee Wardle, Nephi, UT, and Sommerville Young Adult Community in Cleveland, TX, Terrence Mullaney, Director.