Carlbrook School is embarking on a new phase in its history. We are excited to welcome a new Head of School, welcome back a founding member as Associate Head of School and announce that our Advising Department will now be known as the Clinical Department. Despite these changes, Carlbrook's mission remains the same: to help students discover, internalize and effectively utilize the intellectual and personal resources necessary to succeed in college and in life.
New Head of School
Dr. Karen E. Fitzhugh has joined Carlbrook as the Head of School. She has a lengthy career in the therapeutic school industry and brings 25+ years of clinical and educational experience to Carlbrook. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UCLA. She then went on to earn a Master of Arts as well as a Doctor in Philosophy in Educational Psychology/ Special Education from the University of California at Riverside.
In 2004, Karen became Head of School for a therapeutic boarding school in Vermont. Shortly after, she became a Senior Vice President for a therapeutic schools and programs corporation based in California. However, she has returned to do what she is most passionate about - caring for students and families who are struggling. Karen is thrilled to become a member of the Carlbrook School family, stating, "I am proud to be at the helm of one of the most prestigious therapeutic schools in the United States."
Contact: Karen Fitzhugh, Ph.D.
Head of School
karenfitzhugh@carlbrook.org
434-476-2406 x8224
802-274-1544 cell
A Familiar Face Returns
Kelly Dunbar, M.A. has returned to Carlbrook School as the Associate Head of School.
"It's a thrill for me to return to Carlbrook and to work with Dr. Fitzhugh to bring Carlbrook into it's next phase. It's like returning home for me. Carlbrook has always held a soft spot in my heart and I look forward to working with staff, students and families as we move forward."
With over 25 years of professional experience in assisting families and students in residential settings, Kelly Dunbar brings a wealth of knowledge, both administratively and clinically. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and her Master of Arts in Human Behavior.
Kelly is a founding member of Carlbrook and served as the Dean of Admissions. Before joining the Admissions team her experience included direct work with families through counseling, advising students, group facilitation, and facilitating parent workshops. In 2013 she joined Academic Answers as a lead consultant specializing in educational and therapeutic placements. Most recently, Kelly worked with a therapeutic wilderness program as a Professional Relations Liaison.
Contact: Kelly Dunbar, M.A.
Associate Head of School
kellydunbar@carlbrook.org
434-476-2406 x8226
210-540-8347 cell
The Admissions and Clinical department:
Admissions:
Jessica Whitlow has been with the admissions team since 2007. In late 2013, she was named the Director of Admissions. As an integral part of the team, she has assisted and guided hundreds of families through the admissions process. She's there every step of the way beginning with the first phone call, to the admission tour and personally welcomes every student and family to the campus on enrollment day. She will continue in this role while working closely alongside Karen and Kelly.
Clinical Department
The talented and dedicated staff that closely work with and provide guidance to the students and families, formerly known as "Advisors", will now be referred to as Adolescent and Family Therapists. The work that they do has not changed. They will continue to work with students in both individual and group settings, employing a variety of evidence-based therapeutic methodologies, which includes utilizing a relational approach and cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, DBT informed therapies, and Structural family therapies among others. We utilize these clinical approaches to increase student awareness and understanding and help students reconcile their external actions with their emerging personal values and beliefs. Adolescent and Family Therapists will also continue to work with families to help build and foster healthy interactions and relationships.
Co-Founder Has New Mission!
Finally, Carlbrook would like to announce that former Dean of Admissions and Co-founder Grant Price has retired from his tenure at Carlbrook. He is excited to pursue and be fully engaged in a new career that is completely outside the scope of the therapeutic schools and programs. We at Carlbrook are extremely grateful for his commitment and support over the years. We joyfully wish Grant, his wife Sophie and his girls all the best in their next adventure!
Carlbrook School is a coeducational, college-preparatory, therapeutic boarding school for adolescents, located on a 200 acre campus in southern Virginia.