I am sending this letter to introduce myself as the new CEO of Heritage School in Provo, Utah. My name is Jerry Spanos. I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker and I founded Heritage School in 1984. I served as the CEO of the School until 2008, when I took out an early retirement. I continued to serve on the Governing Board until my return to work just 15 weeks ago.
Heritage School is a pioneer in the Residential Treatment Industry. We are a true not-for-profit Organization, unencumbered from corporate control or profit motive. Our long-term care and clinical staff are strong staples in our service fabric. Core Values will continue to drive our vision. Heritage established The Relationship Based Model of Intervention in Residential Treatment.
Since my return, I am leading a campaign of Change and Improvement at Heritage. Heritage is positioning itself to be one of the top providers in the adolescent care and treatment industry. That is my mission. We will continue to provide the most comprehensive service offerings in the Adolescent Treatment Industry and we want to do it better.
In order to improve we must listen to the experiences of our customers. I want to learn from you. I want to know what you think about Heritage School and what you think we can do better. A survey will be coming from me soon.
Please watch for it, fill it out and send it back to me. I am listening.
There are several advances and improvements that I want to bring to your attention at this time. Heritage has opened two new Specialty Programs. The first is called "PEERS Academy" and is a program for youth on the Autistic Spectrum. The PEERS Program is an evidence based clinical model and was developed at UCLA. All of our clinical staff are in the process of becoming certified in this advanced model of intervention and programming.
State-of-the-art-sensory rooms are being constructed and equipped with sensory stimulation and sensory regulation support as part of this program.
It is an innovative program that enhances relationships, teaches social skills, and promotes daily skill development, technology, education, and psychiatric support.
The second specialty program is called, "Elevate Academy" and focus on evidence based treatment for those youth who are experiencing moderate to severe mood and anxiety disorders. With a comprehensive approach using a three-module process; social environmental, psychological, and biological, students will advance through the change process. With a unique blend of effective relationships, students will have experiences in therapy, exercise and recreation, education, service and psychiatric support.
All of our specialty programs are gender specific and will uniquely address the individual needs of the male and female adolescent population.
Another exciting thing happening at Heritage is a major re-modeling/construction campaign. Many of our homes are getting make-overs with new bedrooms and bathrooms. In addition, two new homes are under construction to replace basement units. In the near future we hope to be offering a trauma informed care program for youth and a pre-teen academy. I am also doing away with the Intensive Support program (ISA). Those units are being totally remodeled and will be used as a normal part of our therapeutic milieu No more removals or placements. This is currently in transition.
Let me wrap this letter up. I want to underscore our interest to not only improve but to share our expertise. Our in-house training program is gaining momentum. We will strategically become a teaching model, providing on-campus training, workshops, community support, research and networking.
Some new faces from Heritage that you will see in the conferences and in your offices, are Ian Petersen and Jen Sommers. Ian is a former Residential Care staff and the creator of our sports programs. With an MBA under his belt, he is our Out-Reach Director, and Jen, who has been in our Education Program and heading up IEPs will be a part of our out-reach team. They are looking forward to meeting you and assisting you in any way that they can.
Great things are happening at Heritage School. I am excited to be back and engaged in this important work. I am a hands-on leader and have been busy meeting with the youth, spending time on their homes and in the classrooms, and attending their activities and events. My wife Kim, has also joined me in serving at Heritage as a volunteer and mentor. We are pleased to be a part of supporting students and strengthening families.
If we can be of assistance in any way, we are here to serve.