Three Springs Introduces Substance Abuse Treatment
(August 21, 2009) Three Springs at Englishton Park, Lexington, IN, opened a new Substance Abuse treatment program for adolescents on September 1, 2009, with clinician Cheryl Ritter, LMHC, CADAC IV, as supervisor of the new program. Contact Chris Halbleib, Admissions Director, at (812) 599-3567 for more information

Mountain Springs' Yellowstone Trip
(August 23, 2009) The staff and students of Mountain Springs Preparatory Academy, Cedar City, UT, 435-691-0245, returned from a 7-day trip to Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Tetons and Jackson Hole. Highlights included: visiting the hot springs in Lava Hot Springs, ID; seeing the Natural Bridge, Old Faithful, Inspiration Point and upper and lower falls at Yellowstone; swimming in the boiling river at Yellowstone; boating on Jenny Lake and hiking the Grand Tetons; riding the Alpine slide at Jackson Hole; and finally taking a short whitewater rafting trip down the Snake River.

Cedars Academy Closes
(August 24, 2009) Karen E. Fitzhugh, PhD, Senior Vice President - Northeast Division at Aspen Education Group (A division of CRC Health), 802-274-1544-cell, 802-592-3344-office, announced the closure of Cedars Academy in Bridgeville, DE. Cedars Academy specialized in helping children who were diagnosed with ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome and Nonverbal Learning Disorder. The remaining students will transfer to other AEG locations, including Stone Mountain School, Southeast Journeys (the Talisman Semester Program) and ultimately a new program and location to be unveiled in 2010.

Herschman to Lead AEG
(August 24, 2009) Aspen Education Group, Cerritos, CA, announced that Philip Herschman, PhD, will take on the leadership role for the 21-year-old organization. Herschman assumes operational responsibilities from Aspen's former president, Jim Dredge. Dredge will be exiting Aspen as of October 1. Dr. Herschman has been with Aspen's parent company, CRC Health Group, for more than seven years. He serves as President of the company's Healthy Living Division, which now includes Aspen Education Group, as well as the company's weight loss and eating disorder programs. Contact Kristin Hayes, Communications Director, at 949-589-1765 for more information.

CoachNetwork Survey
(August 25, 2009) Renee Hasseldine, Director of CoachNetwork in Australia, is conducting a Coaching Industry Survey. All who consider themselves coaches are welcome to participate. Please call: Australia (Toll Free): 1300 553 884.

Deck House Celebrates 30 Years
(August 25, 2009) The Deck House School in Edgecomb, ME, founded in 1979, celebrated its 30 year anniversary in September. The Deck House School is a small residential, college preparatory high school for young men ages 15-19 who have struggled in the academic mainstream. Contact Tom Blackford, Headmaster, to learn more about the school at 207-882-7055.

Ponca Pines Celebrates
(August 25, 2009) Christy Roubicek, Admissions Director at Ponca Pines Academy, Omaha, NB, 402-457-1421, announced Ponca Pines celebrated its one year anniversary in September. In addition, planning is under way for the 3rd Parent Workshop planned for October 22 - 24, 2009. This event provides the opportunity to get to know their families, increase parental involvement and build on the team work for everyone involved.

Eating Disorder Hope Webpage
(August 25, 2009) A new web site called "Eating Disorder Hope," a one-stop resource for everything about eating disorders, is now available online.

Consultant Comments in SmartMoney
(August 25, 2009) In an article titled "10 Things Your Private School Won't Tell You," several well known Independent Educational Consultants were quoted in warnings about some of the things that can happen in private residential schools. Comments from Consultants include Diane Arnold-CO; Christopher Covert-AZ; Marcia Brown Rubinstein-CT; Peter Sturtevant-DC; Loi Eberle-ID; Michael Spence-MA; Lindy Kahn-TX and Nancy Coulbourn Ike-OH.

Grand River Academy Fields Football Team
(August 26, 2009) Sam Corabi, Admissions for Grand River Academy, Austinburg, OH, 440-275-2811, announced that for the first time in almost a hundred years, this fall the school will be fielding a football team. The school will also have a soccer team for their 8th season and a golf team.

NATSAP Northwest Conference in October
(August 27, 2009) Registration for the Northwest NATSAP conference to be held October 14-15, 2009, is underway. This conference will be held at The Riverhouse Hotel, Bend, OR. Contact Karen Francisco at 301-986-8770 for more information.

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Horses
(August 31, 2009) Cara Sams, Program Director at Medicine Horse Program, Boulder, CO, 720-406-7630 shared Medicine Horse will be conducting an "urban retreat" October 9-11, 2009 which will focus on cultivating mindfulness and stress reduction in everyday life. This weekend program is modeled on the program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University Of Massachusetts Medical School.

Strategies for Families New Parent Resource
(September 1, 2009) Strategies for Families, a new online parent resource, provides a cost effective, support service membership for parents looking for help for their teenagers and children. Services offered include tele-coaching, webinars, workbooks, confidential social networking and much more. Contact Trevor Lloyd, MS, at 800-572-7086 for more information.

Mentalizing Treatment for Adolescents and Their Families Workshop
(September 1, 2009) Menninger, Houston, TX, 713-275-5060 announced they held a two day continuing education workshop at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX for professionals who treat adolescents and their families that focused on mentalization- based individual, group and family treatment.

Life Development Institute Finalist for International Award
(September 1, 2009) Rob Crawford, CEO at Life Development Institute, Glendale, AZ, 623-773-2774, announced Life Development Institute has been recognized as one of 15 finalists in the Pluralism category of the 2009 World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) held in Doha in mid-November. To learn more contact Rob Crawford.

John Dewey Academy College Acceptance
(September 1, 2009) Tom Bratter, President and Founder of John Dewey Academy in Great Barrington, MA, 413-528-5662, announced the 7 graduates of John Dewey Academy class of 2009 will all be attending excellent four year colleges, with two of them attending Columbia University, two to attend the University of Chicago, Grinnell College, Skidmore College and Vassar College, with one accepted at Oxford University but electing to attend the University of Chicago.

Agapé Students "Take the Challenge" At Camp
(September 2, 2009) In August, students from Agape Boarding School in Stockton, MO, 417-276-7215 participated in challenging team activities that included high ropes courses, rifle shooting, obstacle courses and camping in the wilderness at a camp in Lexington, KY.

Shouting at the Sky Now in Paperback
(September 3, 2009) Anita Anderson, Publicist, 415-309-0939 has announced the book by Gary Ferguson: Shouting at the Sky: Troubled Teens and the Promise of the Wild is now available in an updated version in a paperback edition offered by Farcountry Press at $15.00.

Carlbrook School Begins Construction
(September 3, 2009) Carlbrook School, Halifax, VA, 434-476-2406, announced the construction has begun on their new girls' dormitory. The new 6,000 square foot building will also contain a student lounge, a study area and a small fitness room.

EAGALA Training in October
(September 4, 2009) EAGALA, Santaquin, UT, 877-858-4600, is offering Part 1 training for the certification process in the EAGALA Model Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning in Helena, MT, October 15-17, 2009. Certification with EAGALA involves taking the Part 1 training (required pre-requisite for the Part 2), followed by a Part 2 training and submission of a Professional Development Portfolio. Contact EAGALA for information on a training near you.

Oliverian Honors Mackinnon
(September 5, 2009) The Oliverian School, Haverhill, NH, 603-989-5100 is pleased to announce The Barclay E. Mackinnon, Jr., Fund for Faculty Professional Development established in 2009 to honor The Oliverian School's founding Headmaster. This new endowment fund will be used to promote the ongoing professional growth and support the continuing education of the school's faculty. To learn more contact The Oliverian School's Director of External Affairs, Carl Lovejoy.

New Staff for HealingQuest Ski Therapy
(September 7, 2009) For the 2009-2010 ski season, HealingQuest's Ski Therapy™ family therapy program, Boulder, CO, will be supervised by Naropa University professor Katie Asmus, MA, LPC, Clinical Supervisor, according to Andrew Rose, Ski Therapy™ Program Director. Jody Radtke, MA, LPC, The Women's Wilderness Institute's Program Director, will also join this season as Program Clinical Director. Contact Andrew Rose, Ski Therapy™ Program Director at 303-225-2708 for more information.

New Lifestyles' Luna and Duncan Receive Doctoral Degrees
(September 7, 2009) New Lifestyles, Winchester, VA, 540-722-4521, is pleased to announce that upon completion of their internships on July 31, 2009, Kristen Luna and Kirk Duncan received their doctoral degrees and will continue with advanced training as postdoctoral residents at New Lifestyles. Kristen obtained her doctorate degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Indiana, PA, and Kirk received his doctorate degree from George Washington University.

Adirondack's Miller Presents ODD Training
(September 8, 2009) Patrick McAvoy, Admissions Director at Adirondack Leadership Expeditions, Saranac, NY, 518-897-5011, announced Thomas Miller, LCSW, and Clinical Director for Adirondack Leadership Expeditions, will present a training seminar on oppositional defiance at NATSAP's Northeast Regional Conference, September 24-25, 2009, in Kennebunkport, ME.

Island View's Green Team goes Camping
(September 8, 2009) Island View RTC, Syracuse, UT, 866-952-7930, created a unique family seminar experience for its Green Team students and parents this past August, by taking the families camping on a two day, one overnight, trip as a collaborative inspiration by the Green Team Residential Director Shaun Smith and Recreation Director Jon Griffith. Various groups were held throughout the seminar, including parent support, individual family therapy, and multifamily therapy.

Cates Joins Academic Answers
(September 9, 2009) Executive Director, Chris Kocurek, MEd, and Carolyn Kocurek, Founder of Academic Answers, Austin, TX, 512-306-8567, are both pleased to announce the addition of Melvin Cates as a Family Consultant with the Success Plans Division of Academic Answers. Prior to joining Success Plans, he was a Program Director for SUWS of the Carolinas and the Executive Director for Lone Star Expeditions in TX. Melvin holds a Master's Degree in Community Counseling and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. He is also a Licensed Child Care Administrator in the state of TX and has served on the national board of directors of the National Association of Therapeutic Wilderness Camping.

CooperRiis Cited by Dr. Sacks
(September 9, 2009) Virgil Stucker, Executive Director at CooperRiis, Mill Spring, NC, 828-899-4673, shared with us that acclaimed neurologist and author Dr. Oliver Sacks has an article in the current issue (9/24) of The New York Review of Books entitled "The Lost Virtues of the Asylum," within which he describes his experience at CooperRiis and offers his observations of the impact of our work.

Current Happenings at Ventures in Peace
(September 9, 2009) Steve and Elissa Rookey, Owners and Directors of Ventures in Peace, Lolo, MT, 406-273-4273, shared some exciting things happening at their program including the enrollment of six students, the massive production of fresh produce coming out of their 3,000 sq. ft. garden, the completion of a 1-mile walking path and the installation of a 12X30 horse barn. Projects that are getting underway include the addition of a wall tent or yurt at the top of their mountain and the setup of an Equine Therapy program. Please visit their website, which has been updated, and if you plan on being in northwestern Montana this Fall, please stop by for a visit.

Lakeland Girls Home Offers Tips for Parents
(September 10, 2009) Gregory Del Valle, Executive Director at Lakeland Girls Home in Lakeland, a division of Teen Challenge, FL, 888-383-3646, has offered tips for parents on how to identify and avoid online parent-help scams, which include avoiding organizations providing fake help or offer parents a reduction in tuition for enrolling other parents, that sell their leads or offer free videos, online testing and surveys. To read this in full, visit the struggling teens' website.

AEG Extends Stimulus Package Offer
(September 10, 2009) Aspen Education Group, Cerritos, CA, 760-918-8703, has extended its version of the "Stimulus Package" to October 31, 2009, and families working with a referring professional may combine an Aspen wilderness treatment program and an Aspen therapeutic boarding school for one low price. In addition, Aspen is continuing its new therapeutic education loan program sponsored by parent company, CRC Health Group, with monthly payment options available. For more information, call Aspen's Business Development Coordinator, Patricia Doty, at 317-873-8692.

Prescott College Honors Knapp of Horse Sense of the Carolinas
(September 10, 2009) Shannon Knapp, President of Horse Sense of the Carolinas, Inc., in Marshall, NC, and of Horse Sense Business Sense, LLC, has been named graduate advisor to the only master level EAL (Equine Assisted Learning) program in the country at Prescott College in AZ. The college offers a Masters in Education with an Equine-Assisted Learning concentration. Contact Shannon Knapp at 828-683-7304 to learn more.

New Roads Treatment Centers Opens Transition Program
(September 10, 2009) New Roads Treatment Centers, Orem, UT, has opened a Transitional Living Program for young adults, complete with furnished apartments, Licensed, Master's Level Clinicians and Life Coaches available 24/7, individual, group and family therapy, life skills, individual treatment plan and employment and academic assistance. The fee for this program is $3,500.00 per month and scholarships are available if necessary. Contact Staci Bradley, Director of Admissions at 801-910-9329 (Cell Phone).

Corey Joins Paula Feldman
(September 13, 2009) Paula G. Feldman, MS, IECA/Certified Planner, 949-759-0330, announced Kelly Cole has joined her as an educational consultant. Kelly holds a Bachelor's degree in psychology and a Master's degree in social work. Prior to joining Paula, Kelly was the California Director at Provo Canyon School. Kelly can be reached at: 951-699-5295.

Benchmark Launches Clinical Assessment Center
(September 13, 2009) Benchmark Young Adult School, Redlands, CA, is pleased to announce the establishment of the Benchmark Transitions Clinical Assessment Center which is directed by Robert Record, PhD, a clinical psychologist who holds licenses in both CA and ID. Dr. Record will team with Benchmark's Clinical Director, James Powell, PhD, to provide neuropsychological assessments to Benchmark students. In addition, Brent Bowers has joined the team as a clinical outreach specialist. Contact Benchmark at 909-307-3973 for more information.

Wisdom Ranch Receives Highest Accreditation
(September 14, 2009) Wisdom Ranch School in Arco, ID, 208-527-4753, has recently been awarded the highest level of accreditation by the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools, granting them a six year term. Wisdom Ranch School, an alternative experiential boarding school serving students in need of academic and personal success, is located on a 2,000 acre working cattle ranch in central ID. Contact John W. Tucker, Director of Admissions, for more information.

Three Springs Foundation Announces Scholarship Awards
(September 14, 2009) Aida Porras, VP Marketing for Three Springs, Huntsville, AL, 256-880-3339, announced the Board of Trustees for the Three Springs Foundation, a nonprofit organization that disburses scholarships funds for worthy Three Springs alumni, has issued $4,454.00 for spring 2009 applicants and $4,000.00 for fall 2009 applicants. Funding comes through donations from Three Springs' employees and from families of Three Springs' alumni.

Three Springs NC Announces Plan for Expansion of Services
(September 14, 2009) Three Springs North Carolina, Pittsboro, NC, announced plans to expand programming on campus. In addition to their outdoor therapeutic program, the addition of a day treatment program which will serve students from the local school district is scheduled for opening during the month of October. Three Springs also plans to establish a 36 bed Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility for males and females at the Pittsboro location. Contact Nikia Bland, Admissions Director at 919-542-1104 for more information.

Turning D Ranch Students Involved In Community Service
(September 14, 2009) Students at Turning D Ranch in Thompson Falls, MT, have been involved in several community service projects including working with TRACS, an animal shelter where the boys have constructed kennels and have worked with the animals. In addition, students have been preparing food boxes at the local senior center to be distributed to struggling families in the community. Sean Thorne, Owner of Turning D Ranch, can be contacted at 866-581-9121.

Family Foundation School Performs Fall Musical
(September 17, 2009) Ann Kozak, Marketing Specialist for The Family Foundation School, Hancock, NY, 845-887-5213, reported that "My Favorite Year," a musical comedy about a 1950s television variety show, was this fall's stage production by the Family Players. More than two dozen student actors, singers, dancers, stage technicians and crew members participated in the show, which was choreographed and directed by Tom Kovaleski, with musical direction by Paul Geer. A free performance for the general public was presented on Sept. 11, with a special Family Day showing for parents on Sept. 12.

Students at FFS Observe High Holydays
(September 17, 2009) Rabbi Michele Medwin, Director of Jewish Studies at The Family Foundation School, Hancock, NY 845-887-5213, led Jewish students in observances of the High Holydays in September. Students attended services at the synagogue in Livingston Manor, NY, on Sept. 18-19 for Rosh Hashanah, and on Sept. 27-28 for Yom Kippur. To prepare for the holydays, the students joined Rabbi Michele for a series of dinners and discussions early in the month, and held a Tashlikh ceremony at the pond on campus on Sept. 21. The all-school Sukkot program is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 4. More than ten percent of FFS students are Jewish.