Thanksgiving

‘Tis Thanksgiving morn 5 AM, and a peaceful time to recollect the NPM&A travels and ‘doings’ this Fall. School Connections in Newport Beach involved at least 30 therapeutic programs for 1/2 hour ‘speed dating’ or ‘showcasing’: Memorial Hermann, an adolescent rehab in Houston, stood out, so that before the Dallas IECA conference,we visited the program and were delighted on all levels.
We also toured College Living Experience in Costa Mesa, for autistic spectrum post-secondary students , and are pleased that they are opening. In addition, Sober Living by the Sea , a rehab for young adults, was most impressive. Fusion Academies are proliferating in CA and have academic intensity and quality.
Touring at least a dozen Tucson day schools with parents and students was time-consuming and interesting, with the parents pleased with the final decision.
Our trip to Dallas began with a tour of Southern Methodist University, and I am recommending it highly to one of my transfer students. It is very well endowed, and has outstanding specialties. The IECA conference was sterling, one of the best, as the keynote speaker, Dr. Leonard Sax ,spoke to both girls’ and boys’ differences and how both parents and schools are failing them. His books: Girls on the Edge & Boys Adrift are must reads. Presentations on the Gap Year, Getting Teens to Talk with you, and Anxious Parents were extremely worthwhile. The Saturday Showcase featured new and changed therapeutic programs, for both adolescents and young adults. Jeff Johnson is joining Gil Hallows at Legacy Outdoor Adventures, which should be a sound wilderness venture.
Returning to AZ, we went to the memorable Anasazi Gala in Gilbert, where alums and celebrities were featured, as well as to Life Development Institute, Gateway Academy and Spectrum College for ‘spectrum’ students.
Our plans are to ‘stay put’ until February, when Rebecca and I will go to Orlando for more School connections and the NATSAP conference. We look forward to educational consulting and traveling in 2012.

Southern Trip- Georgia/Florida June 2011

Disbelief followed us from dry, scorching Tucson to wet, hot Georgia and Florida: how could we go from one cauldron to another? Our invitation from Eckerd Youth Alternatives, La Amistad and Pasadena Villa was the purposeful reason: presentation of ‘Communications with Educational Consultants (IEC’s)’ and ‘Emotional and Physical safety’ to Eckerd, Blue Ridge , and visits to Brooksville, La Amistad and PV. Tuyet Abdullaj deserves plaudits for her arrangements and orchestration of the trip. We will recommend all of these excellent programs to families.
The evaluations from the BR program were glowing (despite a malfunctioning AC): for Nancy:
• How relevant and helpful to learn the time frames and contexts of communication with IEC’s-short, to the point and structured but personal
• How insightful to learn the meaning of true transparency among all stakeholders to do the best for the child and family
• How at ease you put all of us with your personal teaching style “You are knowledgeable and genuine in your presentation, and obviously enjoy your work-awesome job!”
• How important to learn the ‘MUSTS” for working with IEC’s:
o Pre-Admission: help with getting testing records, diagnosis
o Set up regular talks, emails, right away
o Include in developing treatment plan,
o Contact re major incidents/ dismissal before/simultaneously with family
o Follow up with both previous and next therapist, and with family after discharge
o Remember the Four Agreements: Don’t take anything personally/or make assumptions; speak impeccably and DO YOUR BEST
For Rebecca:
o How to plan for the ‘unforeseen’, the unexpected, prepare for total safety: environment, community, if disaster
o How ‘thinking out of the box’ can generate new ideas, insight and perspectives into risk management
o How to set up meetings to refine emergency procedures, role play crisis scenario, check lists
o How engaging, interactive, eye-opening, helpful ,balanced between information and personality
o How sharing with confidence your personal experiences strengthened the other points made-great speaker.

See the web How to Effectively Visit and Evaluate Therapeutic Programs

April -NorthWestern Massachusetts tour

Although Spring had not yet sprung, the tour was exceptional! Lodging at the Red Lion Inn was indeed a treat, and we have to thank the programs and schools we visited for their hospitable and gracious gift.
Two other consultants joined us and visited Berkshire Hills Music Academy, with the new Director Gary Shaw. Impressed by everything that we saw and heard, included the historic building that houses 20 young adults with autism, Williams disease or physical ailments with intense interest in music, and the ‘Can Do Band’ which performs near and far. Guitar, keyboard, drums, piano, tambourine, horns, and vocal performers contribute to a very high quality experience. Length of stay varies and a transition house encourages the next step. Vocational skills, extended learning and life skills are stressed. Kristen Tillona, Admissions, deserves plaudits for the organization of such an amazing tour.
Next, we were hosted by the MacDuffie School in their new location( a former seminary) with a delightful catered lunch.All the Administration spoke with us, particularly Linda Keating, an alumna, who is Dir. of Admissions, the new Head, Brian Chatterley( formerly with Wilbraham and Munson), Anne Rivers, and Susan Clayton, who gave a superb tour of the unfinished renovations. Co-ed , the school of over 200, with 1/2 boarders, some Day,and PG, stress College Prep , ESL mostly international, and no LD. Although we saw not students, we ar excited that they will be close to 5 colleges and a vibrant community.
College Internship Program in Lee, with Mike McManmon (Founder) and Dan, his son Admissions at the Berkshire Center, the Head of all the programs, Heather Green , all met with us. We watched the Power Point presentation that Dan created and were intrigued by the program. LD/Asperger students with 80-135 IQ, as well as those with anxiety, depression and OCD are accepted . Each student has an adviser, and case manager who helps with weekly finances, as well as a fitness coach from Kripalu( world famous yoga center) Tutors are available, evening study hall, and C-step (career planning). Opportunities for culinary and other internships , sharing apartments in nice houses,(shared bathrooms and kitchens) community service ,skiing at nearby Jiminy Peak, are available. Other sites include Berkeley, Brevard,FL, Bloomington,IN, and Long Beach/Santa Monica, CA.Summer programs vary. One needs to be self-motivated and ready to invest in one’s future.
Last , we saw Eagleton School, (RTC) in Great Barrington, who suffered from a devastating tornado several years ago when 3 boys were killed. The mission is redefined with a focus on spectrum boys ages 9-22. It began in 1977 , with Bruce Bora, Head. Becky Mitchell, is the new Admissions , and Lloyd Johnston, a seasoned Head of REsidence.We heard from most of the Administration during an amazing luch prepared by the boys in the Culinary Department. A new faculty member, Brian is had of the horse program, with Icelandic horses, Kathy, Tessa and Maureen Prema are in the Clinical department. The garden, Harvest program, is a highlight, as well as the Family UNIFY program, when families return . all expenses paid 1 weekend each month, and NAPPI, non-aggressive positive input. School is in the Discovery Center, with a gym/ Activities include skiing , bowling, drumming, building model cars and trains, chess and other crafts. There is an independent transition house for 18-22 year old, and chickens along with a ropes course on the hill. Altogether, the students are fortunate to have this program.
We departed by visiting the Norman Rockwell Museum and Kripalu for a massage. Wow! What a trip!

Missouri Winter 2011

Awaiting-Clarksville, MO 2011-Nancy P. Masland

Awaken, Canada geese flock, honk overhead

Fly South, escaping chill and coming snow-

Storm brewing, eagles hunker down by cliffs

One, hoping for last fish, lands on ice floe.

In stillness, no mammal moves, enveloped

By gray, heavy, moist air; where flurries swirl

Bare branches, alert for powder landings,

Sounds muted, earth sucked dry, wind quickens.

Ready as Beso, wise, old donkey, feels below

Gophers and rabbits asleep, in frozen universe,

In sere blanket, huddled; humans shielded inside.

Three fat icicles, drift, form patterns, curves

As Sun coyly graces then retreats in gray mantle

So handhold slips, crashes off metal roof, melts

Noisily as animal, whines, thuds, and skitters.

Where asks Beso, is the broken latch, the exit?

Where, the remembrance of mother’s feeding?

Of  knowing the reality of new possibilities?

With frigid nights comes nothing, everything,

Morn comes with sounds of snowplows, shovels

Offering us breath, life; while the shadow waits.

FALL Doings: Lots of travel ; A visit to the ‘Top 10′ Boarding Schools Reception was not only informative but also impressive as the schools each took a generic school topic

to present to the sizable group of parents and students. I am recommending that other schools form a coalition and do the same. Arizona is a good ‘market’ for schools. Westover is planning a trip here as well, though, it is too late for some schools to come before the application deadline.

The IECA conference in Ohio was the best one that I have ever attended, for several reasons: a chance to co-mingle with colleges, schools, therapeutic , wilderness, residential treatment programs, as well as vendors, LD  schools, and post-secondary and summer programs; planning carefully before leaving, I was able to attend every session and invitation I wished to; the weather smiled and the Ohio Riverboat outing was splendid for a desert rat; and lastly, dining and accommodations were first rate. I plan to attend the Dallas conference, Nov 2011, and promote the meetings of our Affinity groups , Over the Rainbow for GLBT, and Under the Radar, for under-served students at the Philadelphia IECA May 2011.

Tucson weather has ‘smiled’ so far reaching 80′s, and setting records. My practice is thriving with over 3/4′s of the families needing residential care, as we roar into the New Year., and we wish the same to you. Our survey is out and returns are flying in.

October visits to ecological schools and programs

A frosty Fall Maine morning outside of Freeport found me sitting with 14 happy 10th grade girls at breakfast. Their energy and laughter was contagious, and I learned that each morning before breakfast and after chores, they walk 30 minutes to Wolfe’s Neck Farm to sit and meditate on a cliff above the sea. No wonder that they were willing to share their enjoyment of the place, school, staff and opportunity to study marine biology and nature in Maine. This is a semester program attended by girls from NY, CA, NC and elsewhere, who wanted a chance to discover their strengths and look at their challenges in a safe program. The faculty and staff are excited about the small classes and curious students. To reach Pam Erickson, the Exec. Dir. go to www.coastalstudiesforgirls.org. I can’t stop talking about the value and chance for this aged girl to find who she is and explore nature.
On my return from the rewarding MIBS tour (Maine IndependentBoarding Schools), I once again talked with Shari Popen, the Head of Sky Islands Charter High School, located on 17 acres shared with the Girl Scouts in Tucson. This is a school, currently 50 students, who could double and still maintain the quality of excellence. Many ‘hands-on’ experiences are available, for example, working to eradicate non-native grasses at neighboring Fenster School, and to collaborate with the U of A Agricultural Center in water harvesting, organic gardening, and land restoration.. Students can develop independent projects, as well as study core subjects and ecology, astrobiology,earth science, environmental literature, geography and global economics. on a ‘green ‘campus. Sustainability is the motto, and Sky Island is in the forefront of the conservation movement. You can reach Shari Popen at Skyislands.org or 520-382-9210. What a splendid opportunity to have a free education in such a great setting.

Costa Rica Trip-visit programs

Pura vida! Cool! unfortunately, Introspections ,young adult program just closed before we arrived, but New Summit Academy for 15-17 yr. olds and Northwoods are alive and thriving!!
The boys from New Summit are bright students who enjoy home stay families on Sunday in Atenas, a delightful village, in the mountains 40 minutes (depending on traffic) from San Jose and 15 minutes from Alajuela, the airport. The program is tops , including ‘Aventuras’, trips throughout LAtin America; the viewing ,premiere of the Belize trip, was in the Sala Garbo in San Jose and attended by all the stafff and several families. The production was creative, cinematically good, informative, and professional. The boys were divided into 4 teams and competed for the prize , all with good nature. Heather tRacy nd the founders have been together since 2004 , and Heather comes with proficient Spanish. They will be moving from the Quinta (5 acre farm to a Finca of 10 acres) soon. Very impressive experience and highly recommended , even during the rainy season, where the creek rises.
Next, we visited Northwoods, in La Tigra, San Carlos, stayed in the Lodge, saw the cabin, met the homestay families, Freddy and Otto, and explored the fruit and vegetable farm, with Hugo Solano Solis. Hugo, born in La Fortuna (30 minutes away) teaches the boys soccer, academics, scuba diving, and farming. Toucans flew by, koi and tilapia ponds built by the boys also provide sustenance.
The program, located 9 mos of the year in Idaho, send 4/5 of the more advanced boys to CR for 3 mos in winter. Those that stay with Otto Mendez, have the privilege to live in a horticulturist’s paradise; He, a professional landscaper, has terraced and planted exotic and ornamental plants and created the most attractive setting that I have seen in all my travels ( 47 countries). His wife, Mari, and daughter , Dinia ( Hugo’s wife) teach crafts to the boys: jewelry of all kinds 1 day a week, for gifts. The energy, vitality, and commitment of the adults connected with Northwoods is exceptional. Both programs have websites: New Summit Academy and Northwoods.
Truly ‘Pura Vida’!

SeaChange Hawai’i

SeaChange Hawai’i

45-021 Likeke Place

Kane;ohe, HI 96744

www.SeaChangeHawaii.com

Director of Admissions: Brian Rossiter

Brian@SeaChangeHawaii.com

808-227-0631

Review by Nancy P Masland, Ed.S, CEP

Sixty tons of steel,96 feet overall, 3 masted schooner SSV (sailing school vessel) Makani olu ‘Gracious Wind’ sailed four ed consultants,

Susan Trueblood, Jenny Heckman, Steve Bozak, and Nancy Masland around Kaneo’he Bay,Oahu. This intentionally designed experience was our introduction to SeaChange Hawai’i, a new 28 day ocean based adventure therapy program for adolescent boys 14-18. The passionate presentation of the mission, model, method, program, family component, and staff took place in the Yacht Club preceding our voyage. Peter Nichols book ‘SeaChange’ inspired the founders of the successful non-profit Marimed corporation, serving adjudicated Hawai’ian youth to start a private wing. ‘The transformational ocean voyage experience interrupts problematic patterns of behavior and propels youth on their journey of healing, growth and change.’

The goal, beginning October 13, with 6 trips per year, is for 12 boys per voyage to ‘meet their true selves, hoping to find an improved one.’

They have selected the following criteria for admission: boys with family issues, anger and defiance; social problems of entitlement, isolation, addictions, ADHD, low self-esteem, depression, mood, anxiety and grief issues; academic underachievement. Excluded will be complex mental health issues : dissociation, suicidal attempts, violence and explosive rage, personality disorder, psychosis, sexual predation, chronic depression, severe eating or self-mutilation problems; major physical or medical limitations even though a nurse and psychiatrist are available. Assessment is required and may be arranged in HI.

Matt Claybaugh, CEO, in a power point, shared the reasons for choosing Hawai’i and a ship for their mission. With conviction, he talked about the blue water experience. open ocean and four channel crossings teach maritime skills with a therapeutically designed experience in a closed group. He also shared the program’s core values:

CHART:

Community: recognize our interconnected and interdependent

Honesty: develop personal responsibility in rotating four hr. watches

Aloha: practice the ‘Hello’ beginning, and ‘Goodbye’ the end, the ‘glue’ that binds everything together

Respect: reflect and tell stories of past, present and future actions and their impact

Teamwork: essential to be part of a healthy, safe community

On shipboard, we all took turns on watch: the helm, the bow, and navigation, and saw the metaphors evolve into reality. The motto, ‘Real life experiences bring real change’ was evident. Three boys were also crew with the captains Harry and Steve, both merchant mariners. We saw Kurt Hahn’s Outward Bound’s founder’s thesis: ‘students need to feel needed to feel empowered’, in action. We felt the same way.

Some of the following is on the web, and I am sharing it as the staff presentation was electric.

Erik Rehwaldt, the therapist on board the whole trip, presented the therapeutic model (CBT &REBT’ thought informs feelings which inform actions) taught in five phases:

Preparation: 3 days learning skills

Commitment: learn how to be clipped in the harness and agreeing to it

Windward leg/challenge: rougher waters

Mastery/way-finding: plotting future course

Reflection: constantly throughout phases

Erik meets 1; 1 3 x’s week, groups 7 x’s week, works with narrative therapy, journaling all the time. The program includes celebration and ceremony as well: color of t-shirt indicates status with the ‘grad blue’ one with ship’s diagrams on the back. On the few days on ‘campus’ , which could be pre-admission, the boys will be on the  61/2 acre farm in a new group home, with an equipment barn, a green house and gardens of taro. On sea and land there are service projects, hands-on experiences, and solos. There is a strong family systems approach, and families are involved from the beginning. They follow a program which mirrors their son’s, communicating with Program Director Craig Norton,  by webcam, weekly calls, portal, logs, and emails. Consultants will have the same contacts. The culmination is a family workshop for 1 day with group exercises, and ‘reunification’ day on board with their sons performing their skills.

We indeed found a ‘voyage of self-discovery leading to the destination of home’. Our comments included affirmation to Shakespeare’s Tempest: ‘Full fathoms five thy father lies.’..and you return from the sea both ‘rich and strange’. In the closing reflection with the staff,, the emergence of a spiritual adventure , was mentioned. I admitted that I was ‘richer’ open able to reconnect with peace and serenity in the stillness, and felt ‘strange’  able to go within, I could imagine the boys seeing all they could be, begin anew, assured that all was well, empowered and sad to leave. I certainly was. I recommend this experience.

NPM&A Doings-Summer 2010

Visits, tours and conferences in UT,AZ and Nebraska have been highlights; monthly Sierra Tucson networking breakfasts, on various clinical subjects; Mt. Springs Academy, Fieldstone Academy, Oxbow Academy, Discovery Academy and Ranch, Maple Lake Academy, New Haven , as well as the NATSAP Regional conference were all in UT; A trip to the Creative Center, and Ponca Pines Academy’s opening of their wellness center happened in Nebraska; some new schools :Sky Island, a charter school focused on the environment, as well as Veritas, Great Heart schools , all are in AZ. I toured the U of A, Honors College, the Art Institute, and Art Design Center College. in Tucson. The exciting news is that I will be seeing a new program to open in October: Sea Change in HI. They have been aiding in state boys (adjudicated ) for a number of years, and now will be private pay, less that $14,000 for 6 weeks on a tall ship. They are open to ‘tough’ boys and I already have one boy who fits the bill.
After HI, I will head to Costa Rica in September to tour Introspections and New Summit Academy, and combine it with some R&R.
As I write I am looking out the window at a Great Horned owl, about 21mos. old, trying to get some sleep in a pinetree, about 6 ft. off the ground and having a hard time with the heat & humidity.