New Haven held their 2nd annual 5K run during the July family weekend. Students, their parents and staff participated to make this is a fun, successful event. Over 60 participants ran in beautiful Diamond Fork Canyon.
August 2007
Jeana Lee, LCSW and Logan Valentine, LCSW Promoted to Assistant Clinical Directors
New Haven would like to announce the promotions of Jeana Lee, LCSW, and Logan Valentine, LCSW as two of our newest Assistant Clinical Directors. Jeana will be over the Parks house, and Logan is over the Teresa House. Greg Burnham, LMFT remains Assistant Clinical Director of the Sacagawea and Roosevelt Houses, and John Stewart, LCSW remains the Clinical Director of New Haven in general.
September 2007
Goblin Valley Family Camping
During the September family weekend, New Haven girls and their parents went to Goblin Valley State Park in southern Utah. While there they participated in hiking, outdoor activities, evening programs and therapeutic family events.
Larissa Taylor Selected by Presidential Academy for American History and Civics
New Haven’s History and Civics teacher, Larissa Talyor, was selected as the Utah participant for the Presidential Academy for American History and Civics. Funded by a grant from the federal government, the Academy selected one secondary teacher from each state to join in a three-week tour of Philadelphia, Gettysburg, and Washington D.C. Touring with some of today’s top historical experts, they covered three pivotal documents in American History: the Declaration of Independence, the Gettysburg Address, and Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
Teachers were required to fill out an application and to write an essay on their qualifications and interest in the subject matter, what they hoped to accomplish by participating, and how the Academy ties in with their professional responsibilities. Most of the teachers accepted were picked from Title I schools, who the Academy thought would benefit the most from such a rare and rich opportunity. Hotel accommodations, meals and transportation between cities were provided by the Academy. Participants also received a stipend to help cover the cost to and from the East Coast.
Larissa received over 3,000 pages of text in preparation for the trip and was able to sit at the feet of two Pulitzer Prize winners, a two time Lincoln Prize winner, as well as other notable experts for 72 total hours of lecture. In describing the lectures, Larissa remarked that they were “really intense, but incredibly good” and appreciated that they were “not about teaching style” but “about content and developing your historical knowledge.”
From her experience with the Presidential Academy for American History and Civics, Larissa said she gained “an increased enthusiasm and desire to teach.” Her rejuvenation and excitement to share what she has learned and seen as well as the supplemental text and material she received will greatly enhance the learning experience of the students at New Haven.
November 2007
New Haven Welcomes Kip Rasmussen, LMFT
New Haven is pleased to welcome Kip Rassmussen, Ph.D., LMFT, to their clinical team. Kip received a Bachelors degree in Psychology at Brigham Young University, a Masters degree in Family Studies from Texas Tech University, and a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy, from Brigham Young University. Ten of his 13 years in the field include working with youth, most extensively with young women suffering from severe eating disorders. He has been published in academic journals and popular magazines, writing on topics related to the family, and co-authored a non-fiction work geared toward adolescent females entitled Frogbusters: A Girls Guide to the Dating Swamp.
Laurie Laird, M.Ed. and Brad Rentfro, LPC Present at IECA
Laurie Laird, M.Ed., Education Director and Brad Rentfro, LPC, presented "The Emotional Learning System and the Art of Rewiring the Brain" at the recent IECA conference. The presentation focused on how strengthening emotional pathways becomes a key factor in healing trauma, dealing with learning differences, personality disorders, and other emotional impairments. Treatment can be viewed as the process of releasing the trauma-induced blockages through different approaches. A New Haven alumnus also came to share the story of her healing journey.
Dustin Tibbitts, MFTI Receives NATSAP Outstanding Service Award
Dustin Tibbits, Executive Director at New Haven, was awarded the NATSAP Outstanding Service Award at the 2008 Conference in Savannah, Georgia. He was awarded for his hard work and dedication to both the Research Committee as well as his work on the Alumni Committee, both of which he has been a part of since their inception.
Kris Kilpatrick and Irene Kotter Present at NATSAP
Kris Kilpatrick, New Haven’s Program Director and Irene Kotter, Residential Lead Supervisor were invited to present at the 2008 NATSAP Conference in Savannah, Georgia. They presented on Emergency Preparedness in Residential Facilities. The presentation included New Haven’s Emergency Preparedness Program and offered suggestions for productive, cost effective emergency planning.
March 2008
New Haven Expands ROPES Course and Certifies Therapists in ROPES
New Haven recently rebuilt and greatly expanded its outdoor ROPES Course by adding a 30-foot climbing wall, peg wall, other High-wire Tasks and additional challenges. The course is an excellent tool used for experiential therapy for both girls and their families. The new Course was used for the first time at the March 2008 Family Weekend. As part of an initiative to encourage therapists to use more experiential therapeutic techniques to reach and engage troubled teens, New Haven sponsored six of its Masters Level Social Workers, Licensed Counselors, and Marriage and Family Therapists to become certified ROPES facilitators.
New Haven Student Government Reports on 5,000 Hours of Service in 2007
Part of the New Haven experience is giving back to the community. In 2007, the New Haven School’s Student Government organized over 5,000 hours of service. Girls and their families helped clean the town center in Green River, Utah, and moved the Boys and Girls Club’s Community Thrift Store across town. Students made quilts for the women who utilize the Provo Women’s and Children’s Shelter, and hosted a carnival for the kids. Students volunteered at the local Food Bank, visited the elderly in retirement centers and nursing homes, and worked at the Cancer Wellness Center.
April 2008
New Haven’s Student Government Institutes Recycling Program
New Haven’s Student Government instituted a Recycling Program campus wide, which began in April 2008. Environmental Club Founder and President, Julia Liebster, issued the following statement: “New Haven School has been, for some time now, trying to become more ‘green’. I have been actively working to start a recycling program at New Haven. With incredible amounts of support and information from Karl Jarvis, our Science Teacher, our recycling program with Waste Management is now beginning. We greatly look forward to seeing the large amounts of trash we produce everyday turned into something useful!”
New Haven Students Recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month
To recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month, New Haven students attended The Clothesline Project at Utah Valley University (UVU) on April 1, 2008 for the second time in two years. The Clothesline Project displays t-shirts designed by victims of abuse who use this medium to tell their story, gain a therapeutic release, and communicate hopeful messages to others who have been abused. Some New Haven students made t-shirts of their own and expressed their personal experiences of abuse during a special group therapy session. Many of the students hung their t-shirts on the clothesline at UVU, and then spent time reading the other shirts as well. Kara Pyper, New Haven Recreation Therapist, said, “Both times it has really been powerful for all of the girls that I have gone with. It is defiantly an eye opener and seems to bring the girls together because they are able to help each other out so much.”
Students also participated in a 5K run on April 19, 2008, designed to bring public attention to the prevention of child abuse.
May 2008
New Haven Wins Utah’s Best of State Award
New Haven is happy to announce winning Utah’s Best of State Award in the category of Youth Treatment Center. New Haven was honored with other winners at a black-tie dinner on May 31, 2008. Nominees for the Best of State Award were judged in three areas: service to the community, innovation, and overall excellence. Dana Layton, Best of State’s CEO, wrote, “Your nomination was judged on its merits by an independent panel of judges who were recommended by Chambers of Commerce, various state associations, community and business leaders, and mayors’ offices. Thank you for your high achievement and your contributions to our quality of life here in Utah.”
Dustin Tibbitts, LMFT, Executive Director, John Stewart, LCSW, Clinical Director, Laurie Laird, M.Ed., Education Director, Greg Burnham, LMFT, Assistant Clinical Director, Larissa Taylor, History Teacher, and Irene Kotter, Parks House Lead Supervisor attended the event in Salt Lake City. Irene and Laurie accepted the Award on behalf of the employees of New Haven.
New Haven's Seventh-Annual Family River Trip
New Haven students and parents recently returned from their seventh-annual family river trip. Each May, New Haven takes students and parents down to Green River, Utah to camp, raft the Green River, explore Native American petroglyphs, and participate in family therapy in the wilderness for 3 days. The experience draws families together and creates an even stronger bond between the families and their New Haven therapists and staff.
June 2008
100% of New Haven School’s Class of 2008 Accepted to College
More than 200 people attended New Haven School’s Graduation on June 6, 2008, at the Historic Provo Library Ballroom in Provo, Utah. Eighteen young women received their high school diplomas during the ceremony, fourteen of whom were in attendance with their friends and families. The girls wore white caps and gowns and received red roses with their diplomas. Attendees listened to speeches from Laurie Laird, M.Ed., Education Director; Dustin Tibbitts, LMFT, Executive Director; Jeana Lee, LCSW, Assistant Clinical Director; and two graduating seniors. Ali Robison, Assistant Education Director; Larissa Taylor, History Teacher and Teacher Leader; Rachael Kessler, English Teacher; Karl Jarvis, Science Teacher; and Dallin Bird, Spanish Teacher also gave a moving group speech. New Haven Students performed two beautiful musical numbers. Every one of the graduates has been accepted to and will be attending college in the fall. More than 200 people attended the graduation, which was followed by a luncheon for students, families, therapists, and staff.
New Haven and Sunrise Announce New Transition and Aftercare Initiative
Working closely together, Sunrise and New Haven announce their joint commitment to aftercare and transition services by creating a shared Directorship. Sarah Engler, LCSW, has accepted a position as the Director of Transition Services for Sunrise and New Haven. Having worked for the last year in another capacity with Solacium, Sarah returned to Utah on June 2, 2008 to design and direct aftercare and transition services for Sunrise and its sister company, New Haven. After earning her B.S. in psychology from Brigham Young University Sarah obtained a double-Masters in Social Work and Marriage and Family Therapy at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. Sarah has six years’ experience in the youth treatment industry as a primary therapist, assistant clinical director, and clinical director. Sarah will provide Sunrise alumni and New Haven alumni with at-home aftercare services, proctor care services, and independent living services. As of this announcement, one alumnus is participating in proctor care and one is participating in the newly-designed at-home aftercare program.
New Hires and Promotions for June 2008
Janette Davenport, CTRS, CPCI, recently joined New Haven as a primary therapist. She graduated from Brigham Young University in Therapeutic Recreation and obtained her CTRS shortly thereafter. She earned her Masters in Counseling Psychology and School Counseling from Central Washington University. Janette has worked in residential treatment with adolescents and with patients suffering from traumatic brain injuries, and has facilitated substance abuse recovery groups at The Gathering Place in Orem. She was most recently a school Counselor for the Alpine School District.
Amanda Fahnestock was promoted to Lead Supervisor for the Sacagawea House on New Haven’s south campus. Amanda graduated with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies, with an emphasis in adolescents and families, from Colorado State, where she was also a volleyball player. Amanda had the opportunity to work at all three houses on the South Campus prior to becoming the Lead Supervisor.
Ashley Cowan, TTRS recently joined New Haven as an experiential therapist. She graduated from Brigham Young University where she received her degree in Therapeutic Recreation. She has worked predominantly with adolescents in her professional and volunteer efforts, and enjoys challenging our students with a variety of activities.
July 2008
Jill Chezik, CTRS, Confirmed as Member of URTA Board
New Haven congratulates Jill Chezik, CTRS, on her confirmation as an Education Committee member on the Utah Recreation Therapy Association (URTA) Board. Jill will be in charge of providing quality education and CEU opportunities to URTA members. She will assist with gathering volunteer students and will retain quality presenters for URTA conferences. Jill is Nationally Certified as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, and has been with New Haven since 2006.
New Haven Residential Treatment Center Receives 2008 Best of Saratoga Springs Award
WASHINGTON D.C., July 1, 2008 -- New Haven Residential Treatment Center has been selected for the 2008 Best of Saratoga Springs Award in the Residential Treatment Programs category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA).
The USLBA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2008 USLBA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USLBA and data provided by third parties.
About U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA)
U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USLBA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.
The USLBA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.
New Haven's Third Annual 5K Race
In keeping with its emphasis on physical fitness, New Haven held its third annual 5K race for parents and students in conjunction with the July Family Weekend activities. This is the third year for the walk/race event which both campuses (Spanish Fork and Saratoga Springs) held on separate Saturdays in the month of July. Both campuses secured the same picturesque mountain area in the Spanish Fork Canyon which allowed the participants to run unhindered by vehicles or other traffic concerns. The families were given t-shirts and numbered racing bibs and transported to the start of the race. To record the times of the participants and facilitate a smooth race course, the following items were used: large time clock and stand, finish line banner set-up, cones, mile markers, orange spray paint, starting pistol, and a timer. Over sixty families participated along with teachers, therapists, recreational therapists, and staff from New Haven. Mandy Nielsen, PE Teacher from the Spanish Fork campus and Jill Chezik, Recreational Therapist from the Saratoga Springs campus, spearheaded the event for their respective campuses. Both did a fantastic job of promoting and facilitating the event.
After the race, a breakfast was held in a nearby pavilion and prizes were awarded to the fastest father, mother, daughter and New Haven staff member. Duffle and laptop bags were given out as top prizes along with a raffle of various other prizes to the many other participants. Jill Chezik commented that “the 5k was a great event for all of the families that participated. Many of them chose to run together and even if they didn’t finish together they usually went back to meet the member of their family who was still running. Even the parents that had previous knee or other bodily injuries still participated, albeit slowly. Several of the families mentioned that this was therapeutic for them, not just physically. At the end of the race the people that had already finished cheered everyone on! Everyone did a great job and really seemed to enjoy it.”
This annual race will continue to hallmark New Haven’s commitment to families, their physical health and fitness, and enjoying time together as a family unit.
August 2008
New Haven Students Participate in Heritage School’s Ride for Teens Event
New Haven students participated in Heritage School’s Ride for Teens, an event designed to bring positive attention to the great work teens in treatment are doing. Our girls started at Heritage School in Provo, Utah and rode a few miles up Provo Canyon to Bridal Veil Falls, and back. New Haven’s students sang songs and were laughing most of the bike ride. One student said she liked being with the group and biking together. Most of them said the ride up was most difficult, but coming back down the canyon was free and easy! Staff commented that it was awesome hearing that the girls like to do hard things. The girls also said they enjoyed looking at the information booths on display about mental illness, such as celebrities with various disabilities.
September 2008
Eight New Haven Students Published in Creative Communications
Eight New Haven students involved in creative writing this summer were chosen to be published in Creative Communications’ anthology: A Celebration of Poets—Summer 2008! This is a great honor as Creative Communications reject more than 50% of the entries they receive nationwide. Because so many of our girls are being published, Creative Communications will send New Haven a free hardbound copy of the anthology so that the girls can see their names in print and read student works from all over America. We are so proud of our young poets and the hard work they put into creating and revising their writing this summer. More information on this contest and the anthology can be found at http://www.poeticpower.com/Intro.htm.
New Haven’s Executive Director One of Utah Valley Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40”
Dustin Tibbitts, LMFT, New Haven’s Executive Director, was honored this month as one of Utah Valley Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” in the magazine’s Utah Valley Business Quarterly edition. Briana Stewart, author of the article, writes, “This year’s crop of youngsters have it all – brains, vision, ambition, energy, luck, pep, passion.... Find out why these 40 pros are the apple of Utah Valley’s business community.” The article notes Tibbitts’ leadership in quality of care, with 90% of New Haven’s students going home or to college after treatment. Tibbitts is featured with other honorees on page 31 of the magazine. http://www.uvmag.com/businessq.html
October 2008
Donelyn Gamble, Featured In SEEN Magazine
Donelyn Gamble, New Haven parent alumna, has been featured in an article in SEEN magazine entitled A Vision of Healing Families. Donelyn writes about her family’s experience in wilderness and residential programs and offers advice to parents who are seeking treatment for their teens. Donelyn serves on NATSAP’s Alumni Advisory Council and facilitates a parent support group in Seattle, Washington. You can read her article on page 73 at this link: http://www.seenmagazine.us/SEEN%2010.2/Education.pdf.
