Fornits
Treatment Abuse, Behavior Modification, Thought Reform => The Troubled Teen Industry => Topic started by: concernedparent on February 17, 2006, 01:57:00 PM
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We were referred to Coral Reef in Western Samoa (owned by a Better Way Ltd and also known in the past as Robert Louis Stevensen Youth Academy and Mole Ole Ava) by an educational consultant. My son attended for over a year; I could not get him out due to a contentious divorce situation and an X who refused to see the abusive reality of the program. My son was beaten, witnessed other boys whipped with belts and hit. I am investigating charges of abuse and medical negligence at Coral Reef Academy. Please provide me with any information with regard to this program and the staff - Rodney Rice, David Smyth, Sterling Deveraux, Michael Geffeney, Julie Elliot.
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THE CRISIS BEFORE US
What Happened In Samoa?
By: Thomas J. Croke,
Publisher
Because of the sensitivity of the information in front of us, we are not reporting everything we know or believe to be true regarding the account below. We are certainly not reporting everything we have been told. We will update on the web site as we can confirm or refute some of the issues that remain unresolved.
Several years ago, the owners and founders of Cross Creek Manor established a boys' version of their program in Samoa ? Paradise Cove. A few years later, another group, also from Utah, known as A Better Way, llc., started the program known variously as Robert Louis Stevenson Youth Academy, A Better Way Youth Academy, and Mole Ole Ava. One of the principals in this group was Sterling Deveraux, a man I had known, respected and trusted since his days as a therapist at Heritage Center when I marketed there, and again at the Western Youth Network (now part of YSI). Based upon that knowledge and trust, I was the referral person behind the enrollment of their very first student, a young lady who has done extraordinarily well, and swears by the program. Very recently, another program, New Hope, was organized, then disintegrated. According to published reports and multiple sources in communication with us, some of New Hope's students were literally abandoned in the village when that program closed.
The Samoa Story begins with the group of people who have banded together, mostly on the Internet, to attempt to shut down either the Teen Help affiliated programs or the entire industry. (See ?The Crisis Before Us?, page 3.) Perhaps it starts before that, but that is when, where and how Bridge to Understanding became aware of it. A semi-organized group of people was collaborating on the Internet, some to attempt to shut down the entire industry; some to shut down the Teen Help programs in particular.
Another group, which we believe was unconnected with those described in the above paragraph, made up primarily (probably exclusively) of the parents of the young people at New Hope in Samoa, kept in touch with each other via Internet. As a result, as soon as alleged abuses were known, the word spread quickly, to the other parents. Defections followed rapidly. We assume that the drop in enrollment this caused may have dissipated the assets of the New Hope organization, leading to its demise. Published reports and direct statements to us from multiple sources say that some students were simply abandoned. According to similar reports, at the request of U.S. Chargé d'affaires William Warren, both A Better Way and Paradise Cove absorbed some of these, and others were sent home with the assistance of Mr. Warren and Tom Mockett.
The impact of the new students at A Better Way either caused or contributed to a decline in morale at A Better Way. On that, everyone, including the management of A Better Way agrees. Several other events at A Better Way also led to problems. Seemingly with agreement all around, the classroom program carried out in cooperation with the correspondence curriculum from Brigham Young University was not working as efficiently as might have been hoped, and there were some protests from parent regarding that just at the time these events were developing. A fire damaged the building facilities on the older of the two campuses. A Better Way management acknowledges some communication problems. A very charismatic Samoan staff member who was greatly beloved by the students at A Better Way and seen as a father figure by many was let go. We are not at liberty to disclose as many details as we have in our possession, but we are satisfied that this action was not undertaken frivolously. We also believe that this staff member reacted in anger to undermine the program. We have been advised by A Better Way management that the dispute has now been resolved, and others tell us this man is now back on staff.
Another event at the same time was the loss of therapist Jeff Scott, and program director Adrian Faust, just about the time Sterling Deveraux relocated to live in Samoa and take over direction of the program. The issues with Jeff and Adrian seem to be primarily that both parents and students were on overload with change. Both Jeff and Adrian had their followings, but change itself seems more an issue than the particulars of their personalities.
Over this time, and beginning prior to the introduction of the students from New Hope, some of our own parent clients were beginning to complain loudly and energetically about the manner in which they and their offspring were being handled by the program. We could not conclusively establish what went on, but we were alarmed by two A Better Way parents, in very close sequence with each other, coming into sufficient conflict to pull their young people out of the program, following what was in each case their second visit to the island. Both reported deterioration in the functioning of the program between visits, and reported very angry confrontations with program owner / managers.
By February we had our fourth report, confirmed by A Better Way management of possible inappropriate sexual contact between staff and students we had referred (when I use ?confirmed? and ?possible? in the same sentence, I mean that the management was taking the reports seriously, but in at least one case and perhaps three of the four, had some doubt about the allegation).
The first two reports had involved the night staff and we believed had been addressed properly, with respect to the victims, their parents, us as referral source and the alleged perpetrator. Of particular significance, I understood that a procedural change had been put into place to prevent similar incidents. I came back from my April, 1997 visit to Samoa understanding that female students would always sleep behind locked doors when only the all male security staff was on duty. Samoan custom does not permit Samoan women to work overnight without taking on a moral stigma, and A Better Way was limited in the number of Americans they could bring in on work visas. This made it difficult to put female staff on duty overnight. I was uncomfortable with the young women being exposed to a minimally trained all male staff in this manner, but believed the problem to be solved. I later learned (see below) that ?policy? was not maintained.
The third report of staff crossing sexual boundaries was strongly substantiated, and fit no recognizable pattern, as it involved a female staff member. The fourth was recent, and again involved the Samoan security staff. All of these involved students I had referred.
Beginning about February, we began to pick up completely unattributed and unsubstantiated allegations of sexual impropriety at A Better Way on the Internet. Our contacts in the ?opposition? group were quick to let us know they were not responsible and to attribute the source to their opposition in the pro-Teen Help group. They also made a point of not confirming the accuracy of the story, although they repeated their opposition to all offshore programs. The storm really broke for us when we began to receive phone calls and email messages from one educational consultant and several parents who were NOT our clients expressing concern about what was happening at A Better Way in Samoa. We initially doubted these stories because the two parents who had pulled their kids under very angry conditions did not support the particular issues raised. I had several conversations with owner Rodney Rice who vehemently denied most of what was being added by the latest group of protestors. He also denied the reports of the two angry parents who were our clients, although he acknowledged the four sexual incidents referred to above as being at least worthy of serious attention even if not conclusively proven. For purposes of determining procedure, they were assuming them to be true. Nevertheless, in the course of these conversations, I learned that A Better Way had not maintained what I had understood to be its policy of allowing females to sleep behind locked doors and its management denied ever having told me that. They confirmed that students at the ?basement? level had been required to sleep in an open fale (Samoan word for house or hut, pronounced ?FAH lee?), and strongly defended the propriety of that, implying that the policy would continue. I do not suggest that the managers are lying. The assurances I was given on this occurred during my visit in April, 1997, after which there has been almost 100% turnover in staff. David Smyth, one of the owner managers was present for part of this discussion, but I do not know the degree to which he was paying attention. The therapist, at the time, clearly participated in the discussion, and it was primarily he who provided the assurances, but he left the program only a few months later.
As the intensity of the matter escalated, I began to contact other IECA member consultants to gain other perspectives. Except for the one who had initiated a call to me, all reported very positive impressions, including one of great excellence with therapeutic programs, who had just visited in December. However, there was at least one additional story of crossing sexual boundaries from a consultant who believed that was the only case that had ever occurred. If that consultant, who had strongly positive regard for the program, was talking about an actual confirmed case, the total was now five.
Since the downsizing, there has been a rash of allegations of sexual abuse beyond the ones noted above, but referring to a time period before the downsizing. The common element in those complaints is the Samoan night security staff. We can neither substantiate nor refute those allegations.
There have been reports of drugs on campus. Management acknowledges that has occurred. With respect to both drug use and inappropriate sex, management gives a very different description from what some former students are saying. We all know students in behavioral change programs frequently accuse the programs of all kinds of things in order to get out, and that allegations from those sources need to be examined closely. But allegations specifically of sexual abuse can never be ignored. Programs that expect the kids to allege untrue things are in a difficult spot when that happens unless there are witnesses. That is why all staff-student behaviors under these conditions should be witnessed. That is for the protection of both staff and students.
As of this point, A Better Way has downsized, removing many of its negative students. A Better Way has issued two strongly worded letters reassuring parents and referral sources that all is now under control. We have offered to put them up on the Internet, and would like to publish excerpts here, but they will not give us permission to do that at this time. They suggest they might do so later. We will definitely give them space on the Internet for that purpose. They are accepting no female intakes and will transition remaining females out. They have pledged to keep awake female night staff on duty while females remain.
Many parents and other educational consultants, with whom we speak, give rave reviews on this program. Even our parents, who pulled their offspring in anger, confirm that their son/daughter made gains they would not have made any other way. ?Parents Corner - LifeSaver? is another sample tribute by a mother of how a program helped bring her son back to her and their family.
Although we have been less positive in the past about Paradise Cove in particular and the Teen Help programs in general than we have been with respect to A Better Way, we can absolutely confirm that those programs, too, have been lifesavers for many parents.
As I get the opportunity really to understand the volumes of material before me on this topic which I have not yet fully absorbed, I will probably say more on the Internet, and later maybe in print. Maybe by that time concern will have died down. I understand a person of great credibility will be going to Samoa soon to review the program. I hope he is in a position to publish a strong affirmation. This program is too valuable to lose. But we can't afford a repeat of some of the recent past history.
Sounds fishy. The Ed Con admits sexual abuse and kids forced to sleep outside, but then calls the program "a life saver." Fishy.
Also it seems to be the typical "level" sysytem and behavior modification used by most abusive facilities. They didn't name a single teacher or therapist on their website. The above article describes a "100% turnover" of staff.
Lots of red flags here. I'm going to keep looking.
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http://www.fornits.baremetal.com/wwf/vi ... &forum=9&3 (http://www.fornits.baremetal.com/wwf/viewtopic.php?topic=4836&forum=9&3)
More on sex abuse.
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When was that first article written? 1997? When was your son there? I don't know anything about this program. It is not on a "hot" list or any of the "watch" lists that I have seen. Will keep looking.
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My son returned 12/6/05. He returned with parasites and anemia. He received "consequences" for manipulative behavior when he complained repeatedly of diarrhea, throwing up blood. The boys were plagued with rashes and were unattended to medically - the rashes were caused by scabies. Staff used force, ie. hit the boys with bare hands, whipped them with belts. The boys were using inhalants on a regular basis. My son has just started to reveal the experience, and I know there will be more. I am trying to get as much information as I can.
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Concerned Parent: Does he live with you now? I am sorry that he went through that hell. WOW. How is he dealing with all that shit now? Would he testify in court? What are you going to do? You have to do something...
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Concernedparent-- I'm really glad your son is home now. Coral Reef sounds absolutely horrendous. I hope you're considering notifying the authorities, or at least writing a statement about your experience to ISAC (www.isaccorp.org (http://www.isaccorp.org)), so other parents could have this info available, which would (hopefully) stop them from making such a terrible choice for their kids. And I hope your son will quickly recover from all that he's been through. Good luck to you both.
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Concerned Parent -- what's your email address?
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On 2006-02-17 17:42:00, concernedparent wrote:
"My son returned 12/6/05. He returned with parasites and anemia. He received "consequences" for manipulative behavior when he complained repeatedly of diarrhea, throwing up blood. The boys were plagued with rashes and were unattended to medically - the rashes were caused by scabies. Staff used force, ie. hit the boys with bare hands, whipped them with belts. The boys were using inhalants on a regular basis. My son has just started to reveal the experience, and I know there will be more. I am trying to get as much information as I can."
Oh, God. I'm sorry to hear this. I hope your son is at least physically recovered.
PLEASE do contact ISAC and report your experience to them. I know it is easier to just say "This is the past and I'm moving on," but we REALLY NEED folks like yourself to come forward with your story so we can shut these places down or at least give others fair warning of wht is going to happen to their children.
Have you contacted an attorney? This surely represents a breach of cintract. You will be entitled to a refund at least, and I suspect you could sue for damages and win that one as well.
This is absolutely sickening.
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Thanks for your post - and yes, I am pursuing this to the bitter end. I'd like to close this place down - it was so completely misrepresented - I will contact isac - just learned of this organization this morning from this website. I am contacting the Ambassador to Western Samoa on Monday. In the meantime I am trying to collect as much info as I can to support my case.
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On 2006-02-17 10:57:00, concernedparent wrote:
"We were referred to Coral Reef in Western Samoa (owned by a Better Way Ltd and also known in the past as Robert Louis Stevensen Youth Academy and Mole Ole Ava) by an educational consultant. My son attended for over a year; I could not get him out due to a contentious divorce situation and an X who refused to see the abusive reality of the program. My son was beaten, witnessed other boys whipped with belts and hit. I am investigating charges of abuse and medical negligence at Coral Reef Academy. Please provide me with any information with regard to this program and the staff - Rodney Rice, David Smyth, Sterling Deveraux, Michael Geffeney, Julie Elliot."
I'm so sorry for your experience. It's all to typical of these places.
Who was the Ed Con who referred you?
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concernedparent1006@yahoo.com
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Douglas Bodin Los Altos, CA
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bump...
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Good Lord, this is some bad shit...
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BODIN: Terrible, terrible company that is based completely on $money$ interests. Money from the child's referral to the program, and money from the vulnerable parent's who are impressionable and believe the "expert advice" bodin gives them. If Bodin knows what they are doing so much, why don't they open up their own damn program??! And why don't the ever check up on these places they refer the kids to? They sent me to an abusive program too. This is no OK, especially when youth is involved and treated worse then inmates on death row. Complete con artists... Something has to be done. :flame:
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Hmmm. Might the enrollment numbers be dropping off?
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Breaking News
Posted: Jan 11, 2009
Coral Reef Academy
Somoa
Coral Reef Academy Discounts Tuition (http://http://www.strugglingteens.com/artman/publish/CoralReefAcademyBN_090111.shtml)
Contact:
Admissions
702-233-0444
http://www.coralreefacademy.com (http://www.coralreefacademy.com)
January 7, 2009
As you are all aware, as a result of the tightening economy it has become more and more difficult for clients to select an affordable treatment option for their students. To help address this problem, from Jan 1 until March 31 2009, we at Coral Reef Academy will extend a 30% discounted tuition rate to your clients. This will equal a rate of $4,500 a month, allowing families and clients to choose a placement that has a proven track record of success coupled with an excellent level of care.
We look forward to working with you and your clients in the near future and wish you all good health and prosperity in the coming New Year!
Please contact us with any questions or to request additional information.
Coral Reef Academy
PMB C18 9101 W Sahara Ave, Suite 105
Las Vegas, Nevada 89117
Copyright © 2009, Woodbury Reports, Inc.
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Here are brief bios for most of the staff listed on Coral Reef Academy (http://http://www.coralreefacademy.com/)'s website. Unfortunately there were no brief bios for the two Founders (I took their pics from the Home Page).
Outside of the locals, Second Nature @ Blue Ridge seems to be a common element in a few bios, as well as one or more unnamed RTCs in Utah. I think the "adolescent therapeutic boarding school located in Bahia de Kino, Mexico" referred to in Lu Vaughn's bio may be Positive Impact. Color emphasis mine.
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Our People (http://http://www.coralreefacademy.com/our-people.php)
(http://http://www.coralreefacademy.com/images/rodney-rice-sm.jpg)
RODNEY RICE
Founder
702 233 0444
(http://http://www.coralreefacademy.com/images/david-smyth-sm.jpg)
DAVID SMYTH
Founder
702 233 0444
(http://http://www.coralreefacademy.com/images/breda-faitua-lg.jpg)
BREDA TIPI-FAITUA
Director of Operations
Vonage: 801 805 6925
Breda's focus includes Educational and Residential services in addition to other core administration related services within the program. She graduated from the University of the South Pacific (Fiji) with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in English Language-Literature and Public Administration. She then continued on to Auckland College of Education (New Zealand) and graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching. Further studies at Massey University (New Zealand) resulted in a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Sector Management. Breda has recently completed her MBA from the University of the South Pacific. Breda's teaching career commenced at the top government high school "Samoa College", where she taught English language and literature from junior to senior high school levels. From Samoa College Breda moved into a position as an English language and literature lecturer at the National University of Samoa. Breda was appointed as Head of the National University of Samoa's English department in 1994. Since her appointment at Coral Reef Academy, in 1997, she has continued to connect with Education by tutoring an evening class "English for Academic Purposes" for the University of the South Pacific.
Breda is of Samoan and Tongan descent and was born in Auckland New Zealand and is married with three daughters. She has recently been blessed with her first grandchild.
(http://http://www.coralreefacademy.com/images/lu-vaughn-lg.jpg)
LU VAUGHN
Clinical Director
Vonage: 585 298 9770
Lu's education includes a Bachelor in Social work from Mars Hill College, a Master in Public Affairs and a MS in Community Counseling, both from Western Carolina University. She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor. Prior to becoming a clinician, Lu worked as a Program Director with Boy's Clubs of America and was a municipal Recreation and Parks Director. Her clinical experience includes 7 years with the State of North Carolina Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center, Director of an adult therapeutic community, Primary Therapist and Clinical Director for an adolescent therapeutic boarding school located in Bahia de Kino, Mexico and Primary Therapist and Assistant Clinical Director at Second Nature Wilderness Program, Blue Ridge. Lu specializes in addictions treatment along treating oppositional defiance, adoption issues, behavioral issues and family issues.
Outside of her experience Lu brings a love of adventure and travel to the CRA and My Choice programs. She believes in challenging herself and her students to get outside of their comfort zones to learn more about themselves and the world around them. Lu also has a love for animals and traveled to Samoa with both her dog Lucky and her cat Smokey.
(http://http://www.coralreefacademy.com/images/jeff-stewart-lg.jpg)
JEFF STEWART
Therapist
Jeff Stewart is currently working as a program therapist for My Choice and Coral Reef Academy. He has a Bachelor degree in Family Studies from Central Michigan University and a Master in Marriage and Family Therapy from Purdue University Calumet.
Jeff has worked with adolescents in various settings including alternative education high schools, summer youth programs, individual therapy, family therapy, and court mandated therapy. He has helped adolescents work through problems involving poor parent-child relations, substance abuse, anger management, oppositional defiance, poor school performance, low self-esteem, and various other issues.
Jeff grew up the youngest of 4 in Flint, Michigan. He also spent a lot of time throughout his life in the Houston, Texas area. Jeff spent the three years before coming to Samoa in the greater metropolitan area of Chicago finishing his education and providing therapy for individual, couples, and families.
In his off time Jeff enjoys playing guitar, listening to music, hiking, photography, and exploring the islands.
(http://http://www.coralreefacademy.com/images/andy-ferguson-lg.jpg)
ANDY FERGUSON
Therapist
Andy was raised in Provo, Utah. He is the seventh child of nine in a blended family. He grew up teaching tennis and skiing lessons to young children and adolescents in his community. Andy knew from this young age that he loved to connect with people and wanted to pursue social work.
Andy received his bachelors in Psychology as well as his Masters in Social Work from Brigham Young University. Andy worked for four years in residential treatment for adolescents in Utah prior to receiving his Master's degree. During his time working in the residential department, Andy worked with adolescents struggling with addiction, depression, personality disorders, family issues, and anxiety. Andy's clinical experience includes counseling individuals, couples, and families at LDS Family services as well as counseling young children and adolescents at an outpatient Medicaid facility.
Andy moved to Samoa in May of 2008 with his wife and young son, Tyler. He enjoys playing tennis and being active outdoors. He also has a talent for photography and will often take pictures of the students to send home to parents.
(http://http://www.coralreefacademy.com/images/bryan-marks-lg.jpg)
BRYAN MARKS
Admissions Coordinator
702 233 0444
Bryan was raised in Western New York and has spent 7 of the past 10 years in Samoa. He speaks fluent Samoan and considers Samoa his second home.
Bryan received his BS in Health Science with a specialization in Substance Abuse Counseling from The State University of New York at Brockport. He has completed his Substance Abuse Professional Certificate and is also a Certified Behavioral Technician. Bryan has worked in several treatment settings and has found his home at Coral Reef Academy and My Choice working to help potential parents and students make the ever important decision to see if CRA Samoa is right for their son, loved one, or themselves.
In Bryan's free time he likes to read, hike, listen to music, coach baseball, and volunteering with local treatment organizations.
(http://http://www.coralreefacademy.com/images/julia-ferguson-lg.jpg)
JULIA FERGUSON
Parent Liaison
Julia was raised in the suburbs of Chicago. She attended Brigham Young University in Utah and graduated in 2004 with a degree in Marriage, Family, and Human Development. Prior to her family's move to Samoa, Julia worked for five years at a residential treatment center for adolescent girls in Utah. She worked as a residential supervisor for several years, as well as a physical education instructor. After the birth of her son in March of 2007, she began work from home as an Alumni Coordinator and assisted in developing the school's transition program. As the parent liaison, Julia brings experience from many aspects of residential treatment. As she addresses parents' questions and sends weekly photos, Julia helps parents feel in touch with the program and most importantly their son, from a distance.
In Julia's free time she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, Andy, a Coral Reef therapist, and young son, Tyler. She also enjoys exercise, especially running in road races. Julia has lived in Samoa since May of 2008.
(http://http://www.coralreefacademy.com/images/nicholas-lawrenson-lg.jpg)
NICHOLAS LAWRENSON
Experiential Coordinator
Nick joins the Coral Reef Academy team from the beautiful pacific island of New Zealand. He received his BA is Pacific Island Studies from BYU, Hawaii. Aside from being well versed in the pacific island culture Nick also has experience in working with at risk youth. He has served as a probation officer and is well versed in addiction and recovery processes. He assisted in the family drug courts in the state of Hawaii. He brings a love and knowledge of the South Pacific and its people to our program. He is skilled in many local traditions such as Maori Art, wood carving, Cook Island Drumming, and Kapa Haka. He is able to not only share his knowledge of the region but brings an understanding of the meaning it has within community. He also brings a love for all things physical. He enjoys jogging, surfing, camping, hiking, fishing, and he is the former featherweight Australian and Queensland title holder in Muay Thai Kickboxing.
(http://http://www.coralreefacademy.com/images/allison-hughes-lg.jpg)
ALLISON HUGHES
Director of Education
Allison was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She and her husband Craig moved to Samoa with their two dogs in June 2008. Her excitement to support the students in their academic careers and her eagerness to help students connect with the Samoan people through community service will greatly enhance each students experience at My Choice and Coral Reef Academy.
Allison has a Bachelor's Degree in Forest Environmental Resources from the University of Georgia and a Master's Degree in Education from Georgia College and State University. In early stages of her career, she served as the Undergraduate Coordinator for The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at The University of Georgia. In this position, she directed the college and career counseling program, designed to guide students through their college studies and help prepare them for life after graduation. Through this experience, Allison developed a passion for working with young adults. This led her to Georgia College and State University where she earned a Master's Degree in Education, with specialization in Outdoor and Environmental Education.
In the most recent years, Allison has served as an educator and community organizer for Georgia Adopt-A-Stream, the State's volunteer water quality monitoring program. Her experiences as a community organizer will help expand our community service program which will allow the boys leave a positive footprint on Samoan soils.
In her free time, Allison enjoys riding bikes and hiking around the island, learning the Samoan language and spending time with her husband and two dogs.
(http://http://www.coralreefacademy.com/images/craig-hughes-lg.jpg)
CRAIG HUGHES
Director of Residential Services
Craig was born in Washington DC and grew up in Clearwater Florida. He studied Outdoor Education at Georgia College & State University. He earned two Bachelor of Science degrees, one in Outdoor Education and the other in Psychology and was named student of the year. Craig has also been an active member with the Association for Experiential Education since 2002. Craig first started working with at-risk youth in 2003 at Second Nature Blue Ridge. There he advanced to a level 5 field instructor, helping fellow field instructors develop their own therapeutic styles.
Craig enjoys holding boundaries with oppositional teenagers and anything that takes place outdoors. He can often be found fishing, biking, hiking, surfing, kayaking (the list goes on) or relaxing with his lovely wife Allison and two dogs Mica and Rusty.
(http://http://www.coralreefacademy.com/images/harry-carter-lg.jpg)
HARRY CARTER
Residential Manager
Harry is our day shift Residential Manager. Harry helps plan and coordinate student activities, works with scheduling, and works with all supervisors and mentors to help them work to the best of their abilities. Harry is often endearingly called "Uncle" due to his friendly and jolly demeanor and his skillful way of teaching life lessons through talks and even jest. Harry has been with us since 1998 and has worked in various roles throughout the company.
Harry and his wife Barbara have two sons and a daughter and Harry spends much of his free time with his children. Harry is an avid rugby supporter and former referee.
(http://http://www.coralreefacademy.com/images/frank-ulberg-lg.jpg)
FRANK ULBERG
Student Services
Frank has worked for CRA since 2004. He started as a student mentor and worked his way up to Student Services Coordinator. Today he is a Residential Manager for My Choice and Student Services Coordinator for both My Choice and CRA. Frank was born in Samoa but immigrated to New Zealand with his parents at only 18 months old. Although he was raised and educated in New Zealand for over 30 years he never lost his desire to return to Samoa and his cultural roots.
Frank is happily married with 2 boys. In his free time he enjoys walking, movies, music, sports, and maintaining his plantation. Frank has a cattle ranch and plantation on his property. Frank has a kind heart and fierce competitive streak that has allowed him to be a winning softball coach for our students and others.
(http://http://www.coralreefacademy.com/images/maria-bernard-isaia-lg.jpg)
MARIA BERNARD-ISAIA
Teacher
Maria is a graduate from the University of the South Pacific with a degree in Bachelor of Education majoring in Literature and Language. Maria started with CRA in 2004 as a Teacher Assistant and eventually became a full time Teacher in 2005. Maria has great experience working with young men as she formerly had been teaching for two and a half years for a private owned Missionary High School on the island. She has been a tutor in the National University of Samoa and a marker for Pacific Senior Secondary Exam. Maria is a dedicated worker who strives for the best for her students.
Maria has a loving husband and two beautiful children who she spends as much of her free time with as she can.
(http://http://www.coralreefacademy.com/images/camilla-stevenson-tulua-lg.jpg)
CAMILLA STEVENSON-TULUA
Teacher
Camilla has been with Coral Reef Academy since September 2005. She graduated with a major in English and minoring in Public Speaking from the Brigham Young University. She is married to a wonderful Samoan man and they have 3 kids – all boys that she loves to spend every spare moment with. She has been teaching for the past 8 years and has taught middle school and high school aged children in Samoa. Camilla also completed her internship at BYU teaching young adults from various areas of the world including students from Asia, Pacific and Europe. Camilla has an outgoing and warm personality that helps students feel comfortable working with her. Camilla develops a warm and strong relationship with both students and parents to ensure that the educational plan for each student is catered to his own individual need while at the same time keeping with the norms of the Program. Camilla believes in the old saying – "it takes a village to raise a child" and feels we have created our own "village" here at the Coral reef Academy and My Choice Programs which welcomes a student and makes them feel safe while he is with us. Camilla also believes that students will benefit greatly from the cultural experience that he will have here in Samoa and she will continue to help create a nurturing environment which will ensure that our students will enjoy a positive and creative educational experience.
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They seem to have some kind of a connection to Second Nature. Some time ago one of our volunteers found this link.
http://http://www.n0rkus.com/Samoa/tableofcontents.htm
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I am a former patient of cra and most if not all of the things posted on this site are extremely exagerated and or false. They were most likely formed in the minds of teens in need of help who took there confusion out on the program they were sent too.... It offends me that parents like yourselves belive this without any evidence besides hear say BS. Check your sources people
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Why on earth do you think I would have reason to lie about such things? My son has been permanently damaged by this program, and I want only to protect other kids from having this experience. I did my due diligence, at least I thought so, but the CRA website presented only series of lies and exaggerations; had I seen this facility, this "academy", I would never have sent my son there. For those that do not know, Samoa is a third world country. There is not a plethora of fresh vegetables on the island. Like all islands many vegetables and fruits have to be imported. So the highly nutritional diet that the website promised was mostly chicken and rice, fried foods. The drinking water was filthy. Ocean waters were polluted by open sewers. We stayed at the "high end" hotel in Apia and it was disgusting. During my visit, my son refused dinner every evening. What he revealed after three days was that he had been vomiting blood for weeks on end, was hospitalized for dehydration, without my knowledge and without my consent. He was a minor at the time. I took him to the only western doctor on the island, a bleak, concerning office. We were told that it was likely parasites and were sent to the local hospital for bloodwork. I have traveled throughout Asia and India, and never have I seen a hospital as horrifying. In the end, not only did my son have parasites, he had Hepatitis A. When he complained continually to the nurse on staff of his ailments, he was accused of manipulation, was told to drink more water, and was bumped down a level.
After his return and his concerning downward spiral, he was diagnosed with PTSD. I began researching this program and the directors aggressively. First thing I found was a warning on the Department of State website about behavior modification programs in Samoa. Had I found this at the start, this program would have been off of the list, without question. Corporal punishment is LEGAL in Samoa. What parent in their right mind with this information would send a child to this country for "rehabilitation".
This is an offshore program. Legal action is impossible.
I urge all parents to read the book "Help at Any Cost" by Maia Szalavitz. Szalavitz is a former producer for the Charlie Rose Show and for Bill Moyers - highly respected producer and journalist. I heard an interview with her on National Public Radio upon my sons return from Samoa and read her book shortly thereafter. Paradise Cove was not simply "closed". It was ridden with abuse, and shut down. And it is highly concerning that any staff from this program was rehired CRA.
This is what I know now to be true. Troubled teens reflect family dysfunction. These teens should not be sent away, punished with confinement and severe consequences. What is needed is family therapy. We, as parents, need to look at ourselves with rigorous honesty. Healing for the teenager comes only when the family is healed.
In our case, unfortunately, the damage may already be irreparable for my son, but I still have hope.
What I am wondering is this....if you are a student that was/is content with your experience at CRA, why are you on this teen advocate website. It is you, not I, that is suspect.
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Why on earth do you think I would have reason to lie about such things? My son has been permanently damaged by this program, and I want only to protect other kids from having this experience. I did my due diligence, at least I thought so, but the CRA website presented only series of lies and exaggerations; had I seen this facility, this "academy", I would never have sent my son there. For those that do not know, Samoa is a third world country. There is not a plethora of fresh vegetables on the island. Like all islands many vegetables and fruits have to be imported. So the highly nutritional diet that the website promised was mostly chicken and rice, fried foods. The drinking water was filthy. Ocean waters were polluted by open sewers. We stayed at the "high end" hotel in Apia and it was disgusting. During my visit, my son refused dinner every evening. What he revealed after three days was that he had been vomiting blood for weeks on end, was hospitalized for dehydration, without my knowledge and without my consent. He was a minor at the time. I took him to the only western doctor on the island, a bleak, concerning office. We were told that it was likely parasites and were sent to the local hospital for bloodwork. I have traveled throughout Asia and India, and never have I seen a hospital as horrifying. In the end, not only did my son have parasites, he had Hepatitis A. When he complained continually to the nurse on staff of his ailments, he was accused of manipulation, was told to drink more water, and was bumped down a level.
After his return and his concerning downward spiral, he was diagnosed with PTSD. I began researching this program and the directors aggressively. First thing I found was a warning on the Department of State website about behavior modification programs in Samoa. Had I found this at the start, this program would have been off of the list, without question. Corporal punishment is LEGAL in Samoa. What parent in their right mind with this information would send a child to this country for "rehabilitation".
This is an offshore program. Legal action is impossible.
I urge all parents to read the book "Help at Any Cost" by Maia Szalavitz. Szalavitz is a former producer for the Charlie Rose Show and for Bill Moyers - highly respected producer and journalist. I heard an interview with her on National Public Radio upon my sons return from Samoa and read her book shortly thereafter. Paradise Cove was not simply "closed". It was ridden with abuse, and shut down. And it is highly concerning that any staff from this program was rehired CRA.
This is what I know now to be true. Troubled teens reflect family dysfunction. These teens should not be sent away, punished with confinement and severe consequences. What is needed is family therapy. We, as parents, need to look at ourselves with rigorous honesty. Healing for the teenager comes only when the family is healed.
In our case, unfortunately, the damage may already be irreparable for my son, but I still have hope.
What I am wondering is this....if you are a student that was/is content with your experience at CRA, why are you on this teen advocate website. It is you, not I, that is suspect.
Thank you! A decent parent!! Amazing
The "people" defending these "schools" are professional torturers and cult members. You cant expect anything less. We have to put up with them for legal reasons.
You should contact ISAC and fill out a sworn testimony, so the TRUTH about these GULAG TORTURE CHAMBERS enters the public record.
PLEASE DO THIS for the kids who never made it out
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I am a former patient of cra and most if not all of the things posted on this site are extremely exagerated and or false. They were most likely formed in the minds of teens in need of help who took there confusion out on the program they were sent too.... It offends me that parents like yourselves belive this without any evidence besides hear say BS. Check your sources people
I too attened CRA, when you did i'm pretty sure, and i do agree that a lot of things said about CRA are pretty exagerated. It is true that the place sometimes sucked and they did strange things like "basement" and "observation" but in my experience, no one was ever beaten or molested. and i will ad that we had a pretty good rapour with the "questionable" staff.
About Dr. Macbeth and Lu Vaughn, they most certainly used scare tactics, avoidance, and manipulation or at least tried to. Most of us had already been through these programs before. While i won't say there weren't sincere moments, most of us were tryin to get outta there.