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New Info / Re: Gateway Academy Salt Lake City Utah
« on: December 31, 2010, 02:49:45 PM »
I’ve read nothing about educational consultants in this thread. Did know one hire one? I cannot imagine finding a residential program for my son by myself. How would I, a single Mom working a full time job, be able to make a decision based on my own internet research for what I think was best for my 16-year old son—who dropped out of school twice. His next phase, if there wasn’t a drastic change, was self-medication—I knew it in my soul—and dropping out of school for the last time. I could not make the decision by myself so I hired an educational consultant who spends her time visiting the places she recommends.
This educational consultant was recommended two me twice, once in 2007 by a psychologist and then again in 2010 by my son’s psychologist. Based on his background, she knew he had significant learning issues and a history of anxiety and depression. After meeting with him she identified him as a “soft” kid and recommended a therapeutic wilderness program. She then worked with the wilderness program team and recommended Gateway Academy. My son has been at the Draper house for four months and he went through the stage of saying what everyone wanted to hear (he had become an expert at convincing many of those around him that he was okay, that he just didn’t care about school). He also did this at the wilderness program. He was doing whatever he could to get out but I can tell you he left the wilderness program with 100% more self–esteem than when he entered the program.
For those who said the weekend staff at Gateway Academy are just there for a job I can tell you first hand and through my son’s response to them that they care for the individuals that are there. My son has had for this first time in his life caring male role models. They not only plan the most exciting outdoor activities but truly care about his success with the programs they plan; they plan these great activities with the goal of seeing the boys having fun and succeeding.
As for his therapist, she may not have a lot of experience, but like teachers you either have it or you don’t and she has it. She’s there for my son, holds him accountable, and is like a second mother figure—someone he knows that cares about him and he therefore trusts.
Not every place is for everyone so I highly recommend hiring an educational consultant.
This educational consultant was recommended two me twice, once in 2007 by a psychologist and then again in 2010 by my son’s psychologist. Based on his background, she knew he had significant learning issues and a history of anxiety and depression. After meeting with him she identified him as a “soft” kid and recommended a therapeutic wilderness program. She then worked with the wilderness program team and recommended Gateway Academy. My son has been at the Draper house for four months and he went through the stage of saying what everyone wanted to hear (he had become an expert at convincing many of those around him that he was okay, that he just didn’t care about school). He also did this at the wilderness program. He was doing whatever he could to get out but I can tell you he left the wilderness program with 100% more self–esteem than when he entered the program.
For those who said the weekend staff at Gateway Academy are just there for a job I can tell you first hand and through my son’s response to them that they care for the individuals that are there. My son has had for this first time in his life caring male role models. They not only plan the most exciting outdoor activities but truly care about his success with the programs they plan; they plan these great activities with the goal of seeing the boys having fun and succeeding.
As for his therapist, she may not have a lot of experience, but like teachers you either have it or you don’t and she has it. She’s there for my son, holds him accountable, and is like a second mother figure—someone he knows that cares about him and he therefore trusts.
Not every place is for everyone so I highly recommend hiring an educational consultant.