It’s Spring in Argentina!

It’s all about perspective, isn’t it. In finding the “best fit” for my clients there is literally nowhere in the world I won’t go to find the best program for an individual, and in this case — Argentina. Why Argentina? Simply, it is more in concert with the european standards that many westerners can appreciate, and at the same time it retains it’s southern hemisphere uniqueness. Young men and women can find exceptional opportunities to strengthen themselves. They can discover a cultural heritage unlike they’ve previously known, and find new opportunity. I am happy to share the world of possibilities that I have discovered with my clients, and the new knowledge and perspective I gained from my colleagues at the 15th World conference in Buenos Aires.

Off to the Great Northwest…..

True to my word, I tour the programs where I place my clients and meet with staff to ensure that each and every one of my clients are meeting their education and therapeutic goals. Now, be sure, this is not necessarily the case with other “consultants”. Many have never met their clients, preferring to only meet in the office or over the phone. Many don’t travel due to hassles, exorbitant travel costs, and “tight schedules”. In my mind, the mission is “fit” in programs, and how does one do this from the comfort of one’s office chair? True, airplane seats are not the most comfortable, and the food’s not so good (if at all). Yet, in the end, the “smile” on the face of the client and staff that I traveled 3,000 or 11,000 miles to meet makes it “all worth it” and knowing that they are getting the “best care” possible. Not all consultants aim true in this mission. Now off to tour 7 programs in Washington & Idaho!

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China in the works….

2 worlds in transition

As I sit here in my hotel room in Beijing considering the meetings of the day, I am struck by the differences between Shanghai and Beijing in culture and overall “vibe”. Shanghai is well known as the financial center of China, given it’s port location and more southern location, while Beijing is industrious and the political capital with great restaurants and sight seeing. Perhaps very similar to how San Francisco and Los Angeles view themselves as different in cultural and business complexion. But I digress. My mission here is to view schools interested in collaborating with US education partners, and I am please to report that I am inspired in what I am finding to be true: We are not so different in what we, as adults want for our children in bringing about opportunity that leads to independence for them. I am so pleased to be part of the solution in offering consulting services worldwide that inspire global citizenship!

Vermont Academy to St Johnsbury Academy to The Oliverian School

Heading across the US to the east coast provides differences not only in culture and scenery, but options in school choices of sports, activities, curriculum, and teaching expertise. In seeing the ski hill and ice hockey at Vermont Academy, and the theatre, and vocational training center at St. Johnsbury, and the adaptive curriculum approaches of Oliverian, I am reminded that these are unparalleled school options worthy of consideration for families from any region of the planet. Perhaps the best news of all is that all three of these institutions practice unbiased student associations in allowing for kids to be with kids regardless of their background and social class. Still, there are significant differences between the three schools, and it takes a keen eye to ferret out what type of individual does best in each program. If your son or daughter is sports competitive vs. technology centered vs. music and arts curriculum, and needs or does not need more academic support, then, one will work better than the others, along with other schools to consider in your decision. A stalwart of east coast education in my opinion is the quality of staff. I met some of the most exceptional staff this trip who can clearly articulate their mission, and the important background history.

True North is true to it’s mission…..

It’s likely that “at the end of the day” wilderness treatment programs that provide the best treatment 1) know the clients and their families exceptionally well, 2) understand the ongoing needs of individuals with whom they’ve worked, and 3) work collaboratively with professional referral sources to establish their treatment goals and provide excellent communication. And this is True North. For the right individual, True North provides excellence in bringing behavioral and emotional change and communication between family members in a way unlike other wilderness treatment choices. Dr Burdick has had much success in finding the “right match” for the individual family, and prides himself in only referring his clients to programs that stand up to the criteria of excellence. Start today to find the right resource for your family. Contact us for help.