It’s all about relationships. In touring programs, staff repeatedly ask me what’s most important for me to see, and the answer is quite simple: Relationships. Equally important are the approaches staff use with youth and families in promoting healing, education, and interpersonal relationships. Programs may change, and even staff can transition between them. That’s why it’s important for myself, the referring professional / educational consultant to tour programs, such as Ash Creek Ranch Academy Tammy Behrmann and Darren Prince.
These two individuals came from another program that Tammy founded years ago, and Darren worked with her at that location. Tammy said to me during the tour, “You know, what amazes these boys is my knowing everything that’s going on with them at any point and time.” And that’s why we trust staff, who have the pulse of their students in knowing their relationships and how they are progressing in their maturity of character development. Mike, the ranch Foreman has that same positive, mentoring relationship with the students in working with the horses. It’s a unique in it’s approach to relationship building using care of horses over the long term, not just equine therapy.
Equally unique is how Lava Heights builds their relationships using art “integrated” into therapy throughout their student’s entire day, pushing the envelope in preparing creative young people to be exceptional performers. Grounds and buildings that could be in Tuscany, the setting is soft and warm, yet command appreciation and respect, similar to the staff. The manner in which Nate Meng acting as clinical director helps with staff to facilitate that process is both meaningful as it is intentional, and it’s that intentionality of art therapy integration that makes this program unique. If you want art, along with sports, and strong academics for a reasonable price in a setting structured to develop character, then Diamond Ranch is a good option. I spent time with Maurie in admissions and Ephraim a clinical specialist in touring DR and getting a better understanding on what types of student works well in their environment — all 65,000 sq. ft of it with adjacent tracks, baseball, and soccer fields. From the coaches to teachers to line staff, it’s all about relationships. There’s that word again. If it’s important that you find the “right fit” for your young lady or your young man, give us a call. That’s what we do is find the very best fit, and after decades of doing this work, we are the “gold standard” in providing licensed services.