Fall in love with your family and your kids all over again.
 
Family Solutions Today will make you cry, make you laugh and make you think. Live from Bend, Oregon every Monday - 12 noon PST. Dore Frances and her weekly guests bring you the most up to date information to assist families. 

FAMILY SOLUTIONS TODAY serves up a variety of family topics with funny and smart guests. Enjoy your lunch at the office with FAMILY SOLUTIONS TODAY and call in live and chat with us on the air. 

What are we talking about on this show? Adolescents and young adults; Anxiety disorders; Boarding Schools and treatment programs; Distance Learning; Eating Disorders; Educational planning; Equine Therapy; Help for parents of struggling and troubled teens and young adults; In-Home Support Services; Strained family relationships; Tweens and Teens; Pregnant teens; Wilderness Programs and much, much more. 

Who are we talking with on this show? Authors; Admissions Directors and other staff from programs and schools; Counselors & Therapists; Educational & Therapeutic Consultants; Film producers; Interventionists; Medical professionals; Parent coaches; Psychologists; and many more people so that we may bring families the information they need to know today. 

Your Host, Dore Frances, M.A. is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Child and Family Leadership and Advocacy. Dore is a California girl now living in Oregon. She has been involved in assisting children and families for over 24 years as a child advocate, newspaper columnist, grief counselor, educational / therapeutic consultant, public speaker and soon to be author. Dore assists families all over the United States, Australia, Canada, England, Germany, and Peru and helps her clients by delivering a compassionate, honest and supportive approach. Dore is a member of the American Bar Association, ATSA, CASA, COPAA and NAPCSE. 

dore@dorefrances.com

HorizonFamilySolutions.com

TroubledTeenHelp.com

HFSConsulting.com. 

Dore has been with LATalkRadio since June 2009 and is very proud of the show she has created for families and professionals. 

Why Young Adults ?

Special Guest: Danny Conroy, Founder - Aim House Residential Mentoring Program

Continuing Your Teen's Success Story: Tips for Bringing Your Teen Home

Special Guest: Dr. Bryan Zitzman, Ph.D., Program Director - Homeward Bound

Meditation for Healthy Families

Special Guest: Tom Von Deck - Mediation & Yoga

Individualized Treatment Planning for Students with Learning Differences

Special Guests: Justin Robinson, LCSW & Dr. Gordon Day, Ph.D. - Daniels Academy

John Dewey Academy - Celebrating 25 years

Special Guest: Dr. Lisa Sinsheimer, Paren Liaison - John Dewey Academy

Anxiety Disorders in Children and Teens

Special Guest: Dr. Jennifer O'Connor, Licensed Psychologist with Remuda Ranch Treatment Programs

Therapeutic and Motivational Interventions for Young Adults"

Special Guests: James Murray, MS & Amanda Thomas, MPhED, MFTI Breakthrough Interventions. 

"COACHING: A non-therapeutic support for families""

Special Guest: Penelope Valentine, CC, ICF Certified Coach Next Step for Success - Parent Coaching 
Discussion topics include: New Book - "It wasn't supposed to be this way!" What is coaching? What is the difference between coaching and therapy? 

NEXT STEP FOR SUCCESS® was established in 2003 by Bill and Penelope Valentine as a direct result of the many years that they worked in specialty schools. More  specifically, their relationships with the parents and students while enrolled in the schools and while the student transitioned home led to the establishment of NEXT STEP. 

"Eating Disorder Hope " 

Special Guest:  Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC founder of Eating Disorder Hope, founded in  2005. In addition, she operates a closed private counseling practice that specializes in the treatment of eating disorders.
Discussion Topics: What are the statistics for eating disorders? What causes eating disorders? What is effective treatment for eating disorders?

"What is behind effective interventions" 

Special Guest:  Michael (Mike) J. Merchant - President of Anasazi Foundation, a non-profit and nationally accredited behavioral healthcare provider for youth, young adults and their families.
 
Discussion Topics: What are the most important things I can do to prevent my child from making at-risk choices? What are the most effective interventions for a child who is making at-risk choices? 

Mike has chaired numerous councils and committees on best practices for the treatment of the adolescents in the care of behavioral healthcare providers.  He is currently the president elect for the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs. In 2004, Mike developed the communication component at the heart of the Emmy-nominated "Take the Time to Talk" substance-abuse awareness and prevention campaign. 

"Treating Today's Adolescent Substance Abuser"

Special Guest:  Dr. David Smith, MD - Chair of Adolescent Addiction Treatment for Newport Academy™
Discussion Topics: What are the current trends in adolescent substance abuse? What are the trends in adolescent treatment? How much treatment is available for teens today? 

Dr. Smith is recognized as a national leader in the areas of the treatment of addictive disease, the psychopharmacology of drugs, new research strategies in the management of drug abuse problems, and proper prescribing practices for physicians. Dr. Smith is currently the Chair of Adolescent Addiction Treatment for Newport Academy™, a gender-specific, comprehensive, residential treatment center for adolescents suffering from substance abuse and co-occurring disorders in Orange County, CA.

"Therapeutic Consultants are people and a place parents can trust when they begin this journey"

Special Guest:  David Heckenlively, MS. MFT
Therapeutic Consultant Integrated Teen Services

Discussion Topics: Collaboration vs competition. How does your weekly parent group work?  What is a therapeutic consultant?

"Avoiding Power Struggles with Your Teen: The Role of Effective Communication, Healthy Boundaries and Consistent Expectations"

Special Guest:  Jeffrey Peyton, MA, CADC-I, WFR
Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs Supervising Therapist

Discussion Topics: Why are teenagers oppositional? How are natural consequences and self-esteem connected? Does one style of parenting work better than another? 

"Helping Families Bridge the Success from Treatment to the Home Environment" 

Special Guest:  Beth Laughlin, Director of Development, Second Nature 360

Discussion Topics: What makes 360's transition services for families effective? Why is 360 set up as a 3 month program?  What is the parents role in the 360 process? 

"Is there LIFE after Rehab in Recovery" 

Special Guests: Jack Sinclair, Executive Producer and Creator,  Lynda Toney Bahr, Co Producer  of film and Ginger M. -12 years sober since age 20-mother of 3, trial lawyer. "Twelve
. 
Discussion Topics: Why did you stop drinking? What lies did you tell yourself about your drinking? How can I purchase a copy of the DVD "12" ?

Twelve is an unscripted, sometimes dark glimpse into the lives of young people telling their stories of dealing with alcoholism and addiction in their own words. It is distributed nationally and available for purchase at the website 12recovery. 

"Is the Prevalence of Eating Disorders in Males on the Rise?" 

Special Guests: Samuel S. Lample, M.A., LPC. Assistant Director of Remuda Ranch.
Mr. Lample has spent nearly 9 years with Remuda Ranch working with children, adolescents and their families. He spent nearly 18 month developing and directing ReddStone, a Remuda program for boys with eating disorders.

Discussion topics include: How do you define an eating disorder?  Why does it seem like more males have eating disorders than in the past? What does an eating disorder look like in a boy? 

"Service as Therapeutic Intervention: How we grow, find satisfaction and meaning when focusing on the needs of others"

Special Guests: Justin Robinson, LCSW
& Mike Escalante, Within a Seed Foundation Justin Robinson, LCSW and Michael Escalante are co-founders of the Within A Seed Foundation, a new non-profit organization created to provide adolescents with opportunities for growth and learning
through participation in international humanitarian service expeditions.  Discussion topics include: How did Within A Seed Foundation come about? What is the first service expedition to Peru going to be about? How can you order La Orquidea Chocolates - Peruvian chocolates -one of the finest chocolates of single source origin to help support this non-profit foundation?

Justin Robinson is the Director of Clinical and Program Services for Within A Seed and owner of New Perspectives Therapy a private
practice specializing in adolescent and family services.Michael began working as an adventure guide in 1997. In 2003 Michael discovered wilderness therapy and quickly grew a passion for working with youth in an outdoor setting. 

"What is the importance of working with girls in an all girls academy?"

Special Guests: Chesley Strowd, Admissions Director, Dr. Julie Schneider, Ph.D., Clinical Director of Academy of Sisters.
The Academy at Sisters is a small exclusive at-risk girls' therapeutic boarding school for young women ages 13 – 18, providing emotional, behavioral and academic services.
Discussion topics include: What sets Academy at Sisters apart from other all girls programs? What specific services are available for students at Academy at Sisters?   

Chesley Strowd has seven years of experience working closely with families and professionals in several residential treatment centers.  Dr. Julie Schneider, Ph.D. has approximately 15 years of experience working in a variety of settings.

Boys, their needs, and how an experiential therapeutic environment can help

Special Guest: Dr. Andy Sapp, Ph.D., Founder of Cherry Gulch School for Boys
Dr. Andrew Sapp is the Founder and President of Cherry Gulch. He has extensive experience working with children and adolescents, as well as, in the fields of mental health and psychology.  Cherry Gulch is a therapeutic boarding school for boys ages 10 to 14.
Discussion topics include: Why is early intervention and prevention is important? What do boys need to improve their odds of being emotionally healthy and successful in their lives?

Parenting the Oppositional  Teenager

Special Guest: Joseph Staples, Executive Director of Shelterwood Ministries in Branson, Missouri. 
Founded in 1980, Shelterwood is a State-licensed Christian residential treatment center for teenagers and their families. 
Discussion topics include: What is the purpose of Shelterwood Ministries? What makes Shelterwood unique? What factors tend to produce difficulties in families? 
Since 1983, Joey has served in a variety of roles, including Professional Staff Counselor and Director. Joey is an ordained minister, as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Professional Family Counselor. 

Educating Troubled Teens: Intervention vs Destination

Special Guests:  Dr. Beth Collins, Jennifer Blackstone & Brenda Baer, all with Blueprint Education
Dr. Beth Collins is the Superintendent for Blueprint Education in Phoenix.  Beth joined Blueprint Education in April, 2007.  Prior to coming to this position Beth worked for the Peoria Unified School District for 30 years, where she was  a teacher, assistant principal, principal and director of PUSD Virtual High School.   Brenda Baer is the Director of Distance Learning and Special Education Coordinator for Blueprint Education.  Brenda began her career in Special Education as a teacher in the Albuquerque Public School system. Jennifer Blackstone is the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at Blueprint Education. Prior to coming to Blueprint, Jennifer taught Language Arts and Social Studies in grades 6 - 12 in school districts in both AZ and OH.

How Critical is it to the Therapeutic Process to Have the Whole Family Engaged? 

Special Guests:  Angie Senic Shockley, Director of Operations for Eckerd Youth Alternatives. Angie Senic Shockley has worked with at-risk children for most of her career. In her current role, Angie works on program development within Eckerd, always looking for new opportunities for the company to grow in regard to outdoor treatment.  
Discussion topics include:  Define "whole family" as related to the child and the program. What does engaging the whole family look like? Why does engaging the whole family matter to the child? 
Angie is currently serving as a member of the boards of directors for both the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) and the National Association of Therapeutic Wilderness Camping (NATWC). Angie lives in the mountains of WV with her husband Matt and four children, Sarah, Michael, Clay and Bode.  In her spare time, she enjoys living and working on a farm where she and her family raise beef cattle and horses.  She also enjoys singing, playing piano and guitar, fishing, hunting, golfing and riding her horses.

Various Treatment Options for Children 

Special Guests:  Jared Hamner, Admissions Director for West Ridge Academy in Utah.  Jared has spent the last thirteen years at West Ridge Academy in many different positions currently as Director of Admissions. Jared Graduated from Indiana University in 1993.

Discussion topics include:  What does "at risk" mean?  What are some different options for children who may be displaying at risk behaviors?  Where can families get financial assistance when looking at residential treatment? What does West Ridge Academy have to offer families and their children?

Jared has served the community in many local and state wide positions;  President of the local  Rotary club in West Jordan; Jared is on the Board of Directors for West Jordan Chamber of Commerce: Jared Chairs the Government Actions Council for the West Jordan Chamber. Jared is an Eagle Scout and enjoys fishing, woodworking. 

Most importantly Jared & Suzanne are the proud parents of six beautiful Girls.

Entitlement of Our Youth—Turning Around the Trend

Special Guests:  Malcolm and Laura Gauld are the heads of Hyde Schools and together they are the co-authors of the book The Biggest Job We’ll Ever Have.  Malcolm and Laura Gauld are the heads of Hyde Schools, the group of character-building boarding and charter schools, whose pioneering philosophy has been profiled on 60 Minutes, 20/20, Today, PBS and NPR. Together they are the co-authors of the book The Biggest Job We’ll Ever Have (Scribner), as well as the founders of parenting workshops that emerged from it.
Discussion topics include:  What is the most common mistake that parents make in raising their children? Why has it become so difficult for parents to let go of their children? What can happen to kids whose parents micromanage their lives?
Known for their success with turning around attitudes, known for their success in empowering parents to raise strong adults with character and for the transformative work they do with teenagers and their parents,  Malcolm and Laura Gauld draw on three decades of experience as education and parenting experts to offer an upbeat and provocative perspective on issues affecting families and the critical roles of parents relative to those issues.

Raising Responsible Children - Mistakes Parents Make
and What They Can Do

Special Guests: Dr. Douglas R. Smith, D.M. Program Director and Robbie Smith, M.A., Executive Director of Safe Harbor Boys Home / Maritime Academy. Dr. Douglas Smith
co-founded the Safe Harbor Boys Home program with his wife Robbie Smith. This year they celebrated their 25th year of operation and The Hallmark Channel released a movie about their program - Safe Harbor.

Discussion topics include: What can parents do to raise responsible children? What does the word NO mean? When does a parent need to seek outside help? How can someone donate to the program? What type of boys are a good fit for this program?

Safe Harbor Maritime Academy founded in 1984 as Safe Harbor Boys Home in Jacksonville, Florida is a Christian residential education program using the waterfront as a residential
and educational facility for teenage boys. Providing a safe, stable, structured, alternative home environment, boys live aboard vessels, learning seamanship and maritime skills as well as studying for a high school diploma.

Return to What Matters: BestNotes CRM for the Special Needs Community – It's More Than Software

Special Guest: Nathan Olsen, System Consultant and co-founder of BestNotes. .Nathan Olsen helps people minimize the challenge of paperwork and information management so they can focus on helping families. BestNotes is used by more than 200 organizations including a third of the NATSAP membership and more than 30 Independent Educational Consultants.

Discussion topics include: How secure is BestNotes? What is the cost of BestNotes? Is BestNotes HIPPA compliant? What support and training does BestNotes offer? 


Each member of the BestNotes team has unique roots in the industry and benefit from the insights of influential leaders to guide in the creation and development of BestNotes. They strive to build enduring friendships with all they serve by providing brilliant solutions and superior support.

"The Mind, Moods, Motivation, and Maturity of The Middle School Male"

Special Guest:  Dr. Andrew D. Sapp, Ph.D., who is the Founder & CEO of Cherry Gulch, a high quality ranch-style therapeutic boarding school for 10 to 14 year-old boys.
Discussion topics include: Where do the troubles start for middle school aged boys?  What type of academic problems do middle school aged boys seem to have? What tips do you have for parents of boys and those working with boys? 

Dr. Sapp is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and a well-rounded clinician who has worked as a therapist at a therapeutic wilderness program for 11 to 13 year-old students, a locked inpatient psychiatric hospital where he was the lead clinician on the adolescent unit and also worked on the pediatric unit, as well as two community clinics, an elementary school, and an inner city group home for foster boys. Dr. Sapp was also a Naval Lieutenant and therapist at a military hospital. Dr. Sapp started his career as a coach, camp counselor, and mentor and later worked at a youth correctional facility with youth as young as 12 years-old. It was here that he developed his passion for working with youth and particularly for early intervention and prevention.

"How the way of the horse can show kids the way"

 Special Guest:  Windy Stopnitzky, who is the founder and executive director of Horse Wisdom.

Discussion topics include: What types of emotional and psychological issues can be addressed with EAP? What kind of research is available that support the efficacy of this type of therapy? What ages and geographic locations does Horse Wisdom serve?

A lifelong equestrian, Windy was able to attain a dream 4 years ago when she began importing and breeding Andalusian horses full time at her farm, Paradise Mountain Ranch in Valley Center, California. For the 10 years previous to that she owned and operated multiple Alzheimer’s & Hospice facilities. Windy also has extensive nonprofit experience, having served in various board positions in organizations over the past 25 years. Windy is an EAGALA Level II certified Equine Specialist having completed more than 6,000 hours of equine handling & behavioral studies.

"Safe Online Shopping for the Holidays"

 Special Guest:  Jayne Hitchcock who is an author and internationally recognized cyber crime expert.

Discussion topics include: Is shopping online really safe? How can you tell if a website is legit and safe to shop online? What is safer, a bank card or credit card when shopping online?
As president of two all-volunteer organizations, WHOA (Working to Halt Online Abuse) at haltabuse and WHOA-KTD (Kids/Teens Division) at haltabusektd.org, Jayne continues a mission to educate adults and children in safety online. Jayne's speaking schedule on cyber crime and cyber safety has included many high schools and colleges. She also lectures at libraries, for staff and the public, and presents law enforcement training seminars for local, county, state, military and federal agencies.

"Intellectually Gifted Underachievers: the oxymoron unraveled"

 Special Guest:  Dr. Barbara L. Cunningham, who is currently the Guidance Counselor at Summit Preparatory School  located in Kalispell, MT.

Discussion topics include: What causes a kid to disengage? What are some options for teenagers that shut down academically? What is student-centered learning?

Dr. Cunningham holds a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counselor from Northwest Missouri State University. She received her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Technology at the University of Montana in 2003. Her interest in gifted education was triggered by her 30+ years as a guidance counselor working with many distinctively gifted youth.  She has been the gifted and talented coordinator for a school district and is the mom of a uniquely gifted kid!

"Attachment issues in troubled adolescents, particularly adopted adolescents." 

 Special Guest:  Dr. Joanna Bettmann, who is the Research Director at Open Sky Wilderness Therapy, a wilderness therapy program for troubled teens and young adults based out of Durango, Colorado

Discussion topics include: What is healthy attachment?  How can parents improve their attachment relationships with their kids, particularly their adopted kids? Are there teen treatment programs that can cure attachment disorder?
Dr. Bettmann is also an Assistant Professor of Social Work at the University of Utah. She received her B.A. from Dartmouth College, her Masters in Social Work from the University of Utah, and her Ph.D. from Smith College School for Social Work.  She is also a licensed clinical social worker and maintains a private practice in Salt Lake City, Utah.

"Self-Injury: A bio-Psycho-Social Look Into This Clinical Occurrence"
 Special Guest:  Andrew Levander, the founder of, The Healing House of Los Angeles, a private treatment center for self-injury and eating disorders with locations in Encino and Pasadena, Calif. Mr. Levander was the recipient of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Service Innovations Festival Award for "Enhancing Treatment Quality through Program Innovation". 

Discussion topics include: Who is most vulnerable in developing this self-injury behavioral problem? What can loved ones do to help someone who is self-injuring? How can schools and teachers best help a student who struggles or is suspected of self-injuring?

In 2004 a documentary spotlighting Mr. Levander's treatment program aired on the Discovery Channel.  Mr. Levander is currently the Director at David & Margaret Youth and Family Services in La Verne, California where he continues his commitment to being of service to under-represented populations of youth and families.

"It's Your Life, Take Charge!"

Special Guest: Diana S. Dodson, Author.  To order this great book visit the TroubledTeenHelp Bookstore

Diana S. Dodson has a BA in Sociology and a minor in Psychology and masters work in Criminology from San Diego State University. She has spent many years working with children in the Head Start program.

Discussion topics include: What inspired you to write the book? Who are the readers and what ages is this book written for? What makes this book different than other books with the same objective?

This book is unique in style.  It’s innovative, pro-active, interactive, and acts as a guide or manual to help you figure out what you need to do to change your present situation.  This book is preventative in nature.  It will teach you how to prevent unhappiness for yourself, your spouse, and your children. 

"SouLore’s Empowering Young Adults"

Special Guests:  Randy Russell, MS and Colleen Russell, MA - SouLore & Empowering Young Adults Parenting Workshops
Randy Russell has been assisting families prepare and launch their adult children since 1974 when he and his family started assisting struggling college students.Colleen Russell is a specialist in Women's Studies and a woman's journey into wholeness.
Discussion topics include: Understanding the hero’s journey into soulful adulthood and what role parents play when they want their children to be self-reliant empowered adults. Parent Workshops for Empowering Young Adults and what they cover.
There are many reasons why a young adult may be struggling. Some are the results of the natural transition out of adolescence and into adulthood. This life transition is one of the most extensive series of changes that one encounters in their life. Randy and Colleen Russell founded and direct SouLore from their home near Sandpoint, Idaho. Since 1994 they have worked together creating opportunities for individuals to live authentically from a place of meaning and purpose, (soulful living).

"Transitional Housing for Emancipated Foster Youth"

Special Guest: Crystal Brackin, Director of Program Development of Optimist Youth Homes and Family Services.
 
Prior to joining Optimist’s Executive Team in 2006, Crystal worked for Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services for twenty years.  She began as a Youth Development Counselor in 1982. Crystal has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Detroit.

Discussion topics include: What volunteer positions are needed at Optimist? What is Transitional Housing Placement Plus (THP plus)?   Why is Transitional Housing for Emancipated Foster Youth so very Important?

Optimist Youth Homes & Family Services (OYHFS) is a nationally accredited non-profit 501(c)3 corporation. They are one of the oldest and largest agencies of its kind in Southern California. They have locations in three counties though referrals are accepted from throughout the state of California. They serve over 500 at-risk youth and their families everyday.

"Helping Tweens and Teens Through Creative/Therapeutic Writing"

Special Guest: Janie Lancaster, Author.
Janie Lancaster grew up in Middletown, New York. She has two grown children and a teenage granddaughter. She now lives in southern California with her husband Don, her blue eyed childhood sweetheart. Discussion topics include: Janie's newest novel - Emily/Out of My Mother's Darkness. A special offer for today's radio show listeners - a free booklet "Helping Tweens and Teens Through Creative/Therapeutic Writing" when ordering her new book (please mention this radio show). Why is creative writing and journaling so important?
After working as a sign language interpreter for the last fifteen years and a college professor for seven Janie has set out on a course to fulfill her childhood dream to publish her written works. At this time she has written three children's novels, fifteen picture books and numerous poems.

"The importance of challenging academics to a college preparatory therapeutic boarding school"

Special Guest: Dr. Lisa M. Sinsheimer, Clinical Consultant and Parent Liaison for the John Dewey Academy in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.
Dr. Lisa lives in New York where she is a licensed physician and psychiatrist. She attended Princeton University, The University of Texas Medical Branch, and Columbia University.
Her previous experience includes private practice in psychiatry and psychoanalysis in NYC, adjunct faculty at Cornell University Medical College and Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. Discussion topics include: What is "caring confrontation" and how is it used at John Dewey Academy? How does the John Dewey Academy prepare seniors for transitioning into the college life? What are some of the valuable therapeutic tools that kids learn while at John Dewey Academy?  

Housed in historic Searles Castle in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, the John Dewey Academy is a coeducational college preparatory boarding school with a strong therapeutic component. Our mission is to provide intensive, individualized instruction and therapy to alienated, angry, self-destructive, but bright adolescents.

"Wrap around services that enhances the current services of Educational Consultants, Therapeutic Programs, and the Family Unit."

Special Guests: Larry Spain, owner and founder of Harmony Crisis Management Group.
Larry is a certified Life Empowerment Coach whose vision and passion lie with helping others. Larry’s past includes positions, such as, teacher and career counselor in the United States Coast Guard, and owner of such companies as, "The Learning Tree Preschool Centers" and "Right Direction Crisis Intervention". In addition to mentoring and coaching families, adults, and children over the last 18 years, Larry and his wife are also licensed respite care providers.
Discussion topics include: What type of wrap-around services do you offer? What is Life Empowerment Coaching? What is the difference between life empowerment coaching and what is considered typical therapy or counseling? How do you reach out and serve those all across the US?
Harmony brings professionalism and quality to the field of adolescent interventions and transports.  All of our interventions and transports (from the very first phone call) are staffed and facilitated by licensed therapists, life coaches, and professionals with counseling backgrounds.

"Equine Assisted Therapy and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy"

Special Guests: Karen Keeley, Executive Director of Ohana Ranch and Dee Clark, licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Founder of Healing Reins.
Karen received her Master’s Degree in Human Behavior and her BA Degree in Business from the National University in San Diego. In addition to her business background, Karen has extensive training in numerous modalities for autism, which she came to as a result of her son Carson being diagnosed with autism in 1998. Dee has specialized in working with teens for over thirty years and is the co author of three books

Discussion topics include: What is Equine Assisted Therapy?  What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy?  What is the book Horse Boy, written by Rupert Isaacson about? How can these types of Equine Therapy improve the mental health of Autistic and High Risk youth?
Ohana Ranch provides Equine Assisted Therapy and Learning Programs using the EAGALA Model. Healing Reins uses experiential therapy as it engages individuals cognitively, emotionally, spiritually and physically.

"Securing Financing for Behavioral Health Treatment"

Special Guest: Chelsea Dickinson, Marketing and Program Relations Director, Clark Behavioral Health Financing.

Chelsea has been working with Clarks for six years and in addition to being an effective Marketing Director her expertise includes Program Relations. 

Clark Behavioral Financing has highly trained, discreet and compassionate staff to assist in many different ways.

Discussion topics include: Why does Clark spend time pre-screening all applicants for no charge? What is some of the loan information that is helpful to know about, such as credit scores, interest rates and loan amounts available? How do programs and schools work with Clark's?

Clark Behavioral Health Financingspecializes in financing for the treatment industry. No matter what type of treatment or behavioral health service is needed, CBHF can customize a financial plan to match the facility of your choice.  

"Help for Teens Who are Struggling"

Special Guest: Scott Jones, Program Director, Turnabout/ Stillwater Academy.
Scott has been working with adolescents and their families for over ten years. In addition to being an effective therapist his expertise includes corporate training and public speaking. Turnabout / Stillwater Academy is an adolescent treatment program dedicated to helping 12-17 yr old troubled teens find the pathway back to happiness and family harmony. For more than 20 years their family centered approach has helped restore hope and facilitate growth and healing for hundreds of teenagers nationwide.
Discussion topics include: Why the unique housing aspect of the Turnabout program works. How the use of video conferencing works for the program, the parents and their child. What services are provided when the student is ready to transition home?
Turnabout gives teens the chance to step out of their destructive patterns, make a choice to change for the better, make good decisions, experience real success, develop healthy relationships, and then move back into a new & better life that many of them may have not dreamed possible.

"Pregnant and Parenting Teens"

Special Guest: Pam Ponich-Hunthausen, Clinical Director of the Florence Crittenton Center -   Clinical Director - Pam Ponich-Hunthausen, MS, LCPC oversees all programs at Florence Crittenton.

Florence Crittenton is a nationally recognized Montana non-profit specializing in therapeutic residential services for pregnant and parenting young women, ages 12 to 21.

Since 1896, the Florence Crittenton Home in Montana has maintained a strong tradition of caring for pregnant and parenting young women, serving over 15,000 women and children.

Discussion topics include: What advice do you give to parents of a pregnant teen? How important is early attachment and bonding? What therapeutic residential services for pregnant and parenting young women and their babies are offered at Florence Crittenton?

Pam has a degree in Human Biology (emphasis in Neuropsychology) from Stanford University and a Masters degree in Counseling Education from San Diego State University.  Pam has extensive management and clinical experience with at-risk youth and has worked with pregnant and parenting teen mothers at FC for the past two and a half years.

"The transition into adulthood is a confusing and challenging process."

Special Guest: Vince Barranco, Owner/Executive Director - Life Designs Ranch.
Life Designs Ranch is a self-empowerment and leadership training center that mentors and supports 18-26 year olds. Life Design uses a 12-step model to help students with addiction issues or other destructive behavior patterns. Research confirms that most people learn best through experiences and simulated learning environments. Life Designs Ranch focuses on using these techniques to help students learn skills that they can apply in their lives. After 9 years as a school teacher, Vince found his life calling when he started working as program director at Life Designs in 1999 for founders Randy and Colleen Russell. Vince and his wife Bobbie took over ownership of Life Designs Inc in 2005 and have made the company one of the premiere young adult programs. Discussion topics include: Hearing from John, a graduate student of Life Designs. What is like for students when they are given the opportunity to manage and run the Ranch for two to four weeks?

How do parents play a vital important part in empowering their young adults into self-reliant independence? What is the Life Designs "Rite Of Passage?"

Life Designs Ranch is a member of NATSAP (National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs) and has been honored by Woodbury Reports.

"Offering experiential, real-time support where it counts the most--in the family's own environment"

Special Guest: David Herz, Founder and President of VIVE -  - Vive works with young people between the ages of 10 and 25 who are struggling with a difficult transition or life event, or who are experiencing mild to moderate emotional issues. Vive clients would benefit from support, but are not currently in need of residential placement.
As the company grows, David remains committed to keeping his hands on the practice side of things, teaching the Vive! Dynamic and playing an instrumental role in leading the clinical teams around the country. Dave has an M.A. in Education from the University of Colorado - Boulder, is a Certified Psychotherapist and has worked with kids and families as a teacher, counselor, therapist, mentor and coach for more than 20 years.
Discussion topics include: What is the difference between a Mentor and a Parent Coach?  What are relationship based services? What is the role of parents in family healing?
Widely recognized as a passionate public speaker on the topics of troubled teens and family healing, David spends countless hours inspiring groups of parents and their children to achieve greater levels of confidence, love and mutual support through action-oriented processes rooted in their real world.

"Cybercrime and Online Security for Families"

Special Guest: Jayne Hitchcock, President of WHOA  (Working to Halt Online Abuse) - WHOA is a volunteer organization founded in 1997 to fight online harassment through education of the general public, education of law enforcement personnel, and empowerment of victims. Jayne's own experience with cyberstalking, which garnered international headlines, led her to become a noted cybercrime and security expert. She speaks about cybercrime and online security to educational institutions, librarians, corporations, the general public, students and parents, and trains law enforcement personnel throughout the USA.

Discussion topics include: Are networking sites like Facebook and MySpace really safe for kids and teens? What can parents do to keep their kids safe online? Is "sexting" a crime for kids as well as adults? Jayne is the author of eight books. Her most recent book is Net Crimes and Misdemeanors 2nd Edition: Outmaneuvering Web Spammers, Stalkers, and Con Artists , which details different types of online crimes, scams, spams and more, complete with case histories, experts, and advice on how to protect yourself, your family and your computer online.

"Saving Teens In Crisis Collaborative"

Special Guest: John Reuben, Founder of Savings Teens.John is the parent of 2 troubled teens who have been in wilderness and therapeutic programs.
Saving Teens In Crisis Collaborative (STICC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed in April of 2004 to assist troubled teens and their families struggling with substance abuse and other emotional issues. Discussion topics include: What programs and schools have been instrumental in assisting Saving Teens?  How families are selected when needing assistance. 
How and where you can donate to Saving Teens. Watch for an upcoming video on the Savings Teen website from their very first student. Saving Teens In Crisis Collaborative goal is to provide a total solution to troubled teens in crisis and their families, with a methodology that incorporates both financial and emotional support throughout an 18-24 month process of evaluation, intervention and education.

"Holistic wilderness treatment"

Special Guest: Danny Frazer, Business Development and Marketing Director of Open Sky Wilderness Therapy -    Danny has over 10 years of experience and 700 field days in wilderness therapy and outdoor education.  Discussion topics include: What is a typical day like at Open Sky? How do parents and kids stay in touch with each other during the outdoor process? Listen to two parents give their feedback about their experience of Open Sky with their adolescents.
Open Sky works with teenagers ages 13 to 17 and young adults ages 18 to 28 on a wide range of issues, including drug and alcohol abuse, depression, ADD and ADHD, anxiety, grief and loss, oppositional defiance, traumatic histories, family problems, school problems, and low self esteem.

"Adolescent and young adult transports"

Special Guest: Bill Lane, President Bill Lane & Associates -Bill Lane specializes in the safe transportation of troubled teens, adolescents and young adults to boarding schools, therapeutic boarding schools, wilderness programs, drug treatment, residential treatment centers and more.

Discussion topics include: What is truly involved in the process of transporting a child? How are your agents trained? How do you help students understand the process about what is happening? For more than 30 years, Bill Lane has been involved in the "troubled teen" and therapeutic boarding school industry and has worked with over 10,000 families to provide transportation to all kinds of therapeutic and treatment facilities.

“Connections between learning disabilities and emotional/behavioral struggles"

Special Guest: Sanford Shapiro, M.ED, Founder of the Bend Learning Center - . The Bend Learning Center helps children with learning differences understand and reach their potential. Discussion topics include: What is dyslexia? What are the behavioral and emotional struggles or risks for kids with learning disabilities?
Sanford is a parent of a child with learning disabilities and is the Founder of the Bend Learning Center in Bend, Oregon. At the Bend Learning Center Sanford helps you understand your child’s challenges as well as their strengths and helps them discover effective learning strategies.

“Quirky kids in an outdoor wilderness setting”
Special Guest: Dr. Gordon Day, Ph.D. / Creator and Director of the Vantage Point by Aspiro program - - Vantage Point by Aspiro is a clinically advanced, short term, outdoor, adventure therapy and assessment program. Discussion topics include: What do you mean by "quirky" kids?

What is the difference between a more traditional wilderness program and an outdoor adventure wilderness therapy program?

Dr. Day is a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Utah and has a wide range of experience. He has specialized in working with adolescents and parents. Dr. Day has extensive experience in outdoor programs and in conducting psychological-educational evaluations. He loves the outdoors and enjoys a warm rapport with teenagers and families that quickly puts them at ease.