Insight and Art
Whitfield
has been using art as a medium for expression at Santiam Crossing.
Pictured at left is a painting he recently completed. The yellow streaks
indicate the bright, happy times in his life. The vertical lines represent the
areas that he is presently conflicted and confused about. Whitfield wanted it
noted that some of the bright spots are from his time at Santiam and that it
should be noted that they do not streak away - they are always there.
Therapeutic Milieu
By Maria Austin, MFT
The therapeutic milieu at Santiam Crossing provides students with a social environment
that creates a safe and therapeutic space from which healing, recovery, and
growth can occur. Our therapeutic milieu is based on the belief that every
interaction between a student and a staff member has therapeutic potential for
personal discovery and learning new ways of interacting and negotiating with
others in a healthy way.
The milieu setting allows for the opportunity to closely
observe and develop an understanding of how students' interpersonal
relationships deteriorate and become problematic and how certain situations
trigger dysfunctional responses. The milieu perspective recognizes the
importance of identifying and empowering the client's own internal resources,
helping them to expand upon the strengths they already have in an effort to
facilitate healing and recovery.
At Santiam Crossing, the entire staff is part of the milieu
team. We work closely together to generate an overall understanding of the student
and the community as a whole, as well as develop a comprehensive approach to
working with each student.
Comings and Goings
Welcome to new students:
Davis H.
Teru M.
Andrew B.
Daniel H.
Best of luck to:
Nicole M.
Hannah S.
Trafford E.
Tom G.
Bart H.
Nate P.
Voices From Campus
By Tina Hendrickson, MSW, Program Director
For this month's newsletter, I wanted to share with you
some of the great things I'm hearing from students.
"This year's New Years was one of the better
ones I've had. I can't decide which activity I liked more - playing games
or having a barbeque at the park. It was so awesome to have the entire
community together. It's definitely a memory I won't soon forget." - Cassie
N.
Cassie shared how
much she had enjoyed the New Year's celebration. Our simple community gathering
to celebrate the New Year was planned by cabin staff Reagan and Amanda. Our
Santiam Community, both staff and students, gathered in a local park for a
picnic, barbeque, and old style carnival games of skill and chance with silly
prizes and lots of fun.
"I can proudly say that I am a high school
graduate. I came to Santiam expecting to make up a couple of credits. When I finished
the Biology class that Santiam offers, I realized that with the teacher-friendly
environment and the support from my peers, I had the capability to graduate
high school at Santiam. So I set off on my journey. I have to say my favorite
thing about Santiam's school is that I have the ability to create and modify
some of my classes. I have done this many times. For 0.5 social studies credit
I read a book called Into The Wild,
and then wrote a song on guitar, and a paper about the book. When I was done I
watched the movie and then presented to the staff team what I learned and the
song I wrote. All in all, my experience here was anything but boring. It's all
been hands-on and built to fit me." - Tom G.
Tom was recently spotted on campus wearing his cap and gown
while doing the classroom recycling. He was so excited after he completed
his final high school credit he could not wait to wear his cap and gown!
"After being at Santiam for 5-½ months, I am
about to graduate the program tomorrow. Santiam has really helped me get along
with my family better and has prepared me to go home with a positive
attitude. After my last boarding school, Santiam has helped me to
transition home and set me up for a good future." - Hannah S.
Hannah finished up her school work and is scheduled
to take her GED test at home. She was excited to say a few words for the
news letter.
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