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Who We Are

About NATSAP

The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP), founded in 1999, is a non-profit professional membership organization representing a wide range of therapeutic schools and programs dedicated to supporting struggling youth and their families. NATSAP advocates for and supports the ethical and professional development of residential treatment centers, therapeutic boarding schools, and wilderness therapy programs. NATSAP is not a licensing or accrediting body; instead, the focus is on fostering collaboration, providing education, and promoting best practices within the therapeutic industry. The Association aims to advance therapeutic care and ensure the highest standards for programs serving youth in need of emotional, behavioral, and mental health support.

Members include therapeutic schools, residential treatment programs, wilderness programs, outdoor therapeutic programs, young adult programs, and home-based residential programs working with struggling teens and troubled adolescents. All members work through NATSAP to ensure the therapeutic industry provides the highest quality services to the young people and families served.

Our Mission

The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs serves as an advocate and resource for innovative organizations which devote themselves to society’s need for the effective care and education of struggling young people and their families.

Our vision is a nation of healthy children. We are the voice inspiring, nurturing, and advancing the courageous work of our schools and programs.

Our Purpose

At the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP), the purpose is to support and advocate for therapeutic schools and programs that provide care to youth facing emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges. Committed to fostering a community of excellence, NATSAP promotes ethical standards, professional development, and best practices within the therapeutic industry. Through education, collaboration, and advocacy, the goal is to ensure that families and their children receive the highest quality of care.

Board of Directors

John Singleton, EdD

President
Whetstone Academy

Kelly Webster, BA

Treasurer
True North Evolution

Norm Thibault, PhD, LMFT

Three Points Center

Katie Walsh

Wediko School

David LePere

Immediate Past President
Cherokee Creek Boys School

Caleb Cottle

Cascade Academy

Michelle Gourley, MFT, LCSW, JD

Gateway Academy

Derek Daley, SUDC

Vice President
Legacy Outdoor Adventures

Suzanne McKinney

Pacific Quest

Audrey Peavey

Confluence Behavioral Health

Mackenzie Hall

Chrysalis Therapeutic Boarding School
natsap guiding the way

The State of Therapeutic Schools and Programs

Therapeutic schools and programs are part of an ever changing and evolving industry, and like the industry, NATSAP has changed with the times. The National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) is the largest not-for-profit membership association in the U.S. dedicated to residential treatment centers, therapeutic boarding schools, and wilderness therapy programs.

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Staff

Alec Stone

Executive Director

Alec@natsap.org

Stacey Poudrier

Strategic Alliance and Business Development Director

Stacey@natsap.org

Maddy Schoap

Public Affairs Director

Maddy@natsap.org

Michelle Winters Hudson

Operations Manager

Michelle@natsap.org