CAREGIVING SYSTEM
RESIDENTIAL CAREGIVERS
Establishing a strong relational attachment is the first step in guiding our students toward the development of self-regulation in their brain and body. Nowhere is this bond more crucial than with their daily caregivers within the residential setting. Students are surrounded by a dedicated team of coaches who quickly become an extended family, providing guidance and support as they work to enhance their regulation skills.
The dorm-style residences provide the backdrop for a daily routine that seamlessly blends productive activities with moments of enjoyment. Elevate students are well aware that each day presents an opportunity to accumulate points in Engagement, Civility, and Safety, all of which contribute to exciting weekend activities. This system not only incentivizes short-term rewards but also fosters a sense of personal accountability for the outcomes of each day.
In this tangible way, students come to understand the profound influence they have over the course of every single day, empowering them to make positive choices and exercise their personal power.
CLINICAL CAREGIVERS
CLINICAL CAREGIVERS
Students in Elevate Academy have grappled with overwhelming challenges of many varieties. Whether it’s attachment struggles, mood disorder or anxiety, substance use or opposition and defiance, they have been struggling to find their place in the world. This sense of overwhelm experienced by your child can be understood as a form of complex trauma.
CLINICAL CAREGIVERS
Therefore in Elevate, we approach your student’s complex trauma with a strong focus on attachment, self-regulation, and ultimately, competency. Our approach is guided by the principles outlined in "Treating Traumatic Stress in Children and Adolescents: How to Foster Resilience through Attachment, Self-Regulation, and Competency" by Blaustein, M. E., & Kinniburgh, K. M. (2010).
At Elevate, each student is paired with a primary therapist who also serves as your family therapist and treatment leader. This experienced clinician possesses in-depth knowledge of your child, your family dynamics, and assumes the role of guiding the entire caregiving team. Beyond therapy, it is their responsibility to offer valuable insights into your child's behavior to coaches and teachers, facilitating the creative implementation of personalized growth plans within the team.
CREATIVE THERAPY
Conventional talk therapy may not be the right fit for every student. That's why at Elevate, we leverage the splendid surroundings of the Heritage Community campus where we are situated. Adventure therapy, equestrian-assisted therapy, performing arts therapy, and more provide diverse and engaging alternatives for our students.
MEDICATION CAREGIVERS
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Disa initially began her career as a registered nurse and later pursued a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner degree, achieving board certification (MSN, APRN-BC). Her professional journey encompasses a wide spectrum, from outpatient clinics serving patients of all ages to working in a large county jail and a psychiatric hospital.
This diverse experience has provided her with a unique perspective on the consequences of untreated mental health issues and behaviors. Disa joined the Heritage Community team in 2020 due to her deep passion for helping our students conquer their challenges, nurture their best selves, and embrace their healthiest lives.
As a mother of six grown children and eight grandchildren, Disa understands firsthand the significance of her work with students and the unwavering love and support their families provide. Beyond her professional life, Disa enjoys quality time with family and friends, indulges in culinary creations for gatherings, babysits her grandchildren, relishes long walks, immerses herself in books, savors the theater, and revels in the abundant music her family creates