ADAM RAINER, Founder & Executive Director
B.A., Psychology & Philosophy, University of Denver
MBA, Southern Methodist University

Adam relates first-hand to the students and parents who struggle with issues that often come with being a teenager or a parent. Shortly after graduating from a therapeutic boarding school himself, Adam realized that his personal life mission was to help other teenagers struggling to find success in life. After years of preparation and planning, Shortridge opened its doors in November of 2002. Prior to Shortridge, Adam worked in a variety business areas including commercial real estate and financial markets. Today, he maintains very strong relationships with his parents and family, largely due to his experience at boarding school. He and his wife Katie are proud parents of teenage twins.

JOHN RYAN, Chief Financial Officer
B.B.S., Trinity College, Dublin
International Chartered Accountant, Ireland

John Ryan has been associated with Shortridge Academy since 2004. Initially he was a financial advisor to the founders of the school and then became a full time employee as Director of Business Administration in November of 2005. More recently John became a part-time employee and was appointed Chief Financial Officer and is an active member of the Board of Directors of the school. Prior to Shortridge John had been retired from a career as a financial executive in various investment banking firms. John enjoys the time he gets to spend with students at Shortridge Academy. He also has a love for travel, and enjoys golf, tennis, soccer, and visiting his children Chris, Shauna, and Jess.

KATHY B. PATCH M.S., C.S., APRN, Medical Director
B.S., Psychology, Lesley College
M.S.N., Rivier College

Kay is an ANCC Board Certified clinical specialist in child and adolescent psychiatric mental health nursing. Kay brings a broad range of clinical experiences. She has provided advanced practice outpatient care to the community sector, to private associate groups, and as an independent practitioner. Kay is passionate about her clinical work with families, children and adolescents. Having worked as a case manager for a national youth mentoring program, Kay strongly believes in the power of modeling and mentoring through connection to promote positive and healthy development in children. By incorporating individually designed expressive and cognitive behavior therapy modalities, Kay provides individual and family therapy as well as medication management. As Medical Director she oversees the medical aspects of the school and Health Center and is part of the clinical leadership of the school. As such, she partners with the counseling team and Clinical Director to develop each student’s Positive Development Plan and collaborates on strategies and interventions that help our students succeed. When not at Shortridge, Kay enjoys time at home on her farm with her husband, her gardens, visiting with her children and caring for her animals.

ANNE DOWNEY, Academic Director
B.A. cum laude, Wheaton College
M.A., Northeastern University,
Ph.D., University of New Hampshire

Anne has taught a wide variety of populations, including college students, adults, gifted elementary school children, and ESL learners. A freelance writer for many years, she wrote narrative obituaries, book reviews, and features for the University of New Hampshire Alumni Magazine, and articles about architecture, design and history for various publications; she also wrote corporate histories for various clients. She lives in Maine with her husband, two daughters, two dogs and two cats, and enjoys reading, yoga, cooking, hiking, knitting and volunteering in her community. Anne started her tenure at Shortridge as the U.S. History, and English 10 teacher. In July 2011, she was promoted to director of studies. In her new position, Anne supervises teachers, and works to strengthen the academic curriculum by building in activities that promote cognitive intelligence in all aspects of life at Shortridge.

CHRISTINA SMALLEY, LCMHC, Counseling Director
B.A., Psychology and B.A. Spanish, University of New Hampshire
M.A., Counseling, Lesley University

As Clinical Director, Christina supervises Shortridge’s counseling program and clinical operations. Christina has been at Shortridge Academy since 2006, coming to the academy after five years working for the Crossroads Program for Struggling Teens in Massachusetts. Christina has a great deal of experience in treatment planning, crisis intervention, authoritative parenting and counseling, and supervising staff. She greatly enjoys helping counselors and residential staff to develop their professional skills and increase their knowledge base. Christina is skilled in use of CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Attachment/Attunement work. She also specializes in physiological psychology, often engaging students in psychoeducation on how their brain and body function best. Christina has three children of her own, and enjoys the challenges of the adolescent population.

CHRISTINA SMALLEY, LCMHC, Counseling Director
B.A., Psychology and B.A. Spanish, University of New Hampshire
M.A., Counseling, Lesley University

As Clinical Director, Christina supervises Shortridge’s counseling program and clinical operations. Christina has been at Shortridge Academy since 2006, coming to the academy after five years working for the Crossroads Program for Struggling Teens in Massachusetts. Christina has a great deal of experience in treatment planning, crisis intervention, authoritative parenting and counseling, and supervising staff. She greatly enjoys helping counselors and residential staff to develop their professional skills and increase their knowledge base. Christina is skilled in use of CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Attachment/Attunement work. She also specializes in physiological psychology, often engaging students in psychoeducation on how their brain and body function best. Christina has three children of her own, and enjoys the challenges of the adolescent population.

JOE BROWN, LCMHC, Counselor
B.A. Anthropology, University of New Hampshire
M.S. Mental Health Counseling, New England College

Joe was hired in 2008 as a residential staff member, and has worked with teens and families at Shortridge in a variety of roles since then.  He has also worked in mental health agencies as an in-school / in-home clinician, and coaches parents in New Hampshire’s Child Impact Program. Joe has experience working with youth who struggle with depression, anxiety, oppositional behavior, identity issues, self injury, substance use, and challenging personality traits. He focuses heavily on healthy communication within the family system and developing strength-based relationships. Joe believes in helping teens to be their own best advocate, and often uses DBT, CBT, and Motivational Interviewing to help his students gain skills and insights. He is a strong believer in Positive Youth Development goals and premises.

A Milton native, Joe grew up spending most of his time in the nearby woods, fishing, biking, and building forts. He also enjoys deep sea fishing, even in the colder months of the year. When not at work, Joe loves going to Red Sox games at Fenway Park with his wife and grandmother. He also plays and records music in his home studio, or in the on-campus music studio which he helped build here at Shortridge.

AUDREY EVERSON, LMHC, Counselor
B.A. Psychology, Springfield College
M.S. Counseling Psychology, Springfield College
M.A. Sports Psychology, Minnesota State University

Audrey has worked in the therapeutic boarding school setting for the past 12 years. During this time she has acquired training and certifications in DBT, EMDR, Energy Psychology, Psychodrama and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention. She has been specifically focused on trauma and grief treatment the past 5 years. Prior to this, she worked several years with teenage boys in residential treatment. Audrey has developed clinical skills in working with teens with an array of mental health, social and academic challenges. In addition, she believes in Family Systems work, and has extensive experience planning and implementing Psycho-educational and Group Psychotherapy Family workshops.

Prior to becoming a counselor, Audrey was a Track and Field coach at the University of Massachusetts. Furthermore, she has had several years of college coaching and competing as a collegiate athlete and is a multi National Champion/All American. Her coaching experience comes in handy working with troubled teens being able to motivate them, as well as, being assertive in encouraging new behaviors to be routinely practiced.

Audrey is originally from the Iowa, where she was born and raised, and has been living on the east coast for the past 17 years. She has 3 brothers, 2 sisters and 13 nieces and nephews whom she is very close with.

SHELLY ISPAN-LAING, Counselor
B.A., Leisure Studies, concentration in Recreational Therapy, Kent State University
M.A., Counseling Psychology. Naropa University, Boulder, Colorado

Shelly began working at Shortridge Academy in 2006, as a Phase III leader. Shortly thereafter, it was decided to create a transition program at Shortridge Academy and Shelly was asked to design and manage it.  As Head of Transition and Alumni Services Shelly worked with every student and family as they transitioned/graduated out of Shortridge Academy. Her services also included offering post-graduation support to students and families that felt they needed the extra support/guidance as they transitioned to their next placement.  Shelly left Shortridge Academy in 2012 because she was asked to work for an agency that trains and supervises Behavior Health Professionals that work directly in the homes of families with children with special needs.  Supporting and advocating for individuals and families with special needs is dear to Shelly’s heart, so she decided it was something she needed to put her energy into.

In August of 2014 Shelly returned to Shortridge Academy and is delighted to be counseling adolescents and their families again. Shelly has worked with struggling teens and their families for over 15 years. She began her career as a Peer Group Leader and Lead Wilderness Counselor at  the Academy at Swift River (ASR).   She left ASR for graduate school at Naropa University in Boulder CO.   During Graduate school Shelly was a Team Leader at AIM House, a transitional living facility for young adults.  At AIM House Shelly supported college-age students in maintaining their sobriety while they worked, went to school, learned and practiced healthy life skills, and repaired interpersonal relationships.

Shelly has a strength-based approach and has extensive experience using Mindfulness Meditation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Family Systems approaches to address family issues, depression, attachment, oppositional defiance, generalized anxiety, and addictive behaviors. Shelly’s diverse experience, combined with feedback from students/clients has shaped her style of work. Shelly is passionate about supporting students and their families in becoming more self-aware, honest/authentic, and comfortable with addressing and resolving conflict.  Shelly believes in the importance of adolescents taking responsibility for their own happiness, individuation and future.

Shelly has her masters degree in Counseling Psychology.  She is a graduate of the New Hampshire Leadership series through the Institute of Disability at UNH, and an approved candidate for licensure in the State of New Hampshire.  Shelly is married and the proud Momma of two beautiful children!

JAMES NIESUCHOUSKI, MSW, Counselor
B.S. Psychology, DeSales University
M.S.W. University of New Hampshire

James first began working with children and adolescents as a volunteer baseball coach after having played both travel and collegiate baseball. He earned his master’s degree in social work from the University of New Hampshire while working as a support outreach provider in Manchester, New Hampshire, eventually working as a therapist in a community mental health agency.

James uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing techniques to help his adolescent clients and their families lead healthy lives, in all senses: physical, mental and spiritual. James’s goal as a therapist is to serve as a guide to families who are struggling with anger, anxiety, depression and grief, ultimately empowering them so that they can overcome future obstacles as a successful family system.

James grew up on Long Island; he and his wife, Hilary, are thrilled to be making their home amidst the peace and quiet of New Hampshire. When he’s not working, James relaxes by engaging in Crossfit and Olympic lifting, listening to music and cooking.

ALISON WILSON, LMFT, Counselor
B.A. Psychology, Central Connecticut State University
M.S. Marriage and Family Therapy, Central Connecticut State University
L.M.F.T. Licensure in New Hampshire, Maine and North Carolina

Alison has come to Shortridge from Charlotte, NC where she was in private practice for eight years. Prior to that she worked for Pfieffer University as Clinic Coordinator at their Master’s level therapist training clinic and was the program counselor for students. Before moving to Charlotte from Connecticut in 2007, she worked in a community counseling center providing in-home therapy for children, tweens and teens with their families as well as an Emergency Mobile Psychiatric Services for Children team member.

Alison’s work and volunteering experience has given her varied exposure to all kinds of mental health and life issues that teenagers experience. As a parent of a son with ADHD, she understands the parents’ point of view and frustrations of finding the right kind of help. Her training as a Marriage and Family Therapist was systems based giving her an understanding of the importance of addressing all aspects of a teenagers life: school, home, friends, work, and community.

Alison’s training has been in many modalities of therapy and she bring them all together in the use of Sand Tray/Sand Play, board games (everything from Chess to Uno), music and art. She strongly believes in helping students acquire skills they can use for a lifetime.

When not at work, Alison likes to hike, bike, swim, kayak, cross country ski, garden, star gaze, cross stitch, go geocaching and, most of all, spend time with her grown children and her young granddaughter.

ANNE DOWNEY, Academic Director
B.A. cum laude, Wheaton College
M.A., Northeastern University,
Ph.D., University of New Hampshire

Anne has taught a wide variety of populations, including college students, adults, gifted elementary school children, and ESL learners. A freelance writer for many years, she wrote narrative obituaries, book reviews, and features for the University of New Hampshire Alumni Magazine, and articles about architecture, design and history for various publications; she also wrote corporate histories for various clients. She lives in Maine with her husband, two daughters, two dogs and two cats, and enjoys reading, yoga, cooking, hiking, knitting and volunteering in her community. Anne started her tenure at Shortridge as the U.S. History, and English 10 teacher. In July 2011, she was promoted to director of studies. In her new position, Anne supervises teachers, and works to strengthen the academic curriculum by building in activities that promote cognitive intelligence in all aspects of life at Shortridge.

KENNETH BUTLER, British Literature, Global Literature, Film Studies Teacher
B.A., English: Creative Writing, Plymouth State University, NH
MFA, Fiction, Southern New Hampshire University

A native of Portsmouth, NH, Ken has taught Ethics & Culture and Composition at Great Bay Community College, various History and Social Science courses at Phillips Exeter Academy, the Holderness School (NH) and the Woodward School for Girls (MA), where he also served as Chair of the History Dept. and Drama Dept. Ken began as a Film Major at Emerson College in Boston, and worked at various jobs in the film industry in Los Angeles. He has seen three of his stage plays professionally produced, and won the state championship at the NH Drama Festival two years running. Ken was introduced to Shortridge by his good friend Matthew Gats, who teaches English and History here.

JOHN BURTON, Math Teacher
B.A. University of California at Berkeley, History
J.D. New York University School of Law
M.A.T. Secondary Mathematics Education, transferring to Ph.D. University of New Hampshire

John has wanted to teach math and physics since he was a kid. He took mostly math and physics classes in college and received a bachelor’s degree with honors from the University of California at Berkeley. He went to New York University School of Law, receiving an American Jurisprudence Award his first year and graduating in 1990. He started his career as a corporate lawyer at Cravath, Swaine & Moore. Having moved his family to New Hampshire in 2002, he started teaching mathematics while enrolled in the University of New Hampshire’s graduate mathematics education program. He has finished all of his coursework for his M.A.T. in Secondary Mathematics Education and is transferring to UNH’s PhD. program in Mathematics Education. John is teaching at Shortridge because of the tremendous potential he sees in the students and because he feels that Shortridge is the right place for him to help students learn.

MATTHEW GATS, US & World History, English Teacher
B.S. English Education, Plymouth State University
Behaviorist Certification, University of Notre Dame, Manchester (now Southern New Hampshire University)

Matt has been involved in teaching and counseling for over twenty five years in a variety of settings, both mainstream and alternative. Matt has worked as a counselor and teacher at the Portsmouth Pavillion in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and was a founding staff member of the Portsmouth Alternative Secondary School, (now Lister Academy) one of the country’s first stand-alone alternative high schools. While at PASS, he developed and taught curriculum for English Literature, Earth Science, General Science, Art and History. Matt also created and established the MANTA program at York High School in York, Maine, and taught Earth Science and Physical Science at Portsmouth High School’s summer program for fifteen years. Matt is a father, author and artist.

STEVE HAMPTON, Science Teacher
B.S. Biochemistry, North Carolina State University
Instructor Training, Science Education, Western Carolina University
Instructor Training, Technology Education, North Carolina Agriculture & Technical State University

Steven has been at Shortridge since January 2014, having moved north from North Carolina with his family to begin a New England adventure! After earning his B.S., Steven became certified in both high school science and technology instruction, and has spent over a decade teaching science, math and technology in both public and private school settings.  Prior to becoming a teacher, he worked in the private sector, holding positions in histology, cytology, sales, managements and web application development. Steven enjoys sharing his workplace knowledge with his students.

Steven’s teaching philosophy is one of blended learning.  He enjoys teaching students not just content, but also new ways of leveraging technology to understand and manage information.  In his classroom, he strives to balance direct instruction with in-class experiences and curriculum accessed via an online portal.

When he isn’t teaching, Steven enjoys web development, gardening and biking, and continues to appreciate north/south seasonal differences!

AMY LEONARD, Mathematics Teacher
B.A., Mathematics, Colby College
M.S., Mathematics, University of New Hampshire

Amy attended Colby College in Waterville, Maine and majored in Mathematics. She earned her Master’s degree at the University of New Hampshire. She also taught courses at the University of New Hampshire while she worked as the Associate Director of the Mathematics Center there. She has also conducted extensive one-on-one tutoring. Amy has instructed students in Mathematics at Shortridge Academy for twelve years including Algebra I and Pre-Calculus. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, walking, knitting, snowshoeing and teaching Sunday school to five-year-olds.

LISA LONG, Fine Arts Teacher
B.F.A., Painting and Photography, New Hampshire Institute of Art

Lisa went to the New Hampshire Institute of Art in Manchester, NH where she received her B.F.A. in Painting and Photography, as well as her NH Art Teaching Certification. She studied abroad in Italy to explore painting, photography and art history more deeply. She spent two years teaching middle school and high school art in Concord public schools and has been teaching art and working as an Academic Advisor at Shortridge Academy for almost 5 years. Being an artist and teacher, she is constantly inspired and excited by the insightful, honest thoughts, ideas and art pieces produced by her students. She hopes to inspire a love and respect for the arts in everyone. When she’s not at school, she’s probably reading, writing, camping, cooking, watching awesome/terrible 80’s films or acquiring freckles in the outdoors to add to her collection.

MARTHA STERRETT, Spanish Teacher
B.A. Education, UNIFE (Universidad Femenina del Sagrado Corazon) in Lima, Peru
M.A. Education, University of Alabama (in process)

Born and raised in Peru, Martha has been teaching for more than 23 years, starting as a kindergarten teacher in the American School of Lima Colegio Franklin Delano Roosevelt. She found her passion — teaching high school Spanish — when she moved to the United States. In her first year as a teacher in Massachusetts, Martha was offered a position as Alternative School Spanish teacher, and she particularly enjoyed challenging her abilities to work with students with different needs. She has taught all levels of high school Spanish, at Braintree High School, Everett High School and Triton Regional High School in Massachusetts, and York High School in York, Maine. She enjoys traveling, NASCAR races, spending time with her eight-year-old son, Alexander, and trying out new Peruvian recipes.

CINDY ZIOBROWSKI, Learning Specialist
B.A. Psychology, State University New York at Albany
MS.Ed Special Education, State University New York at Albany

JAMIE BISHOP, Assistant Residential Director
B.A., History, University of New Hampshire
Outdoor Leadership Certificate, Greenfield Community College

Jamie has a strong background working with adolescents. He has worked as the Outdoor Recreation Director at the Academy at Swift River, adventure instructor at the Devereux School, and as a Physical Education teacher. Jamie is has also is a former backcountry ski guide and has been an alpine ski instructor for many years. Jamie brings an even keel approach to everything he does, and strives to help students break through their barriers on their own.

SUSAN BULLIVANT, Residential Mentor 
B.A., Psychology, Smith College
Ph.D., Psychology, The University of Chicago

Susan loves spending time with the dynamic and engaging students at Shortridge. Her previous experience in residential treatment settings was in the justice system and community mental health. Her clinical experience includes neuropsychology rehab and university counseling center placements. When not at Shortridge, Susan’s own three children keep her busy.

ALEXANDRA CROSBY, Residential Mentor 
B.S., Psychology, Union College

Alexandra (Lexie) engages with the students at Shortridge in a variety of capacities, including the positions of residential mentor, counseling intern, and substitute teacher. This range of roles allows Alexandra to interact with the students on many levels, enabling her to view their experiences and individual needs holistically. She has worked previously as a Behavior Intervention Specialist, and has abundant experience working with children and young adults in school as well as therapeutic settings. Alexandra is currently pursuing her Masters Degree in Social Work, and hopes to continue to use her knowledge and skills to empower youth to reach their fullest potential. Her professional interests include advancing social justice, environmental sustainability, and primary prevention modalities, and her personal interests include hiking, kayaking, swimming, and cooking.

MARIE SCHWAB, Residential Mentor 
B.A., Psychology
M.Ed., Counseling

Marie has experience working with students of all grade levels but especially enjoys working with adolescents. She loves spending time and mentoring students here at Shortridge. Marie delights in activities such as rock climbing, hiking, singing, and theater. She aspires to become a school counselor and empower students to achieve their goals.

ERIC WIND, Residential Manager & Mentor 
B.A., University of New Hampshire
J.D., New England Law | Boston

Eric has a wide range of experience from positions in National Parks as well as New Hampshire public schools. His varied work as park ranger, truant officer and interventionist has fostered a great passion for youth and community development. He is an avid runner, mountain biker and snowboarder. In addition to working, he enjoys coaching runners and is currently preparing to sit for the New Hampshire bar examination.

MARY HEARTQUIST, Nursing Services Manager
BSN, Bachelors of Science in Nursing, University of Massachusetts
Certificate in Case Management, University of Southern Maine

Initially, Mary joined Shortridge Academy as a part time staff RN, several years ago. At that time, as the Director of Nursing for an assisted living community, Mary welcomed an opportunity to work with the adolescent population and thus came on board. An astute and skilled RN and a breath of fresh air to all the Academy students and professionals, Mary accepted a full time position as the Health Services Nursing Manager. A strong proponent for health education, Mary has enhanced the health center nursing role to also include responsibilities regarding student education relevant to health related themes and issues. She is the primary coordinator for the ‘Girls’ Group’ and co-facilitates this group discussion on campus augmented with off campus events/outings, specifically targeted for our young ladies. As a Red Cross Certified Instructor, Mary provides certification in CPR/First Aid/ AED for all Shortridge Academy employees and students who elect to participate. Mary and her husband enjoy boating and attending all and any events involving antique vehicles.

JOANNE SURETTE, Nurse
AD, R.N. Middlesex College

Having over twenty years of nursing experience, JoAnne brings nursing depth and seasoned wisdom to our Health Center team. She is diversified in her knowledge base, having worked in medical/surgical and oncology departments at ST. John’s Hospital in MA and in the critical care unit at Portsmouth Regional Hospital in NH. Most recently, JoAnne has been a clinical nurse for a well-regarded cardiology practice and is currently working as a substitute school nurse, providing care to students in grades 1-12 in her local school district

JoAnne enjoys creative cooking, reading and outdoor activities to include snowshoeing, hiking, kayaking and camping. She and her husband enjoy traveling and spending treasured time with their grandchildren, whom they cherish. . JoAnne’s nursing proficiencies and her genuine capacity to care with compassion and skill is an asset to our nursing team.

TIFFANY TROXELL, Nurse
LPN, NH Technical Institue

Tiffany recently joined the Shortridge Health Center nursing team in 2014. Although Tiffany is a relatively young nurse, she became aware of her calling prior to attending nursing school, having worked in the health care field in a variety of care settings throughout high school. A Licensed Practical Nurse, Tiffany looks forward to furthering her nursing education to acquire licensure as a Registered Nurse. Tiffany has an uncanny way of connecting with adolescents who find comfort in her presence. The mother of one son, Tiffany spends a great deal of her free time attending Boy Scout outings and sporting events. An advocate for animals, Tiffany and her son share their personal time as foster parents for many puppies and full grown dogs who await adoption. She loves spending time at the lake, and is often seen fishing or kayaking the local shorelines.

REBECCA TURNER, Nurse
AD, R.N. Great Bay Community College

Prior to joining our Shortridge Academy family, Becky, a fairly recent Associate Degree RN, had worked in a variety of nursing and nurse assistant positions to include the Birthing Center and the Cardiac Unit at Wentworth Douglas Hospital. An ambitious nurse with a strong work ethic, Becky also works three shifts per week on a medical/surgical floor of a local regional hospital. Becky plans to continue her education towards obtaining a master’s degree in nursing, aspiring to pursue a career as a Nurse Practitioner. In her spare time, Becky enjoys going to the lake, spending time with her husband and her two children. Specifically Becky loves to attend her children’s sporting events, supporting Alexis and Noah in their athletic endeavors. Becky typically works part time during the evenings and weekends, while in Shortridge Health Center.

DIANA ALBERT, Operations Director
B.A., Accounting, New Hampshire College

Diana joined Shortridge Academy with 20 years of experience in Accounting and Human Resources. During this time, she held an accounting position at Work Opportunities Unlimited, Ltd. for thirteen years and was also self-employed as an accountant for independent contractors. In addition to her Finance responsibilities, Diana serves as a Notary Public for the School. She has three grown boys who are currently in college. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, four-wheeling and home design.

ROLAND BINETTE, Maintenance Supervisor
B.A., Pastoral Ministries
Certificate of Completion, SMVTI,  Maintenance Technology

Roland completed a course in maintenance technology in 1984 and has been fixing things ever since.  He worked for a non-profit organization after receiving his BA helping the underprivileged for 15 years, then went on to work with the disabled for six years before joining the team at Shortridge.

DON CHESNEL, Driver – Transportation Department

Don started working for the school as a driver for the students in the spring of 2010.  Prior to working at Shortridge, Don spent 38 years working for the US Navy, Department of Defense, retiring as a middle manager in the Electrical / Electronics Department at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, NH.

Don also enjoys working with volunteer groups and performing volunteer management duties. He has been active in many local groups and has assumed various leadership positions, including serving on the board of directors of the Rochester Elks Lodge, the NH State Elks Association, the Social and Fraternal Association of NH Licensed Clubs, the New Hampshire Association of Volunteer Administrators and Volunteer NH.

Don is a native of Rochester, New Hampshire and has lived in the Lilac City his entire life. He has been married to his wife Joan since April, 1967 and has three adult daughters and six grand-children. He enjoys family, travel, the gym, volunteering, drum corps, reading, sports and meeting people.

AARON LOGAN, Technology Director/Integration Specialist
B.A., Studio Arts, University of New Hampshire.
M. Ed., Plymouth State University, Technology Integration (candidate)

As the head of technology at Shortridge Academy, Aaron brought with him his love for art and a range of multi-media projects for the students. His studies at the University of New Hampshire included a well-rounded program in studio arts with a concentration in sculpture and woodworking. He enjoys teaching communication skills, establishing values, and self-motivation to teenagers today. His current Master’s level work is focused on technology integration throughout the curriculum. Aaron had lead and facilitated projects on campus that include wall sculptures, multi-media sculptures, recycled art, web design, computer animation, digital photography and filmmaking. Aaron is responsible for maintaining the technology at Shortridge and continuing to develop more efficient methods of communication for students, staff, and families.

KATIE RAINER, Admissions Director
B.S. International Business, University of Denver

Katie has been a valuable member of the Shortridge Team before ground was even broken to build the academy. She has supported the school and its students as a mentor, most importantly, but also moonlights as a painter, landscaper, and shopper as needed. Katie is always ready for a task or challenge an enjoys sharing her creative energy with Shortridge students. Katie is also the proud mom of twins Charlie and Lucy who were born the very same year that Shortridge opened its doors! She has a love for travel, children, and families.

KIM WINTJE, Transportation Manager

Kim began her position at Shortridge Academy in the spring of 2004. She worked for over twenty five years as a full time professional artist. Incorporating many fabric techniques, she used recycled metal, wire, wood, canvas, and paint, to create sewn metal sculptures about pollution, habitat loss, complacency, human rights, extinction, and many other environmental and political issues. Her work has been part of collaborative shows, as well as one person exhibitions. She received an Individual Artist Fellowship in 1998 from the NH State Council on the Arts. Through the State Council on the Arts, Kim has worked with students as Artist in Residence for many years in New Hampshire schools. At Shortridge Kim plays an important role in ensuring the safety of students as they are transported to appointments, trips, etc. She has a true love for teenagers, and enjoys the time she gets to spend interacting with them.

PHILIP ZAEDER, Advisor to the Academy
B.A., Yale College
M. Div., Yale Divinity School

Philip has served the field of education for many years, as Chaplain and English teacher at the Taft School ’62-69; Associate University Chaplain at Yale ’69-’78; and Protestant Chaplain, English Teacher, and Dean of Faculty at Phillips Academy in Andover, MA, ’78-2000. Philip lives in Milton, NH on a colonial farmstead and engages in tree-farming and stone wall building among his other hobbies.

FRANK ANTHONY, Advisor
BA, Psychology, Amherst College

Frank knows first hand what the experience of Shortridge Academy is like as a parent, since his daughter is a successful graduate. While talking about his role, Frank said: “As I meet with families who are visiting Shortridge, I recall how confusing and isolating the wilderness and next school process was for us as a family. While they are well advised by professional educational consultants and wilderness therapists, it can be a bewildering process that is usually uncharted territory. But the consistent theme is that the parents we work with are devoted to doing the best they can for their children, and I try to honor that commitment with an open approach to helping them decide whether Shortridge is the best fit for them.”

Prior to an early retirement, Frank worked in the Telecommunications/Cable TV industry serving in senior executive roles with privately held firms that ultimately merged with major public companies including Comcast and Microsoft. He also devotes much of his time to Camp Agawam in Maine, which has long embraced many of the same principles of positive youth development and character growth that underpins the Shortridge philosophy and theory of change. Frank has been a member of our marketing committee since 2009, and actively participates in the life of our school, including serving as lifeguard for our Surfing Club. He lives with his wife and daughter on the NH Seacoast.