Directors
Mik holds a Master of Education in Psychology from Springfield College and has over 14 years of experience leading residential programs combining academics and therapy. Mik spent over 7 years with a premier wilderness therapy program, serving as field guide, shift director, program director, and executive director. Mik served as director of the second oldest therapeutic summer camp in the country for 3 years prior to joining the Shortridge team. In his role as Head of School, Mik oversees all school operations.
Mik also represents Shortridge on the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs – Best Practices Committee, is President of the University of New England Alumni Council, and a Board Member and volunteer with Mount Washington Valley Adaptive Sports.
Mik and his wife are parents of an outdoor loving toddler and live in New Hampshire, where he is an avid birder and skier.
Medical Director
- M.S.N.: Chamberlain University
- APRN: NH Board of Nursing
- FNP-C: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
Megan is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, specializing in treating patients across the lifespan. Her most recent work has included 6 years working as a Registered Nurse at Frisbie Memorial Hospital in the Emergency Department.
From 2012-2014, Megan actually worked at Shortridge Academy, beginning as a student mentor, and progressing to Residential Manager, where she coordinated student trips and managed the residential milieu. Her time at Shortridge Academy had such an impact on Megan, that she would not pass up an opportunity to work with the students and staff once again.
Prior to Shortridge Academy, Megan was employed at a community mental health agency as a Case Manager where she worked closely with people diagnosed with severe mental illness. Megan would ensure these patients had their daily and case-specific needs met, as well as assisted in community integration.
In her free time, Megan enjoys hiking, kayaking, playing drums, and spending time with her family.
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Clinical Director
- B.A. Psychology, University of New Hampshire
- M.S. Outdoor Education, University of New Hampshire
- M.S.W. University of New Hampshire
As clinical director, Meg supervises Shortridge’s therapeutic program and clinical operations. Meg comes to Shortridge Academy after working in the wilderness therapy world for many years both as a primary therapist and field guide. After getting her feet wet in wilderness, she completed a dual degree masters program, earning her a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) and her Master’s in Kinesiology (MS) from the University of New Hampshire. She is currently licensed as an Independent Clinical Social Worker in both Maine and New Hampshire.
Meg has worked as an adolescent and family therapist in a community mental health center and then in private practice. Meg utilizes a variety of methods in her work with a strength-based approach. These methods include but are not limited to cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, solution focused therapy, motivational interviewing, trauma informed therapy, and structural and family systems therapy. Meg has a passion for helping students and their families integrate the skills and tools they have been working on during their journey in residential care. Developing transferable skills lies at the heart of the work she does with students and their families.
In her free time, you can find Meg spending time with her husband and children enjoying the great outdoors
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Clinical Program Director
- B.S. Kinesiology/Outdoor Education, University of New Hampshire
- M.S.W University of New Hampshire
- M.S. Outdoor Education, University of New Hampshire
Jessalyn, also known as Jessa, comes with over 6 years of wilderness therapy experience as both a field guide and therapist. Jessa has her M.S.W. and M.S. in outdoor education from the University of New Hampshire. She specializes in working with complex family systems from her experience working as a wilderness family therapist. Jessa most often utilizes DBT and Family Systems Theory, as well as a strengths-based, relational approach, as she works with students to support them on their journey toward positive, lasting change. She strongly believes that clients participating in treatment can serve as catalysts for change within their entire family, and that family engagement in their child’s process supports the transference and maintenance of therapeutic growth.
Jessa is also an active participant in the research community of experiential treatment through her work with the Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Research Center and the NATSAP Research Committee. She has co-authored a number of publications exploring the effectiveness of wilderness therapy in regards to individual therapeutic change, family functioning, and the physical health of clients. She is a strong advocate for increasing access to therapeutic services in order to provide comprehensive and affordable care for as many adolescents and families possible.
Jessa is an avid adventurer and traveler. She grew up in Saudi Arabia and spent almost a year adventure guiding in Oman. She spends much of her free time rock climbing throughout New Hampshire, hiking, and spending time with her family.
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Aaron develops all of the technology systems for Shortridge Academy, from networks for student computers to communications platforms, device management systems, and databases. He has worked with students to explore building game networks, creating virtual 360 video tours for the facility, and producing music with the students on digital audio workstations.
Aaron has worked to improve the student technology experience since he started at Shortridge in 2003. His most important goal has been creating the structure for students to learn a balanced and healthy approach to personal technology and, more recently, helping families as they navigate device management at home.
When he’s not “plugged in,” Aaron can be found enjoying the lakes region with his family, whether boating on lake Winnipesaukee or skiing, biking, hiking, or scuba diving.
Founder
- 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 2002. 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.
Director of Studies
- B.A. University of California at Berkeley, History
- J.D. New York University School of Law
John grew up in a household of teachers and always knew he would end up in education. He never met a subject he didn’t find interesting, studying physics, mathematics, computer science, and history extensively in college before receiving his bachelor’s degree with honors from the University of California at Berkeley. He went on 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. After a satisfying career as a lawyer, John moved with his wife and daughter to New Hampshire. He started teaching mathematics while enrolled in the University of New Hampshire’s graduate education program. He had finished all of his coursework for his M.A.T. in secondary mathematics education when he discovered Shortridge in 2007, a small, caring, and safe educational community informed by individualized evidence-based therapeutic and learning methodologies, and he has never looked back.
Since 2007, John has been teaching courses at Shortridge in government, economics, geometry, physics, and precalculus. He went on to supervise the academic day, and then the academic staff, finally supporting the other teachers in their work and taking on additional management duties as Director of Studies. John and his wife, a reading specialist, have lived on campus at Shortridge since 2014. They both still love learning and helping others learn.
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Clinical Team
Clinical Director
- B.A. Psychology, University of New Hampshire
- M.S. Outdoor Education, University of New Hampshire
- M.S.W. University of New Hampshire
As clinical director, Meg supervises Shortridge’s therapeutic program and clinical operations. Meg comes to Shortridge Academy after working in the wilderness therapy world for many years both as a primary therapist and field guide. After getting her feet wet in wilderness, she completed a dual degree masters program, earning her a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) and her Master’s in Kinesiology (MS) from the University of New Hampshire. She is currently licensed as an Independent Clinical Social Worker in both Maine and New Hampshire.
Meg has worked as an adolescent and family therapist in a community mental health center and then in private practice. Meg utilizes a variety of methods in her work with a strength-based approach. These methods include but are not limited to cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, solution focused therapy, motivational interviewing, trauma informed therapy, and structural and family systems therapy. Meg has a passion for helping students and their families integrate the skills and tools they have been working on during their journey in residential care. Developing transferable skills lies at the heart of the work she does with students and their families.
In her free time, you can find Meg spending time with her husband and children enjoying the great outdoors
Close Clinical Program Director
- B.S. Kinesiology/Outdoor Education, University of New Hampshire
- M.S.W University of New Hampshire
- M.S. Outdoor Education, University of New Hampshire
Jessalyn, also known as Jessa, comes with over 6 years of wilderness therapy experience as both a field guide and therapist. Jessa has her M.S.W. and M.S. in outdoor education from the University of New Hampshire. She specializes in working with complex family systems from her experience working as a wilderness family therapist. Jessa most often utilizes DBT and Family Systems Theory, as well as a strengths-based, relational approach, as she works with students to support them on their journey toward positive, lasting change. She strongly believes that clients participating in treatment can serve as catalysts for change within their entire family, and that family engagement in their child’s process supports the transference and maintenance of therapeutic growth.
Jessa is also an active participant in the research community of experiential treatment through her work with the Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Research Center and the NATSAP Research Committee. She has co-authored a number of publications exploring the effectiveness of wilderness therapy in regards to individual therapeutic change, family functioning, and the physical health of clients. She is a strong advocate for increasing access to therapeutic services in order to provide comprehensive and affordable care for as many adolescents and families possible.
Jessa is an avid adventurer and traveler. She grew up in Saudi Arabia and spent almost a year adventure guiding in Oman. She spends much of her free time rock climbing throughout New Hampshire, hiking, and spending time with her family.
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Therapist
- B.S. Communications/Journalism, Northeastern University
- M.S.W. University of New Hampshire
Julie comes to Shortridge after having worked for 7 years in the state of Maine. She has her M.S.W. from the University of New Hampshire where she studied clinical social work and worked as a graduate assistant to the intimate partner violence professor. Julie is independently and clinically licensed in both New Hampshire and Maine and has spent her social work career working with vulnerable children, adolescents, teenagers and their families. Julie uses a cognitive behavioral approach to most of her work as well as being trained in motivational interviewing. Julie uses a strength-based approach in her individual and family systems work. Julie has also facilitated Nurturing Parenting groups and has provided training on a variety of modalities.
Prior to Shortridge, Julie worked as a clinical supervisor and clinical therapist in the home and community treatment program in Maine. Julie provided intensive mental health therapy both individually and with the family in the family home. Julie has experience working with all child and adolescent age ranges, as well as family systems work, and has experience working with a variety of mental health diagnoses including ADHD, PTSD, ODD, depression, anxiety, and DMDD. Julie operates from a philosophy that everyone should be treated with unconditional positive regard and that everyone has the ability to make positive change.
Julie is a New Hampshire native and has spent the majority of her life living in New England. In her free time, she enjoys taking her dog hiking, camping in the summer, skiing in the winter, and spending time in her community supporting her neighborhood. Whenever possible, Julie spends time with her family and friends and exploring the seacoast.
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Therapist
- B.S. Expressive Art Therapy & Mental Health Counseling, Lesley University
- M.A. Expressive Art Therapy & Mental Health Counseling, Lesley University
Bre joined the Shortridge Academy team in April 2021. She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Expressive Arts Therapy and Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University. Prior to coming to Shortridge Academy, for 9 years Bre enjoyed working in residential, home-based, group home, and outpatient therapy programs in Massachusetts and New Hampshire providing individual therapy, family therapy, milieu counseling, and community-based support. Bre comes most recently with the experience of being the Clinical Director and Outpatient Therapist working in programs in NH. Bre utilizes Solutions-Focused Techniques, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Expressive Art Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with children, adolescents and adults. Bre became a Board Certified Art Therapist in 2018 and is very excited to bring her creativity and passion for utilizing the arts in therapy to Shortridge Academy. Bre looks forward to collaborating with the Shortridge Academy Team and making a real difference in the lives of the students and their families.
Bre grew up on the Seacoast of New Hampshire and has also lived in Massachusetts. She enjoys being near the ocean, lakes, mountains and forests in this area. During her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, kayaking, watching movies, volunteering for a Local Girl Scout troop, advocating for Art Therapists in New England, making art, and learning new art techniques to share with others.
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Therapist
- A.A. Human Services, Franklin Pierce University
- M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Antioch University
Cathy comes to Shortridge with experience working in the mental health field spanning over 20 years in a variety of settings. She earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Antioch University, where she also studied Applied Behavior Analysis therapy. For the majority of her career, she has had the privilege of helping individuals diagnosed with neurological and developmental disorders co-occuring with Mental Health disorders. She finds success with utilizing a person-centered, strength-based approach, and employing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
Cathy has worked in Community Mental Health for over 10 years of her career in a variety of roles including Program Manager of a Youth Transition program. She focused on assisting High School students with gaining life skills, self awareness, Mental Health first aid, and support to complete high school graduate requirements. Additionally, she was also the Program Manager of a Transitional Residential Facility.
Cathy has lived in New Hampshire majority of her life, and enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, decorating, and pursuing outdoor activities.
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Nick joined the Shortridge Academy team after completing a dual degree masters program in Social Work and Kinesiology at The University of New Hampshire. Prior to this Nick spent over 2 years working as a Wilderness Therapy field guide where he cultivated his passion for helping students tap into their own resilience and develop skills to manage life’s challenges. Over the past several years, Nick has developed a professional foundation working in a variety of experiential education and therapeutic treatment settings. Nick has mainly worked with adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, attachment, trauma and other mental health challenges. Nick utilizes a strengths based and client centered approach. Nick uses methods of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Family Systems Theory in his approach. Working to integrate the student’s experience with their family is at the heart of his work.
Nick grew up in New York and has spent time living in New Zealand, Vermont and Utah. When he is not working Nick enjoys camping, rock climbing and mountain biking. Nick also enjoys spending time visiting his family in New Orleans.
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Marti Backus has been a Master’s therapist far longer than she would like to admit. Marti received her BA in Psychology, concentration in forensics, from Castleton State College in 1990. She received a dual MA in Clinical Mental Health & Substance Abuse/Addictions Counseling from Antioch New England in 1993. She went on to Post Graduate studies in Trauma at Harvard University. Marti prioritizes time with her family. She writes music on piano and guitar. She truly enjoys time with co-workers.
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Director of Studies
- B.A. University of California at Berkeley, History
- J.D. New York University School of Law
John grew up in a household of teachers and always knew he would end up in education. He never met a subject he didn’t find interesting, studying physics, mathematics, computer science, and history extensively in college before receiving his bachelor’s degree with honors from the University of California at Berkeley. He went on 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. After a satisfying career as a lawyer, John moved with his wife and daughter to New Hampshire. He started teaching mathematics while enrolled in the University of New Hampshire’s graduate education program. He had finished all of his coursework for his M.A.T. in secondary mathematics education when he discovered Shortridge in 2007, a small, caring, and safe educational community informed by individualized evidence-based therapeutic and learning methodologies, and he has never looked back.
Since 2007, John has been teaching courses at Shortridge in government, economics, geometry, physics, and precalculus. He went on to supervise the academic day, and then the academic staff, finally supporting the other teachers in their work and taking on additional management duties as Director of Studies. John and his wife, a reading specialist, have lived on campus at Shortridge since 2014. They both still love learning and helping others learn.
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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 12 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.
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Science Teacher
- B.S. Marine Science Boston University
- M.S. Biological and Environmental Sciences with a specialization in Ecology and Ecosystems URI
Jenn Soukup graduated from Boston University with honors, earning a Bachelor’s in Marine Science, and then went on to the University of Rhode Island, where she received a Master’s in Biological and Environmental Sciences with a specialization in ecology and ecosystems. Jenn’s teaching philosophy is to encourage students to be curious, hands-on, take chances and make mistakes, ultimately developing their inner confidence. When working as a teaching assistant at URI and UNH, Jenn found her passion: teaching. In addition to being a science instructor at Shortridge Academy, Jenn is currently working towards a PhD in marine biology at the University of New Hampshire.
Jenn grew up in Illinois, came to New England for the schools and stayed for the beautiful autumns! When not teaching, she loves to hike, swim and scuba dive, garden, read sci-fi/fantasy/non-fiction science, crochet, and even play water polo! Jenn’s favorite quote is “Now is the time to learn more, so that we may fear less” – Marie Curie.
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Teddy attended Worcester State University where he received his Masters in Education. He currently lives in Rochester, NH. Prior to joining Shotridge, Teddy worked as a program director for William Lawrence Camp in Tuftonboro NH, and more recently, he worked as a behavioral health group facilitator at Bonfire Behavioral Health in Rochester, NH. He is fluent in German, loves playing chess, and is a big fan of athletics. Teddy swims and runs as well as practices Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in which he competes competitively. He is very passionate about teaching. Teddy says he loves the process of learning both personally and professionally. Discovering new ways for himself to retain information and to convey it is a fascinating process for him.
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Shannon is very excited to be working as the new Learning Specialist at Shortridge Academy and The Ridge. She began her teaching
career studying at Teachers College, Columbia University where she learned philosophies and strategies for holistic teaching and learning
that would allow students to gain skills for successful academic growth, meaningful work and balanced lives inside and outside of
school, earning a Master’s in Education. For 20 years she has been working at a therapeutic school in Vermont as teacher, teacher leader and for the last 10 years as Academic Director. During this time, she worked to see students through their strengths while challenging them to find support and empowerment in their struggles. As a result of this learner centered work, and in collaboration with colleagues, she was awarded Vermont Teacher of the Year. She truly enjoys building relationships with youth in order to celebrate their unique voices and help them
find the resources they need to carve their own path in the world.
Additionally, she appreciates partnering with teachers, parents and administration to build spaces and systems that will allow everyone to
do their best and most positive academic, social and emotional work.
Shannon recently moved back to NH having not been a resident since graduating from St. Anselm College in the 90s! She enjoys the beach, reading and time outdoors with her husband and twin toddlers.
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Graduating with honors from Alfred University in Alfred, NY with a degree in communications and
journalism, Beth Mennelle began her career with the National Journalism Center and the Institute of
Political Journalism in Washington, DC. While raising her family in Lee, NH, Beth explored the idea of
teaching and discovered a passion for helping students discover a love for learning. Beth comes to
Shortridge after teaching high-school English at Coe-Brown Northwood Academy in Northwood New
Hampshire for seven years followed by six years of teaching College Composition and Critical Thinking at
Great Bay Community College in Portsmouth, NH. She also tutors students for the SAT. She believes the
classroom experience should be creative, engaging, and fun, and students should play an active role in
the classroom to discover what interests them and develop a life-long passion for learning.
Beth lives in NH with her husband, Mike, and sweet dog, Ellie Mennelle. She is an avid gardener, and
enjoys hiking, crocheting, sewing, reading, writing, and spending time with her family.
Residential Staff
Clinical Program Director
- B.S. Kinesiology/Outdoor Education, University of New Hampshire
- M.S.W University of New Hampshire
- M.S. Outdoor Education, University of New Hampshire
Jessalyn, also known as Jessa, comes with over 6 years of wilderness therapy experience as both a field guide and therapist. Jessa has her M.S.W. and M.S. in outdoor education from the University of New Hampshire. She specializes in working with complex family systems from her experience working as a wilderness family therapist. Jessa most often utilizes DBT and Family Systems Theory, as well as a strengths-based, relational approach, as she works with students to support them on their journey toward positive, lasting change. She strongly believes that clients participating in treatment can serve as catalysts for change within their entire family, and that family engagement in their child’s process supports the transference and maintenance of therapeutic growth.
Jessa is also an active participant in the research community of experiential treatment through her work with the Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Research Center and the NATSAP Research Committee. She has co-authored a number of publications exploring the effectiveness of wilderness therapy in regards to individual therapeutic change, family functioning, and the physical health of clients. She is a strong advocate for increasing access to therapeutic services in order to provide comprehensive and affordable care for as many adolescents and families possible.
Jessa is an avid adventurer and traveler. She grew up in Saudi Arabia and spent almost a year adventure guiding in Oman. She spends much of her free time rock climbing throughout New Hampshire, hiking, and spending time with her family.
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Kendall has 20+ years experience working with at-risk teenage boys, with a variety of emotional, behavioral, neurological and learning needs at a therapeutic day school in southern Vermont.
He values the learning that happens across the entire Shortridge program, whether in the classroom, the wilderness, therapeutic groups or on the sports field. He does his best to provide a variety of experiences throughout the day and take advantage of the teachable moments that arise. The relationship-building that happen on the basketball court, the ski mountain or sitting around the kitchen table playing board games, helps Kendall and his students work together when more challenging behavioral or emotional issues arise.
Kendall recently returned home to New Hampshire with his wife and twin daughters, from a previous home in Vermont where he lived for 20 years. He holds a deep love of early American history, especially that of New Hampshire and Vermont, and is an avid metal detectorist. You can find Kendall in his free time, searching for relics and artifacts from the colonial past.
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Residential Program Manager
- B.S., Outdoor Education, University of New Hampshire
Isaac graduated from UNH with a bachelor’s degree in outdoor education and a minor in Asian studies. He married his best friend two weeks after graduation and moved to Rhode Island, where he worked as a kayak and stand-up paddle board guide and instructor. Isaac is an outdoor enthusiast. He loves snowboarding, backpacking, back-country skiing, kayaking, SUP, canoeing, rock climbing, biking, and horse-back riding, and has a plethora of other hobbies such as reading, table tennis, anime, puzzles, movies, board games, video games, and all manner of sports. Isaac’s “jack-of-all-trades” personality gives him the ability to connect and engage with the Shortridge students and their varied interests. Isaac worked at Shortridge in 2016 and is excited to be back again, this time living in on-campus staff housing.
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Coleman is one of our residential mentors who graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor’s of Science in Outdoor Education and Leadership. A native Vermonter, he has a passion for hiking, skiing, biking, and lots of other outdoors activities. As a long time summer camp counselor, he has summited all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4000-foot mountain peaks, often surrounded by the smiling faces of happy campers. In addition to outdoor pursuits, Coleman enjoys spending quality time with his family and friends (pets included!) and reading, playing board and video games, and watching New England sports teams.
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Amber graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a Bachelor’s in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health. She is passionate about exploring the intersection of youth mental health and community perspectives. While in college, she volunteered with the New Hampshire Juvenile Diversion Program, working with youth and their families as a role model and guide through the juvenile rehabilitation process. She also has experience as an academic tutor in subjects including English Literature and French. In her free time Amber enjoys writing, reading, hiking, yoga, collecting vinyl records, and spending time with animals.
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Chrissy Patrick graduated from the University of New Hampshire with her bachelor’s degree in social work. As a residential mentor at Shortridge, she enjoys supporting and engaging with the students and talking about anything on their minds. Chrissy enjoys sharing her love of art with students, including painting (acrylics) and making dream catchers.
Chrissy is an avid collector of free items like stickers, posters, and buttons, most of which she gathers from the New York Comic Con. She has two cats: Eevee, who is a cuddle bug, and Ruger, who is an 18-pound grumpy old man.
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Jared is a true believer that we all have the potential to help others, and be a positive influence in their lives. He enjoys learning from people of all ages and backgrounds, and embraces the inclusive environment at Shortridge Academy. Jared also enjoys working as part of a team, recognizing that while personal growth is great, it’s far more rewarding to build chemistry and succeed with others.
In his time away from work, Jared enjoys hiking, writing creatively, and traveling to new places.
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Leah comes to Shortridge Academy with 25+ years experience in the human services field. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication from Emerson College in Boston. She also earned a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Salem State College and continued her Graduate Studies in Special Education at Salem State College. Leah has vast experience in the developmental disability and behavioral health field as a Vocational Resource Specialist, Case Manager, Quality Assurance Coordinator and Program Manager. In these roles, she has supported people of all ages and abilities to reach their goals and live their best lives. She is excited to share her expertise and experience with the Shortridge Academy community. Leah lives by the lake with her two dogs Ozzy and Cruz and her cat Tootsie. She continues to work part time for Community Support Network Incorporated in Concord as an Eligibility Specialist which she has done for the past 10 years. Leah is also on the Board of Directors for the Lakes Region Humane Society. In her spare time, Leah enjoys boating, music, theater and simply spending time with family and friends. She especially values the time she is privileged to spend with her 3 grandchildren Adalia, Theo and Cecilia.
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Shortly after graduating from Estero High School in Southern Florida, TJ proudly enlisted his service in the US Air Force. After completing his time in service, TJ returned to his hometown of Ft. Myers, Fl to be close with family. TJ’s biggest adventure began in the Summer of 2014 when he packed everything into his Pathfinder and moved to Alaska for 18 months. After the birth of his daughter in 2015, TJ settled here in Southern NH where he has made a career in human services and behavioral health with a strong connection to mental health and addiction recovery advocacy.
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Amy Cameron has been educating young people in a variety of ways for 15 years. Her passion for dance influenced her training early on and she began her career as a dance teacher. After receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Dance Education from Goucher College, Amy became the director of the Ballet School of Glyndon. She spent several years in New York City after this, and taught dance and social studies at a private boarding school in the suburbs of Baltimore, Maryland. While there, she also choreographed several musicals for middle and high schools, including Hello Dolly, A Chorus Line, Annie, The Fantasticks, and Little Shop of Horrors. In 2012, Amy moved to Wilmington, North Carolina and began teaching all levels of dance at North Brunswick High School and Pine Forest High School. While here she enjoyed incorporating a variety of dance styles and choreography into her lessons. When her husband Chris got a new job in New Hampshire, Amy was excited for the opportunity to re-join the private school community, and is thoroughly enjoying her new position at Shortridge Academy. When she is not on campus, Amy spends time with her husband Chris and her fur babies.
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Jackie has been in the Healthcare and Behavioral health field for the last 10 years and has worked in numerous long- and short-term care facilities assisting those with mental and physical disabilities. Jackie has also worked with children, teens, and the elderly helping them achieve everyday tasks such as completing their ITP’s and IEP’s. She has worked closely with case managers and directly with families to help gain better understanding of each individuals needs and aspirations. Jackie am currently enrolled to become a RBT and acquire her AMA qualifications. Outside of work Jackie enjoys all things outdoors, rocking, coin collecting, and going to antique car shows.
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Ian is going into his senior year at the University of New Hampshire pursuing a B.S. in Social Work with a minor in Public Health. He is deeply passionate about mental health, especially in youth populations. Outside of work Ian is a peer advocate at a UNH program that works to support survivors of sexual and interpersonal violence. He also loves hiking, reading, photography, and watching/playing a variety of sports, especially rowing and basketball.
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Jared was born and raised in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and attended Trinity Catholic High School in Newton, Massachusetts. Jared is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice at the Woods College of Advancing Studies at Boston College. He currently resides in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, but previously lived in Maine for a number of years. He also received law enforcement training at the New England Law Enforcement Training Center in Chelsea, Massachusetts. Additionally, he has received training, and served some time in the United States Army as a cavalry scout. Jared is an avid, skilled and passionate outdoorsman, and has taught classes in wilderness survival, primitive skills, tracking, archery, wild edible and medicinal plants. He hopes to someday bring his entire unique skills to an educational program at Shortridge Academy. Jared enjoys hiking, camping, traditional archery, and practicing his wilderness skills in his spare time. He is also currently writing a novel, enjoys fitness, and tabletop role playing games.
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Morgan comes to Shortridge with a background of working in the mental health field. After gaining years experience working with adults, she made the transition to youth. Serving as a residential mentor, she values students’ views and needs according to their individuality. Her main goal is to provide support, guidance, and leadership while keeping an open line of communication. On-campus and off-campus she enjoys letting her artistic creativity flow. She is always down for a good art project! Some of her additional interests include: plants, foraging, kayaking, hiking, video games, and thrifting.
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Shawna comes to Short Ridge Academy after serving four years in the United States military. Shawna served in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman specializing as a Behavioral Health Technician. As a BHT she spent her time working in outpatient, inpatient and walk-in clinics for Mental Health. Shawna has been in the healthcare field for the past eight years. Shawna received her nursing assistant license in high school and worked as a private home health aid prior to enlisting in the military. Shawna has a passion for helping others. Shawna is currently enrolled in online school furthering her education in the medical field.
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Medical Director
- M.S.N.: Chamberlain University
- APRN: NH Board of Nursing
- FNP-C: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
Megan is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, specializing in treating patients across the lifespan. Her most recent work has included 6 years working as a Registered Nurse at Frisbie Memorial Hospital in the Emergency Department.
From 2012-2014, Megan actually worked at Shortridge Academy, beginning as a student mentor, and progressing to Residential Manager, where she coordinated student trips and managed the residential milieu. Her time at Shortridge Academy had such an impact on Megan, that she would not pass up an opportunity to work with the students and staff once again.
Prior to Shortridge Academy, Megan was employed at a community mental health agency as a Case Manager where she worked closely with people diagnosed with severe mental illness. Megan would ensure these patients had their daily and case-specific needs met, as well as assisted in community integration.
In her free time, Megan enjoys hiking, kayaking, playing drums, and spending time with her family.
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Dr. Motiwala is double board certified in Adult and Pediatric Psychiatry. She completed her residency at Griffin Memorial Hospital in OK where she cared for the underserved community members. Her fellowship at the University of Oklahoma allowed her to gain expertise in treating children and adolescents of all types.
Since graduation she has focused on treating children and adolescents in all manners of inpatient and residential settings throughout the country.
In her free time Dr. Motiwala enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and trying new foods and restaurants.
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Dr. Omar Shah is an adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist and addiction medicine specialist. He currently serves as full time faculty at the Harvard Medical School and as a psychiatrist at Boston Children’s Hospital. He is a Ruth Fox Scholar of ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine) and a recipient of the AAAP (American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry) John Renner Award. He served as the Vice Chair of the APA (American Psychiatric Association) Leadership Fellowship and was recently awarded the APA Resident Recognition Award. He completed his adult psychiatry training at the Delaware Psychiatry Residency Program, his child and adolescent psychiatry training at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, and a fellowship in Addiction Medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School. Dr. Shah is interested in working with patients with complex psychosocial burdens, and families with substance use.
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Jade obtained her BSN degree at Old Dominion University in Norfolk VA. Her previous nursing experience has been primarily focused in neurosciences (neurology and neurosurgery) and trauma. She prefers to practice in a holistic manner, integrating mind, body, and spirit, combined with conventional medicine. In her experience, “a person’s mentality and mindset, mixed with a little sense of humor, can have a very powerful effect on their overall health.”
Jade was born and raised in Michigan, where her family still resides and she loves to visit. Currently, she lives in New Durham with her significant other and their baby boy. A few of her favorite things are traveling, food, coffee, reading and maintaining a healthy balance between adventure and relaxation. Her happy place is either a bonfire on a summer night or sitting on her porch on a crisp fall evening.
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A graduate of Hocking College for Nursing, Kate’s professional experience includes work in hospital surgical and med/surg environments. Kate has also worked as a nurse at a school for children with developmental disabilities. Originally from Ohio, she spent the last few years traveling the states with her husband in a converted school bus/RV that they call their “skoolie”. Kate believes in surrounding oneself in positivity. She dreams of traveling the world, learning every language her brain will allow, and having a taco truck. When not working, Kate homeschools her four kids.
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Cristal started her nursing journey as a nursing assistant in a nursing home while going to nursing school in KY. She moved to VA for a couple of years where she worked as a step down nurse in a hospital and then moved to NH where she was a cardiac nurse. Before leaving the hospital for Shortridge, she was an emergency department nurse. Cristal Believes that variety is the spice of life and that the best thing about nursing is constantly learning new things.
Cristal was born and raised in Brazil and moved to the United States as a teenager to finish high school and go to college. When not working she tries to keep up with her very energetic, adorable son.
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Business Manager
- Bachelor of Science Management and Accounting
- MBA in Energy Sustainability Studies
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Shannon received her Bachelor and Master degrees at Franklin Pierce University and has spent most of her career in Office Management and Accounting. She grew up in New Hampshire but has lived in the Mad River Valley of VT and on Cape Cod and is back in Central New Hampshire.
Shannon lives with her boyfriend and cats where she loves to spend time outdoors in her garden, running, hiking and enjoying the changing seasons.
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Joe came to Shortridge Academy after 7 years of working in the transportation industry. He loves spending time with his family, especially his young son. In his free time he enjoys playing golf and hockey, watching all sports and coaching baseball. He loves having company over and grilling for them on his many grills and spends a lot of time on his deck and in his backyard.
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Michelle received her B.S. in Business Administration from Emmanuel College and has been with Shortridge Academy since 2012. She holds certificates for Food Handling, Food Allergies, Basic Nutrition, and as a ServSafe Manager.
Michelle spent most of her life in Massachusetts before moving to New Hampshire in 2012 and has owned and operated two successful family restaurants. After selling the 2nd restaurant in 2011, she and her husband decided to move north where she continues to enjoy cooking for family and friends. Michelle and her husband have raised 4 children in New Hampshire where she enjoys being a Girl Scout leader and a CCD Teacher. She also was a foster parent and happily became the legal guardian of her daughter, Cassie.
Michelle enjoys spending time with her family, children and grandchildren, while gardening, cooking, and spending time outside with her German Shepherd Willy.
Born and raised in Connecticut, Jesse spent decades with the Manchester, CT, Recreation Department, beginning as an apprentice and working his way up to program director of after-school programs grades K through 5. He also taught skateboard lessons and worked with special needs children. Jesse is a mechanic who began working on his own cars, and then continued professionally working on a wide range of vehicles from race cars to recreational vehicles. He has also painted professionally, anything from advertising signs to fine cabinet work. Jesse lives in Alton, enjoys spending time with his children, and being outdoors.
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Joe attended Johnson and Wales University in Providence, RI. He has worked in a variety of restaurants over the years, including; Rosa Restaurant and Martingale Wharf in Portsmouth, NH, Menton in Boston, Elda in Biddeford, ME, and Persimmon in Providence. Joe is a very adventurous cook and eater. He enjoys things that are different and will try just about any dish or cuisine. In the future he hopes to travel the world, seeing the sites and trying local foods. Joe is also a big fan of music. He loves going to concerts and has a small record collection that he inherited from his father and grandfather. He grew up in Southern Maine and currently lives there with his wife and young son.
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Elisha got her B.S. in Psychology from Mount Washington College. She went on to become a case manager and community support for adults with severe and persistent mental illness. Elisha started working at Pittsfield Middle High School as a paraprofessional in the high school’s alternative learning and drop out prevention program called Flex for grades 9-12. In 2019 Elisha became a Special Education Teacher and took over the program as the lead teacher until 2022. She then worked for SAU 53 as one of two Special Education Teacher’s running a self-contained, alternative education program for students in grades 5-8 called Bridge. She is excited to use this experience here at Shortridge Academy. Elisha lives in Pittsfield, NH along with her husband and three children, two rescue dogs, 3 goats, and countless chickens. She enjoys attending concerts, going to the ocean, running a high school drama club with her husband, and traveling.
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Chris was born in New London, Connecticut. His father was a NAVY nuclear engineer and ship commander, and his mother was a self-taught machine technician and farmer. He advanced in high school quite quickly and finished his senior year’s credits during his freshman year at NECC. Chris then answered the call of duty during a time of war and earned the title of U.S. Marine. Due to high test scores and simple merits in boot camp, he was recruited to become one of the select few of the Presidential Guard. Chris protected the commandant of the Marine Corps, his Generals, and multiple Naval admirals until he was cleared to protect President Obama and his family. Later, he returned to the Marines to train and lead infantrymen for deployment to Afghanistan’s Kajaki province. They won the battle for Pyramid Hill and Chris later achieved his greatest goal in life bringing all his Marines back alive. When his contract came to an end, he was quickly recruited into the private sector. Between trips, he worked and traveled with celebrities as a bodyguard with Gavin de Beck and associates, Armed shift patrol leader, and later, manager for Knolls security as a security supervisor for a level 1 trauma Center. He decided to return to Maine to help his parents in their elder years and work locally. Some of Chris’ hobbies include farming, martial arts, construction, and property investments.
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Security Guard
- Associate of Applied Business in Information Technology
Born in Somerville, MA, and currently residing in the NH lakes region, Cassie comes from a diverse background. She holds an AAB in IT, has worked as a licensed massage therapist, and even a CDL school bus driver, among other things. She found her passion for helping others, working for six years as a recovery support specialist and overnight security at a residential substance abuse treatment facility. During that time, she also volunteered as a trained recovery coach at a local addiction referral center while completing credits toward becoming a Certified Recovery Support Worker during the day. She continues to work toward becoming a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor.
Cassie is a self-trained artist working in mixed media, drawing, pyrography, and other mediums. Much of her art features her vast love for owls. Her most recent endeavors include metalsmithing in copper and silver, wire-wrapping, beading, and making gemstone jewelry. When not at home being artistic, she can be found exploring dirt roads in her 4×4, hiking, camping, or kayaking.
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Mike is a USAF Security Police Veteran. After his discharge he traveled around the country. He is a retired Firefighter/EMT from Massachusetts. While on the FD he attended Burera School of Art in Boston; Sign Painting Division. He worked for himself lettering
trucks, boats, painting and carving signs.
Mike grew up all over the country as a result of his family’s military involvement, including Hawaii, California and Georgia, and was one of eight children. Mike raised three children in the Exeter, NH area, where he also coached 30 seasons of youth sports, including football, soccer, baseball and basketball.
Mike has never met a bad kid in his life. He feels they do some things that make an adult question them, but appreciates that we were all kids once and that with understanding and guidance, most kids work things out. He has a very positive outlook on life and feels that working at Shortridge keeps him young and apprised of the changing world around him.
Starr is currently serving in the USAF Reserves as a certified Medic/EMT out of Tacoma, WA. She has a BS in Psychology from Troy University. Her parents are not military but she has lived all over the place – Alabama, Texas, and New Hampshire. She was born in North Carolina but grew up in downtown Atlanta, GA. Some of her hobbies include hiking, fishing, and kayaking. In the future she hopes to pursue a BS in Nursing so that she can continue to help people.
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Prior to joining Shortridge Alex had several years of security experience working for a private firm and for a hospital in New Hampshire. He lives in Franklin, NH. In his free time he enjoys playing video games and is a huge fan of Pokemon.
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