We specialize in helping students who have learning difficulties and developmental delays, coupled with histories of emotional and/or physical trauma. We strive to increase each student’s relational skills and self-confidence.
Student are closely monitored and supported by highly trained, qualified staff members twenty-four hours a day. Our residential milieu staff is trained in trauma-informed care, and all programming is reflective of these interventions. In addition, our students often need high levels of predictability and routine, so a supportive daily schedule is part of our residential structure. Students engage in numerous recreational activities, including outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, and kayaking, as well as indoor activities and team-building. These activities promote positive social interactions and skills, and help students explore interests.
Students engage in a full academic instruction schedule in their onsite school, five days a week, year-round. We provide individualized instruction to meet each student's unique educational needs and do not exceed an 8:1 student-teacher ratio. We encourage all students to proceed at their own pace in order to master the academic and social skills needed for a fulfilling future.
Vocational programming is an essential component of both the therapeutic and educational approach at the SWCE. Our students engage in a variety of vocational activities, some of which include landscaping, assisting at food pantries and recycling centers, office work, and community support projects. These opportunities provide our students with valuable life skills, facilitate a sense of community, and reinforce our students’ identity-building experience.
The goal of the DeMarco Adventure Course is to help youth diagnosed with behavioral health and intellectual disorders reach a self-reflective transformation that will ultimately transfer to other aspects of their lives.
River Run Academy, the clinical day school at the Susan Wayne Center of Excellence, located in Thompson, Conn., offers intensive educational, vocational, and clinical services for mild to moderately cognitively impaired students.
The Susan Wayne Center of Excellence (SWCE) is a residential treatment center designed to enable students with unique challenges to reach their maximum potential by offering a sophisticated level of education and clinical treatment.
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Rachel has been a part of the JRI team since January, 2000. For over 20 years, Rachel has been working in the field of human services assisting families with accessing and navigating services. Rachel received her Bachelors degree in psychology and Masters Degree in Public Administration from Bridgewater State University. She was promoted in July 2005 to Family Networks Program Director where she closely worked with the Department of Children Families for 10 years ensuring that children and families received the highest quality of individualized services ranging from community based through residential care. Rachel is very dedicated to helping the individuals she works with and is committed to improving the lives of children and families. Rachel’s passion for creative service programming inspires her in her role as JRI Service Navigator.
