The Forge School, a residential treatment center specializing in the neurobiological and emotional needs of teen boys, hosted its first Parent Program with a keynote seminar to kick-off the weekend on Thursday, April 29th in Benton, Tennessee.  Dr. Michael Gurian, gender expert, New York Times Bestseller, and author of Saving our Sons gave the keynote address to attending parents and community partners. 

Guests arrived on Thursday morning to the Hiwassee River Weddings and Events venue where they were invited to mingle and grab coffee before the seminar began.  At 9am, The Forge School’s Executive Director, Joe Barnard, gave the opening address, followed by a brief introduction of each Forge School staff member.  Dr. Gurian’s keynote address began at 10am, focused on the boys’ brain and what it looks like to create Maverick joy amongst our teens.  “The boy and the man must be raised to see the possibility of self-worth, then meet a few others who provide the vision of the road toward it, then spend a lifetime pursuing that worth through action and relationship.  One of the great tragedies in human life is to be born male and not be guided towards the value of a man,” says Dr. Gurian.  Embark Behavioral Health’s Chief Clinical Officer, Rob Gent, was in attendance as well as educational consultants and referral partners who came from all over the country to hear Dr. Gurian speak.

Following his address, guests were served an amazing taco bar lunch, and were then invited back to The Forge School where they were given a tour of the property.  During this time, The Forge School’s Head Chef Tyler Sinder served a spread of homemade, nutritional snacks and juices, including his very popular fruit leather roll-ups, a favorite amongst their kiddos. 

In the meantime, parents remained at the venue where they were able to attend an exclusive afternoon talk with Dr. Gurian, diving deeper into the minds of boys.  This was followed by a social mixer where they were free to talk and ask questions with The Forge School directors and staff.   The weekend was filled with making connections, deepening relationships, and embracing a therapeutic environment for teen mental health.

About the Forge School

The Forge School is an emboldened residential treatment center and school developed in response to the neurobiological needs of boys and young men. At The Forge School we combine the immersion of extraordinary outdoor experiences, empathetic and attuned individual and family counseling, and exceptional educational rigor to help build greatness beyond an education. The Forge School also aims to reconnect boys to their bodies through meditation, yoga, mindfulness, fitness, and healthy nutrition.