In August, Shortridge Academy hired Clinical Psychologist MK Oakley, PhD, to provide comprehensive consultation and training for all staff relative to working with LGBTQ+ youth. While Shortridge has welcomed and supported LGBTQ+ students since its founding and is proud of its ability to cultivate an inclusive community, the leadership team has recognized the need for incorporating new research and insight from an expert in the field. 

True to the Shortridge Positive Youth Development philosophy, Dr. Oakley will start her consultation by first meeting with the student-led Shortridge Academy Diversity Equity and Inclusion (“DEI”) Committee. Feedback from committee members on the current school climate, initiatives, and areas of growth for supporting LGBTQ+ community members will inform the training needs for the staff. 

All-staff training will include presentations on current LGBTQ+ research and evidence-based interventions for working with LGBTQ+ youth, as well as an overview of best practices for school and clinical interventions. Specific departmental training will include facilitated discussion of clinician case studies and a review of current policies and procedures relevant to institutional support for LGBTQ+ youth and their families.

“Now in our 20th year, Shortridge continues to thrive as a therapeutic boarding school as a result of seeking to learn and evolve progressively. We have always welcomed LGBTQ+ students and felt that we support and serve them well.  However, we felt that it is important that we should seek out our blind spots and learn from an expert like Dr. Oakley to better serve our awesome students and their families.” said Mik Oyler, Head of School.

Shortridge is considered the most normalized and progressive therapeutic boarding school in the country, whose strengths-based and authoritative approach successfully supports those students struggling with anxiety, depression, family dysfunction and learning challenges. If you would like more information about Shortridge Academy, please contact Executive Admissions Director, Katie Rainer or Admissions Coordinator, Olivia Therrien at admissions@shortridgeacademy.com, call (866) 828-9243, or visit our website ShortridgeAcademy.com

Shortridge Academy is a private co-ed Therapeutic Boarding School, founded in 2002, emphasizing challenging yet supportive college prep academics within a therapeutic community. Located in southeastern New Hampshire with close proximity to both the seacoast and the mountains, Shortridge’s setting and Positive Youth Development model provides students with an ideal environment to further develop their sense of self and strengthen family relationships in an intellectually stimulating learning environment reflective of a traditional boarding school.