Discovery Schools of Virginia
Dillwyn, VA

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Yates To Retire From
Discovery Schools

It has been my great pleasure to serve as the Executive Director and Chief Administrative Officer of The Discovery Schools of Virginia for the past 16 years. I will be entering retirement this month, confident in the future of our schools.

As one of the founders of The Discovery School of Virginia and The Discovery School of Virginia for Girls, it was my goal and dream to continue to provide struggling young people with an opportunity that has helped so many in the past-the chance to learn experientially in the outdoors. I learned to love this field experientially myself, as a group leader t New Dominion School many years ago. Whether hiking the Appalachian Trail or canoeing our own James River, building tents in campsite or volunteering in neighboring towns and churches, our model teaches kids that the path to successful adulthood runs directly through a positive, nurturing group experience. A young person who can connect in this way is primed to be success both academically and as a family member, because he or she knows the lessons of responsibility, gratitude, and perseverance.

My original partners in founding The Discovery Schools, Don Williams and Al Jacobson, plan to continue in their present positions. They will be joined by Steve Welsh, John Outland, and Mark Mellusi, who have been with us since the beginning, and who are transitioning to more senior positions in the administration.

Mark and John will be representing The Discovery Schools at NATSAP & IECA functions. If you have not already done so, I encourage you to meet them at the swap in Orlando.

I have known for years that these men have the knowledge, skills, and experience to run a first rate therapeutic school and I am certain you will agree.

Though officially retiring, I will still be involved with The Discovery Schools on a part-time basis for some time to come. I still have the desire to work with young people (students and staff) and contribute where I can. I look forward to seeing you when you have the chance to visit the schools.

Chris Yates
Executive Director

The Discovery School of Virginia serves teenage boys and girls ages 11 - 17 who are experiencing emotional, behavioral, and learning problems. There are separate campuses for boys and girls. Each school is located in the picturesque Piedmont region of central Virginia.