Penikese Opening June 23rd

Penikese is pleased to announce that Don Vardell, M.S., has been named Executive Director. As a "Navy Brat," Don lived on the seacoast much of his childhood, and appreciates the opportunity for reflection and the healing power being next to the sea provides. "The rich history of Penikese Island, combined with the formation of a new program that includes experiential learning, robust clinical care, academics and the transformational power of an island environment, gives parents another option to the traditional intervention offerings available today."

Serving at the helm of struggling teen and substance abuse focused programs since 2002, Don is privileged to lead and provide support to the amazing team of professionals at Penikese, and will continue to do similarly and simultaneously as Executive Director of Mountain Valley Treatment Center. "While most of my career has included serving at the helm of larger programs, the position of directing two unique treatment centers, each small and offering intense and distinct service is very special. The team of professionals assembled at both Mountain Valley and Penikese to care for its residents are the best in the business."

It is clear that there is a need for a program such as Penikese - A Transformational Island Experience - and so we look forward to welcoming our first group of residents to the Island on June 23rd. Penikese is the only program of its kind, marrying a wilderness like experience with the unique experiential component that only an island setting can offer - to include boatbuilding, fishing, lobstering, and sailing. Unlike many wilderness programs, however, Penikese offers therapeutic support on a daily basis, with experienced, well-trained clinicians living on the Island 24/7. With a full-time Academic Coordinator on staff, Penikese also offers residents the opportunity for credit recovery as well as learning support. Penikese will serve adolescent males, ages 14-17, with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.

We welcome visits from referring professionals, and currently have group tours scheduled for June 4, June 7, June 9, June 20 and July 13, but we would also be happy to arrange alternative tour dates. Contact Carl Lovejoy, Penikese's Associate Executive Director, External Relations, at clovejoy@penikese.org or at 603-728-8139 to arrange a visit.

Mary Jo DeGrandi, Penikese's Director of Marketing, Business Development and Admissions, is readily available to assist parents, educational consultants, and other referring professionals with the admissions process, or for more information about the program. Mary Jo can be reached at mdegrandi@penikese.org or at 603-726-6108.