Updates from Surf House Puerto Rico

Surf House is pleased to announce that Craig Pearson is now our Admissions and Outreach Director. Craig previously spent 10 years as a counselor at Shortridge Academy and will be dividing his time between Puerto Rico and New Hampshire. Christopher Mays, formerly of Summit Achievement is Executive Director and lives full time with his wife, Suzy Halwick, Business Manager, in Puerto Rico.

Clinical Life Coaching Services are expanding with the hiring of a new Clinical Life Coach. Tina Cottone, LCSW is a very experienced outpatient Therapist and has taught Graduate courses at Marywood College School of Social Work. She joins Clinical Life Coaches Jennifer Baker, LCPC and Dr. Bill Rosenblatt, Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Tina has a vacation home in Rincon and will be full time on the island August 1st.

We are completely moved into our newly renovated Coastal Education and Career Center in Rincon. This 4400 square foot Student Activities Center serves as the administrative offices, classrooms, counseling offices, a student lounge, and intern focus apartment. Located in town, students are able to walk or bike to internships, community service activities, and local beaches and events. We are planning a large garden and soon will be renovating existing storage spaces into an arts & projects area. The building is fully air conditioned and has showers and food service facilities.

Serving young men and women ages 17 to 25, Surf House offers High School Graduation through Blueprint Education and online college courses through Excelsior College. The program provides several phases of the program beginning with highly structured Orientation Focus, followed by Internship Focus which offers students an opportunity to be a part of the local community. Students can transition from dormitory living to supervised apartment living in town. Our Clinically Informed Life Coaching model assigns an independently licensed clinician who assists students and families in the development and execution of a Life Plan that prepares them for college or future independence. Spanish language instruction is provided 3 days each week.

Puerto Rico is an island community rich in Spanish culture and activities. The primary benefit for students at the Coastal Education and Career Center is being able to live, work, and go to school while participating as a part of the local town and community of Rincon. For young men and women who have been in a restrictive environment it is a way to practice independence with the support and structure necessary for success. In addition to career exploration, students are able to participate in many of the local non-profit groups such as local farmers markets, Animal Rescue Foundation, Surfrider Foundation, Rincon Film Festival, Rincon Triathlon, and Rincon stand up paddleboard race. There are also numerous community holiday events and activities. Our staff and students regularly surf, stand-up paddleboard, and scuba dive at local areas within walking distance of the Coastal Education Center. Several students have progressed to intermediate surfing level, challenging themselves during regular swells.

Surf House welcomes visitors throughout the year. We invite you to see our Facebook page for up to date activities and events. For admissions or visit information please contact Craig Pearson at 603-923-9609, or Chris Mays at 787-237-8168.

Listen to Craig Pearson, Admissions and Marketing for Surf House Puerto Rico, as he talks about some of the changes at Surf House Puerto Rico.

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Surf House Puerto Rico is a holistic community for young people, ages 17.5 to 25, seeking a gap year experience to help them improve their college and career readiness.