Christopher Grimwood New Executive Director

Wellspring is pleased to welcome Christopher Grimwood as the new Executive Director of Wellspring Academy of California, which is located on the edge of the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, about 30 minutes Southeast of Fresno on a beautiful 68 acre campus.

With over fourteen years of experience in adolescent residential programming, Chris has a strong background, including co-educational Therapeutic Boarding Schools, Outdoor Therapeutic (Wilderness) Programs, and Residential Child Caring Programs. Chris' interest in working with adolescents was sparked at a young age where he volunteered with several community organizations, including the Learning Disabilities Association, and was recognized by his home town as citizen of the year at only age eighteen.

Since 2004, Chris has served in various leadership roles, including Executive Director, Program Administrator, and Director of Family Services. He rose through the ranks, starting his career as a front line Counselor and Therapist where he had many successes with struggling adolescents and families. His collaborative approach to team, experience in administration, financial planning, program development, staff training, and risk management are a tremendous asset to Wellspring Academy.

Our California campus houses our private weight loss boarding school for middle and high school students ages 11-18, as well as a separate College Program for ages 18-24. With year round enrollment students are provided personalized support to accommodate individual academic, emotional, and social needs. Students receive a WASC accredited academic curriculum in addition to individual, group, and family therapy.

Chris attended The University of Western Ontario, where he received a cross disciplinary bachelor's degree in psychology and social work and a master's degree in social work. He enjoys being in the outdoors, hiking, camping, canoeing, and skiing, and is very excited about being in Central California and taking advantage of the wonderful surroundings with great destinations like Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks!

Wellspring Academy of California is the leading organization of weight loss camps and residential treatment programs for overweight children, adolescents, families, young adults and women. Wellspring programs allow young people who are struggling with their weight to lose weight and change their lives for the better.