Parent Perspective: A Journey of Growth

July 7, 2025

By N.S.

I first noticed that my son was different when he was three years old at day camp. That summer marked the beginning of daily phone calls about his behavior—something I had never experienced before. Those calls continued for the next seven years, until the day he arrived at Green Chimneys.

For years, I took him to every specialist and therapist I could find. I created charts, implemented reward systems, and did everything in my power to help my brilliant son. Yet, every social gathering was a source of stress. He struggled to control himself and engage with other children without conflict.

When he started kindergarten, we began working with a psychiatrist, experimenting with different medication combinations. While there were months when things seemed to improve, the progress was always temporary. No one can truly understand the struggle unless they’ve witnessed it firsthand.

My son was placed in a classroom environment that was unsuitable for his academic capabilities but provided a high level of support. We were willing to do anything to prevent more suspensions and traumatic episodes, but it felt like we were merely buying time. For what, I wasn’t sure.

He transitioned back into a general education class and his behaviors escalated, both at home and at school. He was always on the offense, while my husband, daughter, and I remained on constant defense. It took hitting rock bottom before we were finally able to get real help.

The school district and I worked tirelessly to find a place that could truly support my son and our family. Words cannot express how eternally grateful I am for Green Chimneys and their incredible staff.

People often ask how difficult it was to decide to send my son to a residential treatment center. The truth is, no parent makes that choice unless there is truly no other option.

From the moment I began the admissions process—speaking with staff and touring the grounds—it was clear that this place was special. For the first time, I met people who truly understood our situation. They weren’t horrified by our stories; instead, they were confident they could help.

Within one-and-a-half school years, my son’s transformation has been truly remarkable. His initial transition was challenging, but the phone calls from the staff kept me informed. They always offered solutions rather than just questions. The residential staff have become like family, providing constant care and support. Whenever I have concerns, they are addressed immediately with kindness and understanding. As a result, making this experience far more comforting than I ever imagined.

My son naturally gravitated toward the garden and its staff whenever he needed a break to regulate himself. Over time, this connection blossomed into a true passion for gardening. He now spends countless hours tending to the garden at school, and has even created one at home. Gardening has become a therapeutic outlet for him, offering both comfort and fulfillment.

The school and other staff have been incredibly patient and supportive, guiding both my son and me through this journey, and always prioritizing his well-being. This school year, he has achieved high honor roll for both marking periods—a testament to the dedication of everyone involved.

While we still have challenges, we continue working together to create a plan that helps us progress. Over the past year at Green Chimneys—fondly known as “The GC”—we have encountered minimal issues, and I often find myself saying this place is “too good to be true.” Yet, it truly is everything they promise. My only wish is that every family facing similar struggles could have access to a place like Green Chimneys to support them through their journey.

Green Chimneys School is designed for students who have been unsuccessful in a traditional education program and can benefit from a smaller, therapeutically supportive setting. Our program offers a fully integrated approach that includes a complete staff of educators, clinicians, social workers, therapists, farm and wildlife experts, and outdoor specialists who are trained in social skills development, behavior management techniques to assist students in self-regulation skills, and crisis prevention and intervention.