Frequently Asked Questions
what are the benefits of using a consultant?
As the owner and founder of Fresh Tracks, I travel year-round to tour and assess 50-100 programs a year. It is difficult for parents to look at websites and develop an accurate interpretation of a program, who and how they serve their clients. It is especially hard to do when it is your child and possibly during a time of crisis amidst everyday life, other children, and careers. I utilize my 25 years of experience to assess the intricacies of the right fit beyond the program- personally selecting the therapist, knowledge of current group dynamics and profiles, risk management practices, program responses to issues like COVID-19, ownership or new ownership, financial stability, critical changes to models or client profiles, who they serve most effectively and key positions like heads of school and clinical directors.
Schools and programs are success-oriented and strive to enroll students who are the best fit. They value the consultant’s assessment process and recommendation. Enrolling students/clients working with an Educational Consultant assists them in making accurate admissions to their school or program. In addition, they value the family having a consultant who offers objective support while staying focused on the goals.
what sets us apart from other educational consultants?
We are invested as part of the team from initial engagement until your child completes their program placement.
We are together for the long haul to ensure the whole process runs smoothly, safely, and effectively.
We are here for you as much and as little as you need.
We are committed to the success of your child in this current phase and in life.
Personal experience as a student in programs and boarding school.
Personal experience designing and leading programs and schools.
We prioritize communication and availability to best support our clients.
We are passionate about providing the highest standard of excellence to clients.
How long do you work with families?
It depends - on the length of the program, family needs, and goals. We work with you until the program or school is complete. This might be 2 months or a year plus.
Some families continue to work with us through parent and life coaching services after consultation is no longer needed.
what exactly is an ‘independent consultant’?
As an Independent Educational Consultant, I assess all programs and schools to determine whether they meet the criteria to be the best fit for the families I serve. I travel around the country and the world, visiting 50-100 programs annually.
We work on behalf of the children and families we serve, which leads to better outcomes.
We receive zero income from programs themselves. That means no referral fees, financial incentives, or other benefits. We receive no “kickbacks” of any kind from the programs we visit. With that, you can know that our program recommendations are enhanced by our years in the field, not loyalty to any one place.
Are you paid directly by program or referrals you make?
No, we do not work for or receive compensation from any programs we may recommend for families. Being independent allows us to offer honest, unbiased recommendations and consider compensation in this manner to be antithetical to our professional capacity.
You ran a wilderness therapy program. will that always be your first or only recommendation for my family?
No; we spend a lot of time getting to know the unique strengths, circumstances, and needs of each child and family to determine what type of program can be a valuable fit. There is no single plan that works for everybody. While wilderness therapy is an effective program for some, it is not appropriate for all. Instead, we work together to identify the best plan to meet the needs of each unique child and family.
For some families, a traditional boarding school can meet their needs. For others, we may recommend a therapeutic boarding school, residential treatment center, inpatient rehabilitation program, or another program along a continuum of care that meets your family’s needs.
How do I know I need a consultant?
Your family is the most important thing in your life. When things are not going right, you may feel overwhelmed, scared, hopeless, and uncertain. In such times, it can be challenging to evaluate your options and make effective decisions about your child and your future together. When you work with us, our goal is to reduce the stress and overwhelming feelings that can come from making a plan on your own. It is impossible to learn what you need to know about a school or a program from a website. Through our rigorous review process with each program we consider, we share the 30,000ft view that can help you understand your options and make the best decision for your family.
The decision to hire an Educational Consultant is an important decision. We realize this is a very stressful time for parents and part of our job is to ease this stress by providing our experienced guidance in helping you determine what programs or schools are most appropriate for your family. Oftentimes it is challenging as parents (together or divorced) to agree on a decision, having someone who is objective can help mediate this process. No school or program is perfect, having a consultant while a student is at a program or school helps ensure the best possible experience while maintaining a focus on your family’s goals.
When you look at the frequency, duration, and intensity of the distressing behaviors, along with their impact on individual and family health and safety, and you have already tried many different things, you might be ready for an educational consultant who can help you create a plan that works.