Our Guides
Our Guides help parents and guardians find the best options for their children if they are struggling academically, socially, behaviorally or otherwise. We have a real understanding of the challenges our youth face today and have developed a very sincere and genuine passion for helping both children and their parents. We have worked within such programs and we visit them regularly.
It is through our firsthand experiences and involvement in these schools that we remain dedicated to the ever growing need for boarding school and therapeutic programs. We listen to the parents and assess their child’s behaviors, grades and needs. There are so many different options available today it can become overwhelming for parents, which is why we are here to help! We understand their need to narrow down the abundance of choices.
When parents call us; we will listen, assess, direct and assist. We will spend as much as time as necessary answering a parent’s questions and giving them as much information as needed in order for them to have complete peace of mind during this process. We know how difficult this situation can be, especially for teens who have been expelled or have other behavioral or academic problems. Our knowledge, experience and understanding is the key to matching a child’s needs to exactly the right program or school. Finding a place that offers the proper academics, treatment (if needed), location, cost and length of stay can be solved with one simple phone call from parents, instead of dozens and dozens.
Meet Our Placement Guides

Scott was for nearly a decade the Admissions Director of a large boarding school for troubled teens. Today, he leads the BCN team, visits schools across the nation, and also works with parents to help them find the right program the first time, and within the family’s budget.

Tara Akers worked as the Admissions Director of a large midwestern boarding school. Before that, she was employed by a firm that provided consulting and marketing services for various schools throughout the nation. She enjoys helping parents find the right program or school.

Kaitlyn worked with the admissions department of a large boarding school for troubled teens for several years. She loves giving parents hope that there is something out there to help their teenager, no matter the situation!

Lisa Johnson has several years experience helping out families that are in need, including serving as a Deputy Public Administrator . Lisa loves helping families find hope and encouragement for their families in their time of need. She loves enjoying the outdoors with her family!

Heather is a mom of six children. She worked with her husband in a boarding school for troubled teens for five years, so she has seen first-hand the success stories of kids and courage of parents. Heather’s two sons-in-law are former boarding school students and are hard workers and great husbands and fathers! Heather is married to Jason, who has been in the pastoral ministry for 20 years. Together they have helped countless families and most enjoys helping families find answers and options when they feel hopeless.

Karina earned a B.A. in Psychology from University of California, Santa Barbara. She worked in a therapeutic boarding school admissions department before coming to BCN. One of her professional passions is to help parents with the difficult decision to choose the right therapeutic program for their child.

Alicia has worked in various therapeutic boarding schools in the northwest for the past decade. She has held positions starting from direct care staff to nursing, rising to assistant director and admissions coordinator. She grew up watching her father help families find a healthy and happy path in life and found a desire to do the same. Alicia has a degree in nursing. She has three young children, which has led her to want to help struggling families find proper placement for their child to receive the help they need in times of despair.