I have been an educator for 41 years as a teacher, administrator, and instructional coach. I began teaching 9th grade English in Pulaski, Wisconsin when I was 22 in 1974. My teaching journey took me from Wisconsin, where I grew up, to Nishimachi International School in Tokyo, Japan, to Los Angeles Unified in California, to...Read More

Last month, we had the privilege to hear from Dr. Ben Wilson the Clinical Manager of Addiction Services at Aspire Indiana Health as a part of Hope Academy’s speaker series. His presentation focused on ways in which we can help end the stigma associated with mental health and substance use disorder. By definition, stigmas are...Read More

The significant grant will be used to enhance recovery supports and expand enrollment initiatives for Indiana’s only recovery high school. Hope Academy, Indiana’s only recovery high school, has received a grant in the amount of $50,000 from Healthcare Initiatives, Inc. This grant, which will be used during the 2021-2022 school year, will be instrumental in...Read More

We are excited to partner with our board member and Assistant Professor with the IUPUI School of Health & Human Sciences, Dr. Victoria Garcia Wilburn, on her research project, “Understanding Cravings and Triggers in Adolescents Attending a Recovery High School in a COVID-19 Era.” Dr. Victoria Garcia Wilburn and her research partner, Dr. Devon Hensel,...Read More

The 2021 Rise & Shine for Hope breakfast, presented by Strada Education Network, was a morning to celebrate! Guests heard powerful stories from a parent, Rob Wynne, and a student, Hayden B. We honored Dr. Tim and Dr. Becky Kelly with the Faces of Hope Award, and we listened to a heartfelt keynote speech from...Read More

Teenage years are a time filled with exploration and experimentation. Unfortunately, experimentation can sometimes have unintended consequences. When it comes to teenage marijuana usage, there are concerning short-term and long-term effects. As marijuana continues to become legalized in many states, its usage is becoming increasingly commonplace, leading many to believe marijuana is harmless and risk-free....Read More

Making the decision to change high schools can be difficult. But most Hope Academy students will say that while it wasn’t easy at first, they’re glad they did it. Hope Academy Executive Director Rachelle Gardner recently caught up with Hope Academy Junior Will M. to learn more about his experience at Indiana’s only recovery high...Read More

Substance use disorder affects everyone…not just the person struggling. If you’ve ever loved someone who struggles with substance abuse or addiction, then you know it can feel lonely. At Hope Academy, our students’ families are part of our community. And just like we want our students to thrive, we hope their parents and family members...Read More

Helping more people know that Hope Academy exists motivates volunteer, Tricia Zachidny, to stay involved. She’s been volunteering with Hope Academy since 2008 when her son, Nick, was a student here. She feels it is important that she gives back and plays a part in providing hope and support to other families who worry their...Read More

If your student is struggling to graduate from high school and you suspect substance use disorder is contributing, there is hope. When it comes to young people and substance abuse, early intervention is key.  Indiana’s only recovery high school Hope Academy, Indiana’s only recovery high school, might be the right next step for your high...Read More