Indianapolis area high school students in recovery from substance use disorder graduate from Indiana’s only recovery high school during Hope Academy’s 17th Commencement INDIANAPOLIS – On Saturday, May 20, 2023, Hope Academy, Indiana’s only recovery high school, celebrated its 17th Commencement at the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center on the campus of the University of...Read More
Ellen Russell is our newest peer recovery specialist. She is also a Hope Academy alumna and graduated in 2014. Ellen grew up in Indianapolis and currently lives on the west side close to Eagle Creek Park. As a Peer Recovery Specialist, Ellen assists the recovery coaches with assessments and running certain recovery and wellness/small circle...Read More
Did you know that this week (March 20-26) is National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week? It was launched in 2010 by scientists at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) for teens to learn what science has taught us about drug use and addiction. This week consists of educational events and is an opportunity to...Read More
We are excited to introduce Justin Cain, Hope Academy’s new School Nurse. He started on January 2, 2023 and previously worked as a nurse for a medical detox facility and a local psychiatric hospital. An Indianapolis native, Justin attended Indiana University to study sociology and criminal justice. He later attended Marian University to earn a...Read More
Meet Kelly Johnson. Kelly is our STARR room monitor, and in her role, she assists in onboarding new students and introducing them to the culture of Hope Academy. If you’re wondering what STARR means, Hope Academy offers the Supportive, Therapeutic, Action-focused Recovery Room (STARR) Program for new students, as well as students who are struggling...Read More
Jim Barnes is a longtime supporter of Hope Academy and in long-term recovery. He is an artist and you can find his works proudly displayed at Hope Academy, including the oversized sculpture in the lobby. As someone who has always had a passion for creative projects, he has made it his profession because he knows...Read More
Will Smeltzer is a new Peer Recovery Coach here at Hope Academy. He just started last month and is a Certified Peer Recovery Coach who grew up in Indianapolis and attended Lawrence Central High School. Prior to coming to Hope, he operated his own landscaping business. In his role, Will will help guide Hope Academy...Read More
The way kids are communicating these days is very different from how you may have communicated with your friends growing up. It’s certainly more complex than a simple phone call to make plans. There are so many different platforms and ways to communicate, so we are here to help you crack the code on what’s...Read More
Meet Gianna Dowell! She is our Art Teacher and started last October. Even though it’s only been a few months, Gianna has loved working at Hope Academy. She was initially drawn to Hope Academy because of its small community surrounded by people and students who are authentic as they overcome the obstacles they are facing....Read More
What a year 2022 was! It’s hard to believe that it’s almost over, but as we reflect on this past year, we have so much to be proud of. Here are the top five highlights! Hope Fest 2022 In 2022, we hosted our first ever Hope Fest, which took place in June. This event celebrates...Read More
