NewHope Academy2024-10-28T17:32:43-04:00

NewHope Academy

Where Bright Students Shine

At NewHope, we provide students with average to above average intelligence with a small, safe, and supportive educational environment. Since its inception, hundreds of students have utilized our program; many of them returning to their home schools full-time and achieving success in college.

Experience our school campus firsthand during a guided tour.

  • 3250 N Arlington Heights
    Arlington Heights, IL 60004
  • (P) 847.588.0463
  • School Hours:
    Monday through Thursday 8:15AM – 2:30PM
    Friday 9:00AM – 2:30PM
    Once a month we have a 10:00AM start (as indicated on our calendar)

Our students tend to…

HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

Students that attend NHA are capable learners that need help to consistently be available to learn

BE OF AVERAGE TO ABOVE-AVERAGE INTELLIGENCE

Students that attend NHA are capable learners that need help to consistently be available to learn

EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY FITTING IN A MAINSTREAM ENVIRONMENT

We celebrate each others uniqueness

APPEAR SAD, LONELY, ANXIOUS, HOPELESS, OR DEPRESSED

Our therapists will work to increase your child’s confidence and decrease their level of anxiety surrounding school

WITHDRAW SOCIALLY AND EMOTIONALLY

NHA will meet your child where they are to help them feel safe to learn again

HAVE DIFFICULTY READING SOCIAL CUES

NHA staff provide modeling and prompting to help students engage socially

USE FREQUENT ILLNESS TO AVOID SCHOOL

NHA staff have created a safe environment to give students the space they need to make progress in attending

HAVE TALENTS IN ART AND MUSIC

Students can explore their talents during our thrills classes

HAVE DIFFICULTY WITH EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING

NHA provides direct training and instruction to improve executive functioning skills

Our students tend to…

HAVE THE POTENTIAL FOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

Students that attend NHA are capable learners that need help to consistently be available to learn

BE OF AVERAGE TO ABOVE-AVERAGE INTELLIGENCE

Students that attend NHA are capable learners that need help to consistently be available to learn

EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY FITTING IN A MAINSTREAM ENVIRONMENT

We celebrate each others uniqueness

APPEAR SAD, LONELY, ANXIOUS, HOPELESS, OR DEPRESSED

Our therapists will work to increase your child’s confidence and decrease their level of anxiety surrounding school

WITHDRAW SOCIALLY AND EMOTIONALLY

NHA will meet your child where they are to help them feel safe to learn again

HAVE DIFFICULTY READING SOCIAL CUES

NHA staff provide modeling and prompting to help students engage socially

USE FREQUENT ILLNESS TO AVOID SCHOOL

NHA staff have created a safe environment to give students the space they need to make progress in attending

HAVE TALENTS IN ART AND MUSIC

Students can explore their talents during our thrills classes

HAVE DIFFICULTY WITH EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING

NHA provides direct training and instruction to improve executive functioning skills

NewHope Academy serves students with an array of exceptional needs. Our programs provide individualized attention and a curriculum that is based on each student’s cognitive ability, learning style, and interest. The goal for students who attend NewHope Academy is to make progress on their individual goals and objectives as stated in their Individual Education Program (IEP) so they may reintegrate to a less restrictive environment as soon as possible.

  • Our Junior High and High School program supports students in grades 6-12 with Emotional Disabilities, Autism, Learning Disability, and Other Health Impairments.
  • Our Extension of Services (EOS) program is for 17 to 21-year-old students to bridge the gap from high school to college/career success.

Academic Foundation

  • Teaching staff hold LBS1 designations, certified in subject content, and/or have support staff certification
  • Academic integrity is maintained by meeting Common Core Learning standards
  • Student-based and interactive classroom environment
  • Tools that develop executive functioning and organization skills
  • Student accommodations based on strengths and needs
  • Active case management that maintains ongoing contact with parents and home school

Executive Functioning

NewHope students need assistance with organization and executive functioning skills on a daily basis. Executive functions are necessary for goal-directed behavior. Skills we work on at NewHope include the ability to initiate and stop actions, to monitor and change behavior as needed, and to plan future behavior when faced with novel tasks and situations.

Case Managing

When a student is accepted to NewHope, we take responsibility for case managing the student. All students at NewHope are assigned a case manager. Following a 60-day assessment period, the case manager, in cooperation with the therapist develops an IEP utilizing input from NewHope staff and current testing. The following is a list of duties of a NewHope case manager:

  • Initial Assessment and Needs Analysis
  • Monitoring Student’s Progress
  • Communicating Progress
  • Creating IEPs and Attending IEP Meetings

Therapists at NewHope Academy are diverse in their therapeutic orientation, which includes Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Psychodynamic, Family Systems, and Integrative therapies. In addition to working with adolescents and families, therapists at NewHope are quite diverse in multiple areas of expertise that includes:

  • Generalized Anxiety
  • Depression and Mood Disorders
  • School Refusal/Avoidance
  • Social Anxiety
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Phobias
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Complex Trauma, Personality Issues
  • Self-injury
  • Eating Disorders
  • Meditation and Mindfulness
  • Social Skills
  • Executive Functioning Deficits
  • Behavioral Problems
  • Interpersonal Relating
  • Bowen Family Systems
  • Skills of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Psychological, Neurological Cognitive, and Personality Testing

We also maintain regular communication with outside professionals to aide in the student’s progress.

When a student is accepted to NewHope, NewHope takes responsibility to provide appropriate and efficient mental health care within an educational setting. All students at NewHope are assigned a therapist.

Following a 60-day assessment period, the therapist develops a comprehensive initial therapy report (with social emotional IEP goals) that includes the social and developmental history of the student. Therapists develop this report in cooperation with input from NewHope staff, reviewing student files, conducting parent interviews, and observing the student within the school environment.

The following is a list of duties of a NewHope therapist:

  • Therapy services (individual, group, and family)
  • Monitoring students within the environment
  • Communication of the student’s emotional needs

NewHope Academy is excited to offer services for 17 to 21-year olds. This day program is provided at our facility to bridge the gap from high school to college/career success. Our team assists students in living independently, working productively, and navigating college/career life successfully while also utilizing the available resources in their community. Guided support is provided throughout enrollment and student plans are individualized. Time is spent getting to know the student’s current strengths and challenges to develop solutions and strategies to achieve a successful and satisfying adult life. Students work individually and in groups with an academic mentor to solidify an educational or vocational course of study and monitor progress in classes. They also work with a social worker to implement a therapeutic course of action and monitor social and emotional progress.

Student Profile/Support: ADHD, Emotional Disabilities, Depression, Anxiety, Nonverbal Learning Disability (NVLD), Low Self-Esteem, Low Motivation, Social Relationship Difficulties, High Functioning Autism/Aspergers

Chicago Area Alternative Education League (CAAEL) 

NewHope Academy is a proud member of the Chicago Area Alternative Education League (CAAEL).  CAAEL, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, has been providing a full spectrum of academic, athletic, and art programs to the Chicagoland area’s most at-risk youth since 1976. Each year, CAAEL offers 900+ events for 5,000 students from 30 Illinois counties. The customized leagues and events, which take place during the school day, help our students develop compassion and tolerance, work as a team, and accept the consequences of their choices.

Faith’s Law
Sexual Abuse Response and Prevention Resource Guide 

Faith’s Law is named after prevention advocate and child sexual abuse survivor Faith Colson, who graduated from an Illinois high school in the early 2000s. Faith’s Law was passed by the Illinois General Assembly as two separate pieces of legislation. The first legislation established the definition of sexual misconduct within the Illinois School Code and outlined the requirements for schools to develop and post employee code of professional conduct policies.  The second legislation adds employment history reviews as part of the hiring and vetting process for schools and school contractors, requires notices to be provided to parents/guardians and the applicable student when there’s an alleged act of sexual misconduct, and makes other changes to the process schools must follow when handling allegations of sexual misconduct.  As a result, ISBE has developed a resource guide that is available on its website (www.isbe.net) and includes guidance for pupils, parents or guardians, and teachers about sexual abuse responses and prevention resources available in their community, including the contact information of entities that provide services for victims of child sexual abuse and their families.

The Sexual Abuse Response and Prevention Resource Guide can be found on the Illinois State Board of Education website (www.isbe.net) at: https://www.isbe.net/Documents/Faiths-Law-Resource-Guide.pdf#search=faith%27s%20law

In addition, a copy of the Sexual Abuse Response and Prevention Resource Guide will be provided to parents/guardians, upon request. Please contact the School Administrator to request a hard copy of the Resource Guide.

School Resources
Therapeutic Resources

Newsletter

Join us for a guided school tour, where you’ll have the chance to explore our campus and meet our dedicated staff.

Staff

Director: Dr. Brian Katz

Program Coordinator: Megan Larson

Junior High and High School Program
(WEST CAMPUS)
High School Program
(EAST CAMPUS)
Extension of Services Program
(EOS)
Principal: Bethany Arteaga Principal: Bethany Arteaga Program Therapist: Kathy Szumski
Clinical Director: Dr. Bonnie Turek Clinical Director: Dr. Megan Hammer
Asst. Clinical Director: Open
IEP Specialist: Meaghan Torrence IEP Specialist: Meaghan Torrence
Education Coordinator: Talia Diamond Education Coordinator: Talia Diamond

Meet the Staff:

Credentials
Hello! My name is Dr. Brian Katz, and I am the School Director at NewHope Academy. I hold a PhD in Behavioral Psychology with a specialization in Applied Behavior Analysis, and I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Learning Behavior Specialist 1.

Fun Outside of NHA
Outside of work, I love spending time with my kids and dog, playing music, and staying fit. These activities keep me energized and balanced, helping me bring my best self to NHA every day.

Fun at NHA
At NHA, I thoroughly enjoy interacting with our students and staff. I am passionate about leading our community to always strive for better and maintaining the NHA way. The opportunity to inspire and support growth in others is what makes my work so rewarding.

Time at NHA
I began my journey at NewHope Academy in the 2023 school year. It has been an incredible experience to contribute to the school’s mission and help shape the direction of our programs.

Area of Expertise
My area of expertise lies in the science of learning and behavior change. I apply this knowledge to foster an environment where both students and staff can thrive, ensuring that our educational approach is grounded in proven methods that drive success.

Credentials

I am the Principal at NewHope Academy West and East Campus. I have a B.S. in Marketing, a B.A. in Education with a specialization in Secondary Education (Spanish), a Special Education endorsement (LBS1), and a Master’s in Educational Leadership.

Fun outside of NHA

I love spending time in the kitchen, experimenting with new recipes, and perfecting old favorites. Cooking is a true passion of mine, and I take great joy in preparing meals for family and friends. When I’m not in the kitchen, you’ll find me traveling with my family and exploring new places, immersing in different cultures, and broadening my horizons. These hobbies keep me grounded and allow me to savor life to the fullest. I’m married and have two boys—one is a junior in high school, and the other is a freshman in college.

Fun at NHA

At NHA, as a principal, I thrive on creating a positive and supportive school environment where both students and staff feel appreciated and inspired. I actively engage by participating in classroom activities, attending school events, and having casual conversations with students and staff in the hallways. These moments of connection and shared enthusiasm transform my role from just a job into a true passion.

Time at NHA

I started my journey at NHA in 2013, spending 9 fulfilling years as a Spanish teacher. I then served as Assistant Principal for a year before stepping into my current role as Principal.

Area of expertise

My expertise lies in cultivating a positive school culture, empowering teacher growth, and delivering an exceptional educational experience for every student. I am dedicated to optimizing school operations and continue supporting and encouraging a dynamic and engaging learning environment.

Credentials
Hello! My name is Meaghan Torrence, and I am one of the academic administrators and the IEP Specialist at NewHope Academy. I hold a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, specializing in secondary education, along with a Special Education endorsement (LBS1). I am also currently pursuing a master’s degree in educational leadership.

Fun outside of NHA
Outside of work, I spend much of my time enjoying the outdoors as an avid camper, kayaker, and explorer. I am married, have two dogs, and take great pride in being an aunt to my niece and nephews.

Fun at NHA
At NHA, I find great joy in spreading knowledge, especially through inquiry-based learning. Although I no longer teach in the classroom, I now have the incredible opportunity to educate our teachers through interactive professional development events. I also lead department meetings, provide tours to prospective parents and districts, and work closely with both teachers and students to help maintain and improve our exceptional programs.

Time at NHA
I began my journey at NHA in 2010. After spending 14 rewarding years as a math teacher and department chair, I transitioned into my current administrative role.

Area of expertise
My expertise lies in building and enhancing NHA’s math department. I have expanded our class selections, including offering Honors level courses, and created engaging courses like CSI Math, which involves a mock murder and crime scene. I also lead IEP meetings and collaborate with teachers and students to ensure the continued success of our programs.

Credentials
I currently serve as the Education Coordinator at NewHope Academy. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services with minors in Education and Psychology from Beacon College. I also obtained my Teaching Licensure in Early Childhood and Special Education from Bloomfield College and earned a Master of Science in Special Education with LBS II certifications as a behavior intervention specialist and curriculum adaptation specialist. I am currently pursuing my principal certification at the American College of Education.

Fun outside of NHA
Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband and two daughters. I also enjoy baking, reading, and traveling.

Fun at NHA
At NewHope Academy, I find joy in guiding our educational programs and supporting both students and staff. Transitioning from a High School English Teacher and Case Manager to the role of Education Coordinator has allowed me to impact the learning environment in new and meaningful ways.

Time at NHA
I started working at NewHope in August 2020 as a High School English Teacher and Case Manager. In the 2023-2024 school year, I took on the role of Education Coordinator.

Area of expertise
My expertise lies in special education, particularly in behavior intervention and curriculum adaptation. I have worked with students of all ages for over 15 years, and I am dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment at NewHope Academy.

Credentials
I am the Clinical Director at NewHope Academy’s West Campus, holding a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in child and adolescent psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. I am also a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.

Fun outside of NHA
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, engaging in fun activities together. I also have the pleasure of working alongside my dog, Fenway, who brings an extra bit of joy to my day.

Fun at NHA
At NewHope Academy, I find great fulfillment in supporting students with emotional disabilities, helping them thrive both academically and personally. My role allows me to guide our clinical programs and collaborate with our dedicated team to ensure that each student receives the care and guidance they need.

Time at NHA
With over 20 years of experience in various settings, including public schools, therapeutic day schools, and community mental health, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my role at NewHope Academy.

Area of expertise
My specialized expertise lies in treating Anxiety Disorders, Affective Disorders, High Functioning Autism, Borderline Personality Disorder, School Refusal, and Social Skills deficits. My extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families uniquely qualifies me to support our students in their emotional and academic growth.

Dr. Alex Meyer, Psy.D., a highly respected therapist at NewHope Academy and the Director of Training for pre-doctoral practicum students. For the past 14 years, Alex has been an integral part of our school community, providing vital mental health support and guidance to our students. Holding both a master’s degree and a doctorate in clinical psychology, Alex’s dedication to his students, NHA, and now training pre-doctoral practicum students is something we are proud to celebrate!

Alex’s therapeutic approach is both empathetic and tailored to meet the unique needs of each student. His commitment to mental health and well-being is evident in his work with students and in his role as the Director of Training for post-doctorate students, where he mentors and guides the next generation of clinical psychologists.

With a remarkable ability to connect with students, Alex offers a safe space for them to explore their thoughts and emotions. His commitment to helping others is matched by his intellectual curiosity and passion for psychology, making him a cornerstone of the support system at NewHope.

His impact on our school is profound, and his passion for supporting and helping others is a shining example of the difference one person can make.

Credentials
I am the Assistant Clinical Director at NewHope Academy’s West Campus, holding a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I am also a Licensed Clinical Psychologist.

Fun outside of NHA
My main activities outside of NewHope are spending time with my family (my husband, 3 daughters, and Irish Goldendoodle), being outdoors and active, cooking/baking, reading, spending time at the lake, traveling, and watching my children’s sports and activities.

Fun at NHA
At NewHope, I greatly enjoy our students. Adolescents and their experiences hold a special place in my heart! My coworkers also make work enjoyable and fulfilling. We are a great team, working together to support our wonderful students.

Time at NHA
I initially came to NewHope 18 years ago as a practicum student during my doctoral program. I returned to complete my postdoctoral training and have stayed ever since, working as a therapist prior to moving into the Assistant Clinical Director position. It is clearly a great place to work!

Area of expertise
At NewHope, I have gained considerable experience and knowledge in working with children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, social skills deficits, trauma, chronic health conditions, and attentional difficulties. This experience also includes working closely with families to best support the growth and success of our students.