A frantic parent picks up the phone to call the toll free number she’s had written in her daybook for weeks. She dials, hangs up, and then takes a deep breath as she tentatively dials again.
“I’m at my wit’s end,” she tells the kindly voice at the other end of the phone. “My teen is out-of-control and just won’t listen to anyone. I don’t know what to do.”
Gradually the all-too-familiar story unfolds about a teen in trouble and a family in despair. “Please tell me more about your program,” the woman says. “Tell me it’s not too late. I’ve very worried about my daughter’s safety and about her future.”
Venture Academy’s Susan K is that reassuring presence at the end of what is often a lifeline for parents at the breaking point. She listens intently while asking questions intended to uncover the real issues and concerns.
“As the Director of Admissions I provide reassurance and offer an empathetic ear to parents at their ‘wit’s end’ – a phrase that many parents use to describe how they’re feeling,” she says.
“I lend perspective and help parents determine if the behaviour their teen is exhibiting is normal or problematic – which is what a lot of parents need help figuring out,” Susan says. “Parents phone saying ‘I just don’t know what to do anymore. Our teen’s behaviour is ruling our house and tearing our family apart.’”
Susan says teens who choose Venture Academy’s treatment programs can be highly intelligent youth who have untapped potential. She says most have become peer entrenched or have adopted a lifestyle that is often times destructive.
“It’s normal for teens who have gotten into trouble to be remorseful. What’s troublesome is when a teen’s behaviour becomes destructive and they stop caring or wanting to change. When parents see destructive behaviour escalating or their child becoming out-of-control then it’s time to be proactive and seek professional help,” she says.
Susan’s experience with youth has been a life-long passion. She has a wealth of professional and personal experience dealing with troubled teens including years spent working with youth in the classroom setting, as a mentor and coach, and in a private school setting. She is a certified body mind nutritionist, a master graduate with Rapport Leadership International, and is completing her International Coaching Federation certification.
Susan is passionate about positively impacting youth and has dedicated her professional development to helping youth realize their greatness. “I absolutely love what I do and what I love most is the positive energy generated when the entire team is working together to help families reconnect.”
