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GAIN THE CONFIDENCE TO EMBRACE LIFE
Welcome to Spark Homestead, a haven nestled in the serene countryside, dedicated to nurturing the resilience of neurodiverse high school aged girls. Our intimate home atmosphere fosters a sense of security and stability, with minimal external stimuli and smooth transitions.. Here, neurodiverse girls receive the unwavering care and support needed to embark on their journey towards emotional and behavioral regulation.
BUILDING RESILIENCE THROUGH MEANINGFUL RESPONSIBILITY
SERENE SETTING
Spark Homestead is an 8-acre sanctuary in a serene and tranquil community, where girls embark on an enriching journey to nurture self regulation and resilience. The expansive farm-like grounds offer a peaceful environment with minimal transitions, few distractions, and ample space to wander while seeking self-regulation and self-discovery. Our commitment to a simpler way of life allows students to prioritize their healing and personal growth, focusing on what truly matters.
QUALITY CAREGIVING
Fostering a strong relationship attachment is the foundational cornerstone for nurturing self-regulation in both the mind and body. This is particularly crucial for overwhelmed students, as they often learn best through the process of observation and co-regulation. At Spark Homestead, our dedicated Caregivers exemplify the principles of safety and co-regulation, moment by moment, day by day
To instill lasting habit changes and facilitate the rewiring of neural pathways, it is imperative that consistent and repeated interactions occur over time. This is precisely why, at Spark Homestead, we maintain a low Coach-to-Student ratio of 1:3. This ensures that each student benefits from individualized care, immediate support, and continuous coaching in real-time, fostering their growth and developmen
NATURAL SUPPORTS
At Homestead, girls have the beauty of nature within arm's reach, finding solace in the serene presence of animals, open fields, towering trees, and expansive skies. Their daily routine includes engaging in agricultural chores, where they witness the immediate cause-and-effect of their actions and discover the profound meaning behind their contributions.
This close-knit environment instills a sense of family-like cooperation among peers, with a shared goal of fostering a harmonious living space. Through this immersive experience, girls learn the art of collaboration, both with their fellow students and their coaches, thereby nurturing meaningful connections within their home community. As they acquire and apply these valuable skills, they not only fortify their personal resilience but also gain the knowledge to seamlessly integrate these abilities into their daily lives.
FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS
The feeling of being overwhelmed, which often accompanies life with a neurodivergent brain in a world not designed for it, can be likened to a type of complex trauma. With the vigilant support of our dedicated caregivers, the girls at Homestead embark on a journey to master the art of regulating their fight-or-flight responses. They also cultivate essential skills that empower them to navigate life's expectations with newfound confidence. The skills imparted for self-regulation and resilience serve as the bedrock for success in identity development and the gradual enhancement of competency for real-life situations.
Our approach is guided by the principles outlined in "Treating Traumatic Stress in Children and Adolescents: How to Foster Resilience through Attachment, Self-Regulation, and Competency" by Blaustein, M. E., & Kinniburgh, K. M. (2010).
ENGAGING ACADEMICS
At Spark Homestead, we proudly offer a dynamic, hands-on project-based learning model within supportive clinical classrooms. Guided by two highly experienced educators with extensive backgrounds in working with neurodiverse students, our learning environment ignites students' enthusiasm and engagement in real-life learning experiences.
Our low-stimulus school environment provides ample wiggle room and sensory support, facilitating skill-based learning. This approach extends beyond the core academic curriculum, as students actively engage in the practical application of social and executive functioning skills. This methodology empowers them not only to acquire knowledge but also to apply it effectively. Rather than rote memorization for tests, our students focus on the practical application of their knowledge, resulting in enhanced retention and increased competency
EQUINE THERAPY
Homestead's expansive 8-acre property features a dedicated barn, stables, and an indoor riding arena, providing year-round opportunities for meaningful engagement with these magnificent animals. Available daily and even offered as an academic credit, our horse-related activities, including horsemanship and horseback riding, amplify therapeutic progress.
Working with horses harnesses the power of symbolic and parallel learning, fostering the development of self-confidence, improving communication skills, and offering valuable insights into personal behavioral patterns. This enables our girls to make positive adjustments in their lives. The experience of working with these remarkable creatures also serves as an exceptional starting point for learning how to cultivate healthy relationships, providing a practical platform for practicing and honing new skills.
HOMESTEAD GALLERY
GALLERY
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