RUTLAND — Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health of Massachusetts and Rhodes Island (Devereux) says it is pleased with the smooth transition and operation of its new acquisition – the Durham School. Devereux acquired the school in September to serve as a day school for students with autism spectrum disorders and other disabilities. The school is now called the CARES School (Center for Autism Resources and Education Services) to maintain consistency with the Devereux branding nationally.
“Without question our ability to keep the current staff onboard for this year has been a huge catalyst in this successful transition,” said Kerry Ann Goldsmith, Executive Director of Devereux Mass and Rhode Island. “We currently have 13 students enrolled and our meetings with parents and guardians have been productive and insightful. They have told us how pleased they are to have their children continue their educational journey at the CARES School.”
Goldsmith says CARES schools offer students an individualized education coupled with compassionate treatment. As part of the transition to a new approach in education the staff has spent time getting acclimated to the Devereux process. They received extensive training on Devereux policies and will mirror their curriculum with the programs that have made Devereux schools a trusted partner for families. Those programs include the highly effective Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS).
Katherine Flynn, former lead teacher of the Devereux on-campus school in Rutland was promoted to serve as principal while Lisa Lajoie will take on the role of lead teacher and curriculum specialist for the school. The CARES School is located at 270 Airport Road in Fitchburg, Massachusetts.
Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health is a non-profit behavioral health organization that provides special education and treatment for children, adolescents and young adults with emotional, behavioral, intellectual and developmental disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorders and co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders. Opened in Massachusetts in 1965, we are nationally accredited and are part of Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health which employs more than 6,000 staff and operates 15 centers in 13 states, annually providing services to tens of thousands of individuals and their families.