I began Ocean Academy in 2012 as a student who was acting out and didn’t care about anything but myself. The staff at OA cared about me in spite of my behaviors. The first step in my education was to learn how to cope with my anger and what to do to handle it appropriately. When I accomplished that, I noticed I was staying in class longer, paying attention, participating and learning. I was accepted and attend Ocean County Vocational School for culinary arts. I am in control of myself and am creating a career path for when I finish school. This is a huge accomplishment for me since I never saw myself being able to attend a trade program with my peers. I have worked part time jobs in my community and also looked into enlisting in the US Armed Forces. The road to recovery has just started for me. I have begun to learn how to behave and become a model student through the help of my one on one aide, my counselor, and my longtime doctor.

My parents looked at different schools for me to attend when I was 10 years old. My acting out behavior was such that I was unable to remain in class. They chose Ocean Academy. At Ocean Academy I was able to learn in a supportive environment. With the help of my counselor, para, teachers and doctor, I learned to use more appropriate coping skills to deal with my frustration. I was able to stay in class and learn my academics. I attended vocational school for building maintenance and graduated high school in 2016. I am currently working as a ranch hand on my Aunt’s farm. I do a lot of things there, such as, feeding horses, maintaining the farm and getting the horses ready for shows. My Ocean Academy “family” has taught me valuable life lessons and helped to shape the man I am today.

The amazing staff of Ocean Academy has provided my son with a therapeutic environment specific for his unique needs. The professionals at Ocean Academy think outside of the box, thus creating and implementing a variety of strategies as needed. As my son evolves and grows, his program at Ocean Academy accommodates his changing needs. Frequent immersion into authentic community activities has been am integral component of my son's education at Ocean Academy. Ocean Academy has made an absolute life changing impact on my son's well being and overall quality of life.