When a family searches for a recovery high school, they are often navigating a crisis. Finding the right environment for a struggling teen is incredibly important. You need a place that offers expert academics. Furthermore, you need compassionate, dedicated support for recovery. At Emerald School of Excellence, our success rests entirely on the individuals who show up every single day. They are the backbone of our mission. These professionals provide both accountability and care. They set the tone for the entire community.
Balancing Care and Accountability
The philosophy at Emerald is built on dual foundations. We value both lived experience and professional expertise. This intentional mix makes our community uniquely effective. Every staff member is here for a specific purpose. Some bring advanced degrees and decades of classroom instruction. Others bring the power of personal recovery. They understand the daily struggles firsthand. This combination ensures our students are supported intellectually and emotionally. They receive rigorous academic instruction and guidance from people who truly understand their journey. This creates a deeply supportive culture. Our team is dedicated to providing robust accountability. However, this is always balanced with deep, unwavering care. This balance is critical for long-term recovery and academic success.
The Extra Mile
Our commitment goes far beyond the school bell. Our staff consistently go above and beyond the expected. They meet the unique, often complex, needs of our students. This is a core part of the Emerald commitment.
Recovery Support Staff are available to support parents and students around the clock. This active involvement builds essential trust and ensures support during major transitions. Teachers stay after school routinely to work one-on-one with a student on a tough subject. This commitment ensures academic excellence.
Ultimately, this willingness to go the extra mile defines our community culture. Our team views this investment as a privilege, not a requirement. Our students know they are valued as individuals first.
Academic Excellence: Guiding Futures
Our dedicated Academic Team bring outstanding professional credentials and experience to the classroom. Consequently, they ensure that every student receives a world-class education.
Rachael Wilson Team Lead & Science Teacher
Rachael brings over thirty-five years of Science teaching experience. She is a past winner of the Time Warner Cable Star Teacher of the Year.
Dylan Sprinkle History Teacher
Dylan has seven years of experience as a History teacher. He makes history come alive for our students.
Allen Messer Math Teacher
Allen serves as our dedicated Math Teacher. He brings almost thirty years of experience as a Math teacher. He is a two-time winner of the Teacher of the Year award.
Sivonne Stone English & ACT Prep Teacher
Sivonne has over ten years of experience as an ACT prep tutor. She also has over twenty-five years of experience as an English teacher.
Meghan Nance Art Teacher
Meghan has over twenty-five years of experience as an Arts educator. She provides crucial creative outlets for expression and healing.
Jesse O'Sheal Music Teacher
Jesse is a talented musician and music teacher. He teaches multiple instruments, including piano, guitar, bass, and drums.
Recovery Support: Lived Experience Leadership
The heart of the Emerald difference lies within the Recovery Team. They provide the day-to-day emotional and peer support that is absolutely essential for healing.
Mac Harrison Recovery Support Specialist
Mac is a proud graduate of the Emerald School of Excellence. He is a certified Peer Support Specialist and has three years of experience working in the substance use disorder treatment field. Mac is also working towards his CADC.
Cooper Miller Recovery Support Specialist
Cooper serves as another dedicated Recovery Support Specialist. He is also a successful Emerald School of Excellence graduate and a certified Peer Support Specialist.
Christina Ravesi Recovery Support Specialist
Christina has her Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling and over five years of experience working in a school setting. Currently, she serves as a dedicated Recovery Support Specialist at Emerald.
Administration: Setting the Vision
The entire operation is supported by a dedicated Administrative Team. They ensure stability and mission focus. This team provides the vital blend of educational and clinical understanding necessary for success. Their professional skills paired with their own lived experience provide a stable, secure foundation for the Emerald School of Excellence.
Mary Ferreri Principal & Founder
Mary brings over fifteen years of teaching experience in both public and private school settings. She has worked at Emerald as an administrator for five years.
Gabby Wohlford Assistant Principal
Gabby has five years of experience working as an administrator at Emerald High School. She also has two years of experience working in the substance use disorder treatment field.
Your Next Step: Getting to Know Us
Choosing a recovery high school is a monumental decision. It requires trust. The team at Emerald School of Excellence is our greatest asset. Each member is committed to the unique mission of the school. They combine professional experience with genuine care. They provide academic challenge alongside compassionate recovery support. If you are searching for a safe, structured, and challenging environment for your teen, we encourage you to meet our team in person. We are ready to help your teen achieve lasting recovery and academic success. We are ready to answer your questions.
Our 3-Step Enrollment Process
Take the first step and see how Emerald School of Excellence can provide your struggling teen with the support they need to thrive academically. Our experienced team is here to guide you and your teen every step of the way.