Allynwood Academy

Deaths on record

• (Unknown from Virginia) age 17 | March 4, 2004 | Fell from second story balcony

Lawsuits

• United States v. Paul Geer 2024 | Ruling issued | United States District Court for the Northern District of New York | 3:24-cr-00170

  Outcome: Convicted March 3, 2025 on two counts of coercion and enticement and two counts of transportation, involving two of the three students; the jury could not agree on the two counts involving the third. Sentenced September 4, 2025 to 327 months (27 years and 3 months) in federal prison, three years of supervised release and sex offender registration.

  Paul Geer was a choir teacher at the Family Foundation School in Hancock, New York, from 1991 until it closed in 2014. A federal indictment unsealed in April 2024 charged him with six counts of enticing three students to travel across state lines for sexual activity and taking them to Maine, Pennsylvania and Toronto, in 1994, 2000 and 2001. He was arrested in Hancock, pleaded not guilty in Syracuse and was held in jail. At a two-week jury trial in Albany in February and March 2025, the evidence showed that as a teacher he tortured students: he deprived them of food, forced them to eat regurgitated food, bound children in rugs, left them isolated in empty rooms for hours or days and forced them into physical labor, and that he raped two of the students on the trips. Witnesses included the school's owner, Emmanuel "Mike" Argiros, former students and staff, and an FBI expert on grooming. On March 3, 2025 the jury convicted him on the four counts involving two students and could not agree on the counts involving the third. On September 4, 2025 he was sentenced to 27 years and three months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and must register as a sex offender.

• Court record - Family Foundation School 2008 | Unknown | Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania | 820 C.D. 2007 Names this facility

  Outcome: Affirmed the Court of Common Pleas order regarding the variance and use of the property

  The appellate court reviewed a zoning variance dispute involving Nedco Madison Avenue, LLC and its lease of 501 Madison Avenue to Lackawanna College and Betton House, LLC. The lower court had found that part of the use exceeded the dormitory variance and upheld certain violations. On appeal, the Commonwealth Court affirmed the lower court's decision, confirming that the variance did not cover a transitional living center. The order finalizes the court's ruling on the zoning issue.

Incidents on record

1. March 4, 2004 Death

   A 17-year-old female resident died after falling from an upper floor of the school on March 4, 2004; it was ruled a suicide after a short investigation.source

2. 2008 Legislation

   The school was discussed in 2007 and 2008 US Congress Committee on Education and Labor hearings about using students to discipline other students, including chasing and restraining runaways.source

3. 2010 Investigation

   Allegations of abuse prompted an unannounced 2010 inspection by several New York state agencies, which reported no current instances of abuse or neglect but continued concern about former students' accounts.source

4. 2014 Abuse

   The Family Foundation School Truth Campaign compiled more than 100 alumni testimonials alleging negative experiences and abuse at the school, as reported by WBNG in 2014.source

5. 2014 Injury

   A former student told WBNG in 2014 that he was asked to wake a student with a flood light that damaged the student's eyes; Argiros denied it happened.source

6. 2014 Restraint

   Administrator Rita Argiros told WBNG in 2014 that methods including blanket restraints and forcing students to eat all their food had since been replaced.source

7. 2018 Incident

   A 2018 front-page New York Times article described a pattern of alumni deaths by overdose and suicide; one alumna tallied 101 deaths.source

8. Abuse

   Survivors report psychological abuse, attack therapy, solitary confinement, isolation, physical and sexual abuse, and humiliation at the school.source

9. Restraint

   Alumni reported students were restrained by being wrapped in rugs and duct tape and placed in a janitor's closet.source

News coverage

• N

  The New York Times Sep 2, 2018 Expose

  ‘It’s Like, Who’s Next?’: A Troubled School’s Alarming Death Rate

  Essential reporting

  At least 90 former students of the Family Foundation School in New York have died since it closed in 2014, most of overdoses and suicide. Michael Wilson asked why.

  The Family Foundation School, a boarding academy in rural New York, closed in 2014 after allegations of abuse, including solitary confinement and physical restraint. Since its closure, at least 90 alumni have died, primarily due to drug overdoses and deaths by suicide. The school's history of abuse and neglect has been reported by former students, who have spoken out about their experiences.

• 

  New York Post Oct 31, 2026 Lawsuit

  Paris Hilton supports survivors filing lawsuit against New York boarding school

  Thirty-four former students of the Family Foundation School have filed a federal lawsuit alleging sexual assault, forced labor, and other abusive practices at the boarding school that operated in Hancock, New York until 2014. The suit names the school, its corporate entity Education Plus, and several businesses that provided services as defendants, and is being supported publicly by Paris Hilton.

• 

  New York Post Jun 20, 2026 Lawsuit

  Kids forced to 'dig own graves,' eat vomit at hellish NY boarding school: survivor

  A survivor of the Family Foundation School in New York has filed a lawsuit alleging physical and sexual abuse, including being forced to dig their own grave and eat vomit. The survivor claims that local authorities ignored reports of abuse due to the influence of the school's owners. The school's music teacher, Paul Geer, was previously sentenced to 27 years in prison for sexually abusing students.

• 

  Splash Magazines May 8, 2026 Expose

  The Kids Are Not Alright Review

  The documentary 'The Kids Are Not Alright' explores the experiences of survivors of the troubled teen industry, including wilderness programs and other facilities that promised therapeutic help but instead inflicted physical and emotional abuse. The film follows the stories of several survivors, including Liz Ianelli and Cadilina 'Cady' Deville, as they seek justice and recovery. The documentary also examines the case of Erica Harvey, who died in a wilderness program.

• U

  U.S. Department of Justice Sep 4, 2025 Event

  Former Teacher Sentenced for Coercing, Transporting, and Sexually Abusing Students

  Paul Geer, a former teacher at the Family Foundation Private Boarding School in Hancock, New York, was sentenced to 27 years and 3 months in federal prison for coercing, transporting, and sexually abusing two students. The court found that Geer imposed disciplinary sanctions that amounted to torture and used his position to coerce the students to travel to Maine and Toronto, where he sexually abused them. He will serve the sentence and be required to register as a sex offender.

• 

  WBNG Mar 5, 2025 Arrest

  Family Foundation School Alumni Speak Out Following Federal Arrest of Former Staff Member

  Alumni of the Family Foundation School in Hancock, New York, shared their experiences following the federal arrest of former choir teacher and family leader Paul Geer. Geer was arrested on federal counts of coercion, enticement, and transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity regarding incidents occurring in 1994, 2000, and 2001.

• U

  U.S. Department of Justice Mar 3, 2025 Arrest

  Former Delaware County Teacher Convicted After Trial of Coercing, Transporting, and Sexually Abusing Students

  A federal jury convicted Paul Geer, a former teacher at the Family Foundation School in Hancock, New York, on multiple counts of coercing, enticing, and transporting students across state lines for the purpose of sexual abuse. Trial evidence demonstrated that Geer utilized severe disciplinary sanctions, including isolation, food deprivation, and forced labor, to enforce compliance and facilitate the offenses.

• U

  U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of New York Apr 4, 2024 Arrest

  Former Delaware County Teacher Indicted for Coercing, Transporting, and Sexually Abusing Students

  A former teacher at the Family Foundation School private boarding school in Hancock, New York, was indicted on federal charges of coercing and transporting students across state lines to engage in unlawful sexual activity. The indictment alleges the staff member utilized severe disciplinary sanctions to exert control over students and committed sexual abuse during these trips.

• N

  New York Times Oct 19, 2023 General

  The Troubled-Teen Industry Offers Trauma, Not Therapy

• 

  Secret Prisons for Teens Mar 14, 2016 Expose

  Investigation into death at Elan School in Maine

  An investigative blog post examines the historical operations and lack of regulatory oversight at the closed Elan School in Maine. The article discusses allegations of systemic violence, fraudulent therapeutic practices, and the 1982 death of a resident, Philip Williams Jr., within the facility's peer-to-peer restraint and conflict structures.

• S

  Struggling Teens Mar 5, 2004 Event

  Death of Student at Family Foundation School

  On March 4, 2004, a 17-year-old male student at the Family Foundation School in Hancock, New York, jumped from a second‑story balcony and was pronounced dead upon arrival at a hospital. The student had disclosed suicidal thoughts earlier that day and had spoken with a clinical social worker, after which school administration continued to monitor him. State police and local investigators responded, and counseling resources were provided to staff and students.

Staff

Administration

• Emmanuel A. Argiros

  Former President (2007-2009)source

• Mike Argiros

  Former Executive Director (2011)source

• Betty Argiros

  Former Founder (2006-2009)source

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • East Ridge Recovery Center member

• Ann Janauer

  Former Vice President, Human Resources, High school principal, Curriculum Coordinator (2008-2011)source

• Tony Argiros

  Former Founder (2006-2009)source

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • East Ridge Recovery Center Former Member

• Richard Reeve

  Former Scholarship fund development, Executive Director, Director (2007-2008)source

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Allynwood Academy CHAT presenter, 2013

• Jeff Brain

  Former Admissions Director, VP for External Relations & Acting Director of Admissions, VP for External Relations and Acting Director of Admissions, Vice President for External Relations, Counselor, Vice President for External Relations and Director of Admissions, Director of External Relations & Dean of Admissions, Dean of Admissions/Director of External Relations, Dean of Admissions (2007-2013)source

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Betton House Admissions Director, Director of Counseling, 2007-2008

• Sidney F. Parham

  Former NATSAP Board Member, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Drama Department Head (2006-2011)source

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Natsap Chairman, Education Committee, 2007

• Jason Garnar

  Former Chairman of the History Department and Middle States Internal Coordinator; Director of College Counseling, Admissions Counselor, History Department Chairman, Director of the FFS Bridge Program (2009-2013)source

• Rita Argiros

  Former Vice President for Administrative Affairs, Dog Corps Coordinator (2008-2011)source

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Allynwood Academy CHAT presenter, 2013

• Jan Cheripko

  Former Middle School Principal and English Teacher, English teacher (2007-2013)source

• Robin Ducey

  Former Principal, Chair of the Fine Arts Department (2007-2012)source

Notable staff

• Thomas Walker

  Former Therapeutic Counselor (2013)source

• Tom Kovalesky

  Former Choreographer (2012)source

• Marcia Ertola

  Former Counseling department (2007)source

• Iris Maclean

  Former Admissions Counselor, Admissions, Assistant Dean of Admissions & Director of Referral Relations (2007-2012)source

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Sober College Director of Admissions, 2011
  • Newport Healthcare Clinical Outreach Director
  • Family First Adolescent Services Family Ambassador
  • Adeona Healthcare Regional Outreach Manager East Coast Division, 2016

• Rochelle L. Rhyno

  Former Staff (2012)source

• Gerald Janauer

  Former Academic Dean, Curriculum Coordinator (2011-2012)source

• Bruce Hutchison

  Former Forensics Coach, Scoutmaster (2007-2009)source

• Ed Leung

  Former Biology Teacher (2011)source

• Scott Cole

  Former Scoutmaster, Boy Scout Troop 174 (2011)source

• Father Ralph Groskoph

  Former Episcopalian Chaplain (2010)source

• Ann Kozak

  Former Marketing Specialist, Yearbook Adviser (2006-2009)source

• Bill Musgrove

  Former Athletic Director (2007)source

• Glenn Singer

  Former Assistant Dean of Admissions (2012)source

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Grand River Academy Director of Admissions, 2013

• Michael K. Ducey

  Former Family Leader (2010)source

• Paul Geer

  Former Choir teacher (1991-2014); Choir Director, Family Singers Director, Musical Director (2009-2012)source

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Allynwood Academy Music Director, 2013

• Christopher Stein

  Former Journalism Department (2008)source

• Curtis Newsome

  Former Counseling staff (2012)source

• Darlene Karcher

  Former Admissions Assistant / Enrollment Coordinator (2011)source

• James (Willy) Williamson

  Former Athletic Department Director (2009)source

• Meryl Manley

  Former Psychiatrist (2009)source

• James Kavarnos

  Former Math Teacher (2009)source

• Caren Samuels

  Former Counselor for Families and Children at Risk (2006)source

• Charles A. Moss

  Former School Psychologist (2007)source

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Sullivan County Community College Staff, before 2007

• Mary Burkart

  Former Counselor (2010)source

• Geoff Westby

  Former Weight Training Instructor (2007)source

• Willy Williamson

  Former Athletic Director (2010)source

• Shannon Quinby

  Former Enrollment Development & Referral Relations (2013)source

• Marian Curtis

  Former Admissions Outreach (2011)source

• Greg Milunich

  Former Special Education Teacher (2010)source

• Jill Harmon

  Former Individual and Family Therapist (2006)source

• Katherine Moroney

  Former Substance Abuse Counselor (2006)source

• Susan Runge

  Former Chair, Counseling Department (2006)source

• Natalya Kuchukov

  Former Russian Language Teacher (2009)source

• Bob Runge

  Former Student Advisor, Human Relations Director (1990-2008)source

• Ellen Singer

  Former Director of Jewish Studies (2007)source

• Rabbi Michele Medwin

  Former Director of Jewish Studies (2009)source

• Robin Morgan-North

  Former Director of Health Services (2009)source

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Sullivan County (NY) Public Health Department Case Manager, before 2009

• Mark P. Vogel

  Former Consulting Psychologist, Director of Counseling Services, Director of Counseling (2007-2013)source

• Michele Medwin

  Former Spiritual Advisor to Jewish Students (2007-2008)source

• Carlton Williams

  Former Athletic Director (2013)source

• Ann Lewis

  Former Therapeutic Counselor (2013)source

• Cindy Ray Argiros

  Former Journalism Teacher (2013)source

• Aleta Kahn

  Former Staffsource

• Alex Carroll

  Former Staffsource

• Alice Buckley

  Former Chefsource

• Angelo Battisti

  Former Staffsource

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Right Way Academy Director of Admissions

• Anita Mawma

  Former Staffsource

• Anthony Moore

  Former Dean of Students (former)source

• Argiros children

  Former Leadership (2000, r/troubledteens wiki)source

• Arthur Ramirez

  Former Counselorsource

• Audra Runge Towsley

  Former Counselorsource

• Bernadette Musgrove

  Former Daycaresource

• Betty Rosengrant

  Former Staffsource

• Bob Eleazer

  Former Teachersource

• Bobbi Jo Kelsey

  Former Teachersource

• Brad Kern

  Former Maintenancesource

• Brian McNeese

  Former Student Advisorsource

• Caren Jacques

  Former Counselorsource

• Cathy Berger

  Former Counselorsource

• Chris Nicodemo

  Former Student Advisorsource

• Chris Ranaudo

  Former Biology Teachersource

• Christine Geer

  Former Staffsource

• Christine Speicher

  Former Life Skills Teachersource

• Cindy Patrisso

  Former Student Advisorsource

• Colleen MacFarland

  Former Staffsource

• Cord Meyer

  Former Staffsource

• Dan Wilson

  Former Student Advisorsource

• Dave Ginsberg

  Former Student Advisorsource

• Dave Schoonmaker

  Former Student Advisorsource

• Debbie Kazmark

  Former Student Advisorsource

• Diane Geer

  Former Student Advisorsource

• Donna Broce

  Former Staffsource

• Ed Anderson

  Former Maintenancesource

• Ed Becker

  Former Sponsorsource

• Elaine Alfonsetti

  Former Teachersource

• Evelyn Colon

  Former Student Advisorsource

• Frank Bannan

  Former Student Advisorsource

• Gladys Fortuna-Blake

  Former Spiritual Advisorsource

• Heather Hoell

  Former Teachersource

• Herb Goldman

  Former Teachersource

• Ivan Fras

  Former Counselor (former)source

• Jackie Petriella

  Former Family Leadersource

• Jan Becker

  Former Coordinator of Health Servicessource

• Janet Gill

  Former Global Teachersource

• Jennifer Holton

  Former Laundry Roomsource

• Jill Caswell

  Former Student Advisorsource

• Jodi Jacobs

  Former Teachersource

• Joe Petriella

  Former Student Advisorsource

• John Broce

  Former Woodworking Teachersource

• John McGeehan

  Former Clinical Outreachsource

• John Wray

  Former Staffsource

• Jonathan Sunshine

  Former Staffsource

• Josh Darder

  Former Maintenancesource

• Joyce Ginsberg

  Former Staffsource

• Kara Wormuth

  Former Staffsource

• Karen Harris

  Former Staffsource

• Katherine Shaw

  Former Student Advisorsource

• Katherine Young

  Former Health Servicessource

• Katy Nusser

  Former Student Advisorsource

• Larry Patrisso

  Former Student Advisorsource

• Laura Gallagher

  Former Counselor (former)source

• Leta Schoonmaker

  Former Staffsource

• Lillian Becker

  Former Staff membersource

• Linda Anderson

  Former Student Advisorsource

• Lou Alfonsetti

  Former Jazz Teachersource

• Marcy Anne Startup

  Former Student Advisorsource

• Mary Jo Law

  Former Librariansource

• Mary Musgrove

  Former Teachersource

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Right Way Academy Director of Admissions

• Mary Paul Hanstine

  Former Global Teachersource

• Matt Dingle

  Former Student Advisorsource

• Meghan Clark

  Former Student Advisorsource

• Michael A. Losicco

  Former Counselorsource

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Betton House Director-in-Residence, Director

• Michael Terry McCarthy

  Former Counselorsource

• Michelle Alfonsetti

  Former Admin. Asst.source

• Michelle Roser

  Former Admin. Asst.source

• Mike Larson

  Former Teachersource

• Monica Gutierez

  Former Spanish Teacher (2002-?)source

• Myron VanDemark

  Former Staffsource

• Nanci E. Newcomb

  Former Couselor, Family Leadersource

• Nate Zar

  Former Staffsource

• Pamela Allen

  Former Counselorsource

• Pat Brown

  Former Spanish Teachersource

• Pat McClosky

  Former Science Teacher (former)source

• Pat Newcomb

  Former Student Advisorsource

• Peggy McCarthy

  Former Staffsource

• Rachel Figary

  Former Staffsource

• Randy Whitney

  Former Maintenancesource

• Rebecca Welsh

  Former Admin. Asst. (fired)source

• Regina O'Bayle

  Former Asst. Billing Mgr.source

• Renee Gotthardt

  Former Counselor, Math Teachersource

• Richard Geer

  Former Maintenancesource

• Robert Barry

  Former Counselorsource

• Roxanne Losicco

  Former Family Leader (former)source

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Betton House Director-in-Residence

• Sharon Dickson

  Former Student Advisorsource

• Stephen Morris

  Former Dean of Studentssource

• Susan Ducey

  Former Staffsource

• Ted Towsley

  Former Student Advisor, Admissionssource

• Tex Shumate

  Former Counselorsource

• Tim Ellis

  Former Student Advisor (former)source

• Tim Rodgers

  Former Teachersource

• Tom Musgrove

  Former Operations Manager (former)source

• Tom O'Boyle

  Former Staffsource

• Tom Wood

  Former Student Advisorsource

• Valerie Packer

  Former English Teachersource

Staff

Notable staff

• Samantha Cole

  Former Therapeutic team member (2014)source

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Academy at Swift River Staff (unspecified), before 2014
  • Bromley Brook School Former Counselor

• Jada England

  Former Enrollment Development professional (2014)source

• Rita Argiros

  Former CHAT presenter (2013)source

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Family Foundation School Vice President for Administrative Affairs, Dog Corps Coordinator, 2008-2011

• Richard Reeve

  Former CHAT presenter (2013)source

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Family Foundation School Scholarship fund development, Executive Director, Director, 2007-2008

• Danielle LeMoine

  Former Therapeutic team member (2013)source

• Paul Geer

  Former Music Director (2013)source

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Family Foundation School Choir Director, Family Singers Director, Choral Director, Musical Director, Music director, 2009-2012

• Jeff Johnson

  Former Enrollment Development & Referral Relations (2014)source

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Mount Bachelor Academy Admissions Director, 2000
  • Aspen Education Group Director of Special Projects/Wilderness Division, Director of Marketing and Admissions, 2000
  • Auldern Academy Interim Admissions Director, Admissions Director, 2007
  • Onpoint Consultants, LLC Founder, Owner, 2007-2008
  • Association of Mediation and Transport Services (AMATS) Executive Director, 2007-2008
  • AMATS (Association of Mediation and Transport Services) Executive Director, 2007
  • SunHawk Academy Director of Admissions, Admissions Director, 2008-2021
  • Association of Mediation and Transportation Services Executive Director, before 2008
  • Trails Carolina Admissions Director, Director of Admissions, 2012
  • SUWS Idaho Admissions Director, before 2012
  • Reflections for Youth Executive Director, 2020
  • Skyline Journey Admissions Director
  • Wilderness Quest Admissions Director
  • Ascent Wilderness Therapy Admissions Director
  • Adirondack Leadership Expeditions Admissions Director
  • Three Rivers Montana Admissions Director
  • Lone Star Expeditions Admissions Director
  • SUWS of the Carolinas Admissions Director
  • Boulder Creek Academy Admissions Director