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 | 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 Unknown Names this facility

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. Reported December 2025 Abuse

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

9. Reported December 2025 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 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.

• 

  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.

• R

  royalgazette.com Nov 18, 2019 General

  Girl, 16, dies in US treatment facility (2019-11-18)

• N

  nytimes.com Sep 4, 2018 General

  When Seeking Answers Causes Unintended Pain (2018-09-04)

• 

  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.

• C

  cafety.org Dec 28, 2010 General

  Protection and Advocacy Group Investigates the Family Foundation School in Hancock, NY (2010-12-28)

• G

  gainesville.com Oct 23, 2009 General

  Tales of abduction, lost freedom at teen rights rally (2009-10-23)

• T

  thedailystar.com Oct 22, 2009 General

  Letter alleges abuse at Hancock school (2009-10-22)

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 (2025)

• 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
  • Adeona Healthcare Former Regional Outreach Manager East Coast Division (2016)
  • Family First Adolescent Services Family Ambassador (2025)

• 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

• Sid Parham

  Former VP of Academics (2011)source

• Bill Musgrove

  Former Athletic Director (2007)source

• Tom Kovaleski

  Former Show Choir Director, Choreographer, Director and Choreographer (2009-2011)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

• Jeffrey Brain

  Former VP for External Relations (2007)source

• Natalya Kuchukov

  Former Russian Language Teacher (2009)source

• Chris Stein

  Former Journalism Teacher (2006)source

• Mike Ducey

  Former VP of Development (2007)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

• Tony and Betty Argiros

  source

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • East Ridge Recovery Center Former Member (2025)

• Aleta Kahn

  Former Staff (2021, HEAL)source

• Alex Carroll

  Former Staff (2021, HEAL)source

• Alice Buckley

  Former Chef (2021, HEAL)source

• Angelo Battisti

  Former Staff (2021, HEAL)source

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Right Way Academy Director of Admissions, 2007

• Anita Mawma

  Former Staff (2021, HEAL)source

• Anthony Moore

  Former Dean of Students (former) (2021, HEAL)source

• Argiros children

  Former Leadership (2000, r/troubledteens wiki)source

• Arthur Ramirez

  Former Counselor (2021, HEAL)source

• Audra Runge Towsley

  Former Counselor (2021, HEAL)source

• Audra Runge

  Former Student Advisor (2021, HEAL)source

• Bernadette Musgrove

  Former Daycare (2021, HEAL)source

• Betty Rosengrant

  Former Staff (2021, HEAL)source

• Bob Eleazer

  Former Teacher (2021, HEAL)source

• Bobbi Jo Kelsey

  Former Teacher (2021, HEAL)source

• Brad Kern

  Former Maintenance (2021, HEAL)source

• Brian McNeese

  Former Student Advisor (2021, HEAL)source

• Caren Jacques

  Former Counselor (2021, HEAL)source

• Cathy Berger

  Former Counselor (2021, HEAL)source

• Chris Nicodemo

  Former Student Advisor (2021, HEAL)source

• Chris Ranaudo

  Former Biology Teacher (2021, HEAL)source

• Christine Geer

  Former Staff (2021, HEAL)source

• Christine Speicher

  Former Life Skills Teacher (2021, HEAL)source

• Cindy Patrisso

  Former Student Advisor (2021, HEAL)source

• Colleen MacFarland

  Former Staff (2021, HEAL)source

• Cord Meyer

  Former Staff (2021, HEAL)source

• Dan Wilson

  Former Student Advisor (2021, HEAL)source

• Dave Ginsberg

  Former Student Advisor (2021, HEAL)source

• Dave Schoonmaker

  Former Student Advisor (2021, HEAL)source

• Debbie Kazmark

  Former Student Advisor (2021, HEAL)source

• Diane Geer

  Former Student Advisor (2021, HEAL)source

• Donna Broce

  Former Staff (2021, HEAL)source

• Ed Anderson

  Former Maintenance (2021, HEAL)source

• Ed Becker

  Former Sponsor (2021, HEAL)source

• Elaine Alfonsetti

  Former Teacher (2021, HEAL)source

• Evelyn Colon

  Former Student Advisor (2021, HEAL)source

• Frank Bannan

  Former Student Advisor (2021, HEAL)source

• Gladys Fortuna-Blake

  Former Spiritual Advisor (2021, HEAL)source

• Heather Hoell

  Former Teacher (2021, HEAL)source

• Herb Goldman

  Former Teacher (2021, HEAL)source

• Ivan Fras

  Former Counselor (former) (2021, HEAL)source

• Jackie Petriella

  Former Family Leader (2021, HEAL)source

• Jan Becker

  Former Coordinator of Health Services (2021, HEAL)source

• Janet Gill

  Former Global Teacher (2021, HEAL)source

• Jennifer Holton

  Former Laundry Room (2021, HEAL)source

• Jill Caswell

  Former Student Advisor (2021, HEAL)source

• Jim Kavarnos

  Former Science Teacher (2021, HEAL)source

• Jodi Jacobs

  Former Teacher (2021, HEAL)source

• Joe Petriella

  Former Student Advisor (2021, HEAL)source

• John Broce

  Former Woodworking Teacher (2021, HEAL)source

• John McGeehan

  Former Clinical Outreach (2021, HEAL)source

• John Wray

  Former Staff (2021, HEAL)source

• Jonathan Sunshine

  Former Staff (2021, HEAL)source

• Josh Darder

  Former Maintenance (2021, HEAL)source

• Joyce Ginsberg

  Former Staff (2021, HEAL)source

• Kara Wormuth

  Former Staff (2021, HEAL)source

• Karen Harris

  Former Staff (2021, HEAL)source

• Katherine Shaw

  Former Student Advisor (2021, HEAL)source

• Katherine Young

  Former Health Services (2021, HEAL)source

• Katy Nusser

  Former Student Advisor (2021, HEAL)source

• Larry Patrisso

  Former Student Advisor (2021, HEAL)source

• Laura Gallagher

  Former Counselor (former) (2021, HEAL)source

• Leta Schoonmaker

  Former Staff (2021, HEAL)source

• Lillian Becker

  Former Staff member (2025, r/troubledteens wiki)source

• Linda Anderson

  Former Student Advisor (2021, HEAL)source

• Lou Alfonsetti

  Former Jazz Teacher (2021, HEAL)source

• Marcy Anne Startup

  Former Student Advisor (2021, HEAL)source

• Mary Jo Law

  Former Librarian (2021, HEAL)source

• Mary Musgrove

  Former Teacher (2021, HEAL)source

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Right Way Academy Director of Admissions, 2006

• Mary Paul Hanstine

  Former Global Teacher (2021, HEAL)source

• Matt Dingle

  Former Student Advisor (2021, HEAL)source

• Meghan Clark

  Former Student Advisor (2021, HEAL)source

• Michael A. Losicco

  Former Counselor (2021, HEAL)source

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Betton House Director-in-Residence, Director, 2006-2008

• Michael Terry McCarthy

  Former Counselor (2021, HEAL)source

• Michelle Alfonsetti

  Former Admin. Asst. (2021, HEAL)source

• Michelle Roser

  Former Admin. Asst. (2021, HEAL)source

• Mike Larson

  Former Teacher (2021, HEAL)source

• Monica Gutierez

  Former Spanish Teacher (2002-?) (2002, HEAL)source

• Myrl Manley

  Former Psychiatrist (2021, HEAL)source

• Myron VanDemark

  Former Staff (2010, HEAL)source

• Nanci E. Newcomb

  Former Couselor, Family Leader (2021, HEAL)source

• Nate Zar

  Former Staff (2021, HEAL)source

• Pamela Allen

  Former Counselor (2021, HEAL)source

• Pat Brown

  Former Spanish Teacher (2021, HEAL)source

• Pat McClosky

  Former Science Teacher (former) (2021, HEAL)source

• Pat Newcomb

  Former Student Advisor (2008, HEAL)source

• Peggy McCarthy

  Former Staff (2021, HEAL)source

• Rachel Figary

  Former Staff (2021, HEAL)source

• Randy Whitney

  Former Maintenance (2021, HEAL)source

• Rebecca Welsh

  Former Admin. Asst. (fired) (2021, HEAL)source

• Regina O'Bayle

  Former Asst. Billing Mgr. (2021, HEAL)source

• Renee Gotthardt

  Former Counselor, Math Teacher (2021, HEAL)source

• Richard Geer

  Former Maintenance (2021, HEAL)source

• Robert Barry

  Former Counselor (2021, HEAL)source

• Robert J. Runge

  Former Director of Admissions (2021, HEAL)source

• Roxanne Losicco

  Former Family Leader (former) (2021, HEAL)source

  Elsewhere in the industry

  • Betton House Director-in-Residence, 2006-2008

• Sharon Dickson

  Former Student Advisor (2021, HEAL)source

• Stephen Morris

  Former Dean of Students (2021, HEAL)source

• Susan Ducey

  Former Staff (2021, HEAL)source

• Ted Towsley

  Former Student Advisor, Admissions (2010-2025, HEAL)source

• Tex Shumate

  Former Counselor (2008, HEAL)source

• Tim Ellis

  Former Student Advisor (former) (2021, HEAL)source

• Tim Rodgers

  Former Teacher (2021, HEAL)source

• Tom Musgrove

  Former Operations Manager (former) (2021, HEAL)source

• Tom O'Boyle

  Former Staff (2021, HEAL)source

• Tom Wood

  Former Student Advisor (2021, HEAL)source

• Valerie Packer

  Former English Teacher (2021, HEAL)source

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 (2019)

• 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

  • Auldern Academy Interim 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, 2008-2009
  • Aspen Education Group Director of Marketing and Admissions, before 2008
  • Association of Mediation and Transportation Services Executive Director, before 2008
  • Trails Carolina Admissions Director, 2012
  • Boulder Creek Academy Former Admissions Director (2025)
  • SUWS Idaho Former Admissions Director (2025)
  • Skyline Journey Former Admissions Director (2025)
  • Wilderness Quest Former Admissions Director (2025)
  • Lone Star Expeditions Former Admissions Director (2025)
  • SUWS of the Carolinas Former Admissions Director (2025)
  • Adirondack Leadership Expeditions Former Admissions Director (2025)
  • Mount Bachelor Academy Former Admissions Director (2000)
  • Reflections for Youth Former Executive Director (2020)
  • Three Rivers Montana Former Admissions Director (2025)
  • Ascent Wilderness Therapy