Facility profile Oregon
New Leaf Academy of Oregon
New Leaf Academy of Oregon was a therapeutic boarding school in Bend, Oregon, operated by Aspen Education Group. It operated from 1997 to 2011.
About New Leaf Academy of Oregon
It was sold back to the original owners by Aspen.source It was founded by Craig and Christy Christiansen.source
It cost $9,400 per month, $114,000 per year.source
It awarded three-year CARF Accreditation.source It was a member of NATSAP since 1999.source
Survivor testimony
What people who lived or worked here say happened. Survivors' own words are published with their permission; forum accounts are what was posted publicly and are reported as claims, not findings.
Reported on survivor forums
Timeline
From the records: who ran it and the deals that moved it, its names, and the deaths, incidents, inspection findings, lawsuits and news stories on file. Point at an event, or tap "More about this", for the details.
1997
Opened in Bend, Oregon
2011
Closed
Aspen Education Group: Closed five programs and consolidated three more
Aspen Education Group: Closed five programs and consolidated three more March 24, 2011
Aspen announced it would close Bromley Brook School (VT), New Leaf Academy of Oregon, NorthStar Center (Bend, OR), Aspen Ranch (Loa, UT) and SunHawk Adolescent Recovery Center (St. George, UT). Aspen Achievement Academy was combined with Outback Therapeutic Expeditions, Youth Care moved to the Island View campus, and Passages to Recovery moved to Idaho. Aspen cited reduced demand in the economy.
Incidents on record
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Abuse
Survivors report unqualified staff, punitive and excessive punishments, psychological abuse and isolation tactics.source
News coverage
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Aspen Education Group Discontinues Operations at Five Facilities
Aspen Education Group announced the consolidation and closure of five therapeutic programs, attributing the decision to declining economic demand. Commentary and historical context note that these closures followed congressional hearings regarding institutional abuse and prior program shutdowns linked to critical incidents, including a death by homicide at a related wilderness camp.
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School poses a threat to children, say investigators
State investigators ordered the emergency suspension of Mount Bachelor Academy in Oregon after confirming multiple violations of state rules and allegations of child abuse and neglect, including sleep deprivation, forced manual labor, and inappropriate therapy workshops. The facility was cited for failing to maintain a safe environment and lacking adequate mental health professionals. Separately, an affiliated wilderness program faced scrutiny following a student's death.
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The story behind Mount Bachelor Academy’s closure
Mount Bachelor Academy closed permanently following an investigation by the Oregon Department of Human Services that resulted in nine confirmed allegations of abuse and neglect. The private therapeutic boarding school, operated by Aspen Education Group and CRC Health, faced state licensing suspension over punitive and humiliating practices before parent companies announced the facility would not reopen.
Staff
Administration
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Christy Christiansen
Former Founder and Owner, Executive Director (1997-2007, r/troubledteens wiki)source
Elsewhere in the industry
- New Leaf Academy of North Carolina Founder/Owner, 2011
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Robbi O'Kelley
Former Executive Director (2008-2019)source
Elsewhere in the industry
- La Europa Academy Executive Director, 2011-2025
- Mountain House Academy Executive Director, before 2019
- New Leaf Academy Staff, before 2019
- NorthStar Center Staff, before 2025
Notable staff
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Craig and Christy Christiansen
Former Founder and Owner, Executive Director, Founder & Executive Director (1997-2012, r/troubledteens wiki)source
Elsewhere in the industry
- New Leaf Academy of North Carolina Founder/Owner, 2011
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Deveney Marshall
Former Executive Directorsource
Elsewhere in the industry
- New Vision Wilderness Therapy Field Instructor, 2002
- Aspen Acheivement Academy Staff, before 2019
- Tresslercare Staff, before 2019
- Project Discovery Staff, before 2019
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Dyer Snider
Former Clinical Directorsource
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Marci Padgett
Former Headmistress and Therapeutic Directorsource
Elsewhere in the industry
- Padgett Consulting Services Founder/Owner, 2011
- CEDU High School Staff
Connections on the network map
The companies, people and programs our research map ties to this program. Open it on the network map.
Ownership
Documents
Woodbury Reports Mentions (5)
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Woodbury Reports, April 2011, P. 14: New Leaf Academy Of Oregon Woodbury Reports page -
Woodbury Reports, December 2006 (#148), P. 8: Aspen Education Group; New Leaf Academy Of North Carolina; New Leaf Academy Of Oregon Woodbury Reports page -
Woodbury Reports, June 2008 (#166), P. 28: New Leaf Academy Of Oregon Woodbury Reports page -
Woodbury Reports, September 2010, P. 10: New Leaf Academy Of Oregon Woodbury Reports page -
Woodbury Reports, September 2012, Pp. 6-8: New Leaf Academy Of Oregon Woodbury Reports page
Wiki entries
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