Facility profile New Hampshire

The Ridge New Hampshire

Formerly Shortridge Academy

Also known as Shortridge Academy (2002-2023), Ridge RTC – New Hampshire

Open Milton, New Hampshire

The Ridge New Hampshire is a short-term residential treatment center in Milton, New Hampshire, operated by Altior Healthcare. It has operated since 2023.

About The Ridge New Hampshire

It was listed as closed, year given: 2002.source It was founded by Adam Rainer.source

The average stay was 16-18 months.source It celebrated National Day on Writing with a Six-Word Memoir Contest, Create-the-Caption contest, Haiku contest, Write-Your-Life-from-A-Z Contest, and ongoing Scrabble Slam and Boggle games.source It was established inaugural Merit Scholarship Program for the Arts for new female applicants; reduced tuition contingent on maintaining a 3.0 GPA.source Every teacher has a Master's Degree; two hold doctorates.source It implemented 'PRIME for Life', an evidence-based component to reduce risk for drug or alcohol problems.source It partnered with OutcomeTools to implement a web-based program evaluation system.source

It was searching for a Director of Counseling to support its Positive Youth Development-informed residential/academic component for grades 9-12.source Students creating a new festival event for the nonprofit Woods, Water, and Wildlife Festival as part of the Positive Youth Development program.source It was described as an explicitly utilizes the evidence-based Positive Youth Development (PYD) perspective for individualized therapeutic programming.source It completed extensive building project: new classrooms, office space, meeting rooms, art studio, yoga/dance studio, workout room, music room, two-story cathedral great room.source It was groundbreaking for a 4,400 square foot addition to the school.source Stays lasted 10 to 18 months.source

It was accredited by active candidate for accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.source 1, source 2, source 3, source 4 It was licensed by the State of New Hampshire Department of Education.source It was a member of NATSAP member from 2013.source

Serious violations

What state inspectors found and confirmed here, in their own words. Each finding was picked out of the inspection reports and checked by our team before it was listed.

Sexual abuse Inspected Feb 24, 2026

The complainant reported that Resident A had been forced to perform oral sex by Resident B. The licensing coordinator reviewed the Incident Reports (IR) for both residents and interviewed four staff members who were present in the building at the time of the incident.

From the NH inspection report. Non-compliant, complaint visit State's report

Physical abuse or assault Inspected Feb 17, 2026

Staff L stated that "training was minimal" for new staff, and that many times staff "just got thrown in" with no training.

From the NH inspection report. Non-compliant, complaint visit State's report

Self-harm Inspected Feb 17, 2026

The complainant stated that residents were able to engage in self-injurious behaviors and engage in sexual contact due to a lack of supervision during June and July of 2025. Eight of the staff who were interviewed confirmed that residents were not provided adequate supervision during this time period, resulting in residents engaging in sexual relationships [...]

Read the whole finding

The complainant stated that residents were able to engage in self-injurious behaviors and engage in sexual contact due to a lack of supervision during June and July of 2025. Eight of the staff who were interviewed confirmed that residents were not provided adequate supervision during this time period, resulting in residents engaging in sexual relationships and self-harm. An incident report (IR) dated June 16, 2025, identified gaps in supervision and retrieval of an approved sharp, which allowed a resident to engage in self-harm.

From the NH inspection report. Non-compliant, complaint visit State's report

Incidents on record

  1. Reported September 2021 Investigation

    HEAL stated it was investigating the program.source

News coverage

Staff

Administration

Notable staff

  • Adam Rainer

    source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Megan Cartier (nee Gerbino)

    Medical Directorsource

  • Charles Jin

    Psychiatristsource

  • Liz Dean

    Clinical Lead/Therapistsource

  • Mik Oyler

    Former Headsource

    Elsewhere in the industry

    • Summit Achievement Program Director and Executive Director, Program Director, 2007-2010
    • Wediko Summer Program Director, 2015

  • Meg Paul

    Former Clinical Directorsource

    Elsewhere in the industry

    • a Therapist at the reportedly abusive (https://www
    • Summit Achievement Former Therapist (2025)

  • Jessa Hobson

    Former Clinical Program Directorsource

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Audrey Everson

    source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • David Freedman

    source

    Elsewhere in the industry

    • a Senior Field Staff at the reportedly abusive (https://www
    • the Executive Director of Shortridge Academy
    • the Program Director of Shortridge Academy
    • two confirmedly abusive (https://www
    • Outback Therapeutic Expeditions Former Senior Field Staff (2007)
    • Turnbridge Former Support Staff Manager and Support Staff Director, Support Staff Director (2012)

  • Christopher Locke

    Former Academic Directorsource

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Amy Fuller

    Former Staff member, Student Life Coordinator (2013-2021)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Anne Downey

    Former Director of Studies, Teacher (2013-2021)source

  • Brian Laing

    Former Phase Two Advisor, Counseling Director, Counselor (2006-2021)source

  • Cara Langevin

    Former Staff (2012)source

  • Carol Keyes

    Former Academic Department Head, Teacher (2007-2021)source

  • Christina Smalley

    Former Clinical and Counseling Director (interim), Clinical Director, Admissions (2012-2021)source

  • David McCoy

    Former History Teacher (2006)source

  • Donald E. Chesnel

    Former Driver (2011)source

  • Hannah C. Mariotti

    Former Director of Admissions and Marketing, Admissions Director, Girls Program Clinical Coordinator, Admissions & Marketing Director / Girls Program Clinical Coordinator (2007-2021)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

    • Vive Staff, 2012

  • Jessica Remacle

    Former Counselor (2008)source

  • Jorge Negron

    Former Spanish Teacher (2006)source

  • Julie Barker

    Former Counselor (2012-2021)source

  • Katie Rainer

    Former Admissions and Marketing Coordinator, Staff (2013-2021)source

  • Kay Patch

    Former Clinical Director, Medical Director (2007-2012)source

  • Ken Butler

    Former Upper level English and Film Studies teacher (2013)source

  • Kim Kleckner-Miller

    Former Counselor (2008)source

  • Kristine Baber

    Former Program Evaluator, Research Consultant, Advisor (2011-2021)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

    • Center on Adolescence, University of New Hampshire Director, before 2011

  • Michael Charnley

    Former Consultant, Director of Residential Life (2013)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Morgan Decker

    Former Counselor (2012)source

  • Neil Binette

    Former Counselor (2008-2021)source

  • Oliver Edwin Okumba Arigi

    Former Chemistry and Biology Teacher, Academic Department Head, Teacher (2006-2021)source

  • Richard Lerner

    Former Research Advisory Board Member (2011)source

  • Sarah Wagner

    Former Interim Academic Director, Academic Director, Director of Academic Support, Consulting College Counselor/Learning Specialist, Director of Academic Support and Outreach (2006-2021)source

  • Shelly Ispan-Laing

    Former Phase Three Leader, Counselor (2006-2021)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Adele Logan

    Director of Marketing (2025, r/troubledteens wiki)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Doug Kim-Brown

    Advisor (2025, r/troubledteens wiki)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

    • Cedu Schools Headmaster, 1986
    • CEDU High School Headmaster, 1986
    • Echo Springs Transition Study Center Founder, Director, 1993-2009
    • Echo Springs Founder, Founder and Director, Director, Owner and Founder/Director, 2007-2022
    • Rocky Mountain Academy Director, before 2022

  • Megan Cartier

    Former Student Mentor (2012, r/troubledteens wiki)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

    • The Ridge RTC NH Medical Director, 2025

  • Mike Strader

    Former Phase II Leader (2002, r/troubledteens wiki)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Roger D. Topp

    Admissions Director (2025, r/troubledteens wiki)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Aaron Logan

    Former Technology Coordinator (2021, HEAL)source

  • Amanda Logan

    Former Teacher (2021, HEAL)source

  • Amy Leonard

    Former Teacher (2021, HEAL)source

  • Anne Caron

    Former Nurse (2021, HEAL)source

  • Craig Pearson

    Former Counselor (2021, HEAL)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

    • Spurwink School Staff, before 2021

  • Denise Cloutier

    Former Teacher (2021, HEAL)source

  • Diana Albert

    Former Finance (2021, HEAL)source

  • Jason Fuller

    Former Advisor (2021, HEAL)source

  • Jennifer Caswell

    Former Teacher (2021, HEAL)source

  • Jennifer Coffin

    Former Nurse (2021, HEAL)source

  • Joe Brown

    Former Staff (2021, HEAL)source

  • John Burton

    Former Teacher (2021, HEAL)source

  • John Ryan

    Former Business Director (2021, HEAL)source

  • Kathy "Kay" Patch

    Former Clinical Director (2021, HEAL)source

  • Keith Sabella

    Former Teacher (2021, HEAL)source

  • Kenneth Butler

    Former Instructor (2021, HEAL)source

  • Kim Wintje

    Former Transportation (2021, HEAL)source

  • Kristin Whitworth

    Former Academic Manager (2021, HEAL)source

  • Linda Demo

    Former Counselor (2021, HEAL)source

  • Mary Ellen Bridges

    Former Teacher (2021, HEAL)source

  • Matt Gordon

    Former Asst. Chef (2021, HEAL)source

  • Micah Allen

    Former Head Chef (2021, HEAL)source

  • Mike Kirwan

    Former Facilities Mgr. (2021, HEAL)source

  • Nicole Glidden

    Former Admin. Asst. (2021, HEAL)source

  • Ozgur Akbas

    Former Staff (2021, HEAL)source

  • Pamela Capper

    Former Advisor (2021, HEAL)source

  • Paul Van Slooten

    Former Therapist (2021, HEAL)source

  • Philip Zaeder

    Former Advisor (2021, HEAL)source

  • Susan Hamann

    Former Counselor (2021, HEAL)source

  • Terrie A. Lemay

    Former Advisor (2021, HEAL)source

Licensing and inspections

Licensed as
The Ridge RTC - New Hampshire
Program
0018z000003tLW7AAM
License category
Residential child care program
Licensed capacity
68
Licensing action
Active
Phone on file
(603) 441-2807
Licensed address
619 Governor's Road, Milton, NH 03851

9 inspection reports on file; the serious findings in them are listed above. Search all New Hampshire reports

Every report, by date: 17 findings in 7 reports
  1. Feb 26, 2026 Revision visit: no rules reviewed Open report
  2. Feb 24, 2026 Complaint visit: 1 of 1 rule not met (He-C 4001.14(a)) Open report
    1 finding

    • Non-compliant, complaint visit : He-C 4001.14(a) Program staff shall provide care and supervision at all times to ensure that residents are safe and that their needs are met according to their ...

      REPEAT CITATION, PREVIOUSLY CITED ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2024. The complainant reported that Resident A had been forced to perform oral sex by Resident B. The licensing coordinator reviewed the Incident Reports (IR) for both residents and interviewed four staff members who were present in the building at the time of the incident. The IRs revealed that Resident A had entered Resident B's bedroom without staff knowledge. Staff B stated that they "ran into" Resident A while Resident A was exiting Resident B's bedroom, and also stated that Resident C confirmed that Resident A had been in the bedroom. Staff A, C, and D all acknowledged that Resident A had entered Resident B's bedroom without their direct knowledge, and they became aware of this when Resident C made an exclamation about Resident A's presence in the bedroom. This constitutes the first repeat citation regarding supervision of residents.

  3. Feb 17, 2026 Complaint visit: 4 of 7 rules not met (He-C 4001.14(a), He-C 4001.19(a)(3), He-C 4001.19(n)(1) and 1 more) Open report
    4 findings

    • Non-compliant, complaint visit : He-C 4001.14(a) Program staff shall provide care and supervision at all times to ensure that residents are safe and that their needs are met according to their ...

      REPEAT CITATION, PREVIOUSLY CITED ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2024, AND FEBRUARY 24, 2026. The complainant stated that residents were able to engage in self-injurious behaviors and engage in sexual contact due to a lack of supervision during June and July of 2025. Eight of the staff who were interviewed confirmed that residents were not provided adequate supervision during this time period, resulting in residents engaging in sexual relationships and self-harm. An incident report (IR) dated June 16, 2025, identified gaps in supervision and retrieval of an approved sharp, which allowed a resident to engage in self-harm. An IR dated July 7, 2025, identified a gap in supervision that allowed two residents to engage in a sex act. An IR dated July 23, 2025, identified gaps in supervision that allowed two residents to engage in inappropriate physical contact. This constitutes the second repeat citation and failure to comply with one approved corrective action plan.

    • Non-compliant, complaint visit : He-C 4001.19(a)(3) Program staff shall maintain professional boundaries with all residents at all times.

      The complainant stated that during June and July of 2025, staff would have inappropriate conversations about their personal lives around residents. Six staff members who were interviewed disclosed that the staff talked about their personal lives with residents. Staff L stated that they had told staff multiple times not to discuss their private and sexual lives with residents. Staff N stated that they had warned staff multiple times not to make inappropriate jokes or sexual innuendos in the presence of residents.

    • Non-compliant, complaint visit : He-C 4001.19(n)(1) The licensee shall educate personnel about the needs and services required by the residents under their care and document such education to ...

      Staff H stated that the program did not properly educate staff to work with clients. Staff I stated that they had not been educated about the needs of residents prior to providing direct care, which led to an incident of a lack of supervision. Staff L stated that "training was minimal" for new staff, and that many times staff "just got thrown in" with no training. An email from Staff Q to Staff C dated July 7, 2025, states that a lack of staff training resulted in an incident when two residents engaged in sex acts.

    • Non-compliant, complaint visit : He-C 4001.20(b)(3) SCPs shall comply with the staff-to-resident ratios in He-C 4001.30(r).

      He-C 4001.30(r) requires a minimum staff-to-resident ratio of one staff to four residents during awake hours in Specialized Care Programs (SPCs). Staff J reported that the program operated at 1:6 staff-to-resident ratio, depending on the available staffing. Staff L stated they had originally been told that the ratio was 1:4, however, was later told the ratio was 1:6. Staff L stated they thought 1:4 was a program policy, not a licensing rule. Staff N stated that the program was "short on staff" in June and July of 2025, and was not operating at 1:4 ratio. Staff O confirmed Staff N's statement.

  4. Dec 15, 2025 Complaint visit: 1 of 1 rule not met (He-C 4001.19(o)(2)) Open report
    1 finding

    • Founded, problem resolved, complaint visit : He-C 4001.19(o)(2) Personnel and staff shall not expose residents to tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs or controlled substances.

      On November 26th, program staff reported that a “vape pen” was alleged to have been given to clients by Staff H. The affected clients’ families, the NH Division for Children, Youth and Families, and the Milton Police Department were also notified. Staff A, Staff D, and Staff E reported that Staff H’s employment was terminated. The program conducted an internal investigation, and Child A, Child B, Child C, and Child D reportedly tested positive for a prohibited substance. Child E refused testing. Child A, Child B, and Child C reported to program staff that Staff H had supplied Child E with the vape pen. Child D disclosed during a Child Advocacy Center interview that Child E had “bragged” that Child E had received a vape pen from a staff member; however, Child D refused to disclose the name of the staff member. Child E confirmed in an interview that Staff H had supplied Child E with a prohibited substance. Documents provided by the program confirmed that Staff H was terminated as a result of misconduct.

  5. Sep 9, 2025 Renewal visit: 1 of 479 rules not met (He-C 4001.14(l)) Open report
    1 finding

    • Non-compliant, renewal visit : He-C 4001.14(l) The program director or designee shall conduct fire drills at varying times, including night time hours, once each month in each building that ...

      Program staff stated that in July, fire drills had only been conducted in the main building, and not the dorms, and that there was no record of fire drills in any building for August.

  6. Oct 22, 2024 Monitoring visit: 2 of 554 rules not met (He-C 4001.11(a), He-C 4001.18(a)(2)) Open report
    2 findings

    • Non-compliant, monitoring visit : He-C 4001.11(a) A written record of physical examination shall be on file for all program employees and household members who will have regular contact with ...

      One licensing coordinator's review of seven program staff records revealed that three did not contain documentation of a physical examination.

    • Non-compliant, monitoring visit : He-C 4001.18(a)(2) The licensee shall supply hot water at taps that are accessible to residents, which shall be regulated to maintain a temperature at the tap ...

      One licensing coordinator observed a temperature greater than 120 degrees Fahrenheit at the bathroom sinks of the Oak, Pine, and Maple dorms.

  7. Sep 9, 2024 Complaint visit: 1 of 4 rules not met (He-C 4001.20(a)) Open report
    1 finding

    • Non-compliant, complaint visit : He-C 4001.20(a) Program staff shall provide care and supervision at all times to ensure that residents are safe and that their needs are met according to their ...

      A complainant reported that they had concerns regarding supervision of a resident in the program. Specifically, they reported that on July 25, 2024, a resident had been left unsupervised in their dorm for 2-3 hours. Statements by Staff A, Staff B and Staff C confirmed that on July 25, 2024, there was a period of time when staff were not supervising the resident because they did not know the resident was present and in their dorm room. Incident reports written by the program confirmed that on July 25, 2024, a resident was noted as returning to the program between 3:30 and 4:00 p.m., discovered missing at approximately 6:10 PM, and staff found them sleeping in their dorm at approximately 6:19 PM. Staff B reported that the staff member responsible for supervision of the resident had been terminated.

  8. Jun 25, 2024 Revision visit: no rules reviewed Open report
  9. Oct 10, 2023 Monitoring visit: 7 of 1315 rules not met (He-C 4001.31(c)(1), He-C 4001.31(c)(3), He-C 4001.17(d) and 4 more) Open report
    7 findings

    • Non-compliant, monitoring visit : He-C 4001.31(c)(1) A criminal history record check through the NH department of safety, criminal records unit, to include an electronic submission of ...

      The licensing coordinator's review of program records revealed that one staff had not completed the background record check process by electronically submitting their fingerprints for a check of the Federal Bureau of Investigations file.

    • Non-compliant, monitoring visit : He-C 4001.31(c)(3) All forms and any required fees to complete registry checks in states or territories other than NH when the individual lives or has lived in ...

      The licensing coordinator's review of program records revealed that one staff had not submitted a required out-of-state registry check form as part of their background record check.

    • Non-compliant, monitoring visit : He-C 4001.17(d) Program staff shall clearly label and store all toxic materials, including, but not limited to, cleaners, household chemicals and paint ...

      Two licensing coordinators observed a spray bottle of glass cleaner labeled "toxic" in the the workout room/gym. The cleaner was being used to clean equipment and was available to the residents when staff were not present. Additionally, two licensing coordinators observed a packet of clorox disinfectant wipes on the bedside table in a resident's room in Dorm 2.

    • Non-compliant, monitoring visit : He-C 4001.17(p)(1)(c) At least one staff person who has completed training in water safety shall be present with the residents at all times;

      A licensing coordinator's review of staff files revealed that staff have not been required to complete water safety training. Staff A stated that although program staff are not trained in water safety, they have only taken residents to water activities where there is a lifeguard on duty.

    • Non-compliant, monitoring visit : He-C 4001.14(o) The program director or designee shall conduct fire drills once each month in each building that is used as residential child care space.

      The licensing coordinator's review of the fire drill log revealed that monthly fire drills were conducted, but not in each of the residential buildings. Each month, a fire drill was held in one building.

    • Non-compliant, monitoring visit : He-C 4001.18(a)(2) Hot water at taps that are accessible to residents shall be regulated to maintain a temperature at the tap of not higher than 120 degrees ...

      Two licensing coordinators observed that all sinks in the bathrooms in Dorm 1 had water temperatures reaching over 125 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • Non-compliant, monitoring visit : He-C 4001.18(a)(1) Hot water under pressure, which measures at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit, shall be available at all sinks, showers, and bathtubs located in ...

      Two licensing coordinators observed that two sinks in the shared bathroom in Dorm 2 did not reach a minimum temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Connections on the network map

The companies, people and programs our research map ties to this program. Open it on the network map.

Ownership

  • Altior Healthcare operator

Documents

Documents on file (4)
Woodbury Reports Mentions (2)

From the Unsilenced archive

8 documents about The Ridge New Hampshire that Unsilenced collected and Kids Over Profits does not hold a copy of. They open on Unsilenced's Google Drive. Their folders: Shortridge Academy, Shortridge Academy (1), Shortridge Academy 2.

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

Wiki entries

Materials and links

External links

A program's own website is linked as an archived snapshot, so the page reads as it did when it was captured.

Reference and research

1 of these from SCIAD NET.

Other links

Record updated . Generated from the Kids Over Profits facility database. Suggest a correction