University of Arkansas students from the Office of Play Therapy Research & Training
by Adam Sloter, Hope Academy Community Liaison
We are roughly six months out from the opening of Hope Academy of Northwest
Arkansas. For those of us putting the school together this exciting! There is a lot of work to be done, and so much progress has already been made. Here are some of the great things happening at Hope Academy.
First Interviews for school faculty are well underway. So many amazing people have
expressed interest in being a part of what we are doing, and our core team is taking shape. We have filled several positions so far, and more interviews for other positions are in the works.
Second School enrollment is going well. We have received lots of applications and we are expecting to have a full student population when the school year starts. We are so thrilled to see the community taking advantage of what we are going to offer.
Third The University of Arkansas has partnered with us on the creation of our counseling program. A small group of Masters Students, led by Dr. Kristi Perryman, of the Office of Play Therapy Research & Training are working diligently to bring this program to life. The University’s willingness to take this on for us is a huge gift. We have full confidence that what they create will be exceptional and unique.
Fourth Randy Wilburn from the “I am Northwest Arkansas” podcast came to us and
conducted an interview highlighting Hope Academy. Jake Gibbs, the principal for
Hope Academy, was able to sit down with Randy and have an in-depth discussion about the school and why trauma-informed care is essential for at-risk children. The podcast will air in March.
As the school continues to take shape, we are reminded more and more of the amazing support that Northwest Arkansas has shown us. This community has proven time and time again that it cares deeply for its citizens, and that it is committed to making the area more successful and vibrant. Hope Academy is so excited to be joining a strong network of caring organizations that make a huge impact.
Good things are happening here at Hope Academy, and we are very excited to see this project come to life!
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