About

ABOUT

The School Solution

The School Solution is the educational consulting practice owned by Karen Mabie.

Karen works with families whose child (age 11 to 26) is still struggling despite the best efforts of the family, including intense therapeutic and academic supports at home. At this point the family may feel exhausted, frightened and hopeless, but it is not time to give up. There are so many residential options with unique therapeutic and educational approaches, somewhere there is a place for every child to succeed, Karen can find that place. She visits over 60 schools and programs every year. She has personally and professionally evaluated each school or program to assess the specific therapeutic and educational supports they provide. She continues to stay in touch with her client and their programs for at least one year. When making this critical decision it is NOT the time to rely on the internet or word of mouth. These children are too vulnerable. Karen professionally interviews the family, teachers and treating professionals in order to develop a thorough understanding of the child’s vulnerabilities and strengths. She is uniquely qualified to find the specific school environment, milieu and treatment team where that child and family can begin to heal and thrive.

TEAM

Karen Mabie

Owner/Therapeutic Educational Consultant

Karen Mabie holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and special education from Vanderbilt University and Master’s and Specialist degrees in Educational Psychology from National Louis University. She is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, experienced in evaluating and counseling students with learning, social, emotional and behavioral difficulties.

As a professional Educational Consultant Karen is a professional member of the Independent Educational Consultant Association and, as such, subscribes to their ethical guidelines.She has been elected to the Board of Directors to IECA and served as faculty at their Summer Training Institute.

She has earned the designation of “Certified Educational Planner” representing the highest level of professional standards in educational consulting. She is also an associate member of the Small Boarding School Association, and the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs. She attends a minimum of 3 professional conferences a year to understand current research-based practices. Each year she visits no fewer than 60 schools and programs, evaluating their curriculum, staff and clientele. She has been in practice for over 10 years and presents often at conferences on residential treatment, wilderness therapy and therapeutic educational consulting.

TEAM

Carly Scheinbaum

Associate/Office Manager

Carly holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in gender studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and a Certificate in Mind-Body Medicine from Saybrook University. She is also certified in Nonviolent Crisis Prevention (CPI) and Medication Administration (QMAP). Carly Scheinbaum is an Associate and office manager with The School Solution and has been a part of The School Solution team since early 2015.

Carly previously served as a Child Care Worker at the Forest Heights Lodge in Colorado, a premier residential treatment center for adolescent boys. With more than 10 years of experience working with children of all ages in a variety of settings, Carly has a strong passion for helping children in need. Carly holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in gender studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) and a Certificate in Mind-Body Medicine from Saybrook University. She is also certified in Nonviolent Crisis Prevention (CPI) and Medication Administration (QMAP). Carly is thrilled to be a part of The School Solution team, assisting families across the country identifying the best professional resources available.

TEAM

Caretia Fernandez

Associate/ Parent Coach

Caretia Fernandez has a Master’s in Social Work from Smith College. Caretia has a varied and extensive background working with different populations and using varied approaches including working with adolescents in residential treatment.

In 2008 she began a long career as the Director of the Parent Program at a respected Wilderness Program. From 2008-2015 Caretia developed, implemented and ran their Parent Program. She has spoken at national conferences regarding the work she has done with families and has helped other programs develop and expand their family work. She is committed to helping families identify their patterns, explore generational burdens and heal collaboratively. She was psycho-dynamically trained, a trained interventionist, Internal Family Systems therapist, and a trained narrative therapist. Growing up in Amherst allowed for her to find a life rich with culture and arts. She has a deeply rooted yoga and meditation practice, is an experienced runner, world traveler, food and wine enthusiast, gardener, and artist. She now lives in Portland, Oregon. Caretia is a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Oregon.