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

Christine Buti

Practice Manager

Christine Buti holds a Bachelor’s degree in education from Illinois Wesleyan University, and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from National Louis University. Christine is an Associate and Practice Manager with The School Solution and started her work with The School Solution team in 2019.

Christine has dedicated over 15 years of her career to education. As an educator, she was a leader in utilizing research-based instructional strategies to meet the needs of a wide range of learners. She advocated for students with special needs and partnered with parents and the educational team to provide the best support for their child. As the former Director of Residence Life at Providence Farm, Christine served as case manager for young men in recovery. She formed connections with residents and families to gain trust and effectively support them in their recovery journey. Christine is passionate about working with families and finding what works best for each individual. She is thrilled to apply that passion to working with families across the nation to discover the best professional resources with The School Solution team.