Kevin was mainstreamed in public school but was not thriving. The environment was overwhelming—he often skipped lunch because of the noise, had frequent behavioral outbursts at school and home, and felt isolated from both peers and teachers. His teachers admitted they didn’t know how to support him and recommended a different environment. The strain on Kevin’s family was immense.

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Then they found TERI, and Kevin’s journey began at one of our non-public schools, The Learning Academy. With individualized support from TERI’s highly trained and compassionate staff, his behaviors improved, and the outbursts subsided. He later enrolled at TERI's other non-public school, The Country School, TERI’s middle and high school, where he flourished. For his mother, a lifelong educator, the transformation was life-changing—she finally saw her son happy, supported, and succeeding.

 

At TERI, Kevin made friends, discovered new interests, and built confidence. In 2006, he joined the Peas n’ Carrots 4-H Club, where he explored hiking, stained glass, and animal care. Over time, he achieved what once seemed impossible: showing animals at the Del Mar Fair, despite large crowds once being a major trigger.

 

Kevin’s growth was so important that when his father accepted a job in Arizona, his mother and sister remained in San Diego so he could finish high school at TERI. After graduation, Kevin rejoined his family, but his trajectory had been transformed. He got his driver’s license, completed a degree in Archaeology, bought his first car, and eventually moved into his own apartment.

 

To this day, Kevin’s family credits TERI for his confidence, independence, and success.