“Our 16 year old daughter, an elite athlete and honors student had been abusing alcohol and drugs for over two years. We never would have suspected anything, since during this period she continued to hold things together so well and function at her high achieving level. She had us so fooled, until she began abusing prescription drugs. On the one hand, it was her demise, yet on the other, it was the catalyst behind us seeking help. We knew our little girl was in some kind of terrible trouble and we didn’t know what to do.
Tamara’s vast knowledge and expertise, objectivity in the wake of our crisis and endless support provided us the strength to intervene. Her service to our family reinforces the need for more professionals of her caliber. We are truly grateful for her dedication to her work and to the genuine care of our family.”
Parent of adolescent client
“ I knew I needed help, but getting it was another thing. My life was getting more and more out of control, but I kept telling myself, “ tomorrow will be different”, but it never was. Besides, why should I give up the good life when I know my parents would bail me out of any trouble I got into or better yet, would give me even more if I stay out of it? Despite the collectors harassing me, friends using me, my college suspending me, I still had my parents. They were “superparents” at solving my problems and righting my mistakes. Yeah, life was good. Always had been. Until…they had enough.
When I walked in Tamara’s office, I was more curious than anything. I really had nothing to lose and besides, I could probably convince her that I was perfectly fine and maybe she would even smooth things over for me with my parents like that last psychiatrist did. Plus it would at least get my parents off my back for the time being. Wrong! She had my number and though it scared the living daylight out of me then, it was what saved me today. Even though I was over 18 and could have just said no to everything, her ability to connect with me and her resolve to support me were what kept me from running away. Boy, I tried, though, but each time her guidance and wisdom somehow made it seem like it would be OK. I just want to thank her for never giving up on me and for supporting my parents, so they wouldn’t give up on me either. For the first time in a long time, I have hope – hope in myself and in my future. And I feel love – love for myself and for my family”
Young adult client
“Just after my son was admitted to the local hospital for his raging behavior, I was told that he’d probably only be there for about 2-3 days and that residential treatment would be in his best interest upon discharge. My husband and I were not quite understanding what the case manager was saying. Why would they release him so quickly without knowing what is really going on? Then to be told on top of it that he shouldn’t come back home to the one place where he is loved, but we should consider sending him to a “residential facility”? This was so alarming and confusing to us. We didn’t understand any of it.
Thank goodness that Tamara was referred to us. A coworker had passed on her name to us as well as my son’s school counselor. She truly helped bring the calm to the storm. Her compassion and professional knowledge helped us through our crisis. She educated us on our options and worked with us until we got our son placed safely. She advocated for him and our family every step of the way. I was an emotional wreck through it all, but somehow she guided us through. My husband and I believe strongly that we were blessed in finding her. We don’t know what we would have done or where we’d be today, but we thank her for being our compass.”
Parent of middle schooler
Student, 20 year old
Parents of 24 year old
Mother of a 15 year old
I know we did go through a very difficult time starting near the end of March through May but it was very necessary in order for him to grow and get to the place he is today. We have been so pleased with our choice of his therapeutic boarding school. We cannot imagine a better fit for him! He has absolutely thrived there! I could not imagine him going anywhere else. The program they have developed along with the caring staff is exactly what he needs!
I know anything can still happen as he continues to work on his last stage before graduating, but to see and hear him planning for the future brings me much hope! I just wanted to take the time out of my day to thank you and for knowing that this would be a good fit for him!”
Parent of an 18 year old
Thanks again. If we know anyone who needs an Educational Consultant we will definitely tell them who to call!
Mother of a 16 year old
Mother of 18 year old
Mother of 22 year old
“Tamara Ancona has given us direction when we had no idea where we were going, held us up when we had no energy and walked beside us to help us stay the course. She has showed us more love and care than we could have imagined. We could not have made it without her. We are forever grateful.”
Parents of High School Senior