Our
Mission
Our Story
SavingTeens was founded in 2004 by a parent, John Reuben, while both of his sons were in residential treatment. The cost was exorbitant and enrollment was only possible by withdrawing money from his retirement savings account.
“I was fortunate because I had the ability to fund both of my sons’ treatment. Sadly, I met many families with troubled kids who did not have the financial means. They had already mortgaged their homes and spent their 401ks and their teen still needed treatment. I saw a great need for an organization that would work with therapeutic programs and professionals to make their services accessible to low to middle-class families.” John Reuben
In 2004, John took action. He recruited the expertise and generosity of dedicated professionals, caring institutions, other charities, friends, and family and formed this life-saving organization.
Since 2004, SavingTeens has awarded 75 families scholarships totaling more than 1 million dollars, collaborated with nearly 200 programs willing to provide in-kind scholarships, and partnered with more than 50 educational consultants willing to provide a 75% (or more) discount to families in need.
Meet Our Team
Board of Directors
Les Mann
President & Chairman
- Sales and marketing executive; Co-founder Alldredge Family Foundation supporting families with struggling teens
- Board member Zeta Psi Educational Foundation providing leadership training and scholarships to college undergraduates
- Parent of a now sober adult son who attended wilderness program and residential drug rehab
Marilyn F. Engleman, Ph.D.
Director
- Certified Educational Planner, Founder of Educational Directions
- Past special needs chair of IECA
- Conducts educational evaluations, therapeutic, boarding, and college placements
- School consultations and prior director of disability services at a four-year liberal arts college
- First board member of SavingTeens
Colin Wren
Director
- Senior Vice President of Investments, Wells Fargo Advisors
- Served as a big brother and coordinated a learning and accountability schedule for the teen
- Active volunteer at Daybreak church’s Mix-Mid teen programs
- SavingTeens volunteer and golf committee chair
Suzie Courtney
Director
- Executive Director Spring Ridge Academy
- Experience working with Child Protective Services and over fifteen years in residential treatment
- Passionate about prevention, innovative evidenced-based treatment and schooling accessible to all
Lisa Vella, M.Ed., CEP
Scholarship Committee Chair
- Founder of Vella Consulting, Inc. an educational consulting and therapeutic practice
- Provide families with individualized support and work together to find the best placement for their teen
- Certified Educational Planner
- NATSAP Board Member – NATSAP/IECA Liaison
- Special Education Advocate – Attends IEP/CSE Meetings regularly for clients
- Former educator, administrator, and Positive Behavior Supports Coach
- Served as the chair of the IECA Therapeutic Committee
Gillan Smith, Ph.D.
Director
- Licensed psychologist and personal and relationship coach
- Graduated from Brigham Young University with a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology
- 30 years’ experience working with families of adolescents and young adults in wilderness settings, therapeutic boarding schools, as well as outpatient
- Worked in Utah, Alaska and Virginia as a psychologist and coach
- Owner and sole operator of a private coaching and counseling practice in Mapleton, Utah
John Reuben
Founder & Director
- Executive in Software Sales and Marketing for over 25 years, including the founding of a significant software enterprise
- Parent of 2 troubled teens who have been in therapeutic programs
Lon Woodbury, MA, CEP
Director
- Independent Educational Consultant for over 23 years
- Published: Parent Empowerment Handbook and The Woodbury Report Newsletter
- Created: www.strugglingteens.com
- MA degree, Certified Educational Planner (CEP) and a member of the Independent Educational Consultants Association
- Former public school teacher
- Collaborated with the U.S. Senate and the Executive Office of the President on public policy
Ben Chan
Treasurer
- Information Technology and Finance executive
- Daily Bread Food Bank committee member
- Volunteer – Yonge Street Mission -Evergreen Center for Street Youth, St. Michael’s Hospital Out of the Cold program, Youth with a Mission, Chair of Children and Teens ministries for over 15 years
Our Staff
Kelly Brown
Executive Director
- Kelly joined SavingTeens on January 23, 2017
- Specializes in nonprofit management and fundraising
- Over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector in various leadership roles
- Holds a B.S. in Accounting from Central Connecticut State University
Deanna Hotham
Director of Operations
- Operations and Office Management Consultant
- Holds a B.S. in Business Management from Johnson and Wales University
- 20 years of experience in administrative, financial, and executive assistance
Kelly Brown
Executive Director
- Kelly joined SavingTeens on January 23, 2017
- Specializes in nonprofit management and fundraising
- Over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector in various leadership roles
- Holds a B.S. in Accounting from Central Connecticut State University
Deanna Hotham
Director of Operations
- Operations and Office Management Consultant
- Holds a B.S. in Business Management from Johnson and Wales University
- 20 years of experience in administrative, financial, and executive assistance
Connect with Us
SavingTeens in Crisis Collaborative
PO Box 193
Wallingford, CT 06492
Email: information@savingteens.org