Elan School stresses a strong work ethic throughout the program. Each promotion within the job hierarchy engages new privileges, responsibilities, and increased status. If an elan School students fail to perform with initiative, they participate in additional group sessions. If they are unsuccessful following additional group interventions, students are demoted. Demotions provide an opportunity to function under adversity as they learn to manage failure and disappointment, fundamental to resilience. Staff teaching and direction, together with peer support and peer pressure, combine to demonstrate, encourage and enforce constructive resilient behavior.

Personal and social problems are often explored and resolved in groups, wherein Elan students learn about themselves and their impact. The groups teach sensitivity to the needs and problems of others; they also foster getting in touch with one's own feelings, understanding what elicits them, and controlling some of the acts engendered by them. Acting out behaviors are examined in powerful group sessions where the expression of feelings is strongly encouraged. Students learn to manage anger and stress and resolve conflicts, thereby improving peer relationships, often learning how to become friends.

Jerry Sapan, PhD

Dr. Sapan is our clinical psychologist. He has been on staff at Elan since 1989. Drawing upon considerable experience in diverse clinical settings as well as Elan, Dr. Sapan consults with staff and families in addition to working directly with students.

Kathleen Hawkins, L.M.S.W.

Kate began her career at Elan upon her graduation from Bates College. She took a sabbatical to earn her Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Connecticut. While completing her course work, Kate worked as a Youth Service Officer at Long Lane School, the facility for adjudicated youth in Connecticut. She returned to Elan upon completion of her degree and has been an integral part of the continued development of Elan's life skills program. Her experience working with both youth and their families make her a very valuable asset to the team.