I have had the privilege and honor to serve as an Educator for this ministry for the last 10 years. During my career at Shepherds Hill Academy I have seen the lives of so many young people improve. Not just the lives of the students who attend the academy, but the lives of their family as well. Once the students are taught Christian principles for living, boundaries and discipline just come natural to them and their families. I honestly believe God uses this ministry to change the lives of our troubled youth and to heal hurting families.
The founders, directors, and staff of this ministry live out and model the Christian life to the students and families they serve. This ministry transforms people’s lives and teaches godly principles to troubled teens and their families. The wilderness aspect of the residential program provides an excellent opportunity for teens to get away from the negative influences of the culture. I know parents are hurting and looking for answers and you cannot put a price tag on the welfare of your child. I was blessed on a couple of occasions to share my testimony with the students of Shepherd’s Hill Academy. It was amazing to me to see the expressions on their faces as I answered their questions and shared the love of Christ with them.
As a parent of a troubled teen we were in a dark place as a family. God opened this door (and closed all others) as a place for healing and restoration for our son. The faith based teaching and counseling that is the cornerstone of this organization has turned our son's life around 180 degrees. He has grown much spiritually over the last several months and continues to mature as a christian young man that God will use in a mighty way. This was the right place at the right time for our family. I pray that God continues to bless the work that is being done there.
I began working at Shepherd's Hill Academy in early 2005. My experience has far surpassed my expectations of this Therapeutic Boarding School. Although nestled in the rural mountains of NE GA, this school offers cutting edge perspectives on contemporary culture, youth, and families. I highly suggest that anyone interested in this Academy call them or stop by for a face-to-face meeting.
I have served with Shepherd's HIll Academy since 2005. I entered in looking at this ministry as another job, a way to make money to pay my college bills. Little did I know, my employment would ignite a passion in me to grow and mature and to serve families in crisis all over America.
I enjoy the environment at Shepherd's Hill Academy. It truly challenges students and staff alike to grow in their character, integrity and relationship building skills. In addition, because of its Christ-centered structure and authoritative environment, staff and students are able to develop how to practically apply biblical truths to their daily living.
I have worked at SHA since 2004 and the Lord has changed my life through the other staff and the students. The biggest thrill is watching students, who are often on their way to jail, and live within relational misery, come alive again and learn to respect authority and recognize the reason behind living God's way. Christianity isn't just a philosophy or a style of living, it is following a real person and submitting to his way's because he knows best how to live life to the fullest. It has changed my life watching students slowly become the person they were designed to be and relax within themselves and the arms of grace.
Shepherds Hill was our last resort in a series of "solutions" for our teenagers extreme depression and anger. Our family had suffered through several tragedies in a 3 year period and it was more than our child could process. The anger & fear were starting to be acted out in extremely violent ways. We have tried counseling, pyschotherapy, medications & all thier nasty side affects and even a short stay in a institution. Nothing was working and we were loosing our child. After weeks of searching and praying for an answer, Shepherds Hill suddenly appeared on an internet search. I had searched for weeks and never ran across them before. We went for a visit and felt such peace, love, concern, but yet a deep feeling of personal responsibility. We decided this was the place for our child after talking with several parents, the staff, and the visit. .and have not regretted the decision
I’ve personally seen broken, hurting families come together and heal at Shepherd’s Hill Academy. Troubled teenagers, who their parents did not know what to do with, come in kicking and screaming. Within a couple of months, or sooner, these teens are on the road to recovery. Their whole demeanor and appearance changes. It’s amazing how the love of Christ, taught & modeled to the troubled teens, makes all the difference in their life! Shepherd’s Hill Academy has some of the most compassionate staff who truly cares about the lives of troubled teens and their families!
I have had the privilege to serve along with the administration, faculty, and staff at Shepherd's Hill Academy. I have also had the tremendous opportunity to meet with several of the current and alumni parents. Shepherd's Hill is by far one of the nation's best programs in it's field and has been acknowledged so by many national and regional organizations.