Healing Happens Here: The Power of Equine Therapy at Gateway

October 2026

At Gateway Academy, we believe therapeutic growth can happen in many different ways. Sometimes, it happens in a therapy office. Sometimes, it happens outdoors. And sometimes, it happens through the quiet, powerful connection between a student and a horse.

Since April 2017, Gateway has proudly partnered with The Barn, a carefully selected equine therapy provider led by Jolene. After meeting with several barns and equine therapy providers, we chose The Barn because of its approach and alignment with Gateway’s therapeutic values.

Each term, Gateway students have the opportunity to participate in equine therapy alongside a Gateway therapist and staff member. Being around horses creates a unique environment where students can slow down, become more present, and engage in therapeutic work in a way that feels different from traditional therapy.

Why Equine Therapy?

Working with horses can provide meaningful opportunities for students to:

• Build confidence by learning new skills and experiencing success

• Develop self-awareness by noticing how their emotions, body language, and behavior affect their interactions

• Practice emotional regulation in an environment that encourages patience, calm, and mindfulness

• Strengthen trust and connection through relationships that rely on consistency, safety, and non-verbal communication

• Develop empathy and perspective-taking by learning to recognize and respond to another living being’s cues

• Practice communication and boundaries in a setting where these skills have immediate, real-world meaning

• Step outside their comfort zone and discover abilities they may not have recognized in themselves

Perhaps one of the most meaningful aspects of equine therapy is that students don't have to sit across from someone and talk about growth—they get to experience it. They can try something new, work through uncertainty, build trust, and discover that they are capable of more than they thought.

For adolescents who have struggled with anxiety, low confidence, relationships, or feeling unsuccessful, these experiences can become powerful building blocks for change.

Equine therapy is just one part of Gateway’s broader experiential and therapeutic approach. We believe growth happens when students have opportunities to connect, take healthy risks, experience success, and discover new ways of understanding themselves and the world around them.

Sometimes healing happens through words. Sometimes it happens through experience. And sometimes, it happens with a horse.

Growing Our Clinical Expertise to Better Support Every Student

September 2026

At Gateway Academy, we believe that providing exceptional care means continually learning and expanding our clinical expertise.

That’s why our entire clinical team is participating in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) training, an evidence-based treatment and first-line psychological approach for OCD. This training strengthens our ability to recognize OCD and OCD-related symptoms and better support students who may be struggling with anxiety, avoidance, obsessive thoughts, or compulsive behaviors.

Our learning continues on October 16, when our clinical team will participate in advanced ERP training focused on supporting students who experience OCD alongside neurodivergent diagnoses such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD.

Because every student is different, our goal is not to apply a one-size-fits-all approach, but to give our clinicians additional tools they can thoughtfully incorporate into each student's individualized treatment.

We also recognize that our mentors are an extension of the clinical team. They spend significant time with our students and play an important role in helping them practice the skills they are developing in therapy.

This fall, our entire mentor team will receive ERP training as well, creating greater consistency between the clinical setting and the everyday Gateway environment.

“At Gateway Academy, we are committed to meeting our students where they are and supporting the full range of challenges they may experience. Ongoing clinical training allows us to expand our ability to understand and support students with OCD and OCD-related symptoms, while continuing to provide individualized care for every student.”— Boston Bushnell, Clinical Director, Gateway Academy

Professional development at Gateway is an ongoing commitment. By investing in the knowledge and skills of our clinicians and mentors, we continue to strengthen our ability to provide thoughtful, evidence-based care and meet the evolving needs of the students we serve.

Learning and Growing in the Great Outdoors

August 2026

Term One in Utah is a beautiful time of year, offering our students the opportunity to experience the best of the outdoors. As warm summer temperatures begin to give way to crisp autumn days, students will take advantage of the Wasatch Mountains through a variety of outdoor adventures designed to build skills, support therapeutic and academic goals, and create meaningful opportunities for growth.

This term’s cross-curricular experiential activities will include cross-country mountain biking, fall foliage hikes, and exploring some of Utah’s beautiful natural hot springs. Through these experiences, students will learn about conservation and the principles of Leave No Trace, while developing new skills and discovering different ways to work together as a group.

Service learning and volunteer opportunities are also woven throughout the term, giving students the chance to build practical skills while connecting with something beyond themselves and experiencing the value of contributing to their community. Students will track their volunteer hours as part of their cross-curricular academic packet, providing a meaningful record of service that can also support future college applications.

"Every outdoor experience provides opportunities for students to practice their therapeutic goals in real-world settings, strengthen social skills, build confidence, and discover new pathways for working together. We’re excited for all the learning, connection, and adventure this term will bring—and look forward to getting outside and helping our students discover the many lessons that nature has to offer."- Joshua Tao, Outdoor Experiential Manager

A GRADUATION SPEECH THAT CAPTURES THE HEART OF GATEWAY

June 2026

As we reflected on this year's graduation, one moment stayed with us long after the ceremony ended.

One of our 2026 graduates delivered a speech about compassion—what it truly means, how it changes lives, and how it shaped his own journey at Gateway. His words reminded all of us why we do this work.

When he first arrived, he wasn't sure he would graduate. Today, he reflects on the people who helped him rediscover hope, rebuild self-compassion, and become someone who now extends that same compassion to others, and we couldn’t be more proud of this young man.

We wanted to share his speech with you because we believe it beautifully captures the kind of environment we strive to create every day at Gateway: one where students are seen, challenged, supported, and encouraged to grow into their fullest selves.

We hope his words resonate with you as deeply as they did with our community.

“Compassion is a rare trait in our world. Kindness, caring, and empathy. They're all good things, traits that we hopefully practice and witness most days. But they're often mistaken for compassion. Compassion is something deeper. 

It's commonly defined as taking empathy a step further, feeling the suffering of others and having an active drive to relieve it. I think it goes even deeper than that. Compassion is a fundamental respect for what it means to be human. A recognition that every single person you meet is going through life for the first time, just like you. 

Think about someone who has truly changed your life for the better. If you can't think of someone, that's okay. Imagine how you would like someone to show up for you. 

I imagine there are many different people and scenarios running through your minds right now, but I believe they all share a common thread: compassion. And it can look a lot of different ways, from giving someone a hug, to holding a hard boundary, to just sitting with someone before a difficult day. I'm proud to say that Gateway is the place I have witnessed the most compassion in my life. By far. 

Three months ago, our senior class held a food drive for the Utah FoodBank. Together, we collected almost 400 pounds of food and raised enough money to feed 1,400 people. I think that shows that genuine care. But we've come a long way to get here. 

When I first arrived at Gateway, seven of us didn't have enough credits to graduate on time. I was one of them. I was struggling with low grades, few friends, and nearly six months of missed school behind me. 

I didn't see a future for myself. I felt hopeless, and I stayed that way for many months. But slowly, the care of the people here started to break through. 

I remember coming in one morning to school carrying a really painful conflict with a peer. Pam, our art teacher, stopped and helped me process it. She helped me prepare for the day ahead, and she gave me a photo of Hope with a short message.

She really made me feel seen. 

I think that's compassion. It's not a grand gesture, just a person choosing to show up fully for another person. Therapy was half the battle, but the teachers have helped me feel successful again. And eventually, I began to rebuild something I had almost completely lost: self-compassion. 

Slowly, I also watched it spread between us in our class. It often looked like, "Hey, do you need a pencil? I got one." But there was a recent moment that really stuck with me. A classmate was struggling with an assignment,  it seemed like senioritis, perhaps they felt burnt out. Another student walked across the classroom, sat down next to them, and said, "Can I help you finish this?" They were both a bit hesitant, but they worked through the assignment together and made a plan to finish the essay. 

There was no fanfare, nothing extra, just one person deciding that someone else's struggle mattered. 

I saw that kind of interaction countless times this year.

Sometimes we needed understanding and yes, a deadline extension. Other times we had to learn hard lessons about time management and the value of quality work. These moments can feel uncomfortable, and sometimes just like the opposite of compassion, but they are just as important to our growth as the easier ones. That is a very difficult balance to strike, so teachers, thank you. 

As we step out of here, we're walking into a world shaped by fear, distrust, and digital uncertainty. Many of us are heading to college where we'll have to face the ordinary human struggles all over again. Fitting in, making friends, and simply staying on top of school. 

Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist who survived the Holocaust, wrote that “between stimulus and response there is a space,” and in that space lies our freedom and our power to choose. 

I think compassion lives in that space. 

It's what happens when, instead of reacting, we pause, and remember that the person in front of us is human, struggling, doing this for the first time, just like us. 

But compassion doesn't mean being naive or always sacrificing your own wellbeing. It means extending to others the same grace you've learned to extend to yourself. Cut people slack. Try to see the good in them. That generosity will come back to you. 

Through our hard work, tireless commitment, and endless effort, we've grown in ways I think we can all be proud of. But I don't think it would have been possible without the compassion of our teachers, staff, therapists, and everyone else at Gateway. They've helped us grow love, both for ourselves and each other. 

So here's what I want to leave you with: start with yourself. Be patient with yourself, not because life is easy, but because we're human, and life is hard. That patience and self-compassion is where your capacity to show up for others will truly shine. And when you show up for others, it comes back to you. 

We came to Gateway not knowing if we'd make it. Some of us didn't believe we would. But we learned how to show up for each other. That’s a gift that we've lived, practiced, and shared. We know what that feels like now — let's not forget it. 

Congratulations, Gateway. We made it, and we made it together.” - Y.S. Class of 2026

From Gateway Student to Gateway Mentor: Colin's Full-Circle Journey

June 2026

Five years ago, Colin arrived at Gateway Academy as a struggling sophomore fresh from a therapeutic wilderness program during the height of COVID. Today, he has returned—not as a student, but as a full-time mentor dedicated to helping Gateway students discover the same hope, growth, and purpose that transformed his own life.

Colin was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome and often experienced intense sensory overload, anxiety, and overwhelming emotions. At the time, those challenges frequently manifested as explosive behaviors and impulsive reactions. What made those moments especially painful was that Colin deeply cared about others and would carry tremendous sadness and guilt after hurting the people around him. 

Looking back, Colin recognizes what a unique opportunity Gateway provided.

"It's a place where it's completely okay to show up at your worst because there are so many great people here to help you bounce back and learn. Once I recognized and accepted that opportunity, everything began to change."

One of the most meaningful parts of Colin's experience was Gateway's academic program.

"It's rare to find teachers who truly care. The teachers here aren't just teaching content—they're part of your process. They see you every day, they know you, and they're willing to help you learn and grow."

While at Gateway, Colin discovered something that would shape the rest of his life: internal motivation.

Rather than changing for others, he learned to become better for himself. He developed strong study habits, learned mindfulness, and gained skills that continue to serve him today.

Those habits helped him earn a remarkable 4.0 GPA at Auburn University, where he recently completed his junior year. Colin is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences, preparing for a future dedicated to helping others.

His long-term goal? - "To become the best therapist in the world."

Colin hopes to combine therapy, meditation, nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness to treat the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

As a mentor, Colin is passionate about teaching Gateway students the importance of authenticity. When he first arrived as a student, he was trapped in a cycle of perfectionism and people-pleasing. Over time, he realized that constantly trying to be who others wanted him to be was unsustainable.

"I want students to know that showing up as your authentic self is instrumental to happiness and success."

Mindfulness remains one of the most important tools he gained during his time at Gateway, and it's a skill he hopes to pass on to the students he mentors. Most importantly, Colin wants current students to see what life can look like after treatment.

"I made it, and you can too."

He hopes students will see not only his academic success, but also the happiness, confidence, and sense of wholeness he has built since leaving Gateway.

After graduating from Auburn and before attending graduate school, Colin hopes to spend a gap year backpacking through the Alps, traveling abroad, and possibly teaching English overseas. For now, however, he's exactly where he wants to be—back at Gateway Academy, helping students discover the same strength, purpose, and potential that he found here years ago.

We are incredibly grateful to have Colin back on campus and proud of the remarkable young man he has become.

Celebrating Student Success On and Off the Field

May 2026

At Gateway Academy, we believe that education extends far beyond the classroom. We are committed to helping students pursue their passions and achieve success in every area of their lives.

While Gateway Academy does not offer team sports programs, we understand the important role that athletics can play in a young person's development. That's why we make every effort to support students in continuing to participate in the sports and activities they love within our local community.

We believe that experiences like athletics help students build confidence, resilience, leadership skills, and meaningful connections with others. By providing individualized academic support and flexibility, we help students balance their educational goals while continuing to pursue opportunities that bring them purpose and joy.

This spring, we had the privilege of cheering on one of our students as they competed on a local high school lacrosse team. Through hard work, dedication, and teamwork, they helped lead their team all the way to the state championship game—an incredible accomplishment that reflects both athletic talent and personal perseverance.

“Playing lacrosse was one of the highlights of my time at Gateway, and making it to state was awesome. I was able to make new friends, gain confidence, and play the sport that I love. Having the Gateway students and staff support me made it even better.” - Nicholas

We are incredibly proud of Nick and all he accomplished this season. Reaching the state championship game is a remarkable achievement, and we were honored to support him throughout his journey.

Congratulations on an outstanding season—we can't wait to see what comes next!

Summer Tech Reset 

May 2026

As summer settles in, many parents find themselves facing a familiar challenge: managing technology use when school is out and routines become less structured.

Without the built-in schedule of classes, extracurricular activities, and homework, screens can quickly become the default source of entertainment, social connection, and stimulation. While technology offers many benefits, excessive screen time can impact sleep, mood, motivation, physical activity, and face-to-face relationships—especially for adolescents whose brains are still developing.

At Gateway Academy, we often encourage families to view technology management not as a battle to be won, but as an opportunity to build healthy habits that can last well beyond the summer months. 

Dr. Delaney Ruston is a physician and nationally recognized expert on youth screen use and digital wellness, known for helping families navigate the challenges of technology in healthy and balanced ways. Check out her blog on summer tech resets, which includes a wealth of useful information. 

https://www.screenagersmovie.com/blog/summer-tech-resets-summer-fun?utm_source=emailoctopus&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TTT%20561

“Whatever this summer holds for you and your family, I hope one or two of Dr. Ruston’s blog posts give you a helpful place to start. Remember, the goal is increased awareness and intention, not perfection. We are all new at this.” - M. Michelle Gourley, LCSW  

Aim for progress over perfection. Technology is deeply integrated into modern life, and the goal is not complete avoidance. Instead, the focus should be on helping adolescents develop awareness, self-regulation, and healthy relationships with their devices.

Summer provides a valuable opportunity for families to reset habits, strengthen connections, and create intentional routines that support emotional well-being. Small, consistent boundaries, as well as examining what parents are modeling for their children in terms of their own tech use, can make a significant difference.

As always, Gateway Academy remains committed to supporting families as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of raising adolescents in a digital world.

More Tips for Creating Healthy Technology Boundaries

Start with a family conversation.
Rather than imposing rules without discussion, involve teens in creating expectations around screen use. Collaborative conversations often lead to greater buy-in and accountability.

Create screen-free times and spaces.
Consider establishing tech-free meals, family activities, and bedrooms at night. Protecting sleep is one of the most important reasons to set limits on evening screen use.

Focus on what comes before screens.
Encourage a "responsibilities before recreation" approach. Daily exercise, household responsibilities, social engagement, reading, creative pursuits, or summer employment can help create a healthy structure before recreational screen time begins.

Prioritize connection over restriction.
Many teens turn to screens because they provide social interaction and stimulation. Look for opportunities to replace screen time with meaningful experiences, family outings, volunteer work, hobbies, and time with friends.

Use technology tools thoughtfully.
Screen time limits, app restrictions, and parental controls can be helpful, but they work best when paired with clear communication and consistent expectations.

Model healthy habits.
Adolescents pay close attention to the adults around them. Demonstrating balance with personal technology use can be one of the most powerful teaching tools available.

Celebrating the Class of 2026

May 2026

We are incredibly proud of our graduating seniors and all they have accomplished this year. Through their hard work, dedication, and perseverance, they have earned admission to an impressive list of colleges and universities and have been offered more than $1 million in scholarships. We celebrate their achievements and are excited to see the many paths they will pursue after graduation.

All seniors participate in a College & Career Readiness course that guides them through every step of planning for life after high school. In the fall, students complete college applications, build profiles on platforms like Common App, College Board, ACT, Niche, and Raise.me, and explore colleges, majors, and career pathways through resources such as Looking Beyond the 

Ivy League and Colleges That Change Lives. Seniors also tour local campuses, including Salt Lake Community College, Westminster University, and the University of Utah.

In the spring, students focus on the transition to adulthood through reading the book How to College and exploring college success skills, independent living, internships, job searches, trades, and structured gap-year opportunities. Whether students plan to attend college, enter the workforce, or pursue another pathway, we help ensure they are prepared for their next steps

Congratulations Class of 2026! We are so proud of you!