"Because I am a parent, I take my work with youth to heart. I always think about the way I would want my own children to be treated by others and act accordingly. It is such an honor to be a part of the lives of the youth I work with at Gateway and I understand how important my job is to keep them safe, help them feel a sense of belonging, and facilitate their growth. It is such a gift to witness each of them grow to become their best selves! "
Stephanie Foster
Residential Manager - Gateway House
EXPERIENCE
Experience working with adolescents in Mental Healthcare since 1991
Experience working with adolescents in Juvenile Justice and Child and Family Services since 1993
Experience working in residential treatment since 2000
PHILOSOPHY
Stephanie takes a secure, consistent and empathetic approach in her work with the youth at Gateway - her main priority being emotional and physical safety. Stephanie aims to help students transition from the predictable safe haven that residential treatment provides, into practicing life skills for life after graduating from Gateway Academy. Stephanie knows from her years of experience working with teens that the therapeutic process of transition must be intentional and provide opportunities to test and refine skills in order to effectuate a successful next step.
PROFESSIONAL
Stephanie began working with youth in her 20’s as a volunteer for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program. Because of her responsible, consistent care, and effective communication she was employed as a case worker for Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization. With her experience from this job, she transitioned to work as a staff mentor and youth community tracker for troubled youth in the custody of the Department of Human Services. Over time she also became a psychological testing proctor at ChoicePoint Therapeutic Services working with youth under court order to be evaluated for their risk and treatment needs. Her mature, caring and concern for youth and her ability to hold boundaries when needed made her perfect for working with youth and their parents. In 2000, her experience led her to begin working for Gateway Academy first as a mentor in Gateway's Transition "TAL House" and eventually promoted to a community supervisor assisting youth to develop life skills and provide therapeutic supervision and support. Stephanie took a break from Gateway for several years to provide elder care and hospice support. Through this tender work she gained an appreciation of the little things in life and the gift of connection. In 2023, Stephanie returned to Gateway to serve as the Residential Manager at the Gateway House.
Stephanie is an invested team player, as reflected in the the number of roles she has held in leadership throughout her career. Her diverse skill set and wisdom allows her to provide a wide variety of mentoring to students and the team she leads. She has a strong belief in giving back to her community and adds a positive, uplifting attitude and energy in every activity and association.
PERSONAL
Stephanie is married to the love of her life and has 3 amazing adult children. Spending time with her family is her greatest joy! She also enjoys gardening, refinishing furniture, exploring our beautiful state and sharing time with friends.