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Academy MetroWest is an independently owned group activity program that has been helping children and their families since 1994. Academy MetroWest counselors work to foster the overall development of children by creating an environment where they can be physically active, build their self-confidence and learn appropriate social skills through cooperative and collaborative physical play. |
Children enrolled in Academy MetroWest are placed in small activity groups which typically range from four to seven children. Groups are homogeneous in nature, with children being matched up based upon their age, physical ability, and social/emotional development. This arrangement enables children to attain concrete success while feeling safe and challenged, but not overwhelmed. Groups meet once a week for an hour and fifteen minutes and are led by trained mental health professionals. Activity groups are offered on weekdays during after school hours as well as on Saturday mornings.
Because of the way in which Academy MetroWest structures groups, we are able to provide services for a wide range of children. This includes the child who is athletic and socially adept who is looking for a less competitive, more supportive recreational outlet; to the child who may have social, psychological, learning or developmental issues.
Children who attend Academy MetroWest may benefit in one or more of the following
ways:
Academy MetroWest employs a wide repertoire of activities but focuses on
games in which children act as allies with each other, not rivals. One child's
physical success does not come as the result of another child's failure.
Our activities often involve children working together against the staff,
which creates a common goal for the children in the group. Our activities
include but are not limited to:
See a sample activity.
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Bruce Sabian M.A., LMHC
founder, director, counselor Bruce is a a regular consultant to public schools and other agencies regarding ADHD, NLD, and Asperger's Disorder. He also works with schools to establish in-house social skills groups Prior to establishing the Academy MetroWest practice in 1994, Bruce worked as a therapist at the Academy of Physical and Social Development in Newton, MA . While in that position, he created and directed Camp Nonantum, a therapeutic summer program for children with special needs. |
Gary Steinberg LSW
founder, director, counselor Recognized as an innovator of cooperative games for children, Gary serves as a consultant for schools and children's programs. Prior to establishing the Academy MetroWest practice in 1994, Gary was the program director and counselor at the Academy of Physical and Social Development in Newton, MA for more than 20 years. |
Hannah Gould M.Ed.
counselor, certified special-education teacher Hannah has been a member of the counseling staff of Academy MetroWest since 2001. She is also a certified Special Education Teacher (moderate, PK-9). Prior to joining the Academy MetroWest staff, Hannah taught in the Special Education Department in the public schools of Bedford, MA. |
An initial interview involving the child and parent(s) is required for enrollment at Academy MetroWest. Information from this interview is used as a guide in determining the best possible group placement for the child. There is a $75.00 fee for this session which lasts approximately one hour. This initial interview can be arranged by calling Academy MetroWest at (508) 655-9200 Monday through Friday between 9:30 am and 3:00 pm.
For 2006-2007, the fee for an activity group (which meets once a week for an hour and fifteen minutes) is $52 per week. Fees are collected on a pre-pay basis. Visa/Mastercard is accepted. Fee adjustments can be made on the basis of financial need.
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Academy MetroWest 9 Tech Circle, Natick, MA, 01760 (508)-655-9200 (email: AcademyMetroWest@yahoo.com)
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