Hey There

Sometimes, all it takes is one person crossing your path to change the direction of your life. I didn’t know it at the time, but fifteen years ago, I met the person that would come to play a significant role in shaping my future. At the time, Rafi was a scrawny teenager who didn’t love waking up for school, and I was a new case manager at the county mental health center, with a lot still to learn. To be honest, the first time our paths crossed I wasn’t sure I ever wanted them to cross again, this little boy threw me off my game! But as life would have it, we were stuck with one another for several years.

 

During that time, I had the opportunity to work with Rafi throughout his teenage years, during this time I watched as he tried to navigate a world he didn’t always completely understand.  Sometimes, it would almost break my heart to witness how hard he tried to make sense of a situation, to understand the expectations of a specific setting and the people around him. I couldn’t imagine living day to day with some of the challenges Rafi encountered. What I did know was that I wanted to help him learn the best ways for him to navigate the world. I wanted to help him figure out what he wanted in life and how to get there. 

That was when my path in life was altered. I knew I wanted to create a place for individuals to discover what they wanted in life and help them get there. Everybody deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams and live life in a way that makes them happy. 

Over the years, Rafi has learned various skills to improve his social awareness and interactions, to keep himself safe, to express his thoughts and feelings, and to manage his emotions. He is able to utilize the skills he has learned to overcome some of the barriers that previously prevented him from enjoying some of his favorite things, like going out to eat, to the movie theatre, or to Main Event. 

Everyday, Rafi shows the world who he is and what he has to offer. Rafi’s path in life has been bumpy, sometimes unfair and always complicated. But he always stays the course, he is like his mom in that sense, she is resilient, strong and has always fought right alongside him. She is just as inspiring as her son. 

At Brighthouse, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to pursue their dreams and live a life that brings them joy. We are committed to providing individualized treatment, meaningful skill development, and compassionate support to help students grow socially, emotionally, and academically. For families, we strive to be true partners in your journey. For staff, we offer a workplace rooted in purpose, collaboration, and respect where your work truly changes lives.

My hope is that Brighthouse Academy can offer other individuals and families in our community the same chance Rafi was given: the chance to be understood, supported, and empowered to become their best selves.

—
Rebecca Chapin
Founder, Brighthouse Academy