I have also been following these reports for some time. When the first one was posted, I was still on staff. I was also still under the considerable sway of Carolyn Rethwisch. As time passed, the environment became so hostile, and the mental and emotional abuse so pervasive, that I had to seek medical attention for severe depression. Thanks to my Doctor, and my family and friends, I recovered.
I could then see clearly the web of deceit woven through each layer of the school's existence. I began to understand that it was not I who had the problem. I came to the point where I no longer was beguiled by Carolyn's endless and fantastic excuses. She has a forceful and dominant personality. I learned from those close to her that she would often boast about how well she "played" the staff during meetings; especially when she brought people to tears with her dramatics. I learned many things that are not even appropriate to reveal in this open forum. But, I am so grateful to have my eyes opened and my discernment returned to me. I realized that continuing on staff would give my implicit approval to each and every improper decision, and I decided to leave.
Since leaving, my spirit has been refreshed and my mind and heart are healing. For you see, not only is it not a "... Safe place for a child's heart, mind, and soul, " neither is it a safe place for an employee's heart, mind, and soul. Were I to reveal here all the things I know about THA and Carolyn, it would bring a chill to those who read these entries.
However; it would not bring about any positive changes. Therefore, in order to cleanse myself of any association with THA and Carolyn, I have reported what I know to the proper authorities. It is now up to the state officials to investigate and determine if any action is warranted.
At first I wanted to retain my anonymity about making this report. Because I was afraid of Carolyn. Because I have seen her in action and know the depths to which her pain and anger reach in her soul, and the revenge of which she is capable. But I realized this was still allowing her to influence my thought life and my choices, and realized I needed to reveal my actions in a public forum.
So, there it is. If there is a rebuttal, I already know what barbs it will contain, as they were used against me regularly during my employ. I also know that while there I was frequently the subject of ridicule among the rest of the administrative staff. I also know that not one time was any discontent with my performance communicated to me, which leads me to believe there was cowardice on both sides of the fence.
I am free now, and I learned much. I am thankful for the wonderful teachers I was blessed to supervise. They made the time there bearable and they were the only reason that any of the students learned anything. It is a shame that I was the only administrator to credit their amazing achievements and that they received abuse and shame at the hands of the Principal and Vice-Principal.
Parents who are considering enrolling their child at THA just need to know the whole story before making their decision. I have been maligned and lied about to parents and other professionals since leaving there, and I expect that only the strongest minds will be able to discern the truth.
There are still people there that I treasure and count as true friends. They will be the ones to understand why I had to speak out. They are also the ones who bring the light and goodness that does exist to the students attending THA. Peace and strength be yours.
0 comments