From 8 employees to 85 employees

From 4 students to 44 students

From 4 golden retrievers to 19 golden retrievers 

It has been an incredible privilege to be part of the birth, development and ongoing growth of a new program. Prior to becoming a founding member of CALO (Change Academy Lake of the Ozarks), I had never had the opportunity to be a part of something of this magnitude, starting from the ground up. With Ken’s vision, Landon’s clinical strength and my admission’s background, we hit the ground running with the desire to make a difference by creating a program that met the needs of a small window of families with students needing a specialized program. A program designed to meet the students’ individual needs, rather than having the students try to fit into the mold of a generalized program.  In the last three years, I believe we have accomplished that and much more. Some of the key elements that make CALO special include:

·          Authentic Leadership that is accessible to our students and their families

·          Skilled, savvy, and  specialized therapists

·          Individualized and specialized approach to each student and their family

·          Amazing team of direct staff that are ready and willing to “go the distance” and “jump in the mud” with our students

·          Powerful and effective treatment model

·          Beautiful setting and facilities

·          Outstanding recreational and experiential therapy

·          Ongoing desire to grow as a program and be innovative in our approach to our students and their families

I count myself lucky to be part of such and amazing team and program. I value each family that calls on the phone and/or comes through our door. Each family that joins the CALO program joins the CALO family and becomes part of who we are, leaving a lasting impression of their time with us.

I have been going back in forth on what to email you in regards to the differences with CALO and where I am currently employed.  I have thought long and hard as to what to write about. More...

In its infancy, CALO sought and received Joint Commission Behavioral Healthcare accreditation. CALO sought accreditation primarily as a way to enhance our organization performance, focus on organization-wide quality improvement, increase our outside accountability, and support our families seeking reimbursement from outside payors such as private insurance, Medicaid, adoption subsidies, school boards, etc.

Joint Commission accreditation is the "gold-star" in the industry due to the stringency of the standards and the in depth on-site survey process.  The Joint Commission develops all its standards in consultation with behavioral health care experts, providers, measurement experts, clients and their families.  The standards-based performance areas for all behavioral health care organization are as follows:

Management of the Environment of Care; Management of Human Resources; Surveillance, Prevention and Control of Infection; Management of Information; Leadership; Life Safety; Medication Management; National Patient Safety Goals; Provision of Care, Treatment and Services; Improving Organization Performance; and Ethics, Rights and Responsibilities.

The Joint Commission's accreditation process concentrates on operational systems critical to the safety and quality of student care.  To earn and maintain accreditation as a behavioral health care organization, CALO must undergo an on-site survey by a Joint Commission survey team at least every three years as well as completing annual Periodic Performance Reviews.  The survey process and periodic performance reviews evaluate actual student care, treatment and services provided by tracing students through the continuum of care and analyzing the key operational systems that directly impact the quality and safety of student care.  All Joint Commission surveys are conducted by experienced behavioral health care professionals including psychologists, social workers, behavioral health care nurses and administrators.  The majority of the Joint Commission surveyors are actively working in a range of behavioral health care settings.  Surveyors must also pass a certification examination. 

CALO is proud to be accredited by the Joint Commission as a behavioral health care organization and continues to strive for ongoing quality improvement and accountability.