NH Gov. Kelly Ayotte Gets On-the-Ground Look at Learning and Support Services at Squamscott River Academy

North Hampton, NH, Oct. 31, 2025 - New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte got a first-hand look at the work of students, faculty, and staff at North Hampton’s Squamscott River Academy (SRA) during the Governor’s visit on Friday, Oct. 24.

Approximately 20 junior high and high school students, ages 11-17, attend day classes at SRA, which provides competency based instruction and innovative strategies and support services while also providing full access to New Hampshire’s general education curriculum.

During the 90-minute visit, Ayotte attended SRA’s Friday assembly, then met with student groups, during which she learned about their studies. Biology students, who are learning about the science behind sourdough starter, presented Ayotte with a loaf of sourdough bread made from their own starter culture. After a tour of the school, students in SRA’s theater group wrapped up the visit with an a capella singing of “This is Me” from the movie “The Greatest Showman.”

SRA Director of Academics Jennifer Marino, M.Ed., CAGS, also presented the Governor with a binder including a summary of SRA’s recent programs, and a collection of essays from SRA students on what the program has meant to them and how it’s changed their lives.

“I was glad to have the opportunity to visit Squamscott River Academy and see firsthand the great work they are doing to help students reach their full potential," said Gov. Ayotte. "From creative science lessons to fostering a love of the arts, I thank Jennifer Marino and the entire SRA team for giving these young women a place to learn, grow, and thrive.”

Ayotte was invited to meet with the SRA community to learn more about the programs and successes at SRA, a therapeutic school that, as a part of Mount Prospect Academy since 2019, has helped New Hampshire children with emotional or mental health needs.

"The students at SRA showcased their ability to succeed despite the life-changing obstacles they’ve had to overcome," said Mount Prospect Academy President Jeffrey Caron, M.Ed., CAGS. "From providing a face-to-face tour, presenting testimonials, their artwork and science projects, and performing music for the Governor, the students were truly inspiring."

“Our students are very proud of the work they do and what they’re learning, and we were delighted to have Gov. Ayotte here,” said Marino. “This was a student-led program, and I think I’m proudest of the way our students prepared for the governor’s visit, and the initiative they showed in introducing her to SRA and sharing what they’ve learned (and baked.)”

“We’re thankful to Gov. Ayotte for the time she spent with our students, getting to know them and hearing their stories,” said SRA Superintendent John Fulp, M.Ed., CAGS, who founded SRA in 2019. “I’m also grateful for Jen Marino and her incredibly dedicated team, who are committed to helping our students get to the best outcomes. I’m looking forward to the future and their successes.”

Squamscott River Academy uses many options and modalities to promote behavioral change and emotional growth by employing principles of applied behavioral analysis, clinical models, and other interventions. Those include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment, Regulation, and Competency, therapeutic recreation, and individual and group counseling.