Preeya Alestas – Admissions Specialist at Havenwood Academy

What does the first day of trauma treatment look like for a young person arriving at Havenwood Academy?In this episode, Josh Gardner sits down with Preeya Alestas, Admissions Specialist at Havenwood Academy, to talk about the role admissions plays in creating a safe and supportive start to the healing journey.Preeya shares how her own background and passion for mental health led her to Havenwood, and why the intake process can be one of the most important moments in a student’s treatment experience. From anticipating needs to building trust with both students and families, she explains how small, intentional actions can make a big difference.They also discuss the culture at Havenwood, the importance of trauma-informed care, and the behind-the-scenes work teams do to support both students and parents during difficult transitions.In this conversation, you’ll hear about:Why innovation and systems matter in trauma treatmentHow the admissions process sets the tone for healingThe importance of anticipating the needs of students and familiesWhat trauma-informed care looks like in everyday interactionsWhy healing is rarely linearThe culture and mission that make Havenwood uniquePreeya also shares a powerful full-circle moment from her own life that deepened her connection to the work.If you want a closer look at the people behind trauma treatment and the intentional care that goes into supporting families, this episode offers an honest and thoughtful perspective from the front lines of admissions at Havenwood Academy.