Sandhill Child Develpment Center is committed to proven as well as promising practices in the field of mental health. Recent neurobiological research clearly indicates that attachment disorders are related to brain dysregulation and disorganization. Fortunately, research is also proving that the brain is plastic and therefore amenable to change and healing. As a part of our commitment to provide the best services possible for our residents, the following targeted services are available within our program to address brain-body disorders.
Neurofeedback and Biofeedback: Through the use of computer technology, neurofeedback and biofeedback techniques measure and feed back subtle changes in brain waves, and body functions such as heart rate and breathing patterns. With this feedback technology, residents can gain control over dysregulated body processes and the disorders or problems that are associated with them. Some of the disorders that may be relieved through bio or neurofeedback include Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety, addictions, depression and disorders of sleep.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): a trauma-release psychotherapy which integrates elements of many effective psychotherapies in structured protocols that are designed to maximize treatment effects.
Specific Nutritional Supplementation: Our clinical team works collaboratively with health and medical professionals to enhance the nutritional health of our residents. Evidence shows that dietary supplements sometimes help alleviate the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. Sandhill Center provides nutritional assessment and supplementation, targeted amino acid therapy, and support as needed to enhance our resident's health and quality of life.
Kids + Animals = Fun: Sandhill Center abounds with horses, dogs, cats, dairy goats, chickens, and even a tame peacock named Pete. Working and playing with animals provides opportunities for spontaneous fun as well as personal growth. Children learn the importance or follow-through by performing chores and other daily responsibilities to help care for the animals. In turn, the animals provide children with a mirror for them to see how their actions, feelings and intentions impact others. Most importantly, the children experience the unconditional love that results through their positive relationship with the Center's animals.
Wilderness Adventure Therapy: Sandhill Center uses a year-round academic calender punctuated by four breaks (spring, summer, fall, winter Holidays). The spring, summer and fall breaks provide us with opportunities to develop a connection with nature, and the direct experience of the healing energies and spiritual renewal that a wilderness encounter can provide. Our adventure therapy trips have taken us to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks in Utah; Breckenridge and Heron Lake in Colorado; Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon in Arizona; and Carlsbad Caverns, the Gila Wilderness, Taos and Chama in New Mexico. Activities include hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, white water rafting and rock climbing. Our adventure trips are planned and supervised by a Wilderness First Responder and experienced recreation specialist certified by the American Mountaineering Guide Association.
Service Learning: In addition to these enhanced programs, Sandhill Center residents participate in a number of community service-based programs designed to help make a difference in the community.
Adopt Romero Road: Twice monthly, our children have the opportunity to demonstrate and internalize the value of community spirit and service by donning safety vests and gloves, with the end-goal of keeping Romero Road in Los Lunas beautiful. Our rural neighbors are familiar with this routine, and often come to offer drinks and encouragement to the children. It is always a thrill to see the children beaming with pleasure over the sense of accomplishment they feel in exchange for their service in the community.
