"I still remember walking into Kurn Hattin. The scared little girl I was. Seeing myself grow over the years has been a blessing. But I never could have done it without the backbone of my forever home. Thank you, all of you. I really did it. I graduated high school!"

~ Makiah Curtis, Class of 2012
"Kurn Hattin gave me guidance and structure when I needed it most. Kurn Hattin was the most perfect support my parents could have asked for. As they say, it takes a village to raise a child. Kurn Hattin is that village”

~Gizenia Boyd, Class of 2005
"I was so proud of my girl, getting up on stage and singing her heart out. Kurn Hattin is building her up with so much confidence. I will be forever grateful for what you are doing for my little girl."

~ Brenda Boisjolie Arce, Mother
"Born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth. It’s a phrase I associate with my upbringing at Kurn Hattin. I attended Kurn Hattin from 3rd to 8th grade and was given security, consistency, guidance, and direction. The girls, boys, teachers, and houseparents became my forever family.”

~Kim (Sherrick) Dawson, Class of 1982
"Kurn Hattin provided advice, support, and encouragement to pursue my dreams. The most important lesson I learned was to be humble, kind, and help those who were less fortunate. Because of Kurn Hattin, I have found my voice, my purpose in life, and my passion to help those who are in need.”

~Heather Kampfer, Class of 2001, Alumni Association President
"I support Kurn Hattin partly for sentimental reasons and as a teacher, I know the needs of children who no longer can live at home. I like their philosophy—to return the children home to their families. The families are given time to strengthen and heal. The children are given every chance to succeed and find their own niche whether it is with music, sports, writing, or animals."

~ Carol Howe, Friend & Supporter
"The lessons of life that I still carry today were taught to me at Kurn Hattin 50 plus years ago. Although many of my teachers who stood at the ‘fork in the road’ are gone, I carry on their legacy. And now I stand at the fork in the road to point the way for those who follow.”

~Jerry L. Bardwell, Class of 1973, Trustee
"The area I came from wasn’t the best environment. Though I didn’t want to be here at first, I’d say my mom did the right thing. The houseparents are like family. They changed my life. I matured in all aspects from being a little kid to growing into a man.”

~Jacob Edwards, Class of 2018
"Discipline, respect, loyalty, and love are what I learned from the houseparents. I have 3 older brothers and we all went there. Thanks Kurn Hattin–Always the place I call home."

~Stephen Smith, Class of 1994
"I love Kurn Hattin and miss it like crazy. Kristi Lisai, thank you for being the BEST English teacher ever, being so easy to talk to, and teaching me how to be such a good writer! Richard M. Long, thank you for never giving up on me when I would do so badly in social studies. And to all of the other teachers and staff, just thank you for being my ... AWESOME TEACHERS!"

~ Chelsea Candello, Class of 2012
“Kurn Hattin was the best choice my family ever made for me. When I was in the 8^th grade I didn’t want to leave.”

~Kristen McDaniel, Class of 1991
“I’m so proud to have been at Kurn Hattin. It turned my life around and put me on the right track. I’m not sure where I would have been otherwise. And I believe I was the only boy who made ‘Eagle Scout’ at that time.”

~ Peter Stavrou, Class of 1951
"I didn’t know how to make friends. I had a lot of problems. I felt like I was stuck in quicksand. Then I came to Kurn Hattin. It was a slow process, but I was given a lot of structure and I needed and responded to that structure.“

~Christiana Mylott, Class of 2018
“Best years of my life. I’m now 36 married and have 3 beautiful daughters. Just wanted to say ‘thank you’ for everything this school did for me. Kurn Hattin definitely made me the man I am today.”

~Tom Adkins, Class of 1995
"I’m grateful to have had the experience at Kurn Hattin Homes, which was my and my brother’s ‘village’ that made such a positive mark on our lives.”

~Rhonda (Gaudreau) Nolan, Class of 1977, Incorporator
"My son has since graduated from high school and just turned 18! He’s an accomplished jazz musician and artist. Thank you Kurn Hattin for all you do for children.”

~Chantal Paulino, Mother
"I can’t help reiterating my admiration and thanks to a wonderful haven for needy children and one which has provided guidance, education and encouragement to many, many children, who have gone on to lead meaningful adulthood lives, some who have become leaders in society.”

~James Barschdorf, Class of 1944

Successful Women Have Grit

December 12, 2019

Sara Stine is Kurn Hattin Homes for Children’s therapeutic riding instructor, which affords her the perfect blend of her teaching experience and extensive background with horses. Sara’s teaching method begins with the children lying on yoga mats in what used to be the milk house of the old Kurn Hattin barn.

Her full story is now published along with others in the Kindle book: Successful Women Have Grit by Debbie Curtis

The author hopes the book will get a few people involved in horses, or change a girl's life just a tiny bit for the better.

~ Makiah Curtis, Class of 2012

~Gizenia Boyd, Class of 2005

~ Brenda Boisjolie Arce, Mother

~Kim (Sherrick) Dawson, Class of 1982

~Heather Kampfer, Class of 2001, Alumni Association President

~ Carol Howe, Friend & Supporter

~Jerry L. Bardwell, Class of 1973, Trustee

~Jacob Edwards, Class of 2018

~Stephen Smith, Class of 1994

~ Chelsea Candello, Class of 2012

~Kristen McDaniel, Class of 1991

~ Peter Stavrou, Class of 1951

~Christiana Mylott, Class of 2018

~Tom Adkins, Class of 1995

~Rhonda (Gaudreau) Nolan, Class of 1977, Incorporator

~Chantal Paulino, Mother

~James Barschdorf, Class of 1944

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Successful Women Have Grit

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