"Our society should be judged by its concern for the quality of life for all its members without exception." E. Lakin Phillips, Ph.D., PHILLIPS Founder

January 2025 Newsletter

Escape to Vail: Enter Our Valentine’s Raffle!

Looking for a dreamy four-day, three-night getaway in stunning Vail? Thanks to Jon and Courtney Spaeth, this year’s Vail for Valentine’s raffle winner will enjoy an unforgettable stay in their beautiful home.

Don’t miss your chance to experience this breathtaking retreat! Get your raffle tickets today.

Thank you for supporting PHILLIPS!

Grand Opening: Explore Our Redesigned Annandale Campus Library!

We are thrilled to announce the transformation of the library at our Annandale Campus! After months of anticipation, our redesigned space is now open, featuring sleek new shelving and cozy seating arranged in a creative "S" configuration. This modern, inviting layout is designed to inspire exploration, imagination, and learning for all who visit.

The journey to this transformation was not without challenges. Our books and materials were carefully boxed for several months as we awaited new furniture. Unfortunately, manufacturing issues caused delays, with misaligned screw holes setting us back. But the wait was worth it—our library is now a true masterpiece!

A huge thank you to Courtney Spaeth and her incredible team at Growth[period], who generously spent an afternoon unboxing, sorting, and shelving our collection. Their hands-on support exemplifies their ongoing commitment to our mission. Growth[period] has been a steadfast supporter of PHILLIPS, previously purchasing and displaying one of our student-decorated holiday trees in their offices. We are deeply grateful for their dedication to our community.

The library’s shelves are now filled with treasures old and new. Among our recent additions are adaptations of Zora Neale Hurston’s works for children, offering students a fresh perspective on this literary icon’s legacy. We believe libraries are places of wonder and discovery, and we can’t wait for our students to explore this beautiful new space and immerse themselves in the joy of reading.

We invite everyone to stop by and experience the magic of our redesigned library. Here’s to new beginnings and endless adventures in learning!

PHILLIPS Leaders Shine at the NAPSEC Conference

We are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of three PHILLIPS leaders: Zachary Haney (Executive Director of Programs), Renee Flowers (Program Director, Laurel Campus), and Courtney Gaskins (Program Director, Fairfax Campus). These dedicated professionals recently attended the NAPSEC Conference in New Orleans, where they explored innovative strategies to inspire, energize, and empower special education leaders.

Despite an unusual snowfall in New Orleans, our team made the most of this valuable professional development opportunity. PHILLIPS remains committed to fostering continuous learning and growth for our staff, ensuring we stay at the forefront of educational and leadership advancements. The insights gained from this event will undoubtedly benefit our students and community.

Mark Your Calendar: The PHILLIPS Gala is Just Two Months Away!

Get ready for an unforgettable evening at Ideas In Bloom: Together We Spring Forward, the PHILLIPS Gala—just two months away! This year’s event promises excitement and inspiration, featuring Gala Co-chair Dan Giusti, former chef at the world-renowned Noma in Copenhagen and founder of Chef’s Brigaid. For the past two years, Dan has partnered with PHILLIPS to bring scratch-cooked meals to our students, recently expanding to our Laurel campus.

The evening will feature a live auction with incredible prizes, including luxury getaways, a painting by acclaimed artist Hunt Slonem, a Taylor Swift-signed guitar, and more. We are also honored to present the Community Engagement Award to Henry Gordon-Smith, founder of Agritecture. Henry’s work inspired PHILLIPS to create a CTE pathway in urban agriculture through hydroponic farming, opening new opportunities for our students.

Join us on April 5 to hear the inspiring stories behind these partnerships and celebrate our community’s achievements. The event includes a VIP pre-reception and an exclusive After-Party. Don’t miss this extraordinary evening—learn more and secure your spot.

Supporting Students: Janae Ledford’s Impact on Substance Misuse Prevention

PHILLIPS' Youth Prevention Specialist, Janae Ledford, recently reflected on her first semester working with students across our campuses. Janae plays a crucial role in helping students navigate substance misuse by providing education, resources, and prevention strategies. She also collaborates with parents and staff to build a strong, supportive network.

In her student sessions, Janae covers key topics such as debunking substance use myths, understanding consequences, managing peer pressure (a common concern is how to say no), developing coping skills, and promoting overall health and nutrition. She addresses substances like nicotine, marijuana, alcohol, and opioids through interactive activities, including role-playing and game-based learning, to help students apply what they’ve learned.

Beyond group sessions, Janae works individually with students, coordinating with their counselors to ensure clear communication with parents and caregivers. Alarmingly, the average age of first substance use among students is just 12 years old, often driven by boredom and excessive free time. Despite these challenges, many students express a strong desire to make positive changes.

Youth prevention specialists are rare in school settings, making Janae’s work even more vital. We’re proud and grateful to have the resources to support this essential program, which is making a meaningful difference in our students’ lives.

A Fond Farewell to Trixie Herbert

We say a heartfelt farewell to Trixie Herbert, our dedicated Chief Operating Officer, who has served PHILLIPS for 24 incredible years. Her unwavering commitment—from managing budgets to overseeing our welcoming and well-maintained buildings, guiding Building Futures through the completion of two student-built houses (with a third underway), and providing steadfast support to our staff—has left an indelible mark on our organization.

Trixie’s integrity and embodiment of the #onePHILLIPS value were truly exemplary. She also played a pivotal role in launching our nonprofit, SpringForward Ventures, which fosters employment opportunities for individuals facing barriers to work. Under her leadership, SpringForward Feeds, our meal production company, is now thriving in its third year.

Trixie, we are deeply grateful for your dedication and leadership. Wishing you endless joy in retirement—you are greatly missed!