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Cooking Up Confidence: A Student Forges His Path
May 19, 2026
The path a student takes is as individual as the student themselves. You never know which experiences will resonate, what will inspire them, and how they ultimately decide what comes next. For students like Nate, a setting that helps them feel grounded and makes it possible to learn, can truly be the key to self-discovery and growth toward meaningful goals.
High School Senior Nate began at Green Chimneys’ Clearpool Campus as an anxious and introverted 5th grader. He struggled to socialize and interact in almost any situation. His challenges had made it difficult for him to participate in his prior school environment, and left him behind academically.
“He was extremely dysregulated,” recalls Nate’s mother, Vicki. “They started right in with the therapies and I thought ‘They’re focusing on his social-emotional needs and all these life skills but not his schoolwork, and he’s not going to learn.’” But Nate worked with staff on tools to help him figure out how to get calm, stay calm, and feel regulated so that he could be able to learn. “They had it right,” says Vicki. “They knew exactly what they were doing and they were able to get him where he needed to be so that he could learn.”
Embracing Green Chimneys
Nate embraced his new school. His mom says he fell in love with Clearpool; the wooded campus, the cabin-style buildings, and the smaller classroom setting that suited his need for structure and a calm environment. “He loved being in nature and going on hikes; he was introduced to so many different things,” says Vicki. “By age 11, Nate had really turned a corner and realized he needed to work hard in order to get somewhere that he wanted to be.”
When Nate entered 9th grade at Brewster campus, the transition to typical high school programming and changing classes was overwhelming. Placement in a contained classroom, along with his individualized supports, provided the stability and predictability Nate needed to thrive. He also appreciated the larger farm program and the animals, which became an important part of his emotional regulation skills, “They help me settle down when I’m stressed,” says Nate.
Discovering New Interests
In his sophomore year, Nate discovered his calling with Culinary Teacher Kevin Docherty, who has been a genuine inspiration. Chef Kevin proudly shares his experiences as a professional chef with students. As Nate began to take special interest in class, Kevin shared cookbooks, techniques, and information about programs that could help Nate further his culinary 0education.
“In the three years I’ve known Nate, I’ve watched him become less reserved, even adventurous, in the kitchen,” says Kevin. “As a teacher, seeing his enthusiasm for learning, tasting, and practicing knife skills was very rewarding.” Kevin eventually introduced the idea of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, NY.
Nate submitted an application to CIA in his junior year, writing in his essay: “The thing that excites me the most about cooking is making people feel happy through a dish that I created. The look on their faces when they see the dish and take their first bite is very satisfying to me. I would love the opportunity to attend CIA to perfect the skills I have already learned, and gain knowledge and experience in the culinary and hospitality areas I have yet to learn.”
Cooking Up a Bright Future
This past fall, Nate received his acceptance to CIA! He will graduate from Green Chimneys in June, and enter the school’s prestigious Culinary Arts program in September.
Nate’s mom, Vicki, says, “As parents, we always want what is best for our children, that is especially true when it comes to our children’s education. My son Nate has been with Green Chimneys since 5th grade and has grown into the most kind, thoughtful, responsible teenager. I attribute it all to Green Chimneys. Green Chimneys helped Nate attain the tools necessary for overcoming obstacles other schools couldn’t. Due to Nate’s hard work, he is currently on the path to graduate this June. Together with Administration, Nate’s teachers, social workers and mentors, we are extremely proud of Nate and eternally grateful for the partnership with Green Chimneys all these years.”
Nate’s passion for cooking and confidence in his skills has helped him expand his comfort zone, and staff across both campuses are cheering for his success. “I’ve had Nate as a student for three years and he has grown so much,” says his teacher, Kathy Sacer. “He was accepted to his desired college. He has jobs in various departments on campus. He is our Student Council Representative. He went to prom last year and danced! Nate is so different from the young man I met years ago. I’m so proud of him and can’t wait to see where he’ll end up!”
