The journey of Aerie Healthcare began when Adam Rainer and Mik Oyler embarked on a mission together in 2018.
For six years, they led a well trusted therapeutic boarding school in New Hampshire, one that Adam founded in 2002, and later a short-term residential treatment center for adolescents, one that Mik played a critical role in opening. Their shared experience across adolescent residential treatment unveiled a critical gap in mental health care – adolescents often entered residential treatment programs without exhausting less intensive and valuable outpatient options. Further, adolescents returning home from residential treatment were often left without proper transitional support.
In 2023, fueled by their insights, Adam and Mik identified Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs (PHPs and IOPs) as the vital "missing link" in the continuum of care for struggling adolescents. Their vision crystallized around the belief that these programs, if made accessible, could offer the necessary scaffolding to keep young individuals at home or facilitate a smoother and more successful return.
Thus, Aerie Healthcare took flight, inspired by the symbolism of an Aerie – a fortress-like raptor nest perched on a cliff. Aerie Healthcare aspires to be more than just a program; it aims to be a safe and nurturing "nest" where young people find support that elevates and empowers them, enabling them to chart a new and promising flight towards their futures.
Mik Oyler, M.Ed.
Co-CEO & Founder
Mik Oyler has been a healthcare and education leader and administrator for over 15 years, serving in leadership roles in a variety of adolescent behavioral healthcare programs in the northeast, including an outdoor behavioral healthcare program, a therapeutic summer camp, a therapeutic school, as well as opening a short-term residential treatment center.
Mik has always been client/student focused and loves spending time with young people. A secondary passion in his work is developing organizational systems and structures that support the development of strong cohesive staff teams in order to ensure the best possible care of and outcomes for program participants.
Mik double majored in Sports and Fitness Management and Business Administration and was a three sport athlete at UNE. He then attended Springfield College where he received his Masters of Education in Psychology with a concentration in counseling athletes.
Mik and his family live in North Conway, where they enjoy hiking, camping, skiing, and in general all adventuring in the White Mountains together. Mik is an avid birder, considering it a way of life and form of personal meditation, is a Mountain Birdwatch volunteer researcher, and works as an instructor every summer at the Hog Island Audubon Teen Camp. Mik also serves on the Board of Directors of Mount Washington Valley Adaptive Sports, helping individuals of all abilities and disabilities to access recreational opportunities in the Mt. Washington Valley.
Adam Rainer, MBA
Co-CEO & Founder
Adam Rainer's dedication to adolescent development spans his entire career, marked by the establishment of an innovative therapeutic boarding school in 2002. Known for his innovation, progressiveness, and collaboration with esteemed academics, including developmental scientists and psychologists, he helped shape the direction of residential therapeutic schools and programs in the private pay industry. Unyielding in his commitment to defy the status quo, Adam's influence extends through numerous success stories of teenagers positively impacted by his therapeutic programs.
Driven by a passion for pushing boundaries, Adam now looks to make a positive impact in the area of day treatment, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs. As a proven innovator, he envisions reshaping the landscape of adolescent mental health services, ensuring a brighter future for those in need.
Jessica Luddy-Fernandez, LICSW
Clinical Director
Jessica joins Aerie Healthcare as the Clinical Director, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to supporting youth and families. With a solid background in program development, case management, individual, and group therapy; her diverse expertise equips her with a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges and strengths of the youth and families she serves.
Jessica’s core belief is that youth and families do well if they can, and she champions nurturing and creative approaches to help them thrive. She is a strong advocate for experiential learning and therapeutic play, which she believes are the most effective means of learning new skills and fostering resilience.
In her free time, Jessica enjoys reading, camping, dance, and indulging in reality TV. In addition to her hobbies, Jessica is committed to learning Spanish and is always looking for new ways to learn! Her enthusiasm for new experiences and personal development reflects her commitment to helping youth find their own paths to growth and well-being. Jessica is excited to bring her expertise and enthusiasm to the Aerie Healthcare team, where she will lead efforts to create supportive and transformative environments for teens.
Kay Patch MSN, PMHCNS-BC, APRN
Medical Director
Kay Patch is an experienced Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) specializing in psychiatric and mental healthcare. Kay's diverse background and extensive career includes operating a private practice, working in community and privately owned group practices, teaching as a visiting professor at the graduate and undergraduate university level, and serving in Medical Director and Clinical Director roles for adolescent mental health programs. Kay holds a Master's Degree in Psychiatric Nursing from Rivier College and is ANCC board certified as an adult and a child/adolescent Psychiatric Mental Health Clinical Nurse Specialist.
As a dedicated professional, Kay has consistently demonstrated expertise in psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapeutic interventions. With a passion for positive youth development, she actively engages in research, presentations, and affiliations with prominent organizations in the field. Kay's commitment to excellence is reflected in her certifications, licenses, affiliations, and significant contributions to the field of mental health, particularly for adolescents, making her a valuable asset to Aerie Healthcare and its participants.
As Medical Director, Kay plays a pivotal role in shaping the medical and clinical direction of Aerie Healthcare programs, ensuring the highest standard of care, and fostering a collaborative environment among the multidisciplinary team as well as with the participants. In her spare time, Kay enjoys spending time with her family, including her two grandchildren, early morning sunrises along the seacoast, and snowshoeing in the North Country.
Jennifer Sherburne, MSN, APRN
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jennifer brings extensive experience and expertise to the Aerie Healthcare multidisciplinary team, playing a pivotal role providing comprehensive clinical and psychiatric services to participants.
She holds a master’s degree in nursing from Case Western Reserve University and a post master’s certificate from Northeastern University, specializing in psychiatric care. She has a wide array of experience in different aspects of mental health, including maternal-child health, psychiatric emergency care, inpatient psychiatric hospital care, and an outpatient practice with clients of all ages and with a wide range of acuity.
While her work is based on prescribing psychiatric medications, Jennifer strongly believes in the importance of holistic care including therapy, balanced nutrition, exercise, and meaningful connections. These, in addition to medications, give patients the greatest potential for optimal brain functioning. Engaging in these healthy coping skills can be a challenge for people struggling emotionally; however, Jennifer believes that setting the expectation and providing the education can be the first step toward change.
Emily Ellis, MA, LCMHC, ATR-P
Therapist
Emily joins Aerie Healthcare with a diverse background in supporting children and families in a variety of settings including residential, inpatient, community mental health and private practice. Emily holds an M.A. in Art therapy and Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University.
Emily integrates a variety of therapeutic modalities, including creative and expressive arts therapy, to create a safe and empowering environment for self-exploration and growth. Drawing from a person-centered framework, Emily is committed to fostering a therapeutic relationship built on empathy, trust, and collaboration, guiding individuals and families toward greater emotional well-being and healthier relationships.
Outside of work, Emily enjoys exploring new places or spending time outdoors. Whether it's rock climbing, hiking, surfing, or snowboarding, Emily is always up for an adventure.
Jessalyn Hobson, LICSW
Therapist
Jessalyn, also known as Jessa, holds an M.S.W and an M.S. in Outdoor Education from the University of New Hampshire. Her educational journey reflects a commitment to holistic well-being, combining the elements of physical activity and outdoor experiences with the principles of social work. Most recently she worked as the Clinical Program Director at a therapeutic boarding school, and focused on partnering with staff and students to create and maintain a strong, supportive and fun community because she believes that milieu health directly correlates with client outcomes and treatment experience.
As an individual and family therapist, Jessa specializes in working with teens and complex family systems, and utilizes an approach rooted in attachment and connection to foster a sense of collaboration, alliance and emotional safety. Her direct and confident approach focuses on developing skills, personal insight and healing to help clients navigate crises and regain their footing. Jessa is experienced working with neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ youth and their families, in addition to survivors of complex trauma. She strongly believes in the transformative power of clients participating in treatment, seeing them as catalysts for positive change within their families, and maintains that family engagement in their child’s process supports the transference and maintenance of therapeutic growth at home.
Outside of work, Jessa is an avid adventurer and traveler. Having grown up in Saudi Arabia and worked as an adventure guide in Oman, she has a deep appreciation for exploration and stretching her comfort zone. In her free time, you can find her rock climbing, as well as mountain biking and hiking with her dog, Ashunti, who is also a familiar face at Aerie.
Thomas Davis, MS
Therapist
Thomas earned a BA in Psychology from Keene State College and an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Plymouth State University. With experience in both private and community mental health settings, Thomas brings a deep passion for helping individuals navigate life’s challenges through a blend of clinical therapy and case management experience.
Grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Thomas is committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive space where clients can build resilience, enhance mindfulness, clarify their values, and develop psychological flexibility to engage with life’s struggles while reducing self-imposed suffering.
Taking an eclectic, client-centered, and evidence-based approach, Thomas empowers individuals to navigate difficulties with greater self-awareness and purpose. Believing that therapy is a collaborative journey, Thomas meets clients where they are, equipping them with practical skills to create meaningful and fulfilling lives.
Outside the office, Thomas enjoys unwinding with a book at Teatotaller, exploring the outdoors through travel, hiking, and skiing, and relaxing with their cat. A lover of travel, food, and music, Thomas finds joy in learning about different cultures—especially through their food—and performing in Irish folk sessions in Dover.
Shannon Lamb, MAT
Learning Specialist
Shannon is a NH Certified Special Education Teacher who has been an inclusive teacher, administrator and leader for over 25 years. After graduating with her Masters in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University, her work settings have ranged from Public Schools in Brooklyn and Harlem, NYC to an independent school serving rural students from Vermont and New Hampshire, as well as remote consultation and education for schools in China and across the United States.
During this work, Shannon has found passion in creating systems and advocacy opportunities for youth to find and articulate their strengths, communicate their needs and get excited about academic, social and emotional growth. She has a particular talent for working with children and adults to develop their executive functioning skills so that they can be in charge of their own academic, personal and professional lives and feel confident doing so. Shannon loves collaborating with the team of the student, family, therapist and other providers in order to facilitate the most positive and productive outcomes for the student.
A recent transplant to the New Hampshire Seacoast area, Shannon lives with her twin daughters and husband in Dover. They enjoy hiking, reading, traveling and visiting museums, libraries and cafes together. Shannon also serves as the Board Chair of the Garland School, a Waldorf Inspired Preschool in Southern Vermont, supporting the school in developing efficient systems and inclusive practices for students, staff and families.
Leah Schroen, BS
Support Specialist
Leah holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Montana State University, with a minor in Political Science. Leah has an extensive background working with disadvantaged youth across multiple states, including Alaska, Montana, Hawaii, and New Hampshire. Notably, she spent seven years volunteering over the summer at the Sandra Lee Center Orphanage in Eswatini, where she provided mentorship and academic tutoring. This experience helped her develop a trauma-informed approach to care, with a strong focus on relationship building and innovative problem-solving. Leah also has several years of experience researching child and adolescent anxiety at Montana State University. Outside of her professional work, Leah enjoys playing ice hockey, horseback riding, reading, and spending time in the mountains.