We Grow Here

A therapeutic home for healing and growth.

Who We Are

Solstead is a licensed residential treatment center serving youth who require short-term placement outside the home. Our 60–90 day model provides a structured therapeutic environment, skilled staff, and evidence-based daily programming to help youth build coping skills, strengthen relationships, and prepare for a successful return home.

About

Vision

We envision a future where every youth is given compassionate care through nature-inspired experiences. Giving young people the strength and skills to return to their communities empowered and ready to thrive.

Contact

Mission

To surround youth with compassion, curiosity, and hope so they can rise stronger and return home equipped with the tools they need to succeed.

Contact

About

About Us

At Solstead, we provide a safe and supportive residential treatment center for youth who need a temporary place outside their home to heal, grow, and reset.

Our 60–90 day program offers a therapeutic environment led by trained staff and supported through structured daily programming, giving young people the tools and skills they need to navigate challenges, strengthen relationships, and prepare for a successful return home.

Blending evidence-based care with the grounding rhythms of farm life, we create an environment where youth can practice new skills, build confidence, and experience belonging. Families remain central to the journey, and our focus is always on reunification, ensuring each child returns home stronger, steadier, and with a renewed sense of hope.

At Solstead, we don’t just help youth through hard seasons, we help them grow and rise.

Learn More

Meet our Founder

Founder & CEO

Sarah VanderVliet

With more than 10 years of experience in the behavioral health field, specializing in childhood trauma, I started Solstead with a vision to create a residential treatment experience that truly stands apart. My work with children has shaped every part of this organization, inspiring me to build a place that feels safe, supportive, and transformative for the youth we serve.

I bring a unique blend of leadership, expertise, and heartfelt dedication. I’m passionate about equipping young people and their families with the tools they need to be successful at home and in their communities. I believe healing happens through connection, so involving families in the work we do is a core part of our approach.

Supporting kids as they navigate challenges and helping them realize their potential is something I genuinely love doing.

Meet Sunny

Hi, I’m Sunny! I’m Solstead’s resident therapy pup, and my job is to make every day here a little brighter. Healing takes many forms, and sometimes it has four paws, like mine. I’m trained to help youth feel calm, safe, and supported during their time with us, but I also happen to be an expert in tail wags, gentle snuggles, and listening with my whole heart.

You can usually find me greeting new friends, offering comfort during tough moments, or spreading joy just by being myself. I’m here to remind everyone that healing doesn’t have to be lonely… sometimes it curls up right beside you.

Sunny is Solstead’s happiest staff member and a therapy trained pup with a gift for comfort. With a tail that never stops wagging and a calming presence that helps youth feel safe and supported, he brings warmth to every corner of our residential program.