CSF&BuxmontAcademy restoring connection between youth and community since 1977

Dr. Craig Adamson

Dr. Adamson oversees all CSF Buxmont restorative programs and initiatives. These include day treatment/alternative education, in-home and community-based counseling, foster care and conferencing programs for at-risk youth and their families in eastern Pennsylvania. Dr. Adamson’s dedication to introducing restorative programming in community-based settings, empowering families, keeping youth connected to their families and providing quality restorative services to families and youth is central to his work at CSF Buxmont. He has been with the organization in counseling and administrative positions since 1995. His interests include the influences of restorative practices in justice, education, counseling and adult learning. Dr. Adamson is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. He earned a Master of Restorative Practices and Youth Counseling from the IIRP in 2008 and a Ph.D. in Education from Lesley University in 2012.

Judy Happ

Judy Happ brings her extensive supervisory and management skills to the position of president. A former probation officer for Dauphin County, Pa., Judy began her work with CSF as a counselor in 1988. She has also served as the administrator of a CSF Buxmont school and as the organization’s Director of Operations. Her expert understanding of the efficacy of restorative practices and the problems and issues surrounding troubled and at-risk youth, her knowledge of the workings of the criminal justice system, and her accomplished tenure with CSF Buxmont, enable her to oversee the operations of these sister organizations. In addition, Happ serves as founding Vice President for Administration of the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP). She holds a Master of Restorative Practices and Education from the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP).

Rick Pforter

Rick Pforter has a wide-ranging background that includes service in the Peace Corps and teaching adolescents in Palau, Micronesia. He has worked with CSF Buxmont since 1981 in several capacities — as teacher, counselor, coordinator, and assistant director. He has also been a houseparent, supervising court-adjudicated youth in southeastern Pennsylvania. As the director of day treatment programs at CSF Buxmont, Rick supervises the organization’s seven Buxmont Academy schools. These alternative education and day-treatment schools provide a comprehensive, community-based scholastic program and offer a supportive environment for young people struggling with behavioral, emotional and academic issues. In all his work at CSF Buxmont, Rick uses restorative means to promote self-esteem in youth, holding them accountable for their actions, and helping them develop the emotional, academic and life skills to meet their goals.

Rev Rhodes

Rev Rhodes, director of the foster care program for Community Service Foundation (CSF) since 1987, supervises all aspects of the program responsible for the placement of youth in community-based residences. These nurturing environments offer a family-like setting to those who are required to live outside their own home. Rev’s ultimate goal is to successfully reunite youth with their families. Prior to joining CSF, Rev worked in an adolescent psychiatric hospital, with a foster-care program, and with the Bucks County Children and Youth Social Services Agency. He holds a Master of Science degree in Human Services and Counseling from Villanova University.

Pam Thompson

Pam Thompson started with CSF Buxmont as a school counselor in 1989 and served as coordinator of a CSF Buxmont school from 1994 to 2004. She was also a houseparent at a CSF foster care home for three years. Pam became assistant director of the day treatment/alternative education program in 2004, providing supervision to all Buxmont Academy centers. She contributes a great deal to the supportive, restorative culture that exists in these schools, which promote improved student behavior and encourages an increased focus on academics. Pam utilizes her skills and well-honed restorative instincts to ensure the use of this approach in all settings: academic, therapeutic and supervisory. Pam holds a Master of Restorative Practice and Youth Counseling (M.R.P.Y.C.) degree from the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP) and is a lecturer at the IIRP Graduate School. She also is a Certified Addictions Counselor (C.A.C.).

Susan Wachtel

Susan Wachtel has employed her extensive experience working with troubled and at-risk youth for more than three decades. In 1977, she co-founded CSF Buxmont with her husband, Ted Wachtel. Through her commitment to the principles of restorative practices, she has been instrumental in positively affecting the lives of thousands of young people. Susan Wachtel is currently founding dean of students and associate dean for academic affairs with the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP) — a master's-degree granting graduate school offering advanced education in restorative practices for educators and youth-serving professionals.

Ted Wachtel

Ted Wachtel is the president and founder of the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP) and co-founder of CSF Buxmont schools. He co-authored Toughlove, a best-selling book for parents of troubled adolescents, Restorative Justice Conferencing, The Restorative Practices Handbook and Restorative Circles in Schools, and has written numerous articles on restorative practices.