All of the staff at Bloom are well-trained and dedicated to ministering to the young ladies with whom we are entrusted. The following are minimum criteria that each staff member must meet in order to care for our students:
- Comprehensive background checks
- Medically screened
- Fully trained in CPR on an annual basis
- Fully trained in First Aid on an annual basis
- Safe driving training on an annual basis
- Universal precaution training
- Mature Christians in good standing at their local church
Additionally, each of our staff meets the Continuing Education requirements established by the State of Massachusetts Office of Early Education and Child Care and Adult & Teen Challenge USA (TCUSA) on an annual basis. This training includes workshops in the area of adolescent behavior management, nutrition, respect, Christian training principles and much more, as both necessary and available.
The staff at Bloom is both professional and compassionate. In addition to being properly trained, we believe that each one working within the ministry of Bloom is called and equipped to be here. Each of us takes seriously our commitment to the Lord, the young ladies we minister to, and the families we serve.
Meet the Director – Tori Ferrari, DBS/BC, BCMHC
Tori Ferrari has been working with troubled young people and their families for over twenty years, almost 15 of those years as the Director of the Adult & Teen Challenge of Arizona Springboard Home, before moving to New England to establish Bloom with Adult & Teen Challenge New England 6 years ago. She is passionate about helping girls discover who they are in Christ as she did herself in Adult & Teen Challenge 36 years ago. Responsible for overseeing all of the operations at Bloom, Tori strives to provide a program of excellence and the greatest opportunity for students to discover and grow in their faith. She holds her Master’s Degree in Christian Counseling, her doctorate in Biblical Studies and Biblical Counseling, is a Board Certified Mental Health Coach and is an Ordained Minister with the Assemblies of God. She has been married for over 30 years to her husband Davide and has two grown sons, Alfonso and Robert.
Resident Advisor – Nikki Hesse
Ms. Nikki is a critical member of Team Bloom! Overseeing many of the daily operations and student care, Ms. Nikki ensures that our students receive the best care possible as they make their way through our program! She is a compassionate voice, a joyful presence and a strong accountability for the girls at Bloom. Ms. Nikki is a certified Start Right Mentor currently pursuing her BSBA at Capella University.
Case Manager/Mentor- Cindy Arnold-Vajgrt
Ms. Cindy holds her Master’s Degree from Grand Canyon University in Youth and Family Ministry, and helps equip each of our students with the skills they need to overcome their challenges, anxiety and self-destructive behaviors. Ms. Cindy also works with each family of our Bloom students making sure that they go home to new and improved parents, ready to help their daughters continue the progress they began at Bloom! We are blessed to have her as part of our team!
Academic Coordinator – Kaitlyn Thieme
Ms. Kaitlyn can be found in the Bloom classroom, working with each student through the Adult & Teen Challenge curriculum on their journey through the Bloom program. Customizing assignments for each young lady that comes into Bloom is a large part of what Kaitlyn does, ensuring that they get the most out of their stay in the program. Kaitlyn also works closely with the New Testament Christian School, our academic authority to ensure that whatever credits are earned while at Bloom are communicated to the home school of our students when returning home. Kaitlyn attended Northpoint Bible College in Haverhill, MA.
Direct Care –
Each of our direct care staff is a compassionate and well-trained woman who has a desire to help teen girls discover who they are in Christ! These are the women that are here day in and day out for each young lady in the program – when the students are in good moods – and when they are struggling… when they are happy – and when they are sad… these women pray with, encourage and yes – hold accountable the students in our program to provide the best possible environment for long-lasting change and transformation.