Allison Boudreau provides a positive educational presence for Midwest Center for Youth & Families

Allison Boudreau, known to her students as “Teacher Allie,” educates students in grades 10 through 12 at Midwest Center for Youth and Families in Northwest Indiana. As an educator at a residential treatment facility, she champions education alongside mental health services. Boudreau’s main goal is to foster a positive environment where students feel welcome both academically and emotionally.  

“Every day here is a chance to spark joy for learning, rebuild trust, work on connection, and show them that school isn’t that bad—that you can be a successful person,” Boudreau said.

Boudreau, a Hobart native and 2012 graduate from Hobart High School, earned her bachelor’s degree in education with dual licensure in special education from Indiana University Northwest, graduating at the top of her class. She was a kindergarten teacher who later transferred to River Forest Community School Corporation in Lake Station. There, she was known for her lively classroom and ability to connect with challenging students.

Looking to supplement her income one summer, Boudreau applied for a behavioral health worker position at the Midwest Center for Youth and Families. Her teaching background quickly led to her full-time educator role.

“Education is never a one-size-fits-all,” Boudreau said. “There are still things I use from my days teaching kindergarten that I bring into the classroom with my 16 and 17-year-old students. At the end of the day, working with kids is not just about academics, but also teaching basic life skills.”

In her new chapter at Midwest Center for Youth and Families, Boudreau remains committed to individualized education. She applies her adaptable approach to support students facing unique challenges to foster academic growth. Her work reflects both a passion for teaching and a dedication to helping young people navigate life’s complexities.

“We are redefining what success is daily here,” Boudreau said. “School is such a big thing for an adolescent that when they don’t feel adequate it typically leads to shutdown. Having school labeled as a stressor, I have the power to change their view of that and show them they are capable of learning, even if they are behind.

Boudreau’s distinctive role as an educator at a residential treatment facility allows her to blend education with emotional resilience. Her application of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills help students manage emotions, communicate better, and make healthier choices. This holistic approach molds them into better students and sets the stage for overcoming challenges beyond school. and that two

“DBT skills give our students a language for their emotions. We also have a strong emphasis on teaching them dialectics,” Boudreau said. “We are not just teaching them to control behavior; we are helping them understand why they feel and act the way they do, and that two seemingly opposing things can be ‘true’ at the same time. I often say ‘You can love and accept yourself, but still want to improve yourself,’ and ‘I am strong and capable, but I still can ask for help and/or be vulnerable.’ They learn they have a voice, they have the power to change, and how to balance tough emotions like anger. It’s okay to be angry, but we teach them to make strong, wise choices with it.”

Boudreau also integrates a variety of practical coping and DBT skills into her teaching, such as the “TIPP” strategy, which helps students manage crisis moments. TIPP, which stands for temperature, intense exercise, paced breathing and paired muscle relaxation, encourages students to embrace cold water, physical activity, and deep breathing or stretches to regain calm and focus. This hands-on approach gives students real tools to control their emotions during stressful moments.

“When students feel overwhelmed, I teach them a variety of DBT coping techniques, including the TIPP strategy,” Boudreau said. “It’s a quick way to reset. Whether it is splashing cold water on their face, doing a few jumping jacks, or taking deep breaths, it helps them refocus so they can make better choices.”

Boudreau credits much of her success to the strong support system around her. She values the devotion and compassion of her colleagues to their mission of helping youth succeed in life beyond the treatment setting.

“Leadership here is not above reproach – they get their hands involved in the daily work just like anyone else,” Boudreau said. “We are a place where our leadership knows the students’ names, our marketing team celebrates healing, and our intake clinicians know the kids’ faces and get in on the fun on the floor. The whole mission of providing high quality care is what sets apart our leadership team. It takes something special to work in this field and keep showing up every day.”

Outside the classroom, Boudreau enjoys activities that help her recharge and maintain balance. She values spending time with family and friends. She is a proud dog mom and finds joy in simple pleasures like reading and being outdoors. She is also always on the hunt for a good coffee shop, and Fluid Coffee Roasters is one of her go-to favorites. These moments of relaxation help her stay grounded and bring renewed energy and compassion to her demanding but fulfilling role as an educator.

“Honestly, I could not imagine a desk job,” Boudreau said. “I am too chatty and on the go. I believe in the creativity, fun, and joy in teaching. It is not just about academics; it is about creating experiences that transform how kids see themselves and the world. Sometimes, it is as simple as telling a child, ‘You matter, and what you’re feeling is valid.’ Those moments stick with them far more than any lesson.“

For more information about the mission of Midwest Center for Youth and Families, you can visit midwest-center.com.