CarePlus NJ Celebrates Ribbon Cutting of Paradigm Therapeutic Middle School in Bergen County
New school expands proven therapeutic education model to serve students in grades six through eight
TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON, N.J. (September 29, 2025) – CarePlus NJ celebrated the opening of Paradigm Therapeutic Middle School in Washington Township, Bergen County, on September 25th with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by local officials, school leaders, students, and community members.
Among those in attendance were Township of Washington Mayor, Peter Calamari, Bergen County School Superintendent, Patrick Fletcher, Supervisor of Special Education, Dr. Brett Bersano, and Paradigm Board Chair, Richard Baxt, who joined CarePlus NJ leadership in marking the milestone moment for therapeutic education in New Jersey.
The new middle school, which welcomed students September 4th, serves grades six through eight and builds on the success of Paradigm Therapeutic High School. Since 2018, the high school has provided competency-based instruction, clinical and transition services for students requiring emotional and behavioral support. Approved by the New Jersey Department of Education as a private school for students ages 10–13, Paradigm Therapeutic Middle School adapts this proven model to meet the developmental needs of younger students.
An integrated team of educators, clinicians, support staff, and administrators ensure that each student’s Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) is fully supported. The program is designed for students identified by their districts as needing a more clinically supportive environment to achieve academic success, develop social skills, and regulate their emotions. Many students have experienced challenges such as depression, anxiety, school avoidance, and/or prior hospitalizations. By offering individual and group counseling, as well as creative arts therapy, Paradigm provides a high level of mental health services to students and their families.
“Today is not just about Paradigm’s ribbon cutting, it’s about opening doors to hope, possibility, and a brighter future for our students and families,” said Nicole McQuillen, CEO of Paradigm School System. “This moment marks the fulfillment of a vision: a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment where middle school students can feel seen, valued, and empowered to grow into the best version of themselves.”
“Seeing our staff, students, and community come together today was a powerful reflection of what this school represents,” added Jeffrey Kahn, Executive Director of Paradigm School System. “With the addition of Paradigm Middle School, we’ve expanded our ability to support students across critical developmental years, creating a unified model of therapeutic education that spans from sixth through twelfth grade. By offering this full continuum of care, we’re giving students the consistency and opportunity they deserve to grow, heal, and thrive.”
Dominick Gliatta, who was recently named as the principal of Paradigm Therapeutic Middle School, will lead the program. With more than 20 years of experience in education and administration, he will oversee daily operations and work closely with faculty and clinical staff to implement the therapeutic model.
The launch of Paradigm Therapeutic Middle School is part of CarePlus NJ’s broader mission to expand access to equitable education and high-quality mental health care for children and adolescents. Through the Paradigm School System, students are given safe, supportive environments to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
For more information or to make a district referral to the middle or high school, visit www.paradigmtherapeuticdayschool.org or email msreferrals@paradigm.school (Middle School) or referrals@paradigm.school (High School).
About CarePlus NJ
CarePlus NJ is a leading nonprofit provider of integrated mental health, substance use disorder, and primary care services for adults and children across northern New Jersey. As one of the first Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers in the U.S., CarePlus NJ sets the gold standard in delivering accessible, high-quality care regardless of diagnosis or insurance status. With over 80 specialized programs, the organization serves nearly 14,000 individuals annually, offering a full continuum of behavioral health and social support services that empower people to reach their full potential. Committed to equity and innovation, CarePlus NJ works to remove barriers to care and improve the overall well-being of the communities it serves.
For more information, visit www.careplusnj.org.
Photo Caption: Mayor Peter Calamari, Sarah Gregor (Paradigm Middle School Clinical Director), Dominick Gliatta (Principal of Paradigm Therapeutic Middle School) , Nicole McQuillen (CEO of Paradigm School System), Jeffrey Kahn (Executive Director of Paradigm School System), Richard Baxt (Paradigm Board Chair) and Brigitte Johnson (President & CEO of CarePlus NJ).
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