About Sandhill

At Sandhill Center, our mission is to create a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment where children and their families can overcome challenges and find pathways to healing. With a foundation rooted in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT), our approach integrates evidence-based therapeutic practices, compassionate care, and individualized support tailored to meet each child’s needs.

A person leading a horse in an outdoor riding arena.

The Sandhill Story

Founded in 2004, Sandhill Center was developed to support children and families navigating emotional and developmental challenges. From our beginnings to becoming the first NMT Partner Site, our journey reflects our commitment to innovation and compassionate care.

A student hiking through a rocky canyon

Why Sandhill?

Choosing Sandhill means choosing a program that balances clinical excellence with a nurturing, homelike atmosphere. Our program emphasizes emotional regulation, therapeutic growth, and preparing children for life beyond residential care.

A therapist and student engaging in sand tray therapy indoors.

We Can Help

At Sandhill Center, we support children struggling with emotional, behavioral, and social challenges that impact their daily lives. Our therapeutic program is designed to help students regulate emotions, build healthier relationships, and develop essential coping skills. Whether facing difficulties with attachment, emotional regulation, anxiety, or other complex behaviors, we provide the structured support a child needs to grow.Explore the full list of challenges we address and how we can help.

Children participating in therapeutic horseback riding at Sandhill Center, engaging in nature-based healing activities.

Our Commitment to Student Safety and Well-Being

At Sandhill Center, the safety, care, and well-being of our students are a top priority. Our expert team is dedicated to fostering a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for every student. Here’s how we uphold high standards of care and supervision:

Staff members conducting safety training at a poolside setting
  • Our team of highly trained professionals brings years of experience in supporting students. Each member is committed to student well-being, providing compassionate care and individualized guidance throughout their stay.

  • Prior to employment, all staff members must undergo thorough background checks, which include reviews of criminal history, professional references, and qualifications. We prioritize hiring compassionate professionals whose values align with our commitment to student care.

  • Staff participate in routine safety and crisis response training, equipping them to assess and respond to a wide range of situations with a focus on student well-being. Ongoing professional development reinforces best practices in safety and support.

  • Awake night staff provide continuous supervision and are prepared to respond immediately in the event of an emergent need. This consistent presence offers students a sense of stability and support, knowing help is always available.

  • We maintain a low staff-to-student ratio, allowing for individualized attention and supervision. This approach helps meet each student’s unique needs while fostering a supportive environment.

  • Our location near Albuquerque places us within close reach of medical facilities and emergency services. If a medical need arises, students have access to a well-established network of healthcare professionals.

  • We follow established protocols and best practices for addressing and managing medical needs, from initial response to communication with families and healthcare providers. Daily health monitoring allows our team to proactively address concerns and keep parents informed.

Meet Our Team

At Sandhill, our team is made up of compassionate professionals dedicated to helping students grow and thrive. With diverse expertise in therapeutic care, education, and outdoor programming, we work together to create a safe, supportive environment where every child feels valued.

Each team member plays a unique role in guiding students through challenges and fostering their confidence and resilience. Whether providing therapeutic support or leading community activities, our team is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of the children and families we serve.

Aidan Altik, Residential Director at Sandhill Center, supporting children through therapeutic residential care.
Meghann MacQueen, Director of Operations at Sandhill Center, ensuring smooth program management and compliance.
Dwight Coleman Jr., Residential Director at Sandhill Center, fostering co-regulation and positive youth development.

Take The First Step.
Contact Admissions Today.

admissions@sandhillcenter.org
(505) 553-6800

Sandhill Center
15 Jemez Drive
Los Lunas, NM 87031