• 925-254-0199
  • 10 IRWIN WAY, ORINDA, CA 94563

It Takes a Village

At Holden, every family is deeply valued, seen, and heard

Parent & Family Support at Holden

Holden's Parent Support component takes an integrated, holistic approach that focuses on both school and family in order to help children and families overcome personal problems and succeed. Tuition includes eight family/parent counseling sessions per school year. This is in addition to the weekly 1-on-1 counseling provided to students.

Family Counseling at Holden High School

Families are welcome to take advantage of the wealth of experience and expertise of our staff and can schedule up to eight non-academic meetings each year.

Family meetings can be used for:

  • Family therapy
  • Family mediations
  • Family goal setting

Parent Support Meetings

These meetings provide a confidential space to talk about raising teenagers. They are offered monthly in a group setting and are facilitated by Holden’s Clinical Director, Jenn Polse Payne. Parents can also meet 1-on-1 with a member of our counseling staff.

Jennifer Polse Payne | Clinical Director and Freshperson Advisor

Jennifer graduated with a BA in Psychology and an MA in Counseling Psychology from Humboldt State University. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, with a private practice in Berkeley. She is the Clinical Director, Freshperson Advisor and supervises and trains the counselors. She has been at Holden since 2004.

Testimonials

changing lives since 1969

"I didn't do well in traditional schools because my ADHD means I learn differently. Holden gave me lots of support to pursue my passion for engineering and science."
Gabe
GabeHolden Graduate
"I am forever grateful. This school not only saved my life, but gave me a safe place to explore, grow, and heal."


Krystal
KrystalHolden Graduate
"Holden is a real community. Everyone belongs. I love the freedom I have to express myself. I feel respected here."


Kayla
KaylaHolden Graduate
"Before Holden, I struggled in crowded public school classrooms with teachers who could not support a student with ADHD. I've grown so much at Holden"

Carlo
CarloHolden Alumnus
"Holden gave me a better understanding of myself and how I affect the world around me. It gave me direction, and guided my creativity"

Elliot "Oden"
Elliot "Oden"Holden Graduate
"I am so grateful to work in a school with a collaborative staff that truly respects and supports each individual student."


Abby
AbbyHolden Director
"Holden helped me learn to really enjoy life and express my feelings. Holden helped me through a lot of dark times and I'm forever thankful."

Beatrice
BeatriceHolden Graduate
“I consider my teachers both teachers and friends. There’s a high level of mutual respect and they always make time for me.”

Lucy
LucyHolden Graduate
“I get a lot of positive attention. I also get a lot of choice here and the classes are cool and interesting.”


Keenan
KeenanHolden Graduate
“I have matured in ways that wouldn’t have been possible without the community at Holden.”


Brandon
BrandonHolden Graduate
"Holden is a community. We check in with each other, teach and learn from one another, and help each other succeed. I love working here!"

Libby
LibbyHolden Teacher
Previous
Next

HOLDEN HIGH SCHOOL

  • 925-254-0199
  • 925-254-6130
  • 10 IRWIN WAY, ORINDA, CA 94563
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

FINALLY, A SCHOOL THAT FITS.

  • Small School Big Heart
  • A Place To Thrive
  • A Welcoming Community
VISIT HOLDEN
APPLY
DONATE