Meadowlark Academy (2016-present) Cheyenne, WY

Residential Treatment Center

History and Background Information

Meadowlark Academy is a Rite of Passage behavior-modification program that opened in 2016. It is marketed as a Residential Treatment Center for teenagers who are referred to the program by local juvenile courts and social service agencies. The program has a maximum enrollment of 40 teens, and the average length of stay is presently unknown.

Meadowlark Academy is located at 3304 I-80 Service Rd, Cheyenne, WY 82009.

Founders and Notable Staff

Program Structure

Abuse Allegations

On September 10th 2020, a 23-year-old staff member at Meadowlark, Preston Thurin, was arrested and charged with felony child abuse. The arrest came after police say they observed video of the employee restraining an 11-year-old victim for eight minutes, in a hold that police describe as “awkward and painful.” The Laramie County Sheriff’s Office were contacted by a forensic nurse at the Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, who reported that a juvenile was in the emergency room with minor bruising on their shoulder, upper back, and neck area; as well as showing abrasions on their lower leg. The juvenile had been brought in for an examination, and was described as an 11-year-old resident of the Meadowlark Academy.

Survivor/Parent Testimonials

Related Media

Meadowlark Academy Website Homepage