Staff Directory

Richard Chorney

CEO & President

EMAIL:
RLC@groveschool.org
PHONE:
203-245-2778 ext. 304

Richard grew up in New Haven, Connecticut. His mother was a special education teacher and his father an artist. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree from Bard College majoring in Psychology, and his Master’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University in Special Education. He also attended the Tavistock Institute for Group Relations in Annapolis, MD, and the University of Wisconsin Summer Institute for Public Executives where he received a certificate in Psychiatric Administration.

Richard rose through the ranks as a Childcare Worker, Teacher, Activities Director and Director of Group living at a Connecticut Residential Treatment Center where he worked for fourteen years. His other significant experience was in New York, where he was the Executive Director of a large Residential Treatment Center with a Group Home division for 180 emotionally troubled inner city youth for ten years. He came to Grove School in 1986 as Executive Director.

Richard’s interest in working with adolescents was sparked at age 19 when he elected to do a 3 month volunteer “field period” as one of his college requirements. Both his parents’ work, as well as their personal interests contributed to his decision to see what working with children was about.

Richard has been an adjunct professor at Southern Connecticut State University and has served on numerous boards of directors in both New York and Connecticut. He currently serves on the board of directors of the Green Chimneys School in Brewster, New York.

Richard has many interests which he tries to pursue in his “spare time”. They include art, architecture, sculpture, fitness, piano, reading, exotic cars and travel, especially in the Caribbean and Italy. He lives in Madison, near the school and remains close to his 3 adult children and 2 grandchildren.

In reference to his work, Richard states: “I am most proud of having made many wonderful relationships with terrific young people from all walks of life in my 50 years in this field. Today I count several former students among my close friends. I think it is the ultimate privilege to be able to do what you love and to love what you do”.

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