By Rosalind Russell – The Rainbow District School Board has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Compass to deliver the educational component for a new youth mental health program being offered in Sudbury this fall.
Compass CEO Mark Fraser says the Step Up Step Down is a new live-in treatment program for youth ages 12 to 17, which will provide a safe environment where youth requiring intensive mental health support can build confidence, strengthen coping skills, and prepare for long-term success.
School board CEO Bob Bourget says the program will operate in the former Cyril Varney Public School building on Gary Street in New Sudbury, which has been acquired by Compass and renovated to accommodate the program.
Youth will reside in the facility for up to six months and during their stay, attending school on site to stay on track academically while receiving integrated academic and mental health support from educators and Compass clinical staff.
Rooted in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy that blends cognitive-behavioural techniques with mindfulness and acceptance principles, Step Up Step Down equips youth and their families with practical tools before admission and after discharge to help ease their transition home, back to school, and into the community.
Step Up Step Down is inclusive and culturally responsive and honours each individual’s background, identity and lived experiences.
Program services will be offered in English and French.
To learn more about the Step Up Step Down Program, visit:
Photos: 1. Attending the Memorandum of Understanding signing for Step Up Step Down are, from left, Arynn Frantz, Principal, Step Up Step Down; Sarah Clarke, Mental Health Lead, Rainbow District School Board; David Squarzolo, Principal of Special Education Programs and Services, Rainbow District School Board; Mark Fraser, Chief Executive Officer, Compass; Isabelle Chaussé, Interim Director, Clinical Services and Human Resources, Compass; Alain Legault, Clinical Manager, Step Up Step Down; and Nicole Minialoff, Interim Director, Corporate Services, Compass.
2. Mark Fraser, Chief Executive Officer for Compass, signs the Memorandum of Understanding for Step Up Step Down alongside David Squarzolo, Principal of Special Education Programs and Services for Rainbow District School Board.
3. David Squarzolo, Principal of Special Education Programs and Services for Rainbow District School Board, left, shakes hands with Mark Fraser, Chief Executive Officer with Compass. Rainbow District School Board signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Compass on July 6, 2026 to deliver the educational component for a new youth mental health program being offered in Sudbury beginning in September 2026.
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