Dedicated parents, teachers, doctors, and service groups band together to form Plumfield Inc. a private, non-profit organization designed for the daytime treatment and education of children ages 3-12, for whom public education is not available due to their emotional, developmental, and learning needs. Classes are held at the Unitarian Fellowship of Sonoma County on Todd and Stony Point roads in Santa Rosa.

Plumfield’s founder, Susan Richards, an occupational therapist and parent of a child with significant and complex needs, continues her advocacy for youth in need of treatment, care, and education. Mrs. Richards previously founded Clearwater Ranch in Mendocino, with both settings providing a safe and nurturing environment for children and youth.

Plumfield expands to include three residences in rural Sebastopol, with staff providing 24-hour care in a homelike atmosphere to 26 children, ages 4–12, in addition to the school, where classroom instruction is provided to children.

Under the direction of Margaret “Peggy” Ebert (seated, in photo above), Plumfield is one of the few existing programs for children with significant emotional, behavioral, and learning needs.

In the 1980s, Plumfield continues to operate both as a residential center and a school for boys with emotional, behavioral and learning challenges. The organization expands to include four residences, and youth are referred by the child welfare system coming from counties across the state. During this time, Plumfield provides therapeutic treatment for youth both in the residential and school programs, and is one of the few who offer early intervention for children ages 5-10.

Darcee Drakulich (at desk, in photo left) joins the organization as a volunteer art teacher while studying graduate level psychology at Sonoma State University, and begins her 40-year tenure as director of Plumfield Academy during this time.

Ms. Drakulich and Plumfield’s leadership team continue to improve the property, adding additional buildings, which like the performing arts center, are unique in their round, redwood yurt design. Playing fields, a creekside trail, a bridge across the campus pond, play structures, and a green house offer endless opportunities for students to explore the world around them. The beautiful campus provides a backdrop for classroom and outdoor learning, campus activities, and celebrations.

The Plumfield Academy campus is a hub for community connections for youth in our program. Partnerships with community organizations and businesses offer our students opportunities to explore their personal and career interests. With the support of Plumfield staff members, youth at Plumfield engage in educational, work and volunteer opportunities with varied local businesses, and regional organizations.

After four decades of service to Plumfield Academy, Darcee Drakulich retires. Jill Davidson steps into the role of Executive Director at Plumfield Academy. A veteran member of the Plumfield team, Ms. Davidson joined the organization as a residential counselor, and served as the Program Social Worker from 2010 to 2020.