Robert Lichfield

Robert Lichfield is an American businessman who was the founder of World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools.^[1][2] He started working in the troubled teen industry in 1977. His first job in the industry was at Provo Canyon School as a dorm parent^{[clarification needed]}. Then in 1987 he started the Cross Creek School.^[3]

Lichfield has been linked to controversial network of schools for troubled teens and allegations of abuse and fraud.^[4] Lichfield was the founder of Academy at Ivy Ridge, as well as many other school programs reported to have committed child abuse.^[5] These were documented in the 2024 Netflix docu-series The Program: Cons, Cults, and Kidnapping, which featured former students of the WWASPS programs.^[6]

Lichfield is a long-time campaign fundraiser for Republican Senator and 2012 presidential candidate Mitt Romney.^[7][8]