Robert Lichfield
American businessman
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Robert Lichfield is an American conman 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]
