MEET OUR STAFF

Administration
Clinical
Admissions
Academics
Recreation Therapy

From Our Executive Director

Thank you for your interest in West Ridge Academy. I love being a part of this great program! I enjoy seeing first hand the personal growth and happiness that comes into a young person's life as they make positive changes. At West Ridge Academy, these changes happen through a structured program, with consistent interaction with therapists, school teachers, coaches and home parents. Within weeks of joining our program, youth who were once out of control and unsuccessful in many areas of life, are now smiling, doing well in school, and gaining self-esteem and identity.

We attribute our high success rate to a number of unique qualities. First, our program includes a spiritual emphasis. Through more than 40 years of experience, we have learned that incorporating spiritual and moral values changes behavior better than anything else. While many programs claim a spiritual component, we integrate it in all aspects of our programs.

A second quality that sets us apart is our outstanding staff. Not only is our 110 person staff experienced and well trained, they love what they do and truly care about the youth's success. Upon graduation, I like to ask the youth what part of our program helped them the most. Without hesitation the most frequent answer I receive is our staff.

Third, West Ridge Academy is committed to excellence. As Executive Director, I demand excellence in every aspect of our program. Our daily family and group therapy programs are excellent. Our nationally accredited junior and senior high school, West Ridge Academy, is known for its outstanding educational programs. Our sports and recreation program is recognized nationally and provides excellent opportunities for learning and growing. The overall focus on excellence at West Ridge Academy creates an environment where troubled youth can once again succeed.

Thousands of youth are now living successful lives after participating in our program. I believe that successful youth are the key to our nations future. If you know of a boy or girl who needs help, please call or come visit West Ridge Academy.

Regards,
Ken Allen Executive Director

ADMINISTRATION STAFF

Dedication, Experience, Tenure, Passion

Each member of the West Ridge Academy's staff has their own story, but they all center around a tremendous sense of compassion and love for young people. A majority of our staff have been with West Ridge Academy for a majority of their career.

Kenneth R. Allen, Executive Director

MBAUniversity of Utah; BS, Civil Engineering University of Utah; 20 years experience executive management, sales and services; worldwide vice president of channel development for BEA Systems; co-founder and president of Leader Group, Inc., (software and services); key management, sales and engineering positions for Sybase, Hewlett-Packard and Xerox; private investor, business consultant and coach.

James H. McMaster, Director of Events

LCSW B Brigham Young University; Utah State Licensed Clinical Social Worker; BS in Child Development and Family Relations; ten years experience counseling youth and families.

Jared S. Hamner, Director of Mid-West Operations

B.S. in business economics, Indiana Univ.; Eagle Scout; Rotarian with Southwest Sunrise Utah Rotary Club; member of Who's Who of America; Service Assurance Manager for Federal Express for 6.5 years; Facilitator for Franklin Quest for two years; Educational Director for WRAfor two years.

John Stohlton, Director of Promotions

EMPA-Public Administration & BS-Psychology; Brigham Young University ; Certified Ropes Course Instructor & Facilitator; Certified Emergency Medical Technician; Graduate of Utah Peace Officer Standards of Training; Fluent in Spanish.

Paul Keene, Director of Academics

Paul Keene has worked at West Ridge since 1992, Teaching Chemistry, Biology, Physical Science, and all levels of mathematics. He graduated from the University of Utah with a BS in Mathematics and minor in Chemistry. Then continued his education graduating from American Intercontinental University with a Masters of Education.

Daniel E. Griffiths, CPA - Chief Financial Officer

Master of Accountancy--Brigham Young University; BS in Accounting; active member of the Pronet Council of the Utah Association of Certified Public Accountants; experience as an auditor at two Utah CPA firms; specialized in accounting for public and private for-profit enterprises and non-profit corporations and consulting related to the design and operation of internal controls.

Paul D. Watson - CIO / Director, Business Development

MBA, BSU, Finance, BS, WSU, Computer Science. 20 years experience in International business, large technology and communications architecture, applications and systems development. M&A and IPO experience, multiple opportunities as Executive, CFO / CIO for startups as well as $1B+ corporations. Unique blend of investment strategy, finance, technology and operational execution experience.

Guy Hardcastle, Director, Business Development / Admissions

BA, MPA – University of Utah. Guy has spent over a decade working with At-Risk students both in the Salt Lake area schools as well as with wilderness and residential programs. He has worked with thousands of adolescents and adults facilitating experiences on ropes courses, in classrooms, in various wilderness settings and anywhere else a group of people can be gathered. Guy has a deep love and skill in working with groups, building relationships and helping others achieve success. Guy is a very proud father of three, ages 12, 10 and 4. He is an avid skier, enjoys boating with his family and friends and has a passion for high altitude climbing and ultra marathon events.

CLINICAL STAFF

Amy Whittaker, LCSW, Clinical Director

MSW – Walla Walla College, Washington; BSW – Idaho State University: I have worked with troubled youth for the last nine years; I started my career working as The Director of Juvenile Probation in Fremont County, Idaho. I enjoyed working with families, the criminal justice system, and area schools. I have nine years of extensive experience in individual and family therapy with young adults who struggle with oppositional defiant disorder, drug and alcohol abuse, school problems, and poor family relations.

Michael L. Ruoho, Assistant Clinical Director - Girls Campus

MSW, LCSW, has been with West Ridge Academy since 1987. He received his Bachelors and Masters Degree from the University of Utah. Michael is also a motivational speaker and frequently speaks nationwide and in Canada, on topics ranging from parenting skills, relationships, dealing with troubled teens and spiritual topics. He has been doing this since 1992. He married his sweetheart Karyn in 1985 and together they have built a wonderful family. They have 4 children two girls and two boys, two black labs and one unwanted sneaky mouse! Michael welcomes you to our website and invites you to visit the Academy. He also wishes to emphasize the camera adds 10lbs to his picture!

Jacob Gibson, Clinical Assistant

Jacob began working at West Ridge in the summer of 2004, starting on the boy's campus, then moving to the girl's campus in 2006. He is licensed in Utah as a Marriage and Family Therapist and completed his Ph.D. in Marital & Family Therapy from Loma Linda University in the spring of 2008. He also received his BS in Psychology from Brigham Young University in 2000, and an AS in Behavioral Science from Utah Valley State College in 1998. He facilitates a weekly adoption support group for the girl's campus to help them identify and work through some the unique issues surrounding adoption. As part of his doctoral degree, he completed a qualitative study entitled “The Experience of Change During Residential Treatment of Adolescents”, drawing from West Ridge's student and staff population. He was married to Heather in 1997, and they now have 5 children, two of which are adopted.

Frank M. Rees, PhD, Clinical Psychologist

PhD in Clinical Psychology--Brigham Young University, BA Psychologist in Psychology--University of Utah, licensed as a Psychologist in the state of Utah, Supervising Psychologist & Clinical Director at the Utah State Prison, instructor--Utah Department of Corrections Training Academy for abnormal behavior and crisis intervention.

Jeff Murdock, Clinical Assistant/Parenting Seminar Instructor

MA in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy from Phillips Graduate Institute, California. BA in Psychology from Brigham Young University, Utah. With Utah Boys Ranch/ West Ridge Academy since 1987. Previously, worked with West Ridge as a live-in counselor, home parent, school teacher, weekends, work crew, and assistant clinical director. He and his wife have had 16 foster children. Currently serving West Ridge Academy as Director of Training and a full-time Therapist. Credentials include Crisis Prevention and Intervention Instructor, NOJOS (Network on Juveniles Offending Sexually). Additional background in Reactive Attachment Disorder, Addictions, Family Systems and Survivors of Abuse.

John M. Ogden, Clinical Assistant

Graduate of Marywood Univ. Scranton Pa. M.S.W.- B.S.W. Brigham Young Univ.Extensive experience working with youth for the past 22 years. School social worker for ten years working with youth involved in special education. Experience working with sexual abuse, eating disorders, drug and alcohol and Family issues. Extensive training in the Family Teaching Model and other behavioral strategies for youth. Home parent for young men and young women for over two years. Married 28 years, six children, two grand children.

Carrie Carter, Clinical Staff

Carrie Carter, LPC is a licensed professional counselor and the Director of Substance Abuse and Addiction at West Ridge Academy. She has treated more than 1000 adolescents and their families for over 18 years. She holds two master's degrees; Master's of Education Administration and Master of Counseling Marriage, Family, and Child. Her under graduate work is in elementary education and special education. She is an alumnus of the University of Utah's School of Alcohol and Drug with over 250 hours of training on alcohol and drugs. Her experience includes practice in residential, mental health, hospital and private practice sectors. Besides her clinical work, Carrie enjoys presenting on topics that promote individual and family growth and understanding as well as personal empowerment. Her hobbies consist of horse riding, gardening and Native American studies.

Lori Bagley, Therapist

MS Master of Counseling Psychology and Marriage and FamilyTherapy-Chaminade University of Honolulu; BS Human Development and Family Science- University of Utah. Previous experience working with adolescents and families in adolescent residential treatment at Idaho Youth Ranch and outpatient drug and alcohol treatment. Drug and alcohol treatment services for adult Hawaiian population including family therapy. Two years child and adolescent case management with Hawaii Department of Health.

Eric K. Allred, LMFT

MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillips Graduate Institute, California. MA in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. BS Journalism from Utah State University.

Been working for Utah Boys Ranch/West Ridge Academy for 18 years. Past clinical director, home and weekend director, and part executive management team. Currently working as a full time therepist. Additional background in NOJOS (Network of Juvenilles Offending Sexually -- Utah), Reactive Attachment Disorder, and Family Systems.

Rachel Lyons

Masters of Social Work- University of Utah, Bachelors of Social Work- Brigham Young University. Certified Social Worker License from the State of Utah. Prior work experience includes working for the Transition to Adult Living Program for the Division of Child and Family Services, the Young Parent and ESL Programs at Horizonte Alternative High School, and the Pathways Day Treatment program for Persistently Mentally Ill Adults through Valley Mental Health.

Ludmil Manov,M.D., Psychiatrist

MD-Medical Academy Sofia,Bulgaria, Psychiatry Residency-University of Missouri,Kansas City, Child Psychiatry Fellowship-Baylor University,Houston,Texas

Board Eligible in General Psychiatry and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry past-Medical director of Psychiatric Unit at Primary Children's Hospital,Salt Lake City;member American Psychiatric Association and American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

ADMISSIONS STAFF

Guy Hardcastle, Director of Admissions

Jared S. Hamner, Director of Midwest Operations

Lynn Smith, Admissions Specialist

After moving her large family to Utah from Washington State Lynn worked for USANA Health Sciences for several years starting as a customer service representative. She was quickly promoted, in the world-wide company, becoming a team supervisor, VIP representative and then having a key corporate position as the Distributor Recognition Coordinator. Lynn placed one of her own children in the program at West Ridge Academy. After experiencing the program as a parent Lynn then came to work for WRA. She loves listening and talking to families in their moment of crisis and decision making knowing personally how difficult it is for them.

ACADEMICS STAFF

Paul Keene, Principal/Ed Director

Paul has been at West Ridge Academy since 1992. He has a B.S. in Math with a minor in chemistry from the University of Utah . He has taught Chemistry, Math, Science, Music Appreciation, PE and Biology. He has a wonderful wife and four children. He has been the Administrator of West Ridge since 2000.

Brian Jackson, Girls' Principle - Girls School

B.S., Education – Summa cum Laude, Westminster College (M.S. in progress.) Current Utah State secondary teaching certification in Social Sciences and History. Awarded “Teacher of Tomorrow,” ASCD. Extensive experience working with at risk youth in educational and therapeutic environments. Certified crisis intervention instructor. 14 years professional European Basketball. In addition to working with youth, Brian enjoys skiing, hiking, cycling, reading and motorcycle touring. Brian and his wife have been married 28 years and together have 3 boys

Sandra Hirschi, Teacher

BA in Elementary Education-Idaho State University Magna Cum Laude specializing in reading in math; Idaho reading endorsement for grades K-12; seven years experience as a 4H Leader; completed boy scout leadership training course; five years service as a cub scout den leader; two months Vo-Tech training at I.S.U in microchip manufacturing.

Lisa Moeller, English Teacher

Lisa Nelson Moeller was born and raised in the Salt Lake Valley, attended Jordan High School and graduated from the University of Utah. She was a stay at home mom for fifteen years, working in the PTA, Cub Scouts and various church callings. After her fourth and youngest son started school she started working at the Utah Boys Ranch in the Spring of 1992. Lisa recently earned her Library and Media Science endorsement and is enjoying the role of Grandmother. Lisa is one of the English teachers and manages the library for both the boys and the girls campuses.

Stacey Leak, Teacher

Ms. Leak reigns from Utah State University, home of the True Aggies, with her BS in English Education. She recently received her MS from the University of Utah in Health Promotion and Education, with an emphasis in addiction and relapse prevention. She has been teaching at West Ridge since 2006.

Christopher Woods, Music Instructor

BA in music--Brigham Young University, with an emphasis in Media Music - songwriting and sound recording; has been the Music teacher at West Ridge Academy since Sept. 2004; 3 years guitar and voice faculty at Park City Arts & Music Conservatory; successfully produced two albums in 2007 and is currently working on 3 album projects for 2008; played original compositions on Park City TVs Mountain Views, and several other venues including; Grub Steak, The Mayan Restaurant, Sun and Moon Café, Art City Days; continues to perform at various venues around the state; finalist in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition 2007; performed with BYUs prestigious nine-man A cappella Ensemble, Vocal Point, and in several musical productions: Bye Bye Birdie, The Music Man, and Cotton Patch Gospel; performed with San Joaquin Delta Colleges Studio Arts Ensemble for two years; performed with the California All-State Honor Choir 2 years and received 3 vocal command performances; served LDS mission in Taejon, Korea; member of ASCAP, TSSA, TAXI

Matthew Edvik

BS in Social Work at Brigham Young University. Current Utah State teacher certification in mathematics. Trained in The Principle Approach to Education at Slater Institute in Virginia. The Principle Approach is an educational program that focuses on principles originally used by founding fathers to govern America. Mat has eight years teaching experience at West Ridge Academy. Happily married to Michelle. Two children, John, 5, and Maia, 2.

Natalie Keefer

Mike Moffet

Jay Honey

Jenny Allen

Anna Memmott

Anna Memmott has earned a BA in Special Education and a minor in ESL (English as a Second Language) at BYU She has been at West Ridge Academy since June of 2008. Grew up in Chihuahua Mexico and learned Spanish as a second language. She enjoys outdoors, mountain biking, hiking, or walking.

Wendy Ballard, Parent Liason, Coach

Wendy has worked at WRA for 9 years, and has held a couple of different positions. She was the registrar on the boy's campus for six years, then moved over to fundraising and grant writing. She also has coached the girl's volleyball teams. Currently she is our communication specialist, she writes the parent newsletters, blogs, takes pictures for the parent portal, assists with the parent seminars and works at the front desk. The most rewarding part of her job is developing relationships with the youth and seeing them change their lives around. She and her husband have fostered over 50 boys in their home throughout the years and have five children of their own and one granddaughter. Her favorite thing to do is spend time with her family.

Russ Kruse, Systems Administrator

Long history of technical design and support for international systems architecture. Networking and communication strategy and design specialty. Emphasis on customer support and satisfaction across diverse organizations with rapid deployment requirements and custom application support. First line of support for technology, infrastructure and fly fishing!

RECREATION THERAPY

John Webb, Therapeutic Recreation Director

Master in Clinical Counseling, Bachelors in Recreation Therapy, eight years of experience working with youth and their families as a therapist, recreational therapist, and line staff, rope course certified, wilderness first responder, life guard, Red Cross instructor-trainer.