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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 115 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
MBA University 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 & Promotions
LCSW 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 University. 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 Fundraising
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
B.S. in Math witha monor in Chemistry from the University of Utah. Masters of Education from American Intercontinental University. He has taught Chemistry, Biology, Physical Science, and all levels of mathematics.
Amy Whittaker, LCSW, Clinical Director
MSW – Walla Walla College, Washington; BSW – Idaho State University. Worked with troubled youth for the last ten years; Started career working as The Director of Juvenile Probation in Fremont County, Idaho. Enjoy working with families, the criminal justice system, and area schools. Ten 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.
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. Spent over a decade working with At-Risk students both in the Salt Lake area schools as well as with wilderness and residential programs. 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. Has a deep love and skill in working with groups, building relationships and helping others achieve success. Is a very proud father of three, ages 12, 10 and 4. An avid skier, enjoys boating with his family and friends and has a passion for high altitude climbing and ultra marathon events.
CLINICAL STAFF
Michael L. Ruoho, LCSW, Assistant Clinical Director - Girls Campus
MSW, LCSW, Bachelors and Masters Degrees, University of Utah. Miotivational speaker and frequently speaks nationwide and in Canada, on topics ranging from parenting skills, relationships, dealing with troubled teens and spiritual topics since 1992. 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. Has been with West Ridge Academy since 1987.
Jacob Gibson
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. BS in Psychology from Brigham Young University in 2000, and an AS in Behavioral Science from Utah Valley State College in 1998. 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. Married to Heather in 1997, and they now have 5 children, two of which are adopted. Jegan working at West Ridge in the summer of 2004, starting on the boy's campus, then moving to the girl's campus in 2006.
Frank M. Rees
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
MA in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy from Phillips Graduate Institute, California. BA in Psychology from Brigham Young University, Utah. . Previously, worked with West Ridge as a live-in counselor, home parent, school teacher, campus administrator, weekends and assistant clinical director. He and his wife have had 17 foster children. Currently serving West Ridge Academy as Director of Training and a full-time Therapist. Current host of WRA Hope and Healing Podcast. Credentials include Crisis Prevention and Intervention Instructor, NOJOS (Network on Juveniles Offending Sexually). Additional background in Reactive Attachment Disorder,DBT, Addictions, Family Systems and Survivors of Abuse. With Utah Boys Ranch/ West Ridge Academy since 1987.
John M. Ogden
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.
Lori Bagley
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
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. 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. Been working for Utah Boys Ranch/West Ridge Academy for 18 years.
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.
Erin Shepherd
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
Jared S. Hamner, Director of Midwest Operations
B.S. in business economics, Indiana University; 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 West Ridge Academy for two years.
Lynn Smith, Admissions Specialist
Customer service representative quickly promoted to team supervisor, VIP representative and then Distributor Recognition coordinator for USANA Health Sciences for several years prior to coming to West Ridge Academy.Placed one of her own children in the program at West Ridge Academy and after experiencing the program firsthand as a parent, came to work for WRA. Lloves listening and talking to families in their moment of crisis and decision making knowing personally how challenging the crisis can be.
ACADEMICS STAFF
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
Born and raised in the Salt Lake Valley, attended Jordan High School and graduated from the University of Utah. 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. Recently earned her Library and Media Science endorsement and is enjoying the role of Grandmother. One of the English teachers and manages the library for both the boy's and the girls campuse's.
Stacey Leak, Teacher
BA in English Education, Utah State University. MS in Health Promotion and Edication, University of Utah, with an emphasis in addiction and relapse prevention. 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.
Mark Gardner
Stephen Porter
Steve Porter is the social studies and art teacher at West Ridge Academy. He joined the faculty in 2009. His varied interests and abilities have resulted in being an instructor of U.S. History, World History, Bible Studies, P.E., Art, Acting, Debate, Psychology, Geography, and a language class. Steve received his education at BYU where he graduated in 2005. Additionally, Steve has taught seminary in the LDS Church Education System.
Steve married Vashti Porter in May 2009. The couple recently welcomed their first child to the family. He loves to read and is improving his education through graduate studies. He was a founding member of “Absoludicrus Improv” and still occasionally performs around the Salt Lake valley.
Natalie Keefer
Natalie Keefer has been working with at risk youth in the school system since 2001 and joined West Ridge Academy in 2007. She serves as the Academy’s Registrar for both boys and girls and is responsible for student scheduling and student records. Natalie is focused on getting students back on track toward high school graduation. She can also be seen on campus with shears and hair clippers in hand, as she is a licensed Cosmetologist. She and her husband, Jamie, have one son and the Keefer family welcomes “day program teens” into their home. Natalie is a tireless supporter of West Ridge athletics.
Mike Moffet
Jay Honey
Wendy Ballard, Parent Liason, Coach
Registrar on the boy's campus for six years, then performed fundraising and grant writing. Coach for the girl's volleyball teams. Currently is the communication specialist; writes the parent newsletters; blogs; 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. Has worked at West Ridge Academy since 1990.
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.
Eli Kerr, Program Director
Enjoyment of the outdoors, physical challenges and working with youth led Eli to his career in residential substance abuse treatment and wilderness therapy. Eli joined the dedicated staff of West Ridge in 2007, bringing with him several years’ experience gathered from the field of guiding at-risk youth. At work he is passionate about creating effective programming and an environment where both clients and employees thrive. On personal time, Eli can be found playing with his family, preparing for graduate school, skiing in the winter and beekeeping in the summer.
Eli received a degree in business management and recreation therapy from Brigham Young University. He is currently licensed in Utah and certified nationally as a Recreation Therapist. He serves on the Utah Recreation Therapy Association’s executive committee. Eli is a certified ropes course facilitator, wilderness first responder, level 1 avalanche certified and an experienced manager for back country youth groups.
Jamie Keefer, Athletics Director
Jamie Keefer has spent his life devoted to youth sports and joined the West Ridge faculty in 2007. He has worked with the Academy’s Self Contained Classroom and After Care programs. Jamie has coached high school baseball since 1995, and his skill has brought several region championships to West Ridge. He has also coached WRA boys and girls basketball. Jamie was named West Ridge Athletic Director in 2010. He is focused on building the athletic programs and bringing community financial support to the Academy. Jamie enjoys an excellent rapport with the youth on campus, in the community and his family welcomes them into their home.
