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, Clinical Director

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 Admissions

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 West Ridge Academy for two years.

John Stohlton, Director of Events and 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 - Summa Cumme Laude, BSU, Finance, BS, Cumme Laude - 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.

James H. McMaster, Clinical Director

LCSW--Brigham Young University, Utah State Licensed Clinical Social Worker, BS in Child Development and Family Relations, nine years experience counseling youth and families.

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!  

Amy Whittaker, LCSW, Assistant Clinical Director - Boys Campus

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. 

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.

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.

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

Matt Palfreyman, Clinical Consultant

MSW--Brigham Young University, BS-- Psychology—Brigham Young University; worked with troubled youth for last 5 years; started career working at Primary Children’s Medical Center conducting psychological evaluations of children and teens with mental health and medical issues; prior to coming to West Ridge Academy, served as the Clinical Director of Changes 4 Youth, a proctor care agency that provided foster homes and mental health services to high needs foster children.  Has extensive experience in individual and family therapy with teens who struggle with drug or alcohol abuse, oppositional –defiant behavior, low self-esteem, school failure, and poor family relationships.

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.

CSW- MSW- Boise State University, BSW-Idaho State University Over three years experience working with at risk youth and their families.

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.

Katherine Foulger, Therapeutic Recreation Staff

Bachelors in Therapeutic Recreation – Brigham Young University, Ropes Course Certified, Experience working with troubled youth in the Wilderness, Fluent in Spanish

MSW and BA, social work emphasis---Brigham Young University: Utah State Certified Social Worker; Member of National Association of Social Workers; Previous experience working with juvenile sex offenders through a state funded program and working with adult men with learning disabilities.

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

Jared S. Hamner, Director of Admissions

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 West Ridge Academy for two years.

Lynn Smith, Admissions Specialist

Robinn Webster, Admissions Specialist

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.

Darren R. Stirland, Principal/Ed Director

Administrative/Supervisory CertificationUniversity of Utah, 2002; Master of Education, major: Elementary EducationUniversity of Utah, 1993; Bachelor of Arts, major: Elementary EducationArizona State University, 1990; Administrative/Supervisory licensed and Elementary Education Professionally certified in Utah; administrative experience for Jordan District 1996-2002; 13 years elementary school teaching; various professional training courses; related experience as supervisor for after school basketball for at-risk students, CPR Technician, construction supervisor and BSA leader; awards and honors given as Phi Theta Kappa member, National Honor Society member, Whos Who in America Teacher List and as an Eagle Scout.

Aaron Baugh, Spiritual Instructor

BS degree in Communications--Utah State University 1990; Masters degree in Instructional Technology--Utah State University, 1995; Doctoral candidate in Adult Education--University of Wyoming; 17 years experience as a teacher grades 9-12 and teacher training.

Colleen Brienholt, Elementary Teacher

BA-Snow College; BS in Elementary Education-University of Utah; taught and/or substituted for Jordan School District for four years; served in the PTA in various capacities for 18 years; served as Cub Scout Leader and 4H Leader; worked as an aide or media assistant in public schools for six years; taught private music for eight years;  worked with children in church organizations more than twelve years;  taught Elementary students at West Ridge Academy for over eight years. 

David Brock, Teacher

David has been at West Ridge Academy for 3 years and is currently teaching physical education, head baseball coach, and assistant head coach in basketball. Coach Brock has coached the West Ridge Eagles baseball team to the 2005 Class 1A finals. David has an A.S. degree from Utah Valley State College where he also played baseball as a starting pitcher. David has served an L.D.S. mission in Alberta, Canada and has served in many capacities in the L.D.S. church with youth and leadership positions.

Shawn Bradley - School Administrator / Athletic Director

Attended Brigham Young University; served 2-year mission in Australia for LDS Church; joined National Basketball Association in 1993 and played for Philadelphia and New Jersey, retiring in 2004; played for German National Basketball in 2001 playing against all European teams; provided basketball camp in South Africa for youth, Without Borders; served with Childrens Miracle Network last 15 years and brought funding to the 3.5 billion dollar mark in April of 2007; and, obtained Eagle Scout award.

Paul Evans, Teacher

Utah Secondary Teaching License, level 2 certification with a level two math endorsement. B. S. Degree, Marketing, and minor in Philosophy/Religion awarded by Westminster College Salt Lake City; Associate Degree Business Management, and an Accounting Certificate awarded by Salt Lake Community College; Associate Degree in Electronics award by the Community College of the Air Force; working towards a second B.S degree in Mathematics; Retired from the United States Air Force Reserves 419th Communication Squadron served for 35 years; retired from a local bank as a commercial loan officer and bank manger; Chairman of the Board of Directors for the West Jordan Chamber of Commerce for three years; received award for Outstanding Non-Commissioned Office from the 419th Communication Squadron; received the Outstanding Senior Non-Commission Officer given by the 419th Mission Support Group; completed three non-commissioned officer schools and two electronic schools; instructor at LDS Business College for 2 ½ years teaching Microsoft Word, Excel and business skills; given the Outstanding Young Men Award for 1984; BICEP (Business, Industry, Community, and Education Partnership) volunteer giving guest lectures at local colleges, high schools, middle and elementary schools.  Lecturing on history of banking and starting your own business; received The Outstanding Volunteer Award given by West Jordan High School; received the Outstanding Staffer award given to high journalism students by the Salt Lake Tribune; served a LDS mission on the Navajo Reservation; married to Pamela Clark of Orem.

Darla Fereira , Teacher

MA in educationNational University; BA in Physical Education with emphasis in athletic trainingCSU Fresno;  taught five years physical education in California, coaching track and field, and was the Athletic Trainer; and taught eighth grade Health in Las Vegas.

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.

Stefanie Johnson, Teacher

BS in Social Science Composite with an emphasis in History and Political Science; Secondary Education Teaching Certificate Weber State University.

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.

Tammy Wesley, Special Education Instructor

BS in Special Education Mild to moderate disabilities: K-12; graduated from University of Southern Mississippi; two years experience working with students who have special needs.

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.      

West Ridge School Management since 2005.  Criminal Justice Major.

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

Secondary Educator License, History and Political Science-Utah Valley State College, with Honors; B.A., Political Science-Brigham Young University, with Honors, Academic Scholarship Recipient; A.A., Russian-Brigham Young University-Idaho, with Honors, Academic Scholarship Recipient; LDS Mission-Latvia, Riga/Lithuania, Vilnius Mission, Latvian and Russian

MA Ed.—University of Phoenix, BA in History—University of Utah.  Certified Teacher – Secondary Licensure- State of Utah.  Ten years as government Trainer/Record and Information Manager.  Five years as Research Librarian.  Over five years in customer service and sales, sales training, and communications.  Teaching career includes one year as Teachers Aide in class of 10 boys with Behavioral Disorders.  2002 Olympics – contracted with national government for security work in anti-bio-terrorism.  One year in Big Brothers Association.  Two years as Junior Jazz Coach.  One summer as Trail Guide for church youth for pioneer treks.  Fifteen years Civil War Reenactor and Living History Presenter.  Two years as missionary in Argentina for LDS Church.  Fluent Spanish speaker.  Hobbies include guitar and songwrititng, filmmaking and photography, scriptwriting, writing fiction and nonfiction, martial arts, and freehand drawing.  Father of twelve children (including 3 with behavioral disorders).

Matthew Edvik.

BS in Social Work at Brigham Young University.   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.  Has seven years teaching experience at West Ridge Academy.  Happily married to Michelle.  Two children, John, 4, and Maia, 1.

K. Wayne Brock, Girls Campus

Two years experience working with at-risk youth at Youth Developmental Enterprises in Maui, Hawaii; currently serving 10th year at West Ridge Academy as Weekend Supervisor serving in several capacities including those in the departments of Recreation and School; also served as Assistant Coach for the past five seasons in baseball and as Head J.V. Basketball Coach.

Time at West Ridge:  Three years

Time in your field:  11 years

Education:  I have a B. S. in Recreation Management and Youth Leadership with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation and a Gerontology Certificate from Brigham Young University. 

Experience:  When I started my career, I thought I wanted to pursue geriatrics.  For two years I was the Activities Director at an adult day care center and also two different assisted living centers.  However, during my final internship at BYU, I was introduced to working with youth, loved it, and never looked back.  I then started working at Island View Residential Treatment Center as a Recreation Therapist, eventually becoming the Recreation Department Supervisor.  After six years at Island View, I took a couple of years off to be with my daughter.  Eventually, I came to West Ridge Academy and started working in the Recreation Department and also as the Program Director for Sunshine Solutions.  In October of 2006 I began working as the Weekend Supervisor. 

Memberships:  I am licensed by the State of Utah as a Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (TRS) and certified by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).  I am also an EMT-B and a Certified Ropes Course Facilitator.

Other:  I have been married for 13 years and my husband and I have four children, all adopted.   

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!

Brian Jackson, Fund Raising

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, reading and motorcycle touring.  Brian and his wife have been married 27 years and together have 3 boys.