Terry Alexander
History/Special Education Teacher
Terry earned a B.A. in History from Piedmont College and a Masters in Special Education from North Georgia College and State University. He has spent 14 years working with at-risk youth in various therapeutic and educational settings. During his free time, Terry enjoys hiking, playing music, writing, and genealogical studies. Back to Top
Cheryl Ballow
Counselor
Cheryl has spent nearly 20 years addressing the therapeutic needs of at-risk youth and their parents. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of West Florida and an M.S. in Counseling and Psychology from Troy State University. In addition to her work, Cheryl enjoys hiking, camping, photography, painting, and crats.
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Trey Brown
Recreational Coordinator
Trey earned a B.S. in Studio Art and Graphic design from Barton College in 1993. He has been an integral part of the Ridge Creek recreational team for 5 years, serving in many capacities. He is a certified lifeguard and major on-campus event coordinator. In his free time, Trey enjoys kayaking, drawing, hunting, and reading.
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Blake Bryant
Lead Wilderness Instructor
Blake has lived most of his life in Georgia, but he spent some time in Colorado roughing it in the wilderness. He has extensive training and certification as a Wilderness Survival Instructor. In addition, Blake has attended Gainesville College and is currently working on his Addiction Therapist Certification License. He is certified to teach Wilderness First Aid and CPR / First Aid through the American Red Cross. He is also certified as a lifeguard. In addition to playing with his 2 boys, Blake enjoys staying fit and helping others with their fitness goals.
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Len Buccellato
BS - Fordham University
MA - Univ of Georgia
PhD - Georgia State University
Licensed Psychologist since 1975
Founder of Hidden Lake / Ridge Creek School in 1994
Private Practice - 1975 - 2009
Prior to private practice was faculty at Georgia State University
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Alan Chandler
Wilderness
B.S. Texas A&M Univ.
M.S. Texas A&M Univ.
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Clay Erickson MA
Director of Addiction Services
Clay earned a B.S. in Biology and Chemistry at Pacific Lutheran University, an M.D. at the University of Washington, and an M.A. in Psychology at Antioch University. He has specialized in addictions recovery for 15 years, 10 of which he has spent here at RCS, helping students struggling with these issues. In his free time, Clay enjoys hiking, tennis, writing, and spending time with his daughter.
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Kason Elkins
Counselor
Kason earned a B.S. in Sociology and a M.S. in counseling from North Georgia College and State University. She has extensive experience in both group and individual counseling of young people. She enjoys movies, reading, writing, sports, and cooking.
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Chris Grimwood
Executive Director
Chris is a Canadian citizen who was schooled at the University of Western Ontario, in London Ontario Canada. He has been employed in the social services field since 1998, where he got his start working with students coping with learning and developmental disabilities. Prior to joining the Hidden Lake/Ridge Creek team in 2006 as a Peer Group Counselor Chris was the Program Administrator of a long term Outdoor Therapeutic Program. In addition to breeding Siberian Huskies and collecting automobiles, Chris enjoys camping, skiing, and other outdoor activities. Back to Top
Franklin Hammond
Academics
B.S. Kennesaw State Univ.Back to Top
Keith Helmken
Counseling
Keith has worked at several respected facilities in multiple disciplines in the mental health field for over 20 years. He received a B.A. in English Composition from Beliot College before earning a Masters in Social Work from The University of Loyola in Chicago. When Keith is not tending to the therapeutic needs of Ridge Creek students, he enjoys hiking, weightlifting, and playing with his dog.
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Bill Ingram
Lead Wilderness Instructor
Bill has been involved in wilderness adventure for over twenty-five years. A native of lowland swamps of South Georgia, he grew up hunting and fishing on the outskirts of the Okefenokee Swamp. Bill attended North Georgia College & State University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Recreation. His background includes eight years in the Army National Guard as a combat medic, mountaineering instructor, EMT, wilderness first responder, land navigation and orienteering instructor, white water guide, survival instructor, and challenge course facilitator. Bill is certified as an Alpine Tower Facilitator, Red Cross Wilderness First Aid Instructor, Leave no Trace Instructor, TACT-2 Service Provider, and Red Cross Lifeguard. When he is not in the woods with our students, Bill enjoys spending time with his wife and children and gardening. Back to Top
Anna D. Jones, M.Ed.
Academics
B.S. in Psychology - University of Mississippi, 1992
M.Ed. in School Counseling - Middle Tennessee State University, 1997
Worked for Hidden Lake Academy/Ridge Creek School since August 2000. I have worked as a Peer Group Counselor, individual counselor, school communications, consultant communications, assistant and director of academics.
Previous to current work - interim counselor for Cobb County Elementary and High Schools.
Hobbies - mother of two, camping, hiking, backpacking, tennis, exercise, just recently - shooting at the range and indoor skydiving.
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J. Scott Smith
Director of Admissions
Having earned a B.S. in Sociology from North Georgia College and State University, Scott is currently working toward a Master's degree in Psychology and
Sociology (Graduation date 5/10). He has extensive experience in addictions counseling and recovery. Scott enjoys spending time with his wife and children,
as well as archeology, travel, cooking, and fishing. Back to Top
Joe Stapp, MA, LPC, NCC
Clinical Director
Joe earned a B.S. in Psychology from Baylor University and an M.A. in Clinical Counseling at Amberton University. He has 15 years' experience working
with at-risk youth in multiple settings and capacities. He has been a member of the Ridge Creek counseling team since 2004. Joe is a married father of
three, who's hobbies include playing with his children, playing the guitar and piano, and exercise. Back to Top
Dona Leith MS, CTRS
Counselor
Dona has many years experience working with troubled teens as well as with veterans. She holds a B.S. in Recreation Therapy from East Carolina University and a M.S. in Recreation Management, with a concentration in counseling, from the University of North Carolina. In addition, she has completed further training in counseling from Mercer University. Dona enjoys hiking, camping, travelling, and animals.
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Nikki Line
Wilderness
B.S. North GA College and State Univ.
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Dave Lucius
Wilderness Instructor
Dave is retired from the United States Army, where for the majority of his career he served with the Elite Units of the 82nd Airborne, and the Army Rangers. He is an avid outdoorsman. He is certified in Wilderness First Aid, CPR, and Tact II. He is a mountaineering, land navigation, orienteering, and wilderness survival instructor. Dave is also a challenge course facilitator. Dave enjoys hunting, fishing, backpacking, and camping.
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Stephanie McCullum
Recreational Counselor
Stephanie holds a B.S. in Psychology from Alcorn State University and a M.S. in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati. She has several years experience working in counseling and recreation with children and the elderly. Her favorite pastimes include travelling, swimming, music, and spending time with family and friends.
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Walter Sumpter
Recreation
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Sam Tanner
Math teacher
Sam holds a B.S. in Business Administration earned at North Georgia College and State University, as well as a M.Ed in Middle Grades Education from the University of West Georgia. Sam has been teaching and working with at-risk youth for over 10 years and served as a math teacher in the Cobb County school system from 1992-2000. He is the proud married father of 2 and a doting granddad of 6. In his spare time, Sam enjoys supporting local sports teams, reading, gardening, playing chess and playing with his dogs.
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Foy Tootle
English Teacher/Lead Teacher
Foy is a Certified Ga. Educator holding a degree in English with a literature concentration from Armstrong Atlantic State University. In addition, he has
special training in adolescent growth and development. Foy has worked with at-risk youth for 5 years and has worked in theatre with children of all ages for
15 years. He is the co-founder and artistic director the Green Mountain Theatre Company, based in Dahlonega. When he isn't teaching or directing plays, Foy
and his family love to hike, canoe, and camp. Back to Top
James B. Vaught, Jr., M.Ed.
Assistant Academic Director
A Graduate of the Lovett School, James has nearly 30 years experience in Education and Academics. He holds a B.A. in Psychology from The University of the South, a M.Ed from Texas Christian University, and a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Duke University. During his extensive career, he has served in almost every secondary academic position, from classroom teacher to football and wrestling coach to headmaster. In his spare time, James enjoys being a father to two college-aged boys, spending time with his wife, Karen, caving, fossil hunting, ichthyology, and volunteering for organizations such as the Red Cross and the Crossroads Community Ministry.
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