Ridge Creek Therapeutic Boarding School

Academics

Admissions

Counselor

Recreation/Adventure

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.

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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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Blake Bryant

Lead Adventure Instructor

Blake has lived most of his life in Georgia, but he spent some time in Colorado roughing it in the Adventure. He has extensive training and certification as a Adventure Survival Instructor. In addition, Blake has attended Gainesville College and is currently working on his Addiction Therapist Certification License. He is certified to teach Adventure 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

Founder

Dr. Len Buccellato has been a practicing Psychologist since 1975. He earned a B.S. in Psychology from Fordham University, a M.A. in Educational Psychology from the University of Georgia, and a PhD. in Counseling and Psychological Services from Georgia State University, where he served as an Assistant Professor of Psychology from 1971-1975. In 1976 he founded St Francis School in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1975, Dr. Buccellato began his private practice specializing in educational evaluation, diagnosis, and placement of children and adolescents. Through this specialization, he became aware of the scarcity of treatment options available to adolescents struggling with the stress of modern urban and suburban life, which many times manifests in behavior and academic problems. From this awareness and genuine concern, the dream of Ridge Creek School was born. Dr. Buccellato understood that a new idea and a new direction were needed to reach those troubled children currently falling to the wayside, due to the unavailability of treatment options. True to this dream, Dr. Buccellato has created a truly unique school for at-risk teenagers, combining the beneficial, grounding, and foundation-building elements of an intense therapeutic program with a strong and demanding college-prep academic curriculum.

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Josh Cannon

Athletic Director

Josh has been working with at-risk youth since 2006 and has been a Adventure First Responder since 2007. He earned a B.A. in Public Relations and Marketing at Auburn University where he participated in many sports. While in college, he worked for Storybook Farms, an equine assisted program serving youth who are challenged with life-threatening illnesses, disabilities, mental and/or emotional trauma, and grief. In addition he was instrumental in creating a sports curriculum at a program for at-risk youth in North Carolina. In his spare time, Josh enjoys traveling, and attending sporting events and concerts.

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Alan Chandler

Adventure

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Joseph Daugherty

Director of Recreation & Adventure Education

Joseph has worked with At-Risk Youth since 1994. He earned a B.S. in Psychology with a Minor in Therapeutic Recreation from The University of Tennessee At Chattanooga, studied Adventure Therapy at Georgia College and State University, and is an experienced facilitator of adventure based activities. In his spare time Joseph enjoys coaching baseball and spending time outdoors with his wife and son.

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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.

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Franklin Hammond

Academics

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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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Ryan Hogue

Academics

B.S. in Physics - North Georgia College and State University, 2005 B.S. in Industrial Engineering - Georgia Institute of Technology, 2007
Worked for Ridge Creek School since February 2010.
Previous to current work - Data Analyst, Cost Analyst, and Soccer Coach
Hobbies - Motorcycles, Soccer, Camping, Hiking, Backpacking

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Bill Ingram

Lead Adventure Instructor

Bill has been involved in Adventure 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, Adventure 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 Adventure 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.

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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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Timothy Lawson, M.Ed.

Academics

Born and raised in the foothills of the north Georgia Mountains, Tim earned a B.A. in History with a minor in English and a Masters of History Education with Gifted Certification at North Georgia College & State University. In addition, he holds state certification in Social Studies for grades 6-12. Tim is a true history buff who enjoys sharing his passion for history and civics with his students.

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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

Adventure

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Stephanie McCullum

R.E.C. Staff

Karen is currently working toward a B.S and Psychology from North Georgia College and State University. After graduation, she plans to pursue her Master?s in Therapeutic Recreation and Counseling. In her spare time, Karen enjoys dancing and all outdoor activities.

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Blake Nash

Recreation

Blake has been involved with outdoor education for several years. A native to Hiawassee, Georgia he enjoys spending time outside; camping, hunting, and fishing. Blake's background includes wilderness therapy training, First Responder Certification, TACT- 2 service provider, and CPR certification. Blake has years of experience working with students coaching basketball and volunteering at local recreation facilities. In Blake's spare time he enjoys spending time with family and friends.

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Shaun Pelley QP, WFR

Assistant Director of Recreation & Adventure Education

Shaun received a B.S in Environmental Science from Bowling Green State University in 2004. He has several years experience working as a Qualified Professional at an outdoor therapeutic Adventure program in North Carolina, where he served as a resident counselor and supervisor. In addition, Shaun has been a certified Adventure First Responder for three years.

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Jamie Shankles, M.Ed.

Wilderness Program Administrator

BA in Psychology, Truett McConnell College/University of West Georgia
M.Ed. with an emphasis in Counseling Psychology, Pi Gamma Mu
Practitioner Certification Level 2 with Specialty Elements, Project Adventure
Wilderness First Responder

Having begun my career with the Georgia State Department of Juvenile Justice, I have held various State of Georgia positions such as court service worker, behavior specialist, sr., social services provider and coordinator, and program director. I've been involved with the field of Adventure Therapy for 20+ years to include being the founder and director of a district wide adventure based counseling program called Niyélo that served both youth and youth development leaders. I have served on the Southeast Regional board for the Association of Experiential Education as well as chaired the AEE Therapeutic Adventure Professional Group I am a group facilitator, trainer, therapist and parent who is internally motivated and driven by hope, faith, and love. I am passionate about my work and believe in people - intrigued with that thing that distinguishes us from other living things: creativity and the ability to choose.

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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.

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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.

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Walter Sumpter

Recreation

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Sam Tanner

Academics-Math

Sam holds a B.S. in Business Administration earned at North Georgia College & 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

Academics-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.

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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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Karen Wieloch

R.E.C. Staff

Karen is currently working toward a B.S and Psychology from North Georgia College & State University. After graduation, she plans to pursue her Master's in Therapeutic Recreation and Counseling. In her spare time, Karen enjoys dancing and all outdoor activities.

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