Residential Treatment Center Program for Troubled Teens (Coed ages 12-17)

"Our Goal, is to help YOU help your Child."
Paul Arslanian - Founder/Executive Director
Toll Free: 888-698-7095
Staff Bios
As long time college and professional football coaches, we know what it takes to build a winning team; and we are proud of the talented team of Youth Development Professionals we have brought together for this noble cause. There is no greater cause than providing a life-line for someone in need.

Our Goal is very clear – help YOU help YOUR Child; and as you read about the people responsible for this Goal, you will see that not only do we possess the formal education and life experiences in working with a variety of children and issues; but we have clearly demonstrated the sincerity and ability to effect powerful change in the lives of struggling teens.

Paul says – “We get results at Eagle Ranch because we have an effective Value Based Behavior Change Program executed by talented professionals in a loving and nurturing environment.”


Paul Arslanian
Executive Director (Co-founder)

• Education - BS degree, emphasis in Special Education - Northern Arizona University
• MA degree, Public Administration - Utah State University
• Related Experience - Snow College (1975 - 82) - Director of Student Housing, Director of Youth Programs, Assistant Director of Youth Corp Camp, Started and ran the Snow College Job Corp Program.
read more

Dave Arslanian
Admissions Director (Co-founder)

• Education - BS degree, emphasis in HPER and Psychology - Weber State University
• MS degree, HPER (with projects in Educational Programs) - Arizona State University
• Founder of a non-profit foundation dedicated to helping people rise to new heights.
• Dave uses his contacts and experience to enhance the referral/admissions/placement program for Eagle Ranch Academy.
read more / Click here to meet the Admissions Staff

Kelly Miller - Program Director, Eagle Ranch Academy

• Education - BA degree in Psychology, Southern Utah University; Masters degree in Psychology, Pacific Graduate School of Psychology; Marriage and Family Therapy, Regis University.
• Related Experience - Director of Case Management at Spring Mountain Treatment Center, Clinical/Program Director/Case Manager/Residential Counselor at SunHawk Academy, Vice President/Owner of Journeys Adolescent Services, Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor for the State of Utah and Nevada, Certified in CPR/First Aid/PCS/MANDT.

Kelly says - "I am honored to have been selected to be the Program Director of Eagle Ranch Academy, and to continue to ensure that the children in our care receive the very best in treatment and personal development. It has been said by many that the program we have put together, and the Team assembled make for the finest full service Residential Treatment & Youth Development Program anywhere in the world! My Goal is to make sure we are the best; and to carry forward in making a difference in the lives of the valuable young people we serve."


Katherine Benson - Assistant Program Director, Eagle Ranch Academy

• Related Experience/Education - Southern Utah University, Millcreek Youth Center (Psychologist Assistant), Sun Hawk Academy (Assistant Program Director), Mississippi State Hospital (CNA)

Katherine says - "I have served in this capacity under Kelly Miller before, and it is a privilege to be able to do it again at Eagle Ranch Academy. I was especially excited when my husband Darrel decided to join us at ERA, as he is one of the best in working with our youth. Our Value Based Program is creating healthy young people that are becoming leaders of great character; and I am excited to have my husband share in that joy."



Program Staff - Click here to see Professional Program Staff

- Phil Clark, Professional Staff & Recreation Specialist   - Braxtin Ellett, Professional Staff
- Dan Slaugh, Professional Staff & Education Specialist   - Bob Chaviar, Professional Staff
- Lesley Ann Shaw, Professional Staff & Education Specialist   - Lauren Hill, Professional Staff
- Lori Brandt, Professional Staff   - Shannon Wellhoff, Professional Staff
- Chris Arslanian, Professional Staff & Parent Page Specialist   - Hollie Belair, Professional Staff
- Eric Pomeroy, Professional Staff   - Chris Cortez, Professional Staff
- Petina Dutro, Professional Staff   - Asiah Liuleraega, Professional Staff
- Heather Fay, Professional Staff   - Levi Manatai, Professional Staff
- Tyrone Hardward, Professional Staff   - David Woodbury, Professional Staff
- Adam James Lister, Professional Staff   - Kelvin Johnson, Professional Staff
- Seattle Umi, Professional Staff   - Ben Haycock, Professional Staff
- Krystlelie Jones, Professional Staff   - Deborah Berg, Professional Staff
- Sierra Bawden, Professional Staff   - Collete Tannehil, Professional Staff
- Tracy Wardrop, Professional Staff   - Spencer Munoz, Professional Staff
** Additional Staff posted later


V. Gerry Thamert - Clinical Director, Eagle Ranch Academy

• Education - BS degree in Sociology/Masters degree in Social Work (MSW), University of Utah.

• Related Experience - Program Evaluator & Counselor for Salt Lake County Youth Experience Program; Social School Worker in Pupil Services for Granite School District (Salt Lake City, Utah); Trainer/Consultant for Utah State Division of Alcohol & Drugs (Salt Lake City, Utah); Social Work Intern and then Field Supervisor for Ute Tribe Alcohol & Drug Abuse Program (Fort Duchesne, Utah); Faculty Field Work Supervisor for School of Social Work, University of Utah (SLC, Utah); Mental Health Specialist for Wayne Office of Central Utah Mental Health; Clinical Director of SunHawk Academy (St. George, Utah); Auxiliary Faculty for University of Utah and University of Nevada, Las Vegas Graduate Schools of Social Work.

• Areas of Special Training include Sex Therapy, Family Therapy, Strengthening Families, and Domestic Relations; Child Trauma Treatment; Clinical Applications of Developmental Theory and Research; Utah Child Custody Law, Child Custody and Evaluations, Parent Alienation Syndrome, Critical Incidents Facing Children and Adolescents & Attachment Concepts; Culturally Based Interventions & Personifications; Living, Dying, and Grieving; Management of High Risk Patients; Supervisor of LCSW=s for clinical hours towards independent practice.

• Certificates/Licenses - Criminology & Corrections from University of Utah; Licensed Social Worker (LCSW) with the State of Utah.

Gerry says - "After working in several youth programs, I took time off to build a successful practice for myself and family; but then I quickly realized that my true interest and passion is in youth development, and the opportunity to join the Arslanians in making Eagle Ranch Academy the best in the world is almost too good to be true. I am excited about the limited enrollment and personal approach we take at ERA, and the difference we make in the lives and families of talented and gifted young people. Our Value Based Program meshed with the treatment we provide is creating healthy and happy young people that are able to rejoin their families in a productive way."




* Clinical Staff Click here to see Clinical Staff   * Medical Staff Click here to see Medical Staff
- Dan Huntsman - Therapist   - Dr. Cantril Nielsen - Psychiatrist
- Joy Ann “Annie” Weippert - Therapist   - Dennis Mitchell - Doctors Assistant
- Daniel Afualo - Therapist   - Roxann Faux - Nurse
     



Julie Arslanian - Director of Administration & Operations, Eagle Ranch Academy

• Related Experience/Education - BA degree in Architecture Design (Colorado State University); Administrative Assistant to the President at West Texas State University & Snow College; Administrative Assistant to the Dean of the College of Nursing at Weber State University.

If you call or stop in to visit Eagle Ranch Academy you will be greeted by Julie or one of her Staff; and if you need something, just ask them and it will get done.






* Support Staff Click here to see Support Staff    
- Angie Aday - Office Assistant   - Bill Brieg - Chef / Supervisor of Bldg & Grounds
- Bonnie Johnson - Insurance Specialist   - Ted Johnson - Kitchen Assistant / Head of Security



Kathy Young - Director of Family Relations & Seminars, Eagle Ranch Academy

• Education - Related Experience

Kathy says - "An important part of our program at Eagle Ranch is our involvement with the Parents and the Child. Our Emotional Growth Seminars help provide Students and Parents with valuable tools for rebuilding and then maintaining their relationship. It is all about letting go of the past, and moving into the present with the tools and skills to look forward to a great future."






Darrell Benson - Case Manager & After Care Specialist, Eagle Ranch Academy

• Related Experience/Education - Bachelor degree/Basketball Letterman, Southern Utah University; SunHawk Academy (Case Manager/Professional Staff); Boswell Regional Center, Mississippi (Residential Service Program Supervisor, overseeing 30+ Direct Health Care employees).






Dr. Myrle (Lee) Dalton-McIntosh – Educational Consultant, Eagle Ranch Academy

• Education - Doctorate in Cognitive Psychology, Kennedy Western University
• Related Experience/Education - Arizona State University (Cognitive Psychology), Brigham Young University (Educational Psychology), School Psychologist for Mesa Public Schools (Mesa, AZ), Director of Special Services/School Psychologist/Counselor for Gila County Schools, Licensed Professional Counselor, Nationally Certified School Psychologist.

Dr. Dalton-McIntosh says - "I have known Paul & Dave Arslanian all of their lives, and I am honored to be able to work with them in this noble cause. Eagle Ranch Academy is truly affecting the lives of families and young people in a very positive way."





Dr. Kenneth L. Hennefer – Behavioral/Staff Training Consultant, Eagle Ranch Academy

• Education – Doctorate in Adult Education with specialties in Clinical Psychology, Social Service Administration, Clinical Social Work and Education Administration, Arizona State University
• Related Experience/Education – University of Utah (Master of Social Work degree, BS degree in Education, Sociology), Private Practice in Child & Family Therapy since 1960; Director of Corrections Education for three prisons and 29 local county jails (Utah State Office of Education); Graduate School Field Instructor, Child Welfare and Protective Service Instructor, Social Rehabilitation Service Project Coordinator (Arizona State University); Social Service Program in Child Welfare and Family Therapy Coordinator (Southern Utah University); Child Welfare Supervisor, Protective Services, and Family Service Supervisor, Adoption Caseworker (Sacramento County Public Welfare Department); Group Intake Supervisor (Salt Lake County Detention).


Paul Arslanian, ERA Executive Director says - “We are pleased to draw from the vast expertise and experiences of Dr. Hennefer, and to have him provide valuable Staff Training and Education, and Parent Workshop Training for Staff and Parents whenever possible.”


Mark Brady – Admissions Counselor, Eagle Ranch Academy

• Education – BS degree in Commercial Physical Education & MS degree in Exercise Physiology, Brigham Young University.
• Related Experience/Education – Professional Staff (Provo Canyon Youth School), Graduate Assistant Football Coach (BYU), Assistant Football Coach and Interim Head Coach (Bemidji State University), Assistant Football Coach, Recruiting Coordinator, Academic Coordinator (Weber State University), same positions at Utah State University, Assistant Coach (Birmingham Thunderbolts, XFL), Project Manager (ICON Exercise & Fitness).


Mark says - “I was excited when Dave asked me to work with them at Eagle Ranch Academy. I am fortunate to have worked with the Arslanians for many years and know the great character of men that they are. Their philosophy in coaching was WINNING … on the field and in the game of life … developing the Character of young men. This is truly fulfilling as I see the miracle that happens … the transition that takes place as we (Eagle Ranch, Parents & Child) work together. Teenage boys and girls seeing their great worth; becoming accountable for their actions and their lives; developing tools; creating real change in their lives and repairing and developing strong healthy relationships with parents, family and friends. With a large family (8 children & 1 grand-child) I can understand the heart-ache and great concern when parents see a child that has, or is slipping away. I am here to help. Call me anytime. I am always available.” My direct number is 435-773-2903 / My email is – mark@eagleranchacademy.com.


Robyn Woods – Admissions Counselor, Eagle Ranch Academy

• Related Experience/Education – Graduated from Bonneville HS in Ogden, Utah, married Gene Woods in 1972, supported Gene while he attended and graduated from Colorado State University, raised 4 successful children, and now is the Grandmother to 7 beautiful Grandchildren (2 adopted). She has supported her family as Booster Club President (Pomona HS), active in PTA, and recently retired from Continental Airlines (Customer Service).


Robyn says – “I love helping families reunite. Since Eagle Ranch Academy has a limited enrollment and is often times full, my role as an Admissions Counselor for Eagle Ranch, is to assist Parents in finding the most appropriate help possible for their Child, and I take that responsibility very seriously. I have been blessed with the good fortune of raising 4 healthy, happy, successful children. Now I get to help spoil my Grandkids. I am still happily married after 36 fabulous years. And, now my calling in life seems to be helping Parents find a way to get their struggling teen back on track. Call me anytime. I am always here for you.” My direct number is 435-773-2902 / My email is – robyn@eagleranchacademy.com.