Our Team - The Black Mountain Academy

Black Mountain Academy is a small boarding school for boys grades 9-12 that feels like home and is specifically designed to support the individualized needs of students with learning differences and social and executive function deficits. We teach our students transferable skills in the areas of emotional regulation, executive function, and daily living with a dynamic, comprehensive approach that enriches the learning experience.

All
Leadership Team
Academic Team
Clinical Team
Residential Team
Medical Team
Operations Team

Brandon Moffitt, LCMHC

Executive Director / Co-Founder
Carla Shorts, LCMHC

Admissions Director
Jim Johnston, MA, LMFT

Clinical Director
Aaron McGinley, LCMHC

Residential Director
Karyn Kaminski, MSW, LCSW, LCAS

Program Director
Dave Rollins, MAT

Academic Director
Michelle McCoy, SPHR

Operations Director
Dr. Gregory Narron

Psychiatrist
Dayna Guido, LCSW

Clinical Supervisor
Cortney Pauly, MS, SLP-CCC

Speech Language Pathologist
Meg Proctor, MS, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist
Ryan Bachrach, MSW, LCSW

Therapist
Michelle Young, RMA

Medical Manager
Taylor Maxon, LCMHC-A

Therapist
Pam Splain, LCMHC

Therapist
Mark Moser

Science & Mathematics Teacher
Maryanne Miller

English Language Arts & Social Studies Teacher
Nik Holton

Science & Math Teacher
Kate Janson Foltz

English Teacher
Matt Wilson, MSW

Academic Support Specialist
Mandi Allison, LPCA

Reproductive Health & Sexual Education Teacher
Juan Diaz

Spanish Teacher
Charles Freeland

Ceramics/Art Teacher
Adam Hill

Program Manager
Kaylea Sparrow

Lead Coach
Nathan Nelson

Lead Residential Coach
Jason Babb

Lead Residential Coach
Kirsten Bonanza-Diaz

Lead Coach
Chris Squier

Family Services Coordinator
Lucas Ferry

Health & Wellness Coach
Lenna Bucy

Life Skills Coordinator
Zack Paben

Senior Residential Coach
Scott Kendrick

Senior Residential Coach
Robert Coronado

Senior Residential Coach
Diane Kemp

Senior Residential Coach
Colby Monoghan

Senior Residential Coach
Kristina Williams

Assistant Operations Director
Brian Gillespie

Culinary Services Coordinator
Robert Major

Logistics and Facilities Manager

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Brandon Moffitt, LCMHC

Executive Director / Co-Founder

Brandon enjoys working directly with our Leadership Team to implement and fulfill the vision of Black Mountain Academy. The Leadership Team strives to be collaborative and to learn from one another as we meet the needs and achieve the goals of our students and families. As a person who loves to perpetually learn, Brandon works with our team to examine meaningful ways for Black Mountain Academy to continue to grow and evolve to best serve our students, families, and local community.
Brandon has over 15 years of experience as a therapist working with adolescents and their families in residential settings and wilderness therapy. During his tenure in wilderness, he developed and ran a very successful program providing treatment for boys with neurodevelopmental and learning differences.

Prior to becoming a therapist, Brandon spent time as a math and science teacher in the public schools and a guide on adventure trips for adolescents. He loves being a dad, trail running, camping, fly fishing, woodworking, cooking, and generally being outdoors.

Carla Shorts, LCMHC

Admissions Director

Carla grew up in South Carolina, spending much of her childhood playing outside. Carla received her Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from Johns Hopkins University where she trained extensively alongside many of the leaders in the field researching pediatric brain development and social development.

Prior to joining the team at Black Mountain Academy, Carla worked as a therapist in a wide variety of clinical settings over the past decade, including inpatient psychiatric hospitals, private practice, and therapeutic boarding school. For the past 5 years, Carla has worked as a wilderness therapist specializing in boys with learning disabilities, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and other neurodevelopmental concerns.

Outside of work, Carla can usually be found trying a new cupcake recipe, diving into a good book, or exploring the North Carolina backcountry with her Boykin Spaniel, Margot. Carla also loves sports and cheering on the Clemson Tigers and Baltimore Orioles.

Jim Johnston, MA, LMFT

Clinical Director

Jim brings over 15 years of experience providing clinical care to adolescents and their families in multiple settings including private practice, community-based interventions, therapeutic wilderness programs, and as a primary therapist at two boarding schools. Jim’s professional passion is to help clients develop a sense of resiliency, self-efficacy, and resourcefulness at school, home, and in the community. Jim brings experience, warmth, and commitment to our students as he joins the clinical team at Black Mountain Academy. He has extensive experience working with families and individual with autism. As a parent of a child with autism, Jim has a special interest in assisting individuals and families in navigating the challenges autism presents as well as capitalizing on the strengths our students inherently possess. In his free time, Jim enjoys time with his family, fly fishing, camping, and travel.

Aaron McGinley, LCMHC

Residential Director

Aaron has been working with adolescents and families for more than 15 years and specializes in helping teens with Autism. Aaron has worked in a variety of settings including private residential schools, public schools, community-based programs, and intensive family therapy.

During his time in graduate school, Aaron received one of the Nation’s top scores on his board exams. Aaron has also published an article in a national journal and gives frequent presentations to families, therapists, and teachers about video game addictions.

In all that he does, Aaron employs an approach that integrates his strong belief in the importance of trust and community in supporting those on the Autism spectrum. When Aaron is not working with clients, he enjoys hiking the mountains of Western North Carolina with his wife and two children.

Karyn Kaminski, MSW, LCSW, LCAS

Program Director

Karyn was born and raised in Beavercreek, Ohio but has lived and worked around the country. Karyn joins us with over 16 years of experience in wilderness and residential therapy as well as educational consulting experience. She graduated from The University of Georgia with a Masters in Social Work and a certificate in Marriage and Family Counseling and currently holds dual licenses in clinical social work and as a clinical addiction specialist. She received her BS in Journalism at Northwestern University and still proudly calls herself a Wildcat.

When Karyn was asked about what drew her to Black Mountain Academy, she stated that during her experience as an educational consultant she could see that the staff members at Black Mountain believed in what they were doing and had passion that is critical for students to get the therapy they deserve. When asked about why Karyn joined this kind of work, she stated “I really believe in building up a person’s capacity and have faith that the boys are capable. I think one of my skills is learning what someone is interested in, and helping them pursue that task, while also helping them learn real-life skills.”

In her free team, Karyn can be found hiking, reading, spending time with her husband going on last-minute adventures, or enjoying a good play! Karyn is also a huge college football fan and enjoys rooting for the minor league baseball team, the Asheville Tourists.

Dave Rollins, MAT

Academic Director

Dave originally hails from the Buckeye State (Ohio), but he has made his home with his wife and two daughters here in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. Dave has over a decade of experience as an educator and is dedicated to providing transformative educational experiences to students with complex learning differences. Dave earned holds a BS in Natural Resources from The Ohio State University, A M.A.T in Education from Western Oregon University, and a post-graduate certification in Special Education from Concordia University. Prior to taking on the role of Academic Director at Black Mountain Academy, Dave worked as the the director of education for a local wilderness program. He has many years of experience also working as a special education case manager and classroom teacher. When Dave is not in the classroom working hands-on with our students, He enjoys spending time with his family, tending to his flock of chickens, or hiking and biking in the North Carolina backcountry.

Michelle McCoy, SPHR

Operations Director

Michelle is very excited to join Black Mountain Academy as Operations and Administration Director. Michelle began working in Behavioral Health programs seven years ago as a Wilderness Field Guide where she witnessed the power of every individual to grow and change. She has spent the past five years working in the areas of human resources, finance, and operations. She has successfully helped facilitate the acquisition of two, three-year CARF accreditations.

Michelle holds a MFA in Theatre from Louisiana State University. She also holds a certificate as a Senior Professional in Human Resources from the HR Certification Institute.

In her spare time, Michelle can be found enjoying the beautiful mountains with her amazing husband and son.

Dr. Gregory Narron

Psychiatrist

Dr. Narron believes that mental health is the key to true health. Though he began his medical training in general surgery, he ultimately decided upon psychiatry. Dr. Narron is trained in adult and child psychiatry. He finds that treating children and adults allows for a deeper developmental perspective about how symptoms present over a lifetime.

In his 20 year career in Asheville, Dr. Narron has been involved in systems of care in his community. He has served as medical director of a start-up adolescent hospital program, as a board member of a start-up private school, and as a psychiatric consultant to non-profit organizations. He is currently serving as the psychiatric consultant to several private boarding schools, therapeutic boarding schools, therapeutic residential communities and a wilderness therapy program for adolescents. He uses a systems approach whether providing individual care or organizational consultation.

About Dr. Narron:
-Medical degree, East Carolina University School of Medicine, (Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society).
-Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
-Residency Training
-General Surgery, Penn State University Hospital, (3 years)
-General Psychiatry, University of Virginia Health System (2 years)
-Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship, University of North Carolina Health Care (2 years)
-Diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

Dayna Guido, LCSW

Clinical Supervisor

A lifelong passion for working with at-risk children, adolescents and families began in 1979 when Dayna graduated with a BA from Valparaiso University. She returned to school to earn her MSW from Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1984. Dayna was fortunate to be in Chicago at the heart of the family systems movement, enabling her to work and be trained by many of the masters in the field.

Since entering the field over 35 years ago, Dayna has always maintained a clinical and programmatic relationship to at-risk youth and their families in an array of jobs and settings. Her positions have included individual and group residential care, individual, group and family therapist, clinical and administrative supervisor, trainer, and developer of clinical departments of therapists and interns.

Following her dreams to live in the mountains, she moved to Asheville, NC where she continued working with at-risk populations as a Clinical Director and Administrator for residential group homes and foster care. During this time she designed the program and opened a Runaway Shelter for Runaway and Homeless Youth.

After 15 years working for agencies, Dayna decided she could best use her skills as a clinician by going into full-time private practice, specializing in the at-risk population in out-of-home placements. This quickly led to contracts providing clinical supervision to various residential, foster care, and community mental health agencies in Western NC, providing individual and family therapy in an inpatient psychiatric hospital, psychiatric assessments in a local hospital ER,family therapy in a partial psychiatric hospital program, and more recently clinical supervision for wilderness therapy programs. Working with TEACCH in the late 1990’s, she added the specialty of Autism Spectrum Disorders to her practice.

Expanding on her vast experience of training professionals, in 1997 Dayna began teaching for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work as a Clinical Instructor in the Mountain Area Distance Education MSW Program. Currently, she is teaching at Lenoir-Rhyne University, Center for Graduate Studies of Asheville in the Counseling Program and East Tennessee State University in the MSW Program in Asheville. She develops and provides training nationwide on a variety of clinical topics such as clinical supervision, ethics, autism spectrum disorders, therapy with adolescents, play therapy, and expressive arts. Recently she authored a book with her husband, The Parental Tool Box.

Dayna’s passion in her work draws from her love of life. This expresses itself in her organic gardening, hiking, bookmaking, and mixed media quilting.

Cortney Pauly, MS, SLP-CCC

Speech Language Pathologist

Cortney discovered her love of language and communication while living in Thailand where she worked as a sociolinguistic researcher for 5 years. Following her stint abroad, Cortney returned to the U.S. and earned a Master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Western Carolina University. Cortney is licensed by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists.

Here at Black Mountain Academy, Cortney works with students to improve their communication skills in several key areas, including improving speech fluency and social pragmatics. When asked why students at Black Mountain Academy benefit from speech therapy, Courtney states, “Communication is all about understanding what others mean and expressing your own ideas. If you have misunderstandings, don’t always get why others do/say things, or have trouble getting your message across, then speech therapy can help! Just like learning how to play a new video game, you may need instruction and practice to get better and master your skills. Depending on students’ needs, we set measurable and attainable goals, and work week by week to achieve those goals. We celebrate successes and find new ways to apply our learning to real life.”

When not working with students at Black Mountain Academy, Cortney enjoys hiking in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina with her dog Jiggy and spending time with family.

Meg Proctor, MS, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Meg is an occupational therapist whose work focuses on kids of all ages with autism. Meg received her master’s degree from UNC Chapel Hill and has previously worked in early intervention, school-based practice, and as a clinical faculty member for UNC Chapel Hill’s TEACCH Autism program. Meg currently works in private practice with families of kids with autism and training and consulting with other occupational therapists. She is excited to be joining the Black Mountain team. Meg enjoys teaching real daily life skills to kids with autism so they can participate more fully in their lives. Her approach is to shape the environment and the learning activities to be meaningful for how an individual with autism thinks and learns. In her free time, Meg enjoys hiking, camping, and playing outside with her family.

Ryan Bachrach, MSW, LCSW

Therapist

Ryan was born in Chicago, Illinois, but is now happy to call Asheville home. He received a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Wittenberg University, located in Springfield, Ohio. Ryan later earned his Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. While at the University of Pennsylvania, Ryan received specialized training in both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Additionally, Ryan holds a certificate in Organizational Leadership in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Policy and Practice and the Wharton School of Business.

Prior to becoming a therapist, Ryan worked as a field instructor at a local wilderness therapy program for five years under the close guidance of Black Mountain Academy founder, Brandon Moffitt. Brandon states that, “Ryan brings a calm demeanor with him to his work, and it helps people feel comfortable around him– this is particularly helpful with our students at Black Mountain Academy who struggle to emotionally regulate. One of Ryan’s biggest skillsets is taking complicated tasks and situations and explaining them in ways that are simplified and less stressful. I have seen Ryan’s ability to problem solve and think creatively. More specifically for our students who struggle with social pragmatics, Ryan has a very effective way of explaining social skills and giving constructive feedback in honest and non-threatening ways.”

When not working with students, Ryan enjoys spending time hiking, camping, and backpacking. He has hiked to the top of Mt. Kosciuszko, which is the highest point in Australia. With a great appreciation for nature, Ryan has also visited over 20 National Parks and hopes to continue adding to that number in the years to come.

Michelle Young, RMA

Medical Manager

Michelle brings over 25 years of medical experience to Black Mountain Academy. She has worked in direct patient care for many of those years with a focus on pediatric and adolescents. Along with years of experience, Michelle is a Registered Medical Assistant with many certificates under that umbrella that include everything from phlebotomy to early childhood development. Michelle homeschooled her son from kindergarten to 12th-grade graduation. Therefore, she has both the knowledge and humor to sift through a medical need vs. a break from school.

Michelle loves helping others and enjoys watching our students grow in their knowledge of how to take care of and advocate for themselves from a medical perspective. It brings a smile to her face to help ensure that students, staff, and parents have what they need on a daily basis.

When not at Black Mountain Academy Michelle enjoys being with her husband, son, and furry family members. She volunteers with several local programs and enjoys teaching others about health and well being as well as overcoming obstacles life may put in your way. A mountain girl born and raised, it doesn’t take but one conversation with her to pick up on her love for the beach and anything that sparkles.

Taylor Maxon, LCMHC-A

Therapist

Taylor Maxson was born in the greater Boston, MA area. Moving with his family in 5th grade, Taylor spent a majority of his childhood and high school years in central Kentucky. He attended The College of Wooster (Wooster, OH) where he earned a B.A. in Philosophy. Taylor later completed an M.F.A. in Creative Writing at Goucher College in Towson, MD. In 2009, Taylor earned his teaching certification for grades 6th-12th. Most recently, Taylor completed an M.S. in Counseling at Western Carolina University.

Taylor comes to Black Mountain Academy having most recently worked for a local, North Carolina based wilderness program. With him, he brings a great deal of experience in the teaching and modeling of Executive Function skills. Having previously worked as a classroom teacher, Taylor is well-versed at helping students navigate the complexity of their emotional lives in an academic setting.

When asked, why he was excited to join the team at Black Mountain Academy, Taylor stated “To me, the thoughtful integration of academics, social skills, and building confidence through independence really appeals to me. Each department works collaboratively with one another to ensure that the student’s needs are met holistically. It’s apparent the student’s wellbeing as a whole person is important here.”

In his free time, Taylor enjoys writing, playing, and performing his own songs and even plays locally in a rock band. Additionally, Taylor enjoys staying physically active through running, mountain biking, and farming a 2-acre property with his wife in West Asheville.

Pam Splain, LCMHC

Therapist

Pam has been working with children and adolescents in a variety of settings for close to 20 years. Her background as a mental health clinician has been in working with adolescents in a wilderness setting, children and adolescents in an acute hospitalization setting, children in an outpatient setting, and with adults with sexual trauma. She has specialized in working with adolescent clients diagnosed with level 1 autism spectrum disorder and with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Her experience has also allowed her to work with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, lack of self-esteem/low self-worth, difficulties related to a past history of trauma, difficulty with emotional regulation and daily functioning skills, including struggles with impulsivity and organization.

Pam received her Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2014 from Western Carolina University. Her career until that point was in outdoor education and outdoor program management, where she served in a variety of roles at summer camps and wilderness therapy programs in the Western North Carolina area. She has been working with children and adolescents in the outdoor industry since 1998.

Pam’s goal in providing therapy is to assist children and adolescents in recognizing their strengths and to help them identify the areas in which they are struggling in their daily lives. Her purpose is to help families and children identify their specific needs and create realistic goals to accomplish change.

Mark Moser

Science & Mathematics Teacher

Mark, a native of Asheville, and descended from a long line of teachers, holds degrees in Horticulture, Biology, and is a Certified Educator in all the sciences. Prior to becoming a teacher, Mark founded a llama wilderness trekking company and, for several years, led groups of campers through the Appalachian mountains, sharing the history and botany of our region. After 15 years of teaching in public high school, Mark sought a different kind of teaching community where he would be able to share the art of science and math in a more holistic, experiential fashion.

He is delighted to have found such a supportive and progressive environment and is constantly reminded of the joy of education by his students here at Black Mountain Academy. An accomplished musician, Mark also occasionally works with the Moog Foundation teaching Dr. Bob Sound School curriculum to public school elementary teachers, focusing on how to use music to teach the physics of sounds.

When not sharing his love of the natural and musical world with his students, Mark can be found with his wife, two children, and dog. Together they enjoy practicing gratitude, making music, gardening, and finding the humor in life.

Maryanne Miller

English Language Arts & Social Studies Teacher

Maryanne Miller hails from Brooklyn, New York (and yes…she is a Yankee’s fan!). With her she brings over 22 years of experience as an educator to her role at Black Mountain Academy. Maryanne attended the New School for Social Research in New York City and San Diego State University, where she earned a B.A. in philosophy and Religious Studies. Maryanne later earned her teaching degree from Chapman University. With a strong belief that all students are capable of learning and succeeding when provided with the right support and a team of individuals who care, Maryanne has immersed herself in the world of dyslexia. While living in the United Kingdom, Maryanne earned a certificate in dyslexia education from the Dyslexia Institute in London. When asked what she enjoys most about teaching at BMA, she states, “I enjoy the small classroom sizes! It allows me to get to know the student as a learner and as a whole person.”

Maryanne is a phenomenal cook and addition to teaching English Language Arts and Social Studies, Maryanne is also the advisor for the Baking Club at Black Mountain Academy. Outside of the classroom (and the kitchen), Maryanne enjoys reading, photography, and traveling with her husband and their rescue dog, Danea.

Nik Holton

Science & Math Teacher

Nick comes from a military family and lived in 8 different states before he graduated high school! Nick graduated from college in w BA in Philosophy with minors in both mathematics and computer science from the University of New Orleans. Nick has spent the majority of his career working as a teacher in schools for neuro-atypical students.

When asked about why he joined the black mountain team, Nick shares, “Working with students who are neuro-atypical has been the most interesting and rewarding teaching positions that I have had. Also, I really like the students. They come from all backgrounds and all have interesting stories. They are witty, fun, creative, and frequently pretty amazing.”

When not at work, Nick can be found hanging with his dog Echo while building robots or reading some comic books. Nick gets to use his technological skills to educate our young boys on how to create awesome robots and program them! Nick has even hosted robot battles at school!

Kate Janson Foltz

English Teacher

Kate joins us with over 10 years of experience teaching across a number of states. With her Masters in Media and Performing Arts, Kate had the privilege of being the director of Performing Arts and the Dean of Students at a private school in California.

Born in Detroit Michigan but raised in the South, Kate is a self-proclaimed “southern-yankee”. When asked why Kate decided to move to Asheville and join the Black Mountain Academy team she says, “I enjoy the therapeutic aspect of the school and how it is built into the program at BMA. I also enjoy the minds of the brilliant students here.”

In her free team, Kate enjoys spending time with her partner and son, going on outings, and spending time at home together. Kate has also used her Performing Arts background to learn to juggle, walk tight rope, and trapeze for musicals!

Matt Wilson, MSW

Academic Support Specialist

Matt joins the Black Mountain Academy team with a Masters in Social Work, having a number of years of experience working in wilderness therapy and psychiatric hospital settings. Matt was born in New Jersey but has had the opportunity to travel the world and live abroad in New Zealand and Southeast Asia.

When asked why he decided to join the team at Black Mountain Academy he says, “I enjoy working in a school where therapeutic skills are woven into daily living. I excel at building relationships with the boys and using those relationships as a way to teach and model social and relational skills.”

When Matt is not working on creating therapeutic experiences for our boys in the academic setting, he can be found exploring the mountains of Western North Carolina and playing music. Matt is also a certified yoga teacher!

Mandi Allison, LPCA

Reproductive Health & Sexual Education Teacher

Mandi joins our team after living in Asheville for over 15 years. Originally growing up in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Mandi was drawn to the mountains in adulthood and has never wanted to leave. Mandi received her Bachelor’s in Health Science Education from the University of Florida. After moving to Asheville she returned to school where she received her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Montreat College just down the road from Black Mountain Academy.

When asked about what drew her to Black Mountain, Mandi says “In my clinical internship for college I got to work with teens in the autism spectrum and loved the work. Also, I enjoy getting to know the students and getting to be a positive part of their lives. I also think the staff is very dedicated and the environment is one of genuine care and compassion.” Mandi has a unique role at Black Mountain where she gets to use her reproductive health background alongside her clinical experience to help these young men grow and mature.

When Mandi isn’t teaching our young men she can often be found exploring different cultures and parts of the world. Mandi also loves hiking, skiing, and kayaking. She spends her time with her husband and 3 kids. Mandi had the privilege of living in Uganda, Africa with her husband and child volunteering at an orphanage.

Juan Diaz

Spanish Teacher

Juan joins us with a background in teaching throughout Mexico as well as working with community groups through Mexico City to help educate them. Born in Mexico City, Juan moved to America in 2016 and has been teaching Spanish for a number of years.

When asked about why he decided to join our team here at Black Mountain Academy, Juan states ”I appreciate the opportunity to work with young students on the autism spectrum who are exploring the world. I like to introduce them to my culture through my first language”.

In his free time, Juan enjoys making music and having fun with his wife and son! Juan has a strong relationship with both his American community as well as his Mexican community.

Charles Freeland

Ceramics/Art Teacher

Coming soon!

Adam Hill

Program Manager

Adam joins us originally from just a few hours west of Black Mountain in Tennessee. Adam graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor’s Degree in Therapeutic Recreation. Adam has spent over 10 years working directly with young men and women who have been struggling with engaging in the community.

When asked about why Adam made the decision to join the Black Mountain team he says “Having a conversation with Brandon prior to the school opening and hearing about the program that he would be opening, alongside our shared passion for helping others, led to through the doors. It has always been rewarding to share the excitement in learning with our students and I continue to learn every day from the young men at Black Mountain Academy.”

On the rare occasion that Adam isn’t on campus working with our guys on some executive functioning challenge they are facing, he can be found enjoying spending time with his 3 kids. Adam is also an avid runner, and created a 65 + Mile Race that is run locally every year by himself and a number of ultra-marathon runners! Adam has also thru-hiked the entire Appalachian Trail in his younger days!

Kaylea Sparrow

Lead Coach

Kaylea, a North Carolina native has spent the majority of her life living all across the state. Kaylea was born and raised in Charlotte and attended the University of North Carolina Asheville where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Kaylea is currently working towards her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Prior to working at Black Mountain Academy, Kaylea worked as a residential staff at another therapeutic program in Asheville.

When asked about her reason for joining our team at Black Mountain, Kaylea says “The students! I love being able to encourage our students to grow out of their comfort zones and teach them daily living skills”. Kaylea prides herself on her ability to teach daily living skills to our boys.

When Kaylea isn’t at work, she is often spending her time at the park with her dog Andy, seeing live music, and spending time with her family. In her younger years, Kaylea was a coach for “Girls on the Run of Western North Carolina” where she worked with young elementary school girls on healthy boundaries and self-esteem.

Nathan Nelson

Lead Residential Coach

Nathan is originally from Elkhart, Indiana. He attended Bethel University and has an AS in History. Prior to joining the team at Black Mountain Academy, Nathan worked in web development. His interest in the technology field is often a great point of connection with our students.

When asked what he enjoys about working with our students, Nathan states that, “It’s the growth mindset the school instills in both students and staff. There are so many opportunities for our students to grow and really develop their own interest and it’s such an amazing thing to be able to support them in these interests.”

Outside of work, Nathan enjoys riding his motorcycle, playing Dungeons and Dragons, learning to play the banjo, and diving into a good sci-fi novel.

Jason Babb

Lead Residential Coach

Jason Babb is originally from Knoxville, Tennessee. He now calls the mountains of Western North Carolina home. Jason brings with him to Black Mountain Academy many years of experience working in residential treatment and with at-risk youth. He is a certified first responder as well as a North Carolina certified peer support specialist.

When asked what he most enjoys about working at Black Mountain Academy, Jason states, “I love having the opportunity to lead by example. As a lead coach, I am able to help students improve their executive functioning and communication skills by living life alongside them, in both their joyful and tough moments.”

At home, Jason enjoys spending quality time with his two beautiful daughters, camping, zip-lining, hiking, and golf.

Kirsten Bonanza-Diaz

Lead Coach

Kirsten was born in California but raised here on the East Coast, specifically New York. With a master’s in Social Responsible Business and Sustainable Communities, Kirsten brings a unique understanding of how our boys can practice sustainability in their everyday lives. Kirsten is also a certified yoga teacher and has the pleasure of teaching some of our young men yoga!

Prior to joining the Black Mountain Academy, Kirsten spent a number of years as a teacher in public and private school settings. She has also practiced energy healing and has been a business consultant for a number of small businesses. When asked why she wanted to join our team, Kirsten says “The focus BMA places on mindful awareness. Also, when I wake up to come to work I feel bubbly. I genuinely enjoy the students and faculty that are here!”

When not at work, Kirsten can often be found volunteering at a local food bank or animal shelter. She also enjoys drawing and writing, as well as reading a good book! Kirsten has had the privilege of going to Haiti post-earthquake to assist in relief work and has, on a volunteer basis, taught English in Sri Lanka to Buddhist Monks!

Chris Squier

Family Services Coordinator

Chris, a native of Orlando, Florida, has spent many years calling the mountains of Western North Carolina home. Chris attended Asheville Buncombe Technical College and has gained many years of hands on experience working with students on the autism spectrum during his years as a field instructor for a local therapeutic wilderness program.

When asked what he enjoys about his role as lead residential coach at Black Mountain Academy, Chris states, “I believe that our students on the autism spectrum or who struggle with other related neurodevelopmental issues have talents and abilities that other people in the world will never have, and those gifts are often overlooked. I do this work because I believe I can help our students discover these abilities and build confidence in themselves.”

Chris is well knowing for his fun-loving demeanor and ability to get students invested in a game or activity they might feel shy about trying. Outside of work, Chris can often be found buying and restoring wood furniture, hiking with friends, or enjoying a good book.

Lucas Ferry

Health & Wellness Coach

Lucas hails from Ligonier, Pennsylvania. He attended Appalachian State University where he graduated with a BA in Criminal Justice. Prior to joining the team at Black Mountain Academy, Lucas was a master level field instructor at a local therapeutic wilderness program. During his time in the field, Lucas honed his ability to to hold space for students as they learned to process and communicate their feelings while also holding appropriate boundaries.

At Black Mountain Academy, Lucas is well known for his ability to form relationships with our students. When asked how he relates so easily to them, he states, “As a student, I struggled in school for many years. I didn’t have much of a social life and I struggled to connect to my peers. Like many of our students, I needed some extra support in order to find my way too. By the end of high school – especially by the end of college- I have achieved honors in my schooling but most importantly had led an active social life that had me switching from running campus clubs to being a wilderness instructor in the middle of the woods. The reason for this success is the fact that I was being pushed past my comfort zone day after day. I want to do the same for our BMA students.”

When not acting as the resident DnD Dungeon Master on campus or supervising the grilling club, Lucas enjoys spending time with his fiancé, trail running throughout the beautiful Western North Carolina backcountry, and reading a good book.

Lenna Bucy

Life Skills Coordinator

Lenna, our self proclaimed and student nicknamed grandmother, joins our team with 35 years of early childhood education. She graduated from Western Carolina University with a Masters degree in early childhood education and has taught at a number of public schools across North Carolina. Lenna also has spent ten years of her retirement working the front desk at our local YMCA.

When asked why she was drawn to Black Mountain Academy, Lenna said “being an educator for so long has taught me that I enjoy working with students who have unique educational experiences. I also had the opportunity to befriend one of BMA’s first students at the YMCA and the rest is history”.

In her spare time, Lenna enjoys working in her flower garden, taking care of their year-old granddaughter and weaving baskets. Lenna spends her evening with her husband, on the phone with her twin daughters, and watching after her two dogs and cats while feeding the neighborhood raccoon family nightly!

Zack Paben

Senior Residential Coach

Zackary Paben has been empowering adolescents and adults as a mental health and recovery professional for almost 30 years. He has worked in a range of settings including wilderness, residential, educational, and community-based programs. As the co-founder and CEO of the nonprofit More Heart Than Scars, he empowers people to affirm that they are more than their visible and invisible wounds and or diagnosis. More Heart Than Scars’ mission is a quest for faith, love, hope, and heart, achieved by overcoming obstacles together and encouraging others to live boldly. Working with Spartan Race, Zackary leads adaptive athletes towards opportunities that build teamwork, interdependence, and resilience for future growth in their lives. Spartan Race has become the perfect vehicle for More Heart Than Scars to provide team building for both corporations, and/or students on the Autism spectrum.

Zack is a Senior Residential Coach and enjoys providing direct care to the students in order to form trusting relationships that are often forged in the mud and echoed in ongoing adventures. He leads Obstacle Course Racing events and other wilderness experiences. As a former Outward Bound instructor, he continues to work to uphold those values and skills. He enjoys archery and watching their koi fish swim in circles in the backyard of his mountain farmhouse with his partner.

Scott Kendrick

Senior Residential Coach

Scott Kendrick is a native of the Asheville area and grew up here from a young area. Scott has a background in music and studied music philosophy at Asheville-Buncombe College.

When asked why he wanted to join the Black Mountain Academy team, Scott says “It’s given me an opportunity to give back to kids that are experiencing teenage struggles similar what I had to experience” Scott particularly enjoys being able to teach the students fun outdoor skills, like riding a ripstick, and teaching them how to play guitar.

In his free time, Scott can often be found spending time with his friends and his cat playing guitar! Scott also enjoys hiking and has hiked a large portion of the Appalachian Trail.

Robert Coronado

Senior Residential Coach

Rob joins our team originally hailing from Chicago. Rob has spent a number of years working with at-risk youth in homeless shelters as well as playing music as a volunteer for at-risk youth.

When asked why Rob decided to join the Black Mountain Academy team, he states “I wanted the chance to extend what I wish I had learned when I was younger: patience, honesty, and sincerity”. Rob can oftentimes be found teaching the Cordell students a new recipe or how to change a lightbulb.

When not at work, Rob can be found enjoying long rides on his motorcycle, volunteering with the homeless population, and reading a book with his cat, Nollie.

Diane Kemp

Senior Residential Coach

Dianne has had the pleasure of calling the Black Mountain community her home her entire life. Dianne has an extensive background in criminal justice, spending over 25 years working on with adjudicated youth and with our local sheriff’s department. Dianne has also spent 25 years working with special needs children in a local group home.

When asked about why Dianne enjoys working at BMA she says, “I have always loved working with children and have spent my entire life working with them. I have had the privilege of working with young men and women from many different backgrounds and I have enjoyed being able to learn where our students come from”.

Dianne is a self-proclaimed workaholic. When she isn’t working with our boys or working at a local special needs group home, she enjoys spending time with her two beautiful granddaughters.

Colby Monoghan

Senior Residential Coach

Colby joins us originally hailing from Tupelo Mississippi having moved to North Carolina in 2007. Colby received his Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Montreat College which is right around the corner from Black Mountain! Colby has also had the privilege of taking professional classes in team-building facilitation which he is able to use with our young men every day. Colby has spent the last ten years of his life working with youth across Western North Carolina, most recently serving as a Youth Development Specialist as Goodwill Industries.

When asked what he enjoys about working at Black Mountain, Colby shares “I enjoy being able to be creative and not have limits on ways of coaching our boys that one may not be able to do in a traditional classroom or camp environment. I like being able to learn something new every day and influence these students to grow and accomplish great things”.

When not at work, Colby can often be found enjoying a local swimming hole or relaxing in a hammock around a nice campsite. Colby spends most of his time with his wife and two Australian shepherds. Colby has also climbed an active volcano in Iceland!

Kristina Williams

Assistant Operations Director

Kristina is very excited to be a part of the Black Mountain Academy team as Assistant Operations Director. Prior to joining the team at Black Mountain Academy, she worked for 13 years supporting the operations of therapeutic programs. She has done everything from finance, to human resources, to assisting with accreditations.

In her spare time, Kristina can be found creating concoctions with essential oils, crafting, and enjoying the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains with her magnificent wife, dog & cat.

Brian Gillespie

Culinary Services Coordinator

Brian joins our team originally hailing from our neighbor state, Tennessee. Brian comes to our team with a background working as a chef and a number of years of chef training under his belt. Prior to joining Black Mountain Academy, he has had the privilege of working as a demi-chef, chef de cuisine, and sous chef at an upscale dining restaurant in the area.

When asked why he wanted to join the team, Brian says “Working with young men who were struggling with life was a field that I had always wanted to get into because I believe that I can help guide these young men to a successful future. I also have a unique opportunity to explore culinary learning with the guys which has produced some amazing results”.

When Brian isn’t making everyone hungry with the smells coming from the kitchen here at Black Mountain, he can often be found enjoying a kayak ride through the mountains or a nice hike. Brian also particularly enjoys motorsports and spent a number of years riding motorcycles!

Robert Major

Logistics and Facilities Manager

Coming soon!

Contact Us Today to Begin the Admission Process

Accreditations &
Associations

Contact Us

Contact Us Today to Begin the Admission Process

Accreditations & Associations

Contact Us

Accreditations &
Associations