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
Karyn Kaminski, MSW, LCSW, LCAS

Program Director
Dave Rollins, MAT

Academic Director
Michelle McCoy, SPHR

Operations Director
Dr. Gregory Narron

Psychiatrist
Pam Splain, LCMHC

Therapist
Ryan Bachrach, MSW, LCSW

Therapist
Dayna Guido, LCSW

Clinical Supervisor
Cortney Pauly, MS, SLP-CCC

Speech Language Pathologist
Lucas Ferry

Assistant Program Director
John Marx

Clinical Support Specialist
Michelle Young, RMA

Medical Manager
Mark Moser

Science & Mathematics Teacher
Marshall Baltazar

Spanish Teacher
Maryanne Miller

English Language Arts & Social Studies Teacher
Nik Holton

Science & Math Teacher
Kate Janson Foltz

English Teacher
Keith Knox

Adjunct Social Studies Teacher
Adam Raniey

Academic Support Specialist
Mandi Allison, LPCA

Reproductive Health & Sexual Education Teacher
Charles Freeland

Ceramics/Art Teacher
Adam Hill

Program Manager
Jon Allen

Program Manager
Jason Babb

Lead Residential Coach
Ellie Crawford

Lead Residential Coach
Lin Seals

Lead Residential Coach
Andy Linville

Lead Residential Coach
Amber Zollner

Family Services Coordinator
Lenna Bucy

Life Skills Coordinator
Zack Paben

Senior Residential Coach
Diane Kemp

Senior Residential Coach
Colby Monaghan

Senior Residential Coach
Kristina Williams

Assistant Operations Director
Brian Gillespie

Culinary Services Coordinator
Robert Major

Logistics and Facilities Manager

Close Menu

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Lucas Ferry

Assistant Program Director

Lucas hails from Ligonier, Pennsylvania. He attended Appalachian State University where he graduated with a B.A. 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 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.

John Marx

Clinical Support Specialist

John originally joined the team at Black Mountain Academy as a residential coach in 2019 before moving into the clinical specialist role. Currently, John wrapping up an internship as a school-based counselor. John is currently completing his Master’s in Social Work at Tulane University. Prior to his time with us, John worked at a local therapeutic wilderness program.

John states, “I’m excited to bring my experience to this role to assist our clinical staff in developing therapeutic interventions for our students and to support our residential staff as they implement these interventions. I am also excited to build on the relationships I have developed with the students as a residential coach by helping teach them social skills and providing them tools to better resolve conflicts.”

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.

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.

Marshall Baltazar

Spanish Teacher

Marshal came to Black Mountain 15 years ago after spending his early life in Chicago. He also has had the pleasure of living in multiple countries including Spain for nine years! Marshal has a BA in Spanish Literature and a Masters in Education from Columbia College in Chicago. Additionally, Marshal is certified to teach English as a second language and has studied theater.

When asked about why he wanted to join the Black Mountain team, Marshal shared that he enjoys teaching Spanish, SAT Prep, and life skills to our boys as he has the opportunity to challenge our boys and see real growth! Marshal has been a teacher for 35 years in schools throughout the country.

When not at work, Marshal often enjoys swimming, watching a good movie, and riding his bike. When Marshal lived in Barcelona, he taught English and worked with a theater troupe as an actor and an acrobat!

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!

Keith Knox

Adjunct Social Studies Teacher

While originally from Atlanta, Georgia, these days Keith calls Asheville home. With a B.A. in Political Science, Keith has spent a number of years teaching social justice classes at a local charter school. Keith has spent a number of years working with young men and women in high school classrooms

When asked about what he appreciates in regards to working at Black Mountain Academy, Keith shares, “I enjoy being able to enlighten the students with new information. I also appreciate the ability I get to help students that need a little more help in the classroom”. Keith is notorious for being able to teach classes in a new, fun, and exciting way!

When not at work, Keith can be found baking or volunteering with the minority communities in Asheville and the surrounding area.

Adam Raniey

Academic Support Specialist

Adam holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of South Carolina. Prior to joining the team at BMA, Adam worked as the athletic director, computer science teacher, and served as the coach for both the soccer and swim team at a preparatory school.

Adam states, “I am humbled, blessed, and honored to be joining Black Mountain Academy. It is my hope to serve, advocate, and equip each student with tools for academic success while navigating healthy personal and interpersonal relationships. Additionally, I look forward to working with Black Mountain Academy staff, students, and families to achieve these goals while creating a safe, welcoming, and cohesive environment. I look forward to the challenges and successes to come!”

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.

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!

Jon Allen

Program Manager

We are thrilled to welcome Jon Allen to the role of Program Manager. Jon brings to Black Mountain Academy multiple years of programming experience with children and adolescents. He has experience safely facilitating ropes course initiatives and other valuable team-building activities. Jon also enjoys sharing his passion for illustration and creativity with students through the creation of role-playing games and comic books.

Jon has trained and worked with many different teams across his career. He has his Master’s of Fine Art in Illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Jon shared, “I am drawn to Black Mountain Academy because it’s an opportunity to be a part of a unique and important community, help further ignite creative thinking in that community, and fuel my own creativity.”

We are really excited to have Jon bring his talent, passion, and creativity to Black Mountain Academy.

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.

Ellie Crawford

Lead Residential Coach

Ellie originally hails from Granville, OH, where she spent the majority of her childhood. Ellie graduated from DePauw University with a B.A. in Anthropology. When asked about what drew her to Black Mountain Academy, Ellie said “My mom is a pre-school teacher for children on the spectrum and I have always been involved in her classroom. I have previous experience in a therapeutic residential setting and wanted to combine the two worlds.” Ellie also shares that she loved learning about all the unique interests our students bring to the table.

When Ellie is not at work, you can find her hiking, running, or spending time with family. Ellie is also a huge basketball fan and loves watching a good college basketball game. Ellie has had the pleasure of doing volunteer work with animals in Morocco and has two rescue dogs of her own.

Lin Seals

Lead Residential Coach

Lin, a South Carolina native, moved to Asheville a number of years ago and has since spent a number of years working in the mental health field. When asked about what he appreciates about working at Black Mountain Academy, Lin shares, “I love the interaction with the students, being a part of every day activities, and encouraging the boys to see their worth and accomplish their dreams!” Lin also shares that he enjoys helping our students foster self-awareness and helping them learn how to gain better self-regulation and executive functioning skills.

When Lin isn’t at work, he can found spending time with his family, playing basketball, and enjoying a nice hike. Lin has also had the pleasure of spending a number of years volunteering for the Special Olympics and coaching youth basketball.

Andy Linville

Lead Residential Coach

Born and raised in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Andy Linville now happily calls the mountains of North Carolina home. Andy Linville earned a Bachelor of Science in Therapeutic Recreation from Middle Tennessee State University and is currently completing a master’s degree in social work at Western Carolina University.

Andy does an excellent job connecting with our students and is passionate about sports and creating meaningful programming. Andy states, “I am excited to join our students on the journey of growth and self-discovery, and maybe have a little fun while we’re at it!” Andy originally joined the BMA team in 2018 as a residential coach and most recently has been providing adjunct clinical support to students to fulfill the clinical support requirements as part of his master’s program.

Outside of work, Andy enjoys spending time with his fiance and their cat, Reginald.

Amber Zollner

Family Services Coordinator

Prior to joining the team at Black Mountain Academy, Amber supported clients at a substance abuse recovery facility. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Asheville, where she graduated Cum Laude. To her new role as Family Services Coordinator, Amber brings multiple years of customer service experience as well as her wonderful attitude and attention to detail.

Outside of work, Amber can often be found trail running, hiking, and swimming with her partner and her dog Loosha. Amber is also trilingual, speaking German, Dutch, and English, having spent time in both Germany and Switzerland as a child!

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.

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 Monaghan

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