This is the History of and Reporting Guide for Montana Academy in Marion, Montana

(aka Sky House (Transition Program))

 

On this page you will find incomplete staff and complaint histories with sources cited (i.e. Progress Report), the general advisory against segregated congregate care with sources cited, and a reporting guide for those unlawfully harmed or firsthand witnesses to unlawful harm by or at this location to report violations of the law to the proper authorities/law enforcement.  The staff list itself will not be updated with additional names out of a sense of fairness where those providing the names ask for anonymity or confidentiality.  And, this program will remain eligible for merciful release if all criteria are met and no guest sermon is provided by a qualifying sponsor by that time.  In the meantime, it can graduate the COPE Conversion Program by meeting the Honesty In Marketing Standards (HIMS) or permanently close to be removed from the watch-list/released from the COPE Conversion Program.  If permanently closed prior to graduation or merciful release, it will be buried in the virtual graveyard. 

 

 

Name

Unit/Position

 Additional Information
Sam Almer Sky House Manager Member of NATSAP Almer is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Jon Baum Sky House Manager 2 Years at an unnamed wilderness program in Oregon and 3 years at an unnamed  "therapeutic boarding school" before Baum came to Montana Academy.  Baum is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Arnold Bjork (test) Do not have confirmation whether this is a legitimate staff listing.*  Bjork is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Katie Boyd Team Leader Boyd is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Gretchen Boyer Sky House Director Boyer has 3 years of prior "experience".*  Boyer is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Thelma Brandt Night Dorm Manager There is no additional information on this staff.* (Picture on Montana Academy site suggests a peer/youth staffer)  Brandt is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Curtis Brundy Sky House Manager Brundy is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Willy Bryant Sky House Night Staff Also worked at another unnamed wilderness program in Montana.*  Bryant is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Jen Cale Team Leader Cale is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Todd Cardin Substance Abuse Director Also worked for an unnamed wilderness program in Marion, MT.  Cardin was also clinical director of Bitterroot Homestead of Marion, MT. 

License Type:   Licensed Addiction Counselor Type:   State License Number:   LAC-LAC-LIC-868 Name:   TODD W CARDIN License State:   MT Title:  Licensing Board:   Licensed Addiction Counselors City, State Zip:   KILA MT 59920 Business Name:   Phone:   Eligible to Practice:   Phone 2:   Business License Expiration Date:   FAX:   License Issue Date:   04/26/1997 E-mail:   toddc@montanaacademy.com License Expiration Date:   06/30/2016 Method:   Exam License Status:   Active

You can file complaints regarding this professional at: http://bsd.dli.mt.gov/email_form.asp

Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Chad Castren Sky House Manager Castren is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Jack Cesarone Teacher

Full Name: Jack C Cesarone
SEID: 72290
Gender: Female

Plan of Professional Intent Deficiencies License Class of Original Application:

Licenses
To review endorsements associated with each of the licenses listed below, click on "Select".


Select Class Description Status Source Recommend App Date Issued Effective Expires
Select Class 2 - Standard Teaching Class 2 - Standard Lapsed CONVERT   9/18/2007 9/20/2007 7/1/2007 6/30/2012
Select Class 2 - Standard Teaching Class 2 - Standard Inactive CONVERT   1/30/2003 1/30/2003 7/1/2002 6/30/2007


Endorsements For Selected License
Endorsement Description Status Source Recommend App Date Issued Effective Expires
03S BF - (Secondary (5-12)) Science (Broadfield) Lapsed CONVERT   9/18/2007 9/20/2007 7/1/2007 6/30/2012
03S BIO - (Secondary (5-12)) Biology Lapsed CONVERT   9/18/2007 9/20/2007 7/1/2007 6/30/2012
Evaluator Groups Worksheet - Administrative Group Rules
Select All Select All for this license class Select All from prior evaluation Clear All

Source: https://apps3.opi.mt.gov/MSEIS/NormalPages/Educators.aspx

The only Jack Cesarone that held any educator licenses in MT is female.  Those licenses have lapsed.  Please report complaints via e-mail regarding this licensee to: cert@mt.gov

Deidre Corson Teacher

Full Name: Deidre P Corson
SEID: 78466
Gender: Female
 
Licenses
To review endorsements associated with each of the licenses listed below, click on "Select".
Select Class Description Status Source Recommend App Date Issued Effective Expires
Select Class 2 - Standard Teaching Class 2 - Standard Issued CONVERT   6/9/2011 6/20/2011 7/1/2011 6/30/2016
Select Class 2 - Standard Teaching Class 2 - Standard Inactive CONVERT   2/13/2006 2/13/2006 7/1/2006 6/30/2011


Endorsements For Selected License
Endorsement Description Status Source Recommend App Date Issued Effective Expires
05A MUS - (All Grades (K-12)) Music K-12 Issued CONVERT   6/9/2011 6/20/2011 7/1/2011 6/30/2016
Evaluator Groups Worksheet - Administrative Group Rules
Select All Select All for this license class Select All from prior evaluation Clear All

Source: https://apps3.opi.mt.gov/MSEIS/NormalPages/Educators.aspx

Please report complaints via e-mail regarding this licensee to: cert@mt.gov

Tim Corson Team Therapist/Supervisor
Formerly worked for:

Reiss-Davis Child Study Center, West Los Angeles, CA

Judge Baker Children's Center, Manville Therapeutic School, Boston, MA

License Type:   Psychologist Type:   State License Number:   PSY-PSY-LIC-353 Name:   TIMOTHY S CORSON License State:   MT Title:  Licensing Board:   Psychologist City, State Zip:   WHITEFISH MT 59937 Business Name:   Phone:   Eligible to Practice:   Phone 2:   Business License Expiration Date:   FAX:   License Issue Date:   04/14/2004 E-mail:   TIMOTHY182418@CORSON License Expiration Date:   12/31/2015 Method:   Credential License Status:   Active

You can file complaints regarding this professional at: http://bsd.dli.mt.gov/email_form.asp

Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/

Tyson Crowder Team Leader Crowder is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Emily Davies Teacher Davies reportedly no longer works for this program.
Nathaan Demers Team Leader Formerly with New Beginnings Alternative High School. (Too many programs with same name around the country to pinpoint which one without further data.)*  Demers is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Adrianne Dickson Team Leader Dickson is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Lisa Edwards Asst. Team Leader Edwards is not a licensed mental health professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Darrick Fishel Team V Leader Also formerly a part of AWARE, INC. foster homes.  Fishel is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Cindy Freeman Nurse Also worked for Lamplighter House in Kalispell, MT  

License Type:   Registered Nurse Type:   State License Number:   NUR-RN-LIC-15982 Name:   CYNTHIA L FREEMAN License State:   MT Title:  Licensing Board:   Nursing City, State Zip:   KALISPELL MT 59901 Business Name:   Phone:   Eligible to Practice:   Phone 2:   Business License Expiration Date:   FAX:   License Issue Date:   10/19/1984 E-mail:   cynthiafreeman@centurytel.net License Expiration Date:   12/31/2012 Method:   Credential License Status:   Terminated

You can file complaints regarding this professional at: http://bsd.dli.mt.gov/email_form.asp

Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Deb Gallagher-Kelly Team Leader Gallagher-Kelly is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Kelly Gesker Admissions Group home manager in Kalispell, MT.  Unnamed "home".* 

License Type:   Licensed Clin Professional Type:   State License Number:   BBH-LCPC-LIC-871 Name:   KELLY PHIPPS GESKER License State:   MT Title:  Licensing Board:   Board of Behavioral Health City, State Zip:   KALISPELL MT 59901 Business Name:   Phone:   Eligible to Practice:   Phone 2:   Business License Expiration Date:   FAX:   License Issue Date:   10/15/2015 E-mail:   License Expiration Date:   12/31/2015 Method:   Exam License Status:   Active

License Type:   Licensed Clin Professional Type:   State License Number:   SWP-LCPC-LIC-871 Name:   KELLY PHIPPS GESKER License State:   MT Title:  Licensing Board:   Social Worker City, State Zip:   KALISPELL MT 59901 Business Name:   Phone:   Eligible to Practice:   Phone 2:   Business License Expiration Date:   FAX:   License Issue Date:   03/05/1999 E-mail:   kelly@gesker.com License Expiration Date:   12/31/2015 Method:   Exam License Status:   Active

You can file complaints regarding this professional at: http://bsd.dli.mt.gov/email_form.asp

Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Chris Gibson Program Director Gibson is not a licensed mental health professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Cindy Grossman Team Therapist/Supervisor Program consultant with Wilderness Youth Project--Program Development and behaviorist with Holdsambeck and Associates 

License Type:   Licensed Clin Professional Type:   State License Number:   SWP-LCPC-LIC-1582 Name:   CYNTHIA MELLIS GROSSMAN License State:   MT Title:  Licensing Board:   Social Worker City, State Zip:   KALISPELL MT 59901 Business Name:   Phone:   Eligible to Practice:   Phone 2:   Business License Expiration Date:   FAX:   License Issue Date:   07/29/2011 E-mail:   grossmancindy@yahoo.com License Expiration Date:   12/31/2015 Method:   Exam License Status:   Active

You can file complaints regarding this professional at: http://bsd.dli.mt.gov/email_form.asp

Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Laura Guptill Intern Guptill is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Monica Haas Sky House Manager Haas is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Adam Hannigan Team Leader Also worked at Peak Experience.  Peak Experience was founded by Dan Ward who also works for Explorations in Trout Creek, MT.  Hannigan is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Sam Harkness Team Leader Harkness is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Dave Hartman Team Leader HEAL requires Hartman's full first, middle, and last to verify whether Hartman holds any professional licenses in MT.
Nick Hong Team Therapist/Supervisor License Type:   Psychologist Type:   State License Number:   PSY-PSY-LIC-406 Name:   NICHOLAS N HONG License State:   MT Title:  Licensing Board:   Psychologist City, State Zip:   KALISPELL MT 59901 Business Name:   Phone:   Eligible to Practice:   Phone 2:   Business License Expiration Date:   FAX:   License Issue Date:   04/14/2011 E-mail:   nickh@montanaacademy.com License Expiration Date:   12/31/2015 Method:   Exam License Status:   Active

You can file complaints regarding this professional at: http://bsd.dli.mt.gov/email_form.asp

Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Joe Hunter Supervisor/Team Therapist Hunter also worked for Explorations and the deadly Alldredge Academy. 

License Type:   Licensed Clin Professional Type:   State License Number:   BBH-LCPC-LIC-8800 Name:   JOSEPH MICHAEL HUNTER License State:   MT Title:  Licensing Board:   Board of Behavioral Health City, State Zip:   WHITEFISH MT 59937 Business Name:   Phone:   Eligible to Practice:   Phone 2:   Business License Expiration Date:   FAX:   License Issue Date:   10/15/2015 E-mail:   License Expiration Date:   12/31/2015 Method:   Exam License Status:   Active Insurance Policy:  

  License Type:   Licensed Clin Professional Type:   State License Number:   SWP-LCPC-LIC-8800 Name:   JOSEPH MICHAEL HUNTER License State:   MT Title:  Licensing Board:   Social Worker City, State Zip:   WHITEFISH MT 59937 Business Name:   Phone:   Eligible to Practice:   Phone 2:   Business License Expiration Date:   FAX:   License Issue Date:   11/06/2014 E-mail:   License Expiration Date:   12/31/2015 Method:   Exam License Status:   Active

You can file complaints regarding this professional at: http://bsd.dli.mt.gov/email_form.asp

Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Connie Jones Registrar HEAL requires Jones' full first, middle, and last name in order to verify whether Jones holds any professional educator licenses in MT.
Philip Jones Dean HEAL requires Jones' full first, middle, and last name in order to verify whether Jones holds any professional educator licenses in MT.
Jennifer Kennedy Sky House Substitute Behavioral Education Skills Training (BEST) program.  Also spent time working for Spokane Boys and Girls Club. 

Full Name: Jennifer L Kennedy
SEID: 66999
Gender: Female
 
Licenses
To review endorsements associated with each of the licenses listed below, click on "Select".
Select Class Description Status Source Recommend App Date Issued Effective Expires
Select Class 2 - Standard Teaching Class 2 - Standard Inactive CONVERT   8/9/2005 8/17/2005 7/1/2005 6/30/2010
Select Class 2 - Standard Teaching Class 2 - Standard Inactive CONVERT   11/26/1998 11/26/1998 7/1/1998 6/30/2001
Select Class 2 - Standard Teaching Class 2 - Standard Inactive CONVERT   11/26/1998 11/26/1998 7/1/1998 6/30/2003

Endorsements For Selected License
Endorsement Description Status Source Recommend App Date Issued Effective Expires
00 - (Elementary (K-8)) Elementary Curriculum Inactive CONVERT   8/9/2005 8/17/2005 7/1/2005 6/30/2010
98 - (All Grades (K-12)) Special Education (P-12) Inactive CONVERT   8/9/2005 8/17/2005 7/1/2005 6/30/2010
Evaluator Groups Worksheet - Administrative Group Rules
Select All Select All for this license class Select All from prior evaluation Clear All


Source: https://apps3.opi.mt.gov/MSEIS/NormalPages/Educators.aspx

Please report complaints via e-mail regarding this licensee to: cert@mt.gov

Kim Langley Team Leader Langley is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Mary'l Luntsford Team Leader Also worked for AWARE, INC. ("therapeutic" boys home)  Luntsford is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Dennis Malinak Medical Director Also worked for Braun Programs in Marin County, CA, Children's Comprehensive Services in Butte, MT, and Glacier View Psychiatric Hospital in Kalispell, MT. 

License Type:   Medical Doctor Type:   State License Number:   MED-PHYS-LIC-6332 Name:   DENNIS PAUL MALINAK License State:   MT Title:  Licensing Board:   Medical Examiners City, State Zip:   MARION MT 59925 Business Name:   Phone:   Eligible to Practice:   Phone 2:   Business License Expiration Date:   FAX:   License Issue Date:   09/13/1988 E-mail:   docdpm@yahoo.com License Expiration Date:   03/31/2016 Method:   Exam License Status:   Active Insurance Policy:   SPECIALTY Specialty Type: Psychiatry  

You can file complaints regarding this professional at: http://bsd.dli.mt.gov/email_form.asp

Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Dean Marsh Supervisor Marsh is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Joanne Marsh Night Staff at Sky House Marsh is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Emily Martin Teacher HEAL requires Martin's full first, middle, and last name in order to verify whether Martin holds any educator licenses/credentials in MT. 
John McKinnon Clinical Director/Founder McKinnon got his start at an unnamed program in Ft. Worth, Texas.  He also worked for Willow Creek in Arlington, TX and Pathways Treatment Center in Kalispell, MT. 

License Type:   Medical Doctor Type:   State License Number:   MED-PHYS-LIC-6668 Name:   JOHN A MCKINNON License State:   MT Title:  Licensing Board:   Medical Examiners City, State Zip:   KALISPELL MT 59901 Business Name:   Phone:   Eligible to Practice:   Phone 2:   Business License Expiration Date:   FAX:   License Issue Date:   08/03/1990 E-mail:   john.mckinnon@gmail.com License Expiration Date:   03/31/2016 Method:   Exam License Status:   Active Insurance Policy:   SPECIALTY Specialty Type: Psychiatry


You can file complaints regarding this professional at: http://bsd.dli.mt.gov/email_form.asp

Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Rosemary McKinnon Co-Founder/Admissions McKinnon is not a licensed educator.  Source: https://apps3.opi.mt.gov/MSEIS/NormalPages/Educators.aspx 

License Type:   Licensed Clin Social Worker Type:   State License Number:   BBH-LCSW-LIC-237 Name:   ROSEMARY MCKINNON License State:   MT Title:  Licensing Board:   Board of Behavioral Health City, State Zip:   KALISPELL MT 59901 Business Name:   Phone:   Eligible to Practice:   Phone 2:   Business License Expiration Date:   FAX:   License Issue Date:   10/15/2015 E-mail:   License Expiration Date:   12/31/2015 Method:   Reciprocity License Status:   Active

License Type:   Licensed Clin Social Worker Type:   State License Number:   SWP-LCSW-LIC-237 Name:   ROSEMARY MCKINNON License State:   MT Title:  Licensing Board:   Social Worker City, State Zip:   KALISPELL MT 59901 Business Name:   Phone:   Eligible to Practice:   Phone 2:   Business License Expiration Date:   FAX:   License Issue Date:   01/01/1991 E-mail:   ROSEMARY40112@MCKINNON License Expiration Date:   12/31/2015 Method:   Reciprocity License Status:   Active

You can file complaints regarding this professional at: http://bsd.dli.mt.gov/email_form.asp

Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Phillip Moore Maintenance HEAL does not perform professional license checks on maintenance, food service, nor office staff that do not have professional titles nor direct contact with youth.
Melissa Napier Research Assistant Nick Hong was also a behavioral researcher in Oregon before joining Montana Academy.  Napier is also involved in research.  Napier is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Amy Nimmo Team Therapist/Supervisor License Type:   Licensed Clin Professional Type:   State License Number:   BBH-LCPC-LIC-11065 Name:   AMY ELIZABETH NIMMO License State:   MT Title:  Licensing Board:   Board of Behavioral Health City, State Zip:   WHITEFISH MT 59937 Business Name:   Phone:   Eligible to Practice:   Phone 2:   Business License Expiration Date:   FAX:   License Issue Date:   10/15/2015 E-mail:   License Expiration Date:   12/31/2015 Method:   Exam License Status:   Active

License Type:   Licensed Clin Professional Type:   State License Number:   SWP-LCPC-LIC-11065 Name:   AMY ELIZABETH NIMMO License State:   MT Title:  Licensing Board:   Social Worker City, State Zip:   WHITEFISH MT 59937 Business Name:   Phone:   Eligible to Practice:   Phone 2:   Business License Expiration Date:   FAX:   License Issue Date:   12/30/2014 E-mail:   License Expiration Date:   12/31/2015 Method:   Exam License Status:   Active

You can file complaints regarding this professional at: http://bsd.dli.mt.gov/email_form.asp

Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Melissa Nutant Team Therapist/Supervisor Also worked at Elmhurst Hospital in Queens, NY  Nutant is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Terri Nutter Team Leader Nutter is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Tim Price Teacher

Full Name: Timothy Robert Price
SEID: 74160
Gender: Male
 
Licenses
To review endorsements associated with each of the licenses listed below, click on "Select".
Select Class Description Status Source Recommend App Date Issued Effective Expires
Select Class 2 - Standard Teaching Class 2 - Standard Issued CONVERT   3/18/2013 3/18/2013 7/1/2013 6/30/2018
Select Class 2 - Standard Teaching Class 2 - Standard Renewed CONVERT   5/7/2008 6/23/2008 7/1/2008 6/30/2013
Select Class 2 - Standard Teaching Class 2 - Standard Inactive CONVERT   9/22/2003 9/22/2003 7/1/2003 6/30/2008


Endorsements For Selected License
Endorsement Description Status Source Recommend App Date Issued Effective Expires
02S MAT - (All Grades (K-12)) Mathematics Issued CONVERT   3/18/2013 3/18/2013 7/1/2013 6/30/2018
03S PHY - (Secondary (5-12)) Physics Issued CONVERT   3/18/2013 3/18/2013 7/1/2013 6/30/2018

Source: https://apps3.opi.mt.gov/MSEIS/NormalPages/Educators.aspx

Please report complaints via e-mail regarding this licensee to: cert@mt.gov
Jason Rasco Dean

Full Name: Jason A Rasco
SEID: 77814
Gender: Male
 
Licenses
To review endorsements associated with each of the licenses listed below, click on "Select".
Select Class Description Status Source Recommend App Date Issued Effective Expires
Select Class 1 - Professional Teaching Class 1 - Professional Issued CONVERT   10/17/2011 10/17/2011 7/1/2011 6/30/2016
Select Class 3 - Administrator Class 3 - Administrative Issued CONVERT   10/17/2011 10/17/2011 7/1/2011 6/30/2016
Select Class 2 - Standard Teaching Class 2 - Standard Inactive CONVERT   6/11/2008 7/1/2008 7/1/2008 6/30/2013
Select Class 5 - Alternative License Class 5 - Alternative Inactive CONVERT   10/12/2005 2/27/2006 7/1/2005 6/30/2008


Endorsements For Selected License
Endorsement Description Status Source Recommend App Date Issued Effective Expires
01S ENG - (Secondary (5-12)) English, Language and Literature Issued CONVERT   10/17/2011 10/17/2011 7/1/2011 6/30/2016
Evaluator Groups Worksheet - Administrative Group Rules
Select All Select All for this license class Select All from prior evaluation Clear All


Source: https://apps3.opi.mt.gov/MSEIS/NormalPages/Educators.aspx

Please report complaints via e-mail regarding this licensee to: cert@mt.gov
Charlie Reavis Asst. Team Leader Reavis is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Carol Santa Co-Founder/Director Also involved with Project CRISS (creating independence through student-owned Strategies).  Santa is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Evelyn Santa Food Services HEAL does not perform professional license checks on maintenance, food service, nor office staff that do not have professional titles nor direct contact with youth.
John Santa Co-Founder/Director License Type:   Psychologist Type:   State License Number:   PSY-PSY-LIC-195 Name:   JOHN L SANTA License State:   MT Title:  Licensing Board:   Psychologist City, State Zip:   MARION MT 59925 Business Name:   Phone:   Eligible to Practice:   Phone 2:   Business License Expiration Date:   FAX:   License Issue Date:   03/03/1989 E-mail:   johns@montanaacademy.com License Expiration Date:   12/31/2015 Method:   Exam License Status:   Active

You can file complaints regarding this professional at: http://bsd.dli.mt.gov/email_form.asp

Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Ryan Santa Food Services HEAL does not perform professional license checks on maintenance, food service, nor office staff that do not have professional titles nor direct contact with youth.
Ray Schmitt Night Dorm Manager Schmitt is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Claudette Sexton Night Dorm Manager Sexton reportedly no longer works for this program.
Hope Shamhart Night Staff Supervisor Shamhart is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Debbie Sherman Night Dorm Manager Sherman is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Amy Simpson Team Therapist/Supervisor Simpson is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Rick Stern Teacher

Full Name: Richard Michael Stern
SEID: 74727
Gender: Male
 
Licenses
To review endorsements associated with each of the licenses listed below, click on "Select".
Select Class Description Status Source Recommend App Date Issued Effective Expires
Select Class 2 - Standard Teaching Renewal Application Issued CONVERT   7/16/2014 7/22/2014 7/1/2014 6/30/2019
Select Class 2 - Standard Teaching Class 2 - Standard Issued CONVERT   3/10/2009 4/2/2009 7/1/2009 6/30/2014
Select Class 2 - Standard Teaching Class 2 - Standard Inactive CONVERT   10/13/2004 10/13/2004 7/1/2004 6/30/2009


Endorsements For Selected License
Endorsement Description Status Source Recommend App Date Issued Effective Expires
04S BF - (Secondary (5-12)) Social Studies (Broadfield) Issued CONVERT   7/16/2014 7/22/2014 7/1/2014 6/30/2019

Source: https://apps3.opi.mt.gov/MSEIS/NormalPages/Educators.aspx

Please report complaints via e-mail regarding this licensee to: cert@mt.gov
Mandy Torres Sky House Manager Also worked for Hope Ranch, Martin Luther Homes in York, NE, and Sinopah House in Kalispell, MT.  Torres is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
David Wagner Team Leader Wagner is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Greg Windham Team Therapist Windham has worked for several unnamed facilities.*  Windham is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
John York Consultant York is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
Holly Zarcone Admin Asst. HEAL does not perform professional license checks on maintenance, food service, nor office staff that do not have professional titles nor direct contact with youth.
Amy Zink Admin Asst. HEAL does not perform professional license checks on maintenance, food service, nor office staff that do not have professional titles nor direct contact with youth.
Andy Connelly Weekend Staff Connelly is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in MT.  Source: https://ebiz.mt.gov/pol/
     
     
     
     
NO NAMES NO TITLES There is no further information regarding staff at this time.*
Survivor Report--Ethan Schur
External Link: Montana isn't alone in failure to beef up regulations of programs for troubled teens
External Link: Life and death at Montana Academy
REPORTING GUIDE FOR VICTIMS, SURVIVORS, AND WHISTLEBLOWERS:
 
In Montana, the criminal statutes of limitation are 1 year on misdemeanors, 5 years on most felonies, 10 years on rape of an adult over age 18, no statute of limitation on felonies including rape, sodomy, sexual offense where a child under 18 years of age is the victim, and homicide (i.e. murder).  For civil suits in Montana, the statute of limitations is 3 years depending on cause of action.  Here are your options:
 
1.  Report crimes such as fraud, assault, battery, false imprisonment, rape, labor trafficking, and child abuse to law enforcement in Montana.  You can call the Flathead County Sheriff at (406) 758-5585  to inquire about filing an official complaint which when filed may provide the probable cause needed to get a warrant for investigation and/or prosecution. 

2.  File a consumer complaint with your home state's attorney general against Montana Academy and include your request for a refund/compensation for any harm done to you.  If your home state is Montana or you'd like to file with the Montana State Attorney General as a non-resident, here is that link and form: https://dojmt.gov/consumer/consumer-complaints/

3.  If you do not wish to file a consumer complaint, you can contact a private personal injury attorney and look into suing in tort/civil court.  However, if you can't afford the retainer, you should expect to settle out of court with a non-disclosure agreement which may bar you from speaking publicly about the incident because you've agreed (even if with a grumbling assent) to the terms of the settlement. 
 
4.  You may send a new e-mail to rev@cope.church with subject "Post My Feedback" and we will post your feedback (e-mail printed to .pdf disclosing your name and e-mail address and any information in your e-mail with that subject) to https://www.cope.church/feedback.htm  and add a direct link to those .pdf files to this page . 

 5. You may also wish to provide a guest sermon.  Guest sermons are posted at https://www.cope.church/sermons.htm , under Progress Reports/Guest Sermons at https://www.cope.church/conversion.htm where appropriate, and on program info pages when applicable.  So, one provided by you on your program would also be placed on this page .  Guest sermons should be written into the body of an e-mail and sent to rev@cope.church . Your first and last name will be disclosed (contact info will not be unless you expressly request disclosure).  For sermons available on our site see https://www.cope.church/sermons.htm  (and sermon archives linked on that page).  If you have questions about this option, please contact rev@cope.church. Please see https://www.cope.church/givetoday.pdf  to get an idea what your sermon may be worth.
THE TRUTH:

All segregated congregate care providers, including those on our watch-list, are welcome to contact us to correct any information or provide additional data that may assist with delivering the whole truth to the public.  The HEAL Mission of COPE (HEAL) found in many cases where this offer has been abused or resulted in revealing additional basis for our concerns. For some examples see feedback.  Now, we are willing to look at the facts and may have questions or require documentation backing up any claims.  We do verify licensing, academic backgrounds, and other qualifications when investigating and researching programs on our watch-lis/enrolled in the Conversion Program to assist consumers seeking additional information on such programs or victims requiring assistance with getting corroborating evidence of their claims.  We do that in order to make sure the information we provide is accurate and verified and cite our sources.  In the event any information we've posted is in error, we're happy to make a correction. 

HEAL does not support segregated congregate care for many reasons which include that many such facilities are abusive, exploitative, fraudulent, and lack effective oversight often as a result of fraudulent misrepresentation coupled with the ignorance of those seeking to enroll loved ones in such facilities, programs, schools, or centers without a valid court order and involuntarily.  In the United States such involuntary placements done without a court order are apparently illegal as they either violate the Americans with Disabilities Act community integration requirement or due process rights of those involuntarily placed.  Now, in regards to parents, in the United States parents have the right to waive their own rights, but, not the rights of their minor children.  See https://www.cope.church/legalarguments.htm for more information.  Now, most facilities on our watch list include waivers, indemnity clauses, and sworn statements legal guardians must sign assuring the program that the parents/legal guardians have the right to make the placement involuntarily and without due process in a segregated congregate care environment, however, California and federal prosecutors as well as settled law appears to suggest that is not the case.  In fact, in the David Taylor case found at https://www.cope.church/provocases.htm , Taylor sued Provo Canyon School and his mother as co-defendants.  His mother was found liable for 75% of the damages awarded to Taylor as a result of multiple complaints including false imprisonment, while the program was found only 25% liable because the mother owed a duty of due diligence to investigate anyone to which she would entrust care of her child and she failed to do so. 

Now, HEAL opposes segregated congregate care and we find most placements are happening illegally in the USA which if the youth understood their rights would result in unfortunate outcomes for the parents, particularly when they don't exercise good judgment and support the fraud and abuse rather than their own children when they need remedy and justice.  And, HEAL supports all victims of fraud and abuse in seeking remedies at law for any crimes or torts committed against them.  And, that's true whether or not the program or victims are in the USA. 

HEAL has a 5 point argument against segregated congregate care we'd like you to consider:

a.  Segregated care is unconstitutional and a civil rights violation.  It is only permissible if a person is unable to survive independent of an institutional environment.  For more on this, watch the HEAL Report at  https://youtu.be/C4NzhZc4P0A.  Or, see:   http://www.ada.gov/olmstead/  which includes in part:    "United States v. Florida – 1:12-cv-60460 – (S.D. Fla.) – On April 7, 2016, the United States filed an Opposition to the State of Florida’s Motion for Partial Summary Judgment.  In the Motion, the State had asked the Court to rule, on a variety of grounds, that the United States could not recover damages for unnecessarily institutionalized children to whom the State had been deliberately indifferent."

b.  Institutionalization is always dehumanizing and coercive.  Institutionalization always harms the institutionalized and deprives them of protected civil rights.  Dr. David Straker, Psychiatry Professor at Columbia University's School of Medicine (Ivy League) explains this in detail at http://changingminds.org/disciplines/sociology/articles/institutionalization.htm.  "Many institutions, from prisons to monasteries to asylums, deliberately want to control and manage their inmates such that they conform and do not cause problems. Even in less harsh environments, many of the institutionalization methods may be found, albeit in more moderated form (although the psychological effect can be equally devastating)."  (See website linked in this paragraph for more info.)

c.  Institutionalization is not in the best interest of children.  Institutions are not ever better for a child than living with a loving family.  Source:   http://www.unicef.org/cambodia/12681_23295.html       

d.  Reform schools, residential treatment programs, and other segregated congregate care settings have been shown to be ineffective and harmful.  Best source on this currently is:     https://www.acgov.org/probation/documents/EndoftheReformSchoolbyVinny.doc

e. Boarding Schools, even the "good ones", result in a form of social death, isolation, and cause both anxiety and depression.  Therefore, it is clearly not in the best interest of the youth subjected to those environments.  Sources: http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jun/08/boarding-school-syndrome-joy-schaverien-review and http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/secondaryeducation/11662001/The-truth-about-boarding-school-syndrome.html

Beyond the above arguments against segregated congregate care, we have reports from the NIH, Surgeon General, Yale University Studies, and much more showing the methodologies of behavior modification are damaging, harmful, and ineffective.  You can request these documents via e-mail.  In addition, for such programs offering academic services or claiming to offer diplomas, certifications, or the like, it is important to check to see if it is a diploma mill with no accredited academic services.  Please see article: "Avoiding Scams: What You Need To Know"  for important information on how to avoid education/training scams.

If you'd like to see what HEAL suggests rather than segregated congregate care (i.e. committing a crime or tort against your child if done against their will without a court order), please see articles: "Fix Your Family, Help Your Teen" and "Emancipation Guide".
8/4/21: COPE Conversion Program Progress Report: Montana Academy

 

 Last Updated:  February 28th, 2023

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