This is the History of and Reporting Guide for Alpine Academy aka Utah Youth Village in Erda, UT

(a.k.a. Cottonwood Grove, Oakridge, Smith Home, Willow Creek, The Gary and Ann Crocker Education Center, Pine Canyon Home,)

 

 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
Lila Bjorklund Founder (deceased) Alpine Academy is part of Utah Youth Village.   Bjorklund was never a licensed mental health professional in Utah.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html
Eric Bjorklund President Bjorklund is not a licensed mental health professional in Utah.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html

Eric is a member of DCFS State Quality Improvement Committee, Governor's Commission on Women & Families, Utah Coalition on Families (Vice Chair), Utah State Bar Committee on Children, Utah Youth Private Providers Network (Executive Committee). (current as of 2009)

Eric was previously the Chairman of the 8th National Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect; President of the Utah Youth Private Provider Network; Governor's Commission on Crime and Juvenile Justice; Dissemination Chairman of the National Teaching-Family Association; President of Utah Coalition of Child Advocates; Child Abuse and Neglect Advisory Committee of the Division of Family Services; State Advisory Council to the Utah Center for Families in Education; Chairman of the 1993 Governor's GIFT Conference on Families; Governor's Commission on Drugs; State Representative, National Association of Homes and Services for Children; Private Practice of Law with primary emphasis in Estate Planning, Securities Regulation and Litigation; Assistant Attorney General for Utah, serving in the Education Division with assignments as general counsel for Weber State University and Assistant Counsel for the University of Utah; Owner of Tin Lizzie Cookies and Balloons; Legislative Assistant for U.S. Representative Dan Marriott; Administrator of LDS Language Training Mission at Rick's College.

Shanna Draper COO Shanna Rae Draper is not a licensed mental health professional in Utah.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html
Janet Mulitalo Program Director Mulitalo is not a licensed mental health professional in Utah.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html  Formerly worked at unnamed "faith-based" program in Mississippi.  Mulitalo came to Alpine Academy in 2002.
Christian Egan Admissions Director Egan is a licensed Associate Professional Counselor in Utah and has been since May, 2008.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html  Earned his counseling "degree" from the scam program at University of Phoenix.
Nikki Preece Clinical Director Preece is a licensed clinical social worker and has been since August, 2008.  But, she's been working at Alpine since 2005.  And, she didn't graduate college until 2006.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html Formerly worked at an unnamed program.*  Preece joined Alpine in 2005.
Erica Morlok Supervisor Morlok is not a licensed mental health professional in Utah.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html Morlok has been with the program since 2002.
Corrie Norman Director of Operations Norman is not a licensed mental health professional in Utah.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html Corrie Norman has worked for Utah Youth Village since 1998 and Alpine Academy, specifically, since 2006.
Jaelyn Breinholt Office Mgr. HEAL chose not to verify Breinholt's credentials as she is an office manager and not put in charge of any "mental health" services.
Helaine Sandler Outreach Coordinator Sandler is not a licensed mental health professional in Utah.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html Sandler is the mother of an Alpine "graduate".
Colleen Croff Clinician Croff is a licensed clinical social worker in Utah and has been since January, 2008. Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html   Formerly worked at unnamed residential "treatment" center.*
Jackie Rodat Clinician Rodat is a licensed marriage and family therapist and has been since August, 1999.  Graduate of Brigham Young University (BYU).
Ashley King Therapist There is an Ashley King Green that is a licensed marriage and family therapist and has been only since August, 2010.  This may be a different person.  If it is the same person, she earned her degree at an online university called Capella University.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html
Allison Wright Therapist Allison LeeAnn Wright is a licensed clinical social worker and has been since 2007.  This may be a different person.  If it is the same person, she earned her degree at the University of Utah in 2007.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html
Cassaundra Burgi Therapist Burgi is a licensed clinical social worker and has been only since April, 2011.  However, she has been a "therapist" at Alpine since at least September, 2010.  BYU graduate.  Alpine claimed she was a BYU graduate, but, the licensing record shows her as a graduate of the University of Denver in 2008.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html
Brad & Corrie Norman Family Teachers The Normans reportedly no longer hold "family teacher" positions at this program.  The Normans are not licensed mental health professionals.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html Oakridge Home--The Normans joined the program in 2007.
Janette Thompson Family Teacher Thompson is not a licensed mental health professional.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html Cottonwood Grove Home--Thompson has been with the program since 2006 and has worked for other programs in Utah.*
Erin Lee Family Teacher Lee is not a licensed mental health professional. Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html  Lee has been with the program since 2006.*
Jordan & Kylie Buckley Family Teachers The Buckley's are not licensed mental health professionals. Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html Pine Canyon Home--Jordan formerly worked at confirmedly abusive Diamond Ranch Academy and confirmedly abusive Logan River Academy.
Angie Alvey Academic Director Alvey has been a licensed educator in Utah since 2008.  Source: E-mail from Utah State Office of Education.  Alvey has been with Alpine since 2006.
Stephanie Nelson Teacher HEAL requires the birth-date of Stephanie Nelson to verify her licensing.  There appear to be three Stephanie Nelsons licensed in Utah.  It is unclear whether or not this Stephanie Nelson is licensed.  Source: E-mail from Utah State Office of Education.
Maryann Early Teacher Early is not a licensed educator in Utah.  Source: E-mail from Utah State Office of Education.
Beverly Thompson Teacher HEAL requires the birth-date of Beverly Thompson to verify her licensing.  There appear to be two Beverly Thompsons licensed in Utah.  It is unclear whether or not this Beverly Thompson is licensed.  Source: E-mail from Utah State Office of Education. Thompson has been with Alpine since 2007.
Julie Cardon Teacher Cardon is a licensed educator in Utah and has been since June, 2011.  Source: E-mail from Utah State Office of Education.
Jan Richardson Teacher HEAL requires the birth-date of Jan Richardson to verify her licensing.  There appear to be four Jan Richardsons licensed in Utah.  It is unclear whether or not this Jan Richardson is licensed.  Source: E-mail from Utah State Office of Education.  BYU graduate.
Daira Talbott Teacher Talbott is not a licensed educator in Utah.  Source: E-mail from Utah State Office of Education.
Denise Sagers Teacher Sager is not a licensed educator in Utah.  Source: E-mail from Utah State Office of Education.
Sarah Lowe Teacher Lowe reportedly no longer works for this program.  Lowe is a licensed educator in Utah and has been since May, 2009.  Source: E-mail from Utah State Office of Education. Lowe joined Alpine in 2008.
(Dr.) Howard Weeks Psychiatrist Weeks is a licensed physician/surgeon/MD.  HEAL could not find any information stating he specializes in psychiatry. Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html  Weeks specializes in "chemical engineering" and electro-shock treatment (ECT).  He joined Alpine in 2006.
(Dr.) James Ashworth Psychiatrist Ashworth is licensed as a physician/surgeon/MD.  HEAL could not find any information stating he specialized in psychiatry.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html Ashworth has been with Alpine since 2005.
Suzanne Peterson Nurse There are two Suzanne Petersons with different educational backgrounds licensed as Registered Nurses in Utah.  HEAL requires Peterson's middle name and/or school for further verification. Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html Peterson has been with Alpine since 2005.
Ruth Sagers Health Services Sagers is not a licensed health nor mental health professional in Utah.  Source:  https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html  Sagers has been with Alpine since 2006.
Jason Stout Residential Supervisor/Marketing Director Stout is not a licensed mental health professional. Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html Stout has been with Alpine since June, 2007.
Polliann Pierce Office Manager HEAL chose not to check Pierce's professional licensing credentials as none would arguably necessary or expected for an Office Manager.
(Dr.) Clark Hammond Ph.D. Hammond is a licensed marriage and family therapist in Utah and has been since 2006.  However, the Office of Licensing shows he is an M.A., not a Ph.D.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html
Craig & Lani Martineau Family Teachers--Gene Smith Home The Martineaus reportedly no longer work for this program.  The Martineaus are not licensed mental health professionals in Utah.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html Martineaus began with Utah Youth Village in April, 2009.
Jorge & Lisa Morales Family Teachers--Oak Ridge Home The Morales' reportedly no longer work for this program.  The only license held by Jorge Morales was surrendered and there is a disciplinary record on this individual.  This may be a different person.
Name: JORGE MORALES
City, State, Zip: SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84111
Profession: SECURITY COMPANIES & GUARDS
License Type: UNARMED PRIVATE SECURITY OFFICER
License Number: 5599089-6303
Obtained By: APPLICATION
License Status: SURRENDERED
Original Issue Date: 05/13/2004
Expiration Date: 08/09/2004
Disciplinary Action: Yes
Docket Number: 2004-196

The Morales' hold no professional nor mental health professional licenses in Utah.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html

Mike & Monique Otufangavalu Family Teachers--Willow Creek Home The Otufangavalu's are not licensed mental health professionals and hold no professional licenses in Utah.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html   Have been with Utah Youth Village programs since 2002.
Robert & Kelly Mulari Family Teachers--Cottonwood Grove Home The Mularis reportedly no longer work for Alpine.  The Mulari's are not licensed mental health professionals and hold no professional licenses in Utah.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html
Dave & Kristen Archer Family Teachers--Pine Canyon Home The Archers are not licensed mental health professionals and hold no professional licenses in Utah.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html Have been working for the program since 2010.
Pegeen Liston Teacher Liston is not a licensed educator in Utah.  Source: E-mail from Utah State Office of Education.
Brandi Garcia Academic Associate/Behavior Specialist Garcia is not a licensed educator in Utah.  Source: E-mail from Utah State Office of Education. Has been working for the program(s) since 2007.
Ruth Sagers Academic Assistant Sagers is not a licensed educator in Utah.  Source: E-mail from Utah State Office of Education. Has been with Alpine since June, 2006.
(Dr.) Melissa Lopez-Larson Psychiatrist Lopez-Larson is a licensed physician/surgeon/MD, however there is no information regarding her specializing in psychiatry. She has been licensed since October, 2008.  But, appears to have graduated the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in 2001.  Source:  https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html   "Specifically, she will be researching the effects of development on specific brain networks believed to be involved in cognition and mood regulation in healthy children as well as in youths with bipolar disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder utilizing multimodal neuroimaging techniques." (source: alpineacademy.org/biosmedical.php on September 17th, 2010)
(Dr.) Kristi Kleinschmit Psychiatrist Kleinschmit is a licensed physician/surgeon/MD, however there is no information regarding her specializing in psychiatry.  She has been licensed in Utah since October, 2003 and graduated medical school in 2002.
Derek & Melissa Barney Family Teachers for Oak Ridge Home Derek Barney is an Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor and has been since 2015 in UT.  License requires supervision.  Sources: http://www.counselor-license.com/states/utah-counselor-license.html and https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html  Derek Barney's license # is: 9550269-6009.  You can file a complaint against Barney (or any other licensed professional on this page) at:  http://www.dopl.utah.gov/investigations/complaint.html  Melissa Barney is not a licensed mental health professional.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html
Andrew Fish Teacher Fish is not a licensed educator in UT.  Source: http://www.uen.org/educator/displaySearch.action
Michelle Boguslofski Director Boguslofski is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in UT.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html  Boguslofski is not a licensed educator in UT.  Source: http://www.uen.org/educator/displaySearch.action
Jeff Boguslofski Residential Director Boguslofski is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in UT.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html  Boguslofski is not a licensed educator in UT.  Source: http://www.uen.org/educator/displaySearch.action
Aarika Maisak Clinical Director Maisak is licensed solely as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor in UT and has been licensed since 2013.  Maisak's license # is: 8019772-6004 You can file a complaint against Maisak (or any other licensed professional on this page) at:  http://www.dopl.utah.gov/investigations/complaint.html
Dustin Dowdle Asst. Clinical Director Dowdle is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in UT and has been licensed since 2013.  Dowdle's license # is: 8082795-3902.   You can file a complaint against Dowdle (or any other licensed professional on this page) at:  http://www.dopl.utah.gov/investigations/complaint.html
Candace Basile Therapist (LCSW) Basile is a licensed Clinical Social Worker in UT and has been licensed since October, 2016.  Basile's license # is: 9190801-3501.   You can file a complaint against Basile (or any other licensed professional on this page) at:  http://www.dopl.utah.gov/investigations/complaint.html
Erik McHenry Therapist (CSW) McHenry is a licensed Certified Social Worker in UT and has been licensed since June, 2015.  McHenry's license # is: 9423427-3502.   You can file a complaint against McHenry (or any other licensed professional on this page) at:  http://www.dopl.utah.gov/investigations/complaint.html
Jessica Ragsdale Therapist (LMFT) Ragsdale is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in UT and has been licensed since March, 2016.  Ragsdale's license # is: 9725533-3902.   You can file a complaint against Ragsdale (or any other licensed professional on this page) at:  http://www.dopl.utah.gov/investigations/complaint.html
Gabriella Campbell Therapist (CMHC) Campbell is a licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in UT and has been licensed since 2015.  Campbell's license # is: 8336681-6004.   You can file a complaint against Campbell (or any other licensed professional on this page) at:  http://www.dopl.utah.gov/investigations/complaint.html
Lisa Beth Gladden Therapist (ACMHC) Gladden is a licensed Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor in UT and has been licensed since 2014.  Gladden's license # is: 9259064-6009.   You can file a complaint against Gladden (or any other licensed professional on this page) at:  http://www.dopl.utah.gov/investigations/complaint.html
Joni Fotheringham Therapist (ACMHC) Fotherhingham is a licensed Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor in UT and has been licensed since 2013.  Fotherhingham's license # is: 5261483-6009.   You can file a complaint against Fotherhingham (or any other licensed professional on this page) at:  http://www.dopl.utah.gov/investigations/complaint.html
Trevor Earl Therapist (ACMHC) Earl is a licensed Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor in UT and has been licensed since 2015.  Earl's license # is: 9410722-6009.   You can file a complaint against Earl (or any other licensed professional on this page) at:  http://www.dopl.utah.gov/investigations/complaint.html
Abigail Crouse Therapist (ACMHC) Crouse is a licensed Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor in UT and has been licensed since 2015. Crouse's license # is: 9415535-6009.   You can file a complaint against Crouse (or any other licensed professional on this page) at:  http://www.dopl.utah.gov/investigations/complaint.html
Donna Jenkins Special Education Coordinator Jenkins appears to be registered as a Special Education teacher in UT.  Source: https://my.uen.org/myuen/237429
Samantha Wisell Guidance Counselor Wisell does not appear to be a licensed educator in UT, but, is registered with UEN here: https://my.uen.org/myuen/278108 
Stephanie Nelson FACS Teacher Nelson does not appear to be a licensed educator in UT, but, is registered with UEN here: https://my.uen.org/myuen/265371
Laurie Smith Art Teacher Smith does not appear to be a licensed educator in UT, but, is registered with UEN here: https://my.uen.org/myuen/267058
Chantel McInnes Dance Teacher McInnes is not a licensed nor registered educator in UT.  Source: http://www.uen.org/educator/executeSearch.action
Suze Haddock Residential Supervisor Haddock is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in UT.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html  Haddock is not a licensed nor registered educator in UT.  Source: http://www.uen.org/educator/executeSearch.action
Hans Ringger Family Teacher--Gene Smith Home Ringger is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in UT.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html  Ringger is not a licensed nor registered educator in UT.  Source: http://www.uen.org/educator/executeSearch.action
Elin Isakson Family Teacher--Gene Smith Home Isakson is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in UT.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html  Isakson is not a licensed nor registered educator in UT.  Source: http://www.uen.org/educator/executeSearch.action
Dakota Elliott Family Teacher- Cottonwood Grove Home Elliott is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in UT.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html  Elliott is not a licensed nor registered educator in UT.  Source: http://www.uen.org/educator/executeSearch.action
TeNeal Elliott Family Teacher- Cottonwood Grove Home Elliott is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in UT.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html  Elliott is not a licensed nor registered educator in UT.  Source: http://www.uen.org/educator/executeSearch.action
DezMarie Morrill Family Teacher- ASPIRE Morrill is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in UT.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html  Morrill is not a licensed nor registered educator in UT.  Source: http://www.uen.org/educator/executeSearch.action
Dallin Parkinson Family Teacher- Willowcreek Home Parkinson is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in UT.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html  Parkinson is not a licensed nor registered educator in UT.  Source: http://www.uen.org/educator/executeSearch.action
Karyann Parkinson Family Teacher- Willowcreek Home Parkinson is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in UT.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html  Parkinson is not a licensed nor registered educator in UT.  Source: http://www.uen.org/educator/executeSearch.action
Kody Georgeson Family Teacher- Oak Ridge Home Georgeson is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in UT.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html  Georgeson is not a licensed nor registered educator in UT.  Source: http://www.uen.org/educator/executeSearch.action
Lauren Georgeson Family Teacher- Oak Ridge Home Georgeson is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in UT.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html  Georgeson is not a licensed nor registered educator in UT.  Source: http://www.uen.org/educator/executeSearch.action
Jacob Geuss Family Teacher- Pine Canyon Home Geuss is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in UT.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html  Geuss is not a licensed nor registered educator in UT.  Source: http://www.uen.org/educator/executeSearch.action
Jill Geuss Family Teacher- Pine Canyon Home Geuss is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in UT.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html  Geuss is not a licensed nor registered educator in UT.  Source: http://www.uen.org/educator/executeSearch.action
Wendolyn Green Health Services Supervisor Green is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in UT.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html
Amy Wilson Medical Director/Psychiatrist Amy Wilson is a licensed medical doctor in UT and has been licensed since 2012.  Wilson's license # is: 8298124-8905  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html  You can file a complaint against Wilson (or any other licensed professional on this page) at:  http://www.dopl.utah.gov/investigations/complaint.html
Mary Burris Psychiatrist Mary Burris is a licensed medical doctor in UT and has been since 2005.  Burris' license # is: 6019908-8905. Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html  You can file a complaint against Burris (or any other licensed professional on this page) at:  http://www.dopl.utah.gov/investigations/complaint.html
Rachel Weir Psychiatrist Rachel Weir is a licensed medical doctor in UT and has been since 2001.  Weir's license # is: 4977764-8905. Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html You can file a complaint against Weir (or any other licensed professional on this page) at:  http://www.dopl.utah.gov/investigations/complaint.html 
Jera Bailey Nurse Bailey is a licensed Registered Nurse in UT and has been since 2000.  Bailey's license # is: 500986-3102.   Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html  You can file a complaint against Bailey (or any other licensed professional on this page) at:  http://www.dopl.utah.gov/investigations/complaint.html 
Niki Covello Office Manager HEAL does not perform licensing checks on office, kitchen, or maintenance staff.
Royal Robins Admin. Asst. HEAL does not perform licensing checks on office, kitchen, or maintenance staff.
Kim Black Academic Asst. Black does not appear to be a licensed educator in UT.  Source: http://www.uen.org/educator/executeSearch.action
Kayla Walker Fitness/Rec Coordinator Walker is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in UT.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html.  HEAL requires additional information in order to verify whether or not Walker is a licensed educator.  There are three "Kayla Walker"s listed at http://www.uen.org/educator/executeSearch.action  Reportedly still works there and here's info on why she likely shouldn't: https://www.deseret.com/2010/9/16/20141303/tooele-teacher-charged-with-sex-abuse-of-former-athlete
Caitlin Forcier Aftercare Coordinator Forcier is not a licensed mental health nor medical professional in UT.  Source: https://secure.utah.gov/llv/search/index.html  Forcier is not a licensed nor registered educator in UT.  Source: http://www.uen.org/educator/executeSearch.action
Joe and Tanya Stevenson Supervisors The Stevensons also worked for Utah Youth Village and now (2/22/21) at Alpine Academy location.
     
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".
REPORTING GUIDE FOR VICTIMS, SURVIVORS, AND WHISTLEBLOWERS:
 
In Utah, the statutes of limitation do not apply to crimes against children that include sex offenses and human trafficking. There are no statutes of limitation on murder and kidnapping in Utah.  Other felonies have statutes of limitation ranging from 4 years to 8 years. Most misdemeanors in the state have a 2-year time limit. For civil suits in Utah, the statute of limitations is 4 years depending on cause of action. 

Options for you to take action and/or seek redress/justice today are listed below:

1.  Report crimes such as assault, fraud, battery, labor trafficking, and child abuse to law enforcement in Utah. You can call the Tooele County Sheriff at (435) 882-5600  to inquire about filing an official complaint which may provide the probable cause needed to get a warrant for investigation and/or prosecution.  You may also wish to submit a concern to state regulators in charge of licensing Alpine Academy which you can do at this link: https://hslic.utah.gov/submit-a-concern

2.  File a consumer complaint with your home state's attorney general against Alpine Academy and include your request for compensation for any harm done to you.  If you live in Utah and/or would like to file consumer complaint as a non-resident with the Attorney General of Utah, visit: https://dcp.utah.gov/complaints.html .

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.
Counselor accused of sex with teen--May 15th, 2009--A man accused of carrying on a months long sexual relationship last fall with a teenager in a school for troubled girls is in Tooele County jail facing seven felony charges. Kaysville resident Jonathan Carver, 29, and his wife were both working as live-in counselors at the Alpine Academy in Erda during the man's alleged relationship with a 17-year-old female student starting in October 2008. 
Former employee admits sex with teen at school for troubled girls (Alpine Academy in UT)--August 5th, 2009--An employee at a live-in treatment school for troubled girls in Tooele County admitted Wednesday to having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old female student.  Jonathan R. Carver, 29, of Kaysville, pleaded guilty in 3rd District Court to five counts of second-degree felony forcible sexual abuse.  He faces up to 15 years in prison on each count when he is sentenced Oct. 6 by 3rd District Judge Stephen Henriod.  Court documents detailing the original charges -- four counts of rape, two counts of forcible sodomy and one count of witness tampering -- indicate Carver had sex with the girl at least 20 times between October and December of 2008.  Carver and his wife were "house parents," responsible for taking care of eight girls every day as they underwent treatment for emotional and behavioral problems at Alpine Academy in Erda, according to the school's program director Janet Mulitalo.  
Employee of school for troubled teens sentenced for sexual abuse--October 6th, 2009--TOOELE -- A man who was supposed to help troubled teens in Tooele County was sentenced Tuesday for sexual abusing one of them. A judge sentenced Jonathan Carver to serve 1 to 15 years for each of five counts of forcible sexual abuse of a 17-year-old girl. Carver pleaded guilty to the charges in August. He had worked as a house parent at Alpine Academy in Erda, where the girl was being treated. He admitted to a long relationship with her. The relationship was discovered when the girl left the school and her parents became concerned that Carver was still contacting her. They contacted police. 
External Link: http://www.usu.edu/ust/pdf/2009/may/itn05150917.pdf
External Link: http://libertasutah.org/interview/mother-of-four-stripped-of-parental-rights-on-orders-of-a-single-biased-judge/
UPDATE:  Staff and Former Staff Reviews of Alpine Academy: (Source: https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Alpine-Academy/reviews)

October 26th, 2014: Former "Family Teacher" writes:

"I have heard that things have changed in this company since I worked there, but it was a very negative environment when I was there in 2006."

It also appears that Alpine Academy is trying to mislead individuals looking for complaints about this facility by running a wordpress blog titled "Alpine Academy Complaints" that has nothing to do with complaints about this facility.  Source: https://alpineacademycomplaints.wordpress.com/

HEAL has received multiple complaints about this program dating back to 2011.  The most recent complaint we've received was sent to us in 2015.  We did find a more recent article about abuse at Alpine Academy written on March 3rd, 2016.  You can read that article here: http://www.cracked.com/personal-experiences-2188-my-parents-paid-rehab-camp-to-abuse-me-5-dark-realities.html

Based on the history and ongoing complaints since minor changes in leadership, HEAL believes this program is still engaging in deceptive practices and institutional abuse.  We recommend against enrolling any youth in this program and rescuing any youth currently enrolled.  If your child has been abused in institutional care, it is counterindicated to enroll them in any other facility whether you call it treatment, transition, or aftercare.  See: www.heal-online.org/retrauma.pdf for more information.
 
External Link: https://www.nprillinois.org/post/far-home-utah-makes-millions-troubled-teens#stream/0 
3/2/22: COPE Conversion Program Progress Report: Alpine Academy

 

 Last Updated: February 22nd, 2023

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