Professional Staff

The professional staff of The Pinnacle Schools includes physicians, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, family nurse practitioner, registered nurses, registered dietician, certified exercise specialist, PhD and master's level educators, and wilderness first responders (WFR).

Collectively, they have spent over 200 years working with children and families in crisis. They have been carefully selected and screened, and were chosen for their leadership skills, maturity and compassion.

Board of Directors

• Karen O. Lee, Founder, President & CEO
• Charles I. Lee, MD, Director
• Mike Watson, Director
• Mark Petroff, BA, Director
• Kimberly Cox, RN, BSN, Director

Clinical and Campus Staff

• Charles I. Lee, MD, Medical Director
• Mason Robertson, MD, Certified Wilderness Physician
• Bonnie Robertson RN, MSN, CRNP
• Karen O. Lee, MSN, CRNA
• Kim Cox, RN, BSN
• Wayne Wilson, EdD, Clinical Psychologist
• Zane Slocumb, LPC, NCC, DAPA, Clinical Director
• Bradley Kirby, RN, BSN
• Rachel Firestone, RN
• Susan Gulyas, RN, BSN
• Zach Turner, BRLS, Family Services Liason
• Martez Rogers, MS, MLAP
• Carah Lynn Billups, MEd, Academic Administrator
• Aisha Fields, PhD, Instructor
• Leah Vallely, Education Specialist
• Norman Sharp, MEd
• Amy Goodson Shaw, BA, MEd, Math & Sciences Instructor
• Bo Wolfe, Senior Group Leader, Expedition Coordinator, Wilderness First Responder
• Phil Dean, Pharmacist
• Laura Watson, MPH, RD, LD
• Selina Mason, Director of Admissions and Marketing
• Rusty Russell, Operations Director
• Duane Hellebrand, Human Resources
• Nancy Mount, Insurance & Billing Administrator
• Nan Futch, Business Degree, Admissions Administrator
• Sam Morris, Senior Group Leader
• Dustin Randolph, BS, Senior Group Leader

Karen O. Lee, Founder, President & CEO
Ms. Lee, MSN, CRNA, is the Chair of the Board of The Pinnacle Schools. She is a graduate of Charity Hospital/Xavier University, earning her master's degree in Nurse Anesthesiology. In addition to her nurse practitioner skills, she has been involved in the organization and management of a large anesthesia practice. She developed a keen interest in behaviorally disordered teens when her own child manifested problems, prompting her to place him in a wilderness treatment program. She is the mother of two sons and a daughter.

Charles I. Lee, MD, Director
Dr. Lee was raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is a graduate of LSU Medical School, completing his Doctor of Medicine in 1984. He is a Board Certified Anesthesiologist, practicing in Huntsville, Alabama. He is the Founder of the American Association of Physicians and also a Founder of Comprehensive Anesthesia Services of Huntsville, Alabama. He loves the out-of-doors and his hobbies include bow and rifle hunting, and fishing. He is the proud father of three college students.

Mike Watson, Director
Mr. Watson is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. Since 1972, he has worked at all levels in treatment programs for struggling teens. He has been a direct care provider, supervisor, program director, and the founder and President/CEO of one of the largest organizations in the United States for treatment of behaviorally-disordered teens. He is a graduate of Shorter College in Rome, Georgia. He has many hobbies such as hunting, fishing, golfing, sports car racing and horseback riding.

Mark Petroff, BA, Director

Mark Petroff was born in Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada, and raised in Saigon, Vietnam. His family moved to Huntsville, Alabama in 1963. After attending two years at Cornell University, Mr. Petroff transferred to Stanford University where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in Economics. He is a business builder with more than 30 years of successful CEO/CFO/COO global experience in high technology. He has also worked in a variety of industries including: wireless communications, remote data acquisition and control, sensor networks, radar, government contracting, alternative energy, health services and environmental monitoring. Mr. Petroff is currently the Managing Director of the Magna Vista Group. He has traveled to over 80 countries and lived in Canada, Vietnam, the U.S., Puerto Rico, Australia and Germany. He is a board director or board advisor to a number of private companies and is active in numerous civic and volunteer groups. Mr. Petroff is the father of two daughters.

Kimberly Cox, RN, BSN, Director
Ms. Cox, a native of Huntsville, Alabama, earned a bachelor's degree from the University of North Alabama in Nursing. Ms. Cox worked as a Coronary Care Nurse for over 18 years. She attended workshops at Precept Ministries International in Chattanooga, Tennessee where she received training in studying the Bible inductively and learned how to facilitate others in interpreting the Bible for themselves. Ms. Cox is an active member of the community where she serves on many committees including: Board of Directors of The Pinnacle Schools Inc, Madison County Medical Alliance, Habitat for Humanity, Christian Women's Guild and several committees at First United Methodist Church.

Mason Robertson, MD, Certified Wilderness Physician
Dr. Mason Robertson graduated from Vanderbilt School of Medicine and went on to complete his residency in Anesthesiology at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Dr. Robertson is trained in basic life support, advanced cardiac life support, pediatric advanced life support and advanced wilderness life support. He served in the U.S. Army for many years and is Ranger qualified. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Anesthesiology.

Bonnie Robertson RN, MSN, CRNP
Ms. Robertson is a Family Nurse Practitioner with over 25 years experience in wellness programming, health and physical education, cardiac rehabilitation, exercise testing and prescription, and endurance athlete coaching. She has over 20 years of nursing experience. Her experience as a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner extends to areas such as Bariatric Medicine, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Nephrology and Cardiology. Her current credentials include American College of Sports Medicine Exercise Specialist, licensed provider of Shapedown Weight Management Programs for children & adolescents, USA Triathlon Level-I Coach, USA Track & Field Level-I Coach, American Heart Association BLS, PALS and ACLS certifications. She has won awards as Outstanding Young Educator, Outstanding Huntsvillian and Outstanding Alabamian for her work teaching special population exercise programs. Her passions include running, wildlife and nature conservation, yoga, any activity involving water, organic gardens, and orchid growing. She lives in Huntsville with her husband and 3 dogs.

Wayne Wilson, Ed.D, Clinician
Dr. Wilson has over 30 years experience as a clinical psychologist. Born in Gallatin, Tennessee, he has lived in the South all his life. In addition to personal and family counseling, he has worked in school systems and universities as a consultant for behavior modification and multiple training and research projects.

Zane Slocumb, LPC, NCC, DAPA, Clinical Director

Mr. Slocumb grew up in Florida and Alabama. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and English from the University of Mobile and a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Alabama A&M University. He has been providing direct care to teens and adults since 1989 in residential, outpatient, partial hospitalization and inpatient settings. He has been a Licensed Professional Counselor since 1995, a Nationally Certified Counselor since 1996, and a Diplomat of the American Psychotherapy Association since 1999. In his free time, Mr. Slocumb coaches and referees teens in soccer as a certified coach and referee for the American Youth Soccer Organization.

Bradley Kirby, RN, BSN

Mr. Kirby received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1999 from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He brings extensive pediatric experience including work with The Children's Hospital of Alabama Burn Center, Huntsville Hospital's Pediatric ER and Huntsville Hospital Women & Children's Radiology department. Mr. Kirby is certified in pediatric advanced life support, advanced cardiac life support and basic life support. He has also taken courses for additional certifications in SAMA training, emergency pediatric nursing and trauma nursing. In his spare time, Mr. Kirby enjoys building computers, keeping up with the latest electronics and cars, driving with the convertible top down, traveling, and hanging out with family and friends. Mr. Kirby lives in Hartselle, Alabama with his wife and two children.

Rachel Firestone, RN

Biography coming soon...

Susan Gulyas, RN, BSN

Biography coming soon...

Zachary Turner, BRLS, Family Services Liason

Zachary Turner grew up in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Mr.Turner earned his Bachelor of Recreation and Leisure Studies from Brock University in St. Catherine, Ontario, Canada. He also received an associate's degree in Recreation Leadership from Centennial College in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. He has over 15 years experience in cognitive behavioral therapy and nine years experience working directly in wilderness programs. He is a standard first aid instructor with the Red Cross as well as a crisis management instructor. In addition to working at The Pinnacle Schools, Mr. Turner owns a successful small business.

Martez Rogers, MS, MLAP, LPC

Martez Rogers is a native of Birmingham, Alabama. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Human Growth and Development from Alabama A&M University. He also earned his Master of Science in Psychology. Mr. Rogers is also a Master Level Addiction Professional (MLAP). He enjoys drumming, Djembe and acoustic percussion. His other hobbies include raising Koi and developing a eco-system for his Koi pond.

Carah Lynn Billups, MEd, Academic Administrator

Carah Lynn Billups graduated from Millsaps College with a bachelor's degree in English. She earned her master's degrees in English and Education from Louisiana State University. She taught in the public schools of Louisiana and Florida and now resides in Huntsville, Alabama where she has continued to work in education as a private tutor and online test scorer. As a teacher she has worked with all levels and ages of students in multiple disciplines, including students with learning disabilities and other behavioral needs.

Aisha Fields, PhD, Instructor

Aisha Fields holds a doctorate in Applied Optical Physics from Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University. She has over 10 years experience as a math and science educator, having taught on both the high school and college levels. Dr. Fields is the co-founder and lead consultant for I AMM Science Education Group, a national network of scientists and teachers that develop cutting edge, interactive science demonstrations for elementary and middle school students. As the Program Coordinator for the West African Development Project, Dr. Fields coordinates community electrification and water purification projects throughout West Africa. Dr. Fields is the proud mother of two children.

Norman Sharp, M.Ed.

Mr. Sharp has spent most of his adult life living and working in Huntsville, Alabama. He received his bachelor's degree from Centre College of Kentucky, where he majored in Social Studies. Subsequently, Mr. Sharp earned his master's degree and AA certification in School Administration from the University of Alabama. He is a retired educator having served as a teacher and a principle for over 26 years. Since that time, he has been active in education, teaching in Tennessee and Georgia, as well as serving as the Director of Education at a residential facility for behaviorally-disordered teens. He and his wife enjoy activities with their five grown children and grandson, including gardening, working outdoors, exercising and watching sports, particularly NASCAR racing and Alabama football.

Amy Goodson Shaw, MEd, Math & Sciences Instructor

Amy Shaw grew up in Milbrook, Alabama. She received her bachelor's degree in Mathematics from Huntingdon College and her master's degree in Math Education from Columbus State University. In addition, Mrs. Shaw has completed course work in Aerospace Engineering and doctoral studies in Mathematics Education at Auburn University. In her free time, Mrs. Shaw enjoys reading, sewing and spending time with her family. She lives in Eva, Alabama with her wonderful husband and two daughters.

Bo Wolfe, Senior Group Leader, Expedition Coordinator, Wilderness First Responder

Mr. Wolfe has lived in Alabama, Tennessee, Colorado, Wyoming, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. While in Wyoming, he developed his interest in white water rafting, mountain biking, and rock climbing. He has been active in back packing and canoeing for most of his life. Mr. Wolfe graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in English. Before being employed at The Pinnacle Schools, Mr. Wolfe worked at an experiential education center/ropes course facility run by George Mason University. He has received his Wilderness First Responder certification from WMI/NOLS and is a certified Leave No Trace Master Educator. His other interests include collecting records and toys, and watching roller derby.

Phil Dean, Pharmacist

Biography coming soon...

Laura Watson, MPH, RD, LD
Laura Watson is a native Huntsvillian. Ms. Watson earned her bachelor degree at Emory University. She received her master's degree in Public Health from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. She also completed the University of Houston Didactic Program in order to meet the requirements of the American Dietetic Association. In her free time, her hobbies include weight training, walking, hiking and traveling.

Selina Mason, Director of Admissions and Marketing

Selina Mason moved to Huntsville in 1985 after graduating from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations-Journalism. She was a staff writer for area newspapers before beginning a career in sales and marketing at The Huntsville Times. In 2002, Mrs. Mason started an ad agency, The Advertising Connection, and continues to enjoy marketing for area businesses. Her personal experience with troubled teens brought her to The Pinnacle Schools where she eventually joined the team of professionals dedicated to improving the lives of struggling teens and their families. She is married to Tony Mason and has one son, Cassidy.

Nancy Mount, Insurance & Billing Administrator

Nancy Mount is from East Northport, New York. She began training as a Medical Assistant and Biller during her last year of high school. She worked for several years before retiring to raise her daughter. Mrs. Mount has completed coursework in Medical Billing & Coding from Auburn University. In her spare time, Mrs. Mount enjoys watching old movies and reading. She is the proud mother of a wonderful daughter and son in-law. Mrs. Mount currently lives in Madison, Alabama with her husband.

Nan Futch,  Admissions Administrator
Nan Futch was born in Long Island, New York. She lived there for 30 years before relocating to Huntsville, Alabama with her family. Mrs. Futch graduated from Briarcliffe Business College in 1986. She is certified in insurance coding and billing. Before joining The Pinnacle Schools, she worked in the Huntsville City School System. Mrs. Futch has been involved in numerous volunteer positions including Boy Scouts of America as well as local and middle schools. She currently lives in Huntsville with her husband and two boys. She is very involved in the Boy Scouts of America, as her boys head towards their Eagle Scout Awards.

Sam Morris, Senior Group Leader

Sam Morris grew up in McAlester, Oklahoma before relocating to Huntsville, Alabama in 1994. Mr. Morris served in the U.S. Army for 14 years. He is a certified health care safety professional. He was a Defensive Tactics Instructor at the University of Missouri Law Enforcement Training Center in Columbia, Missouri before serving as the Safety & Security Manager at Huntsville Hospital for 10 years. In his free time, Mr. Morris enjoys barbecuing, martial arts (jiu-jitsue, Boxing), guitar and reading. He has also been the pastor of a local church since 1996.

Dustin Randolph, Senior Group Leader

Dustin Randolph, a native Huntsvillian, graduated from Madison County High School. He then received his Bachelors of Social Work from Bethel College. Mr. Randolph worked with youth through the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor program before joining the Elk River team. He served as a Bible study leader and Youth Pastor for Campus Crusaders for Christ (CCC) for three years. In his free time, Mr. Randolph enjoys reading, music, landscaping and gardening, and many outdoor activities such as running, canoeing, fishing and kayaking. Mr. Randolph and his wife are expecting their greatest accomplishment so far: a baby girl due in the fall.