Pinnacle News
Capital Campaign 2012
Huntsville, AL, December 2011 - We are 'bursting at the seams!' The Elk River Treatment Program is growing and we are asking for your support!
Our Elk River campus is in need of a larger facility for our staff and residents. We are constantly learning about and developing new programs to meet the needs of our students and families. Our Family Therapy component is the one program we are most excited to present. This new program will allow us to have weekly family therapy sessions and will also include parent management and training.
Today we are partnering with the Teens Path to Success Foundation, founded by Karen Lee, to help raise money for this new endeavor.
To read entire article, please visit Capital Campaign 2012.
CEO Addresses Social Hosting Laws
Huntsville, AL, December 2011 – From the CEO: In the midst of the holiday season, with all its shopping, family get-togethers and parties, many find themselves overwhelmed with a combination of stress and opportunity to over indulge in food and/or alcohol. Teens are certainly not immune to these stresses and temptations of the holidays. Most adults would never consider furnishing alcohol to a minor or host a party that makes it available to minors. but we all know the "cool" parents who walk the fine line between looking the other way and openly providing alcohol to their child and his or her closest buddies.
To read entire article, please visit December 2011 Newsletter.
Aaron Shaw Joins Treatment Team
Huntsville, AL, November 2011 - Dr. Aaron Shaw recently joined The Pinnacle Schools as a member of the clinical team at the Elk River Treatment Program.
Dr. Shaw earned a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy at Brigham Young University after completing a Master's in Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of South Florida. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Interpersonal Communications from the University of South Florida.
Dr. Shaw has several years of experience as a therapist working with children and families in outpatient and inpatient capacities. He comes to The Pinnacle Schools from private practice as owner and therapist at Therapy for Teens.
Sober Spring Break for Ages 17 - 22
Huntsville, AL, November 2011 - The Pinnacle Schools has partnered with several other national companies to offer a Clean Break Spring Break 2012. This invitation is for students and young adults ages 17 -22. Students who have graduated from the Elk River Treatment Program or The Pinnacle Schools receive a $50 registration discount. This year's destination is Destin, FL.
"We are excited to be a part of offering a Spring Break Destination for high school and college students who choose to be drug and alcohol free," said Karen Lee, Founder, President and CEO of The Pinnacle Schools.
Interested high school and college students can register now at www.cleanbreaker.org.
Sign Up Cost - $400.00 + $50.00 (taxes & gratuities) = $450.00
Some discounts may apply.*
Cost includes:
- 7 nights of lodging in one of the Clean Break houses (every student will have their own bed). Houses are private residences and are a two minute walk to the beach.
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages each day (please let us know of any special dietary needs)
- Clean Break sponsored events: No Charge for these events and the food and drinks at each event
Groups:
Groups of 10-12, age 18 & up, can reserve a house with a $500 deposit and make it a co-ed house. (This payment covers the $49 fee due at time of registration for each group member). The group saves $88 by booking this way. Each member of the group still needs to follow the payment schedule.
Pinnacle Named to Inc. 5000
Huntsville, AL, August 23, 2011 - The Pinnacle Schools has earned the position of 1806 on the 2011 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. This achievement puts The Pinnacle Schools in rare company considering that there are some 7 million private, employer–based companies in the United States. As an Inc. 500/5000 honoree, The Pinnacle Schools shares a prestigious pedigree with such notable alumni as Microsoft, Timberland, Under Armour, Vizio, Intuit, Jamba Juice, Oracle, Clif Bar, Patagonia and Zappos. In fact, many of today’s most successful U.S. companies received their first national recognition when they appeared on the Inc. list, according to Jane Berentson, Editor in Chief of Inc. magazine.
Congratulations High School Graduates
Huntsville, AL - May 2011 - The Pinnacle Schools Huntsville Campus is proud of announce that Eric Clark and Alley Tarter have earned their high school diplomas. They will join other graduates of The Pinnacle Schools in a ceremony planned for this summer. The staff of The Pinnacle Schools is very proud of each and every one of them.
Welcome Kate Heaton
Huntsville, AL - May 2011 - We are very excited to welcome Katharine Heaton as our Family Services Aide. When asked about her duties, Kate responded: I am teasingly called the "Letter Lady" which is a partially accurate description of the job. I am the go between in posting and downloading letters for the residents and their parents. I probably deal with 20 letters in a day to over 50 letters. It's great to see so much communicating occurring!
Mother's Day 2011
Huntsville, AL - May 2011 - Allow me to share a quote from Erma Bombeck. "Giving birth is little more than a set of muscular contractions granting passage of a child. Then a mother is born.
Sunday is an opportunity to express love for all mothers. There has been a lot of love going around in the state of Alabama these days. As many of you know, our state is recovering from one of the worst natural disasters in our history. Hundreds are dead and many are missing after more than a hundred tornadoes ripped through our state: 24 EF4s and 6 EF5s. Some say this outbreak dwarfs the Super Outbreak of 1974. Damage is in the billions.
So please hug your mother today if you're lucky enough to have her near. If not, there are plenty of moms, dads and children who need a hug. Be generous.
Pinnacle Schools Offer Summer Programs
Huntsville, AL – April 2011 - The Pinnacle Schools are now accepting applications for summer sessions. Space is available but limited at both campuses, according to Amy Shaw, academic administrator for the Huntsville Campus, and Norm Sharp, academic administrator for the residential campus at Elk River Treatment Program.
Special Thanks to McCain, Steele
Huntsville, AL - March 2011 - The Pinnacle Schools would like to thank all those who made the first fundraiser for Teens Path to Success Foundation a huge success - especially singer/songwriters Edwin McCain and Jeffrey Steele.
Bath Salts Restricted
Huntsville, AL – March 2011 – The chemicals in the new "designer drug" marketed as bath salts are now a controlled substance in the State of Alabama according to a statement from the Alabama Department of Public Health. Officials of The Pinnacle Schools applaud the State Attorney General’s Office for its prompt response to this recent crisis.
McCain, Steele Concert Benefits Teens
Huntsville, AL - March 2011 - Two of music's brightest stars are donating their time and talent to a fundraiser for Teens Path to Success Foundation, a non-profit organization that develops and fosters programs for underprivileged teens. The unique showcase, sponsored by The Pinnacle Schools in Huntsville, begins at 5 p.m. with an art contest of work by local teens. Concert and live auction begin at 6 p.m. followed by an intimate reception with songwriters McCain and Steele. Your support for this event will make a difference in the life of a struggling teen.
Lapidus Join ERTP
Huntsville, AL - February 2011 - The Pinnacle Schools welcomes Lisa Lapidus as Family Services Coordinator at the Elk River Treatment Program. Ms. Lapidus earned a Bachelor of Science in Management from Athens State College and a Master in Social Work from Alabama A&M University. She has provided direct care to adults, teens, and children in a private practice setting and in the school system as a school based therapist.
CEO Addresses Arizona Shooting
Huntsville, AL - February 2011 - The passion that drove me to start The Pinnacle Schools more than five years ago has never dwindled. But the tragedy in Arizona, one month ago today, has evoked and validated all the reasons that I advocate for residential care for our troubled youth.
In the case of Jared Loughner of Arizona, his deteriorating behavior frightened friends, teachers and classmates. It most likely frightened his parents as well. But how does someone distinguish between odd, sulky teenage behavior and actual threatening, violent behavior? What can parents or concerned citizens do if they observe disturbing behavior? The answers only create more questions about the right to privacy, the stigma of mental illness, the relationship between mental illness and violent behavior.
Increase in Capacity Granted by DYS
Huntsville, AL - December 2, 2010 - The Pinnacle Schools has been awarded an increase in its license capacity at the Elk River campus from forty-eight (48) residents to sixty (60) residents. As stated in a letter from the State Department of Youth Services, the staff was commended for success in providing excellent service to the youth served. Improvements to the physical plant were noted as well.
Dhaliwal Presents at NATSAP
Huntsville, AL - November 2010 - Gagan Dhaliwal, M.D., Assistant Professor at UAB School of Medicine, was guest speaker at the recent NATSAP conference in Asheville, N.C. Dr. Dhaliwal also presented at the NATWC conference in Nashville, TN and was joined by Bonnie Robertson, director of medical services for The Pinnacle Schools Elk River Programs. Dr. Dhaliwal is the program's clinical psychiatrist.
Corley Returns to Admissions
Huntsville, AL - October 2010 - Ann Corley recently returned as Director of Admissions of The Pinnacle Schools. Ms. Corley's years in the academic and admissions departments offer comprehensive experience in the industry while her experience as the mother of a troubled teen brings the empathy necessary to counsel parents during a crisis.
Robertson Earns Certification
Huntsville, AL - August 2010 - ERTP Medical Staff Director Bonnie Robertson, RN, MSN, CRNP, recently earned a 200 hour internationally recognized "Interdisciplinary Yoga Instructor" certification from the Nosara Yoga Institute.
Clayton Joins Academic Team
Huntsville, AL - July 2010 - The campuses in Huntsville and Elkmont gained a new certified educator when Andrea Clayton joined the academic team. Andrea juggles her time at both campuses. She was born in Huntsville but moved several times before graduating from high school in Ripon, Wisconsin.
Shaw Named TPS Academic Administrator
Huntsville, AL - June 2010 - The Pinnacle Schools proudly announces Amy Goodson Shaw has accepted the position of academic administrator of the Huntsville campus. Amy began teaching math and science at The Pinnacle Schools and Elk River campuses in May 2009.
Sharp Named ERTP Academic Administrator
Huntsville, AL - June 2010 - Norm Sharp, better known as the Great Master S, recently accepted the responsibilities of academic administrator at the Elk River campus. Since he came to the program in 2006, Master S has been a driving force in motivating young men and women to achieve higher goals.
Dean Promoted to Senior Leader
Huntsville, AL - June 2010 - Phillip Dean has accepted the position of Senior Group Leader at the Elk River Treatment Program campus. Mr. Dean has been a part of The Pinnacle Schools/Elk River family since 2007. He graduated from The University of Alabama with a B.A. in History and Sanford University with a B.S. in Pharmacy.
Bakke Joins Therapy Staff
Huntsville, AL - May 2010 - Paul Bakke has joined the therapy staff at Elk River. Paul brings with him extensive experience in residential treatment therapy as well as a Master's Degree in Athletic Administration and Counseling Psychology from Alabama A&M University. Paul works in Progress Groups along with Clinical Director Zane Slocumb and Psychologist Dr. Wayne Wilson. Paul is also a familiar face at Huntsville Sports Academy on Leeman Ferry Road in Huntsville where he is an owner and professional instructor.
McFerrin Promoted to Senior Leader
Huntsville, AL - June 2010 - The Pinnacle Schools proudly announce the promotion of Matt McFerrin to Senior Group Leader at the Elk River campus. Mr. McFerrin was born and raised in Tennessee, graduating from Lincoln County High School in Fayetteville.
TPS Value Options Provider
Huntsville, AL - April 15, 2010 - The Pinnacle Schools announces a partnership with ValueOptions commercial division as a network provider. As of March 30, 2010, Elk River Treatment Program and Elk River Healthy Lifestyles Programs will be covered for eligible ValueOptions members, excluding TRICARE participants.
Burden Joins Academic Team
Huntsville, AL - March 2010 - Amanda Burden joined the Elk River Treatment Program's Academic Team. Ms. Burden graduated from Austin Peay State University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Minor in Secondary Education.
Mason Named Director of Admissions/Marketing
Huntsville, AL - February 2010 - The Pinnacle Schools proudly announces that Selina Mason has been named Director of Admissions and Marketing. Mrs. Mason moved to Huntsville in 1985 after graduating from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations-Journalism.
