Pinnacle Staff

A Treatment Team approach is used when working with our residents and their families. The staff at The Pinnacle Schools has been carefully screened and selected for their leadership skills, maturity and compassion.

Our professional staff includes a Child, Adult and Forensic Psychiatrist, Physicians, Psychologists, Licensed Professional Counselors, Ph.D. and Master's Level Educators, Registered Dietician, and Registered Nurses.

Karen Lee
Founder, President and 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 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.

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.

Gagan Dhaliwal, MD
Child, Adult and Forensic Psychiatrist
Assistant Clinical Professor at the UAB School of Medicine

Gagan Dhaliwal, MD is the Clinical Psychiatrist of The Pinnacle Schools Elk River Treatment Programs. His education and training include earning a medical degree from Dayanand Medical College in Ludhiana, India in 1993, a Residency in Psychiatry at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, VA, and a Fellowship in Child Psychiatry at the University of California in San Diego, CA.  Before starting his practice in Huntsville, AL, Dr. Dhaliwal conducted research in neurology at the VA Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA, was Chief Resident in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of California, and served as a Fellow in Forensic Psychiatry at New York University in New York.  His certifications include: Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and Forensic Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Dhaliwal is licensed to practice medicine in Alabama, Tennessee and California. He is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Psychiatry and Law. He has authored several publications and has presented at dozens of professional conferences.  

Wayne Wilson
Ed.D, Licensed Psychologist

Born in Gallatin, TN, Dr. Wayne Wilson has more than 30 years experience as a clinical psychologist. In 1965, Dr. Wilson obtained an A.A. Degree from Martin College, before attending Middle Tennessee State University and earning a B.S. degree in 1967, and a M.A. degree in 1969.  Dr. Wilson’s Ed.D. degree was conferred by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1971. While maintaining a private practice in Huntsville, AL, he has worked in school systems and universities as a consultant for behavior modification and multiple training and research projects. Dr. Wilson remains in private practice in Huntsville, AL and serves on the clinical team at The Pinnacle Schools.

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, Medical Staff Director

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.

Aaron Shaw
Ph.D., LMFT, Treatment Team

Dr. Aaron Shaw began his education with a Bachelor's Degree from the University of South Florida in Interpersonal Communications. He then earned a Master's Degree from the University of South Florida in Mental Health and Rehabilitation Counseling. He holds a Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy from Brigham Young University. Dr. Shaw has worked as a therapist treating adults and children from various socioeconomic levels and differing degrees of functioning. His experience includes providing therapeutic care to adjudicated youth in the Department of Juvenile Justice, and coordinating services for families in crisis while serving as a therapist and acting clinical director for a national adolescent treatment program. Dr. Shaw left his private practice, Therapy for Teens, to return to care for troubled teens in an outdoor, residential setting.

Rusty Russell
Operations

Rusty Russell grew up in the Presbyterian Home for Children in Talladega, Alabama. She is working towards a Bachelor of Science in Human Services/Management from Phoenix University. She also has an associate's degree in Art. Ms. Russell's career has been dedicated to assisting troubled teens and their families for twenty years. She has worked for many respected therapeutic programs across the Southeast. In her spare time, Ms. Russell enjoys the outdoors and spending time with family and friends.

Zachary Turner
BRLS, Family Services Liaison

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.

Paul Bakke
MS Counseling Psychology, Treatment Team

Paul Bakke has extensive experience in residential treatment therapy as well as a Master's Degree in Athletic Administration and Counseling Psychology from Alabama A&M University. Mr. Bakke works in Progress Groups along with Clinical Director Zane Slocumb and Psychologist Dr. Wayne Wilson. Mr. Bakke is also a familiar face at Huntsville Sports Academy on Leeman Ferry Road in Huntsville where he is an owner and professional instructor.

Martez Rogers
MS Psychology, Master's Level Addiction Professional, Clinician

Martez Rogers is a native of Birmingham, Alabama. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Growth and Development from Alabama A&M University. He also earned a 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.

Bo Wolfe
BA English, 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.

Matt McFerrin
BS Biology, Senior Group Leader

Matt McFerrin was born and raised in Tennessee, graduating from Lincoln County High School in Fayetteville. He began his college coursework studying pre-vet at Maryville College in Maryville, TN. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology at Athens State in Athens, AL. He then enlisted in the Navy where he served in the Special Forces. Mr. McFerrin began working at Elk River in 2008. He is a loving and devoted father of a young daughter.

Phil Dean
BA History, BS Pharmacy, Senior Group Leader

Phil Dean has been a part of the Pinnacle/Elk River family since 2007 and is a Senior Group Leader. He graduated from The University of Alabama with a BA in History and Sanford University with a BS in Pharmacy. He currently has three children attending The University of Alabama which may explain his hard work ethic. His two oldest girls are in grad school and his son is a junior. Mr. Dean enjoys anything outdoors including hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and searching for Indian or Civil War artifacts.

Travis Badger
BA History, Master of Theology, Group Leader

Mr. Badger grew up in the deep woods of Maine. He is the grandson of a lumberjack and a descendant of the Native American Maliseet Band — the “deep water” people. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in 1997 in History with a minor in Psychology and a Master of Theology in 2006.  He has been employed in private education for more than 10 years. He has worked for the federal government and with a city police department.  Mr. Badger enjoys shooting, canoeing, hiking, and trapping.

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.

Kim Lowery
RN

Mrs. Lowery is a registered nurse with 30 years of experience in various fields of nursing including Newborns, Emergency, Assisted Living and Occupational Health. She earned her Nursing Degree at Calhoun Community College in Decatur, Alabama. Mrs. Lowery and her husband discovered a passion for mentoring teens during five years of volunteering for a youth group in Florence, Alabama. They later moved to the Madison area. Mrs. Lowery has two sons and three grandchildren that live in Florence, and two stepchildren living in Dallas, Texas. She enjoys cycling, fishing, Bible studies, spending time with her grandchildren and volunteering for the non-profit organization Teens Path to Success Foundation.

Laura Watson
MPH, RD, Licensed Dietician

Laura Watson is a native of Huntsville, AL. She earned a Bachelor's Degree at Emory University before earning a Master's Degree in Public Health from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Ms. Watson also completed the University of Houston Didactic Program in order to meet the requirements of the American Dietetic Association. In her free time, Ms. Watson enjoys weight training, walking, hiking and traveling.

Amy Goodson Shaw
BS Mathematics, M.Ed Math Education, Academic Administrator Huntsville Campus

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. Before accepting the position of academic administrator, Mrs. Shaw taught math and science to students at both campuses. 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.

Norman Sharp
M.Ed, Academic Administrator Elk River Campus

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.

Bobbi Bell
BA English Education, M.Ed. School Counseling, English Instructor

Bobbi Bell is a certified instructor for the Huntsville campus and the Elk River campus. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in English-Education from the University of West Florida and is certified in English grades 6 - 12.  Mrs. Bell later earned a Master's Degree in School Counseling from the University of West Alabama. She is married with two daughters and a son. In her free time, Mrs. Bell enjoys reading and spending time with her family and two adorable dogs.

Amanda Burden
BS Mathematics, Math Instructor

Amanda "Coach" Burden graduated from Austin Peay State University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Minor in Secondary Education. Before moving to Huntsville in 2009, Burden taught and coached in Tennessee, Florida, and Georgia. She is a certified teacher for grades 6-12 who has also coached basketball, tennis and volleyball. Coach enjoys sports and the outdoors. She believes that everything happens for a reason and is excited to work with such dedicated and talented people at a great facility.

Andrea Clayton
MS Biology, Science Instructor

Andrea was born in Huntsville but moved several times before graduating from high school in Ripon, Wisconsin. In 1983 she returned home to attend UAH and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology with an Environmental Science Certification, and a minor in Chemistry. Andrea says her most proud accomplishment to date is serving as a Space Shuttle Coordinator. She taught Astronaut Jan Davis to perform a cell separation experiment and tested the experiment's hardware on rocket launches in White Sands, NM. She later earned a Master's Degree in Biology with a Secondary Education Certification from UAH. Andrea is married with two children.

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 three children.

Duane Hellebrand
BS Psychology, Director of Human Resources/Staff Development

Mr. Hellebrand, the grandson of a German rocket scientist, grew up in Huntsville, Alabama. He is a graduate of North Georgia College, majoring in Psychology. Since 1990, Mr. Hellebrand has been involved in the treatment of behaviorally disordered teens in direct care and related roles such as Safety Officer and other administrative and leadership positions. He served in the United States Army in an artillery unit and was honorably discharged. Mr. Hellebrand enjoys outdoor sports including hiking, camping and fishing with his daughter. He enjoys reading historical novels and military history.

Ann Corley
BA Business & Marketing, Director of Admissions

Ann Corley attended Gettysburg College and graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.A. in Business and Marketing. As mother to a struggling teen herself, she is dedicated to helping other teens and their families through her work with The Pinnacle Schools.  Ms. Corley has been involved with numerous philanthropic activities including: Chairman of the Board for The Huntsville Museum of Art, Director of Adult Christian Education for the Episcopal Church of the Nativity, and member of the Women’s Advisory Board for Huntsville Hospital. She has three grown children.

Selina Mason
BA Public Relations-Journalism, Marketing Director

Selina Mason moved to Huntsville, AL 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.

Nan Futch
Business Degree, Office Manager

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.

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 addition to her insurance and billing responsibilities for The Pinnacle Schools, Mrs. Mount serves as administrator of the non-profit foundation for struggling teens and their families, Teens Path to Success. In her spare time, Mrs. Mount enjoys watching old movies and reading. She is the proud mother of a wonderful daughter, son in-law and grandson. Mrs. Mount currently lives in Madison, Alabama with her husband.