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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 masters level educators, and wilderness first responders (WFR).
Collectively, they have spent over 100 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 Lee, MD, Director
- Mike Watson, Director
- Mark Petroff, MBA, Director
- Kimberly Cox, RN, BSN, Director
- Mason Robertson, MD, Certified Wilderness Physician
- Bonnie Robertson RN, MSN, CRNP
Clinical and Campus Staff
- Wayne Wilson, Ed.D. Clinician
- John Shapiro, BS, Campus Director
- Martez Rogers, MS, MLAP
- Jenifer Campbell, LPC, RN
- Ann Corley, B.A., Director of Admissions & Marketing
- Nan Lindner, Business Degree, Admissions Administrator
- Carah Lynn Billups, M.Ed., Academic Administrator
- Aisha Fields, Ph.D., Teacher
- Leah Vallely, Education Specialist
- Norman Sharp, M.Ed.
- Paula Peterson, RN
- Duane Hellebrand, Human Resources
- Bo Wolfe, Supervisor, Expedition Coordinator, Wilderness First Responder
- Melissa Darby, Supervisor/Counselor
- Mike Darby, Supervisor/Counselor
- Phil Dean, Supervisor/Counselor
- Nita Hargrove, Supervisor/Counselor
- Laura Watson, RD
Biographies
Karen O. Lee, Founder, President & CEO
Ms. Lee RN, CNRA, is the Chair of the Board of The Pinnacle Schools. She is a graduate of Charity Hospital/Xavier University, earning her Masters 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 the 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 father of three teenagers.
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, MBA, Director
Biography coming soon.
Kimberly Cox, RN, BSN, Director
Ms. Cox, a native of Huntsville, Alabama, earned a BS 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, TN where she received training in studying the Bible inductively and also 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
Biography coming soon.
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 and is currently a Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner with experience in 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 Hunsvillian, 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 thirty 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.
John Shapiro, BS, Campus Director
Mr. Shapiro grew up in Columbia, Tennessee. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from the University of Tennessee and has been working with troubled/at risk youth since 1984. Mr. Shapiro worked as a Juvenile Probation Officer/Contract Manager for eight years and then spent the next thirteen years working with indoor/outdoor adolescent treatment programs. He has led hundreds of teens and staff on expeditions into wilderness areas in the Southeast, is a certified Wilderness First Responder, and an American Canoe Association White Water Paddling Instructor. He has facilitated low and high ropes courses, artificial climbing walls, Alpine towers, and white water rafting trips. Mr. Shapiro has been Honorably Discharged from the United States Marine Corps and the United States Army Reserve. His numerous hobbies include golfing, paddling, backpacking, Tennessee football and coaching his daughter's fast-pitch softball team. He is the father of two daughters.
Martez Rogers, MS, MLAP
Biography coming soon.
Jenifer Campbell, LPC, RN
Ms. Campbell is a native Huntsvillian. She attended Auburn University and graduated from the University of Alabama School of Nursing in 1982. Jenifer has worked as a RN with the UAB Neonatal Intensive Care unit as well as a psychiatric nurse in Roanoke, Virginia. After moving back to Huntsville in 1986, Jenifer decided to pursue her graduate degree in psychology. She graduated from Alabama A&M University in 1995 with a masters in psychology/counseling. She then worked in a private practice with Trinity Counseling Center for six years where she earned her LPC licensure. She now works with us at Elk River as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Jenifer is the proud mother of five children.
Ann Corley, B.A., Director of Admissions & Marketing
Ms. Corley was born in Birmingham, Alabama and lived all over the U.S. while growing up in a military family. She attended Gettysburg College and graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.A. in Business Administration and Marketing. She worked as an investment banker for 5 years before starting a family. Ms. Corley is mother to 3 children, one of whom was a "struggling teen". She has been involved in numerous philanthropic activities including: Chairman of the Board for The Huntsville Museum of Art, member of the board of directors for the State Council for Women in the Arts, member of women's advisory board for Huntsville Hospital, Director of Adult Christian Education at Church of the Nativity, Botanical Gardens, and the Huntsville Public Library. Ms.Corley is also a professional artist. She participates in local exhibitions and accepts private commissions.
Nan Lindner, Business Degree, Admissions Administrator
Nan Lindner was born in Oceanside, NY. She lived there for 30 years before relocating to Huntsville, AL with her family. She worked as a travel agent for 5 years before starting a family. Ms. Lindner has been involved in numerous volunteer positions including Boy Scouts of America and local elementary and middle schools. Ms. Lindner graduated from Briarcliffe Business College in New York with a Business Certificate in 1986 and is certified in Insurance Coding and Billing. She previously worked in the Huntsville City Schools System. She currently lives in Huntsville with her two boys and is very involved in the Boy Scouts of America, as her boys head towards their Eagle Scout Award.
Carah Lynn Billups, M.Ed., Academic Administrator
Carah Lynn Billups graduated in 1994 from Louisiana State University with masters degrees in English and education. She taught in the public schools of Louisiana and Florida and now resides in Huntsville 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, Ph.D., Teacher
Aisha Fields holds a Ph.D. in Applied Optical Physics from Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University. She has over ten 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 has two children.
Leah Vallely, Education Specialist
Leah Vallely graduated in 1991 from Auburn University, earning a B.A. in history with concentrations in English and women's studies. In 1996 she received a M. Ed. in secondary education from Auburn University in Montgomery and in June 2008, will receive a MA. Ed. in special education. Mrs. Vallely has 11 years of teaching experience and holds certifications in secondary history, secondary English, learning disabilities, emotional disabilities, and gifted education.
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 from the state of Alabama, 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, gardening, working outdoors, exercising and watching sports; particularly NASCAR racing and Alabama football.
Paula Peterson, RN
Ms. Peterson grew up in North Alabama and has lived here most of her adult life. Wife of 13 years and mom to three boys, ages 9-18, she truly has a heart for teens. She has worked in youth ministry and most recently has worked as a public high school nurse. She has been involved in teaching sex education in school as well as increasing student and parent drug awareness. An avid researcher by nature, Ms. Peterson attempts to stay on top of the latest information on ADHD, learning disabilities, health issues related to teens, and youth culture. She also has the experience of being a parent to a student of this program who has successfully completed his high school diploma at The Pinnacle Schools and has started college. Ms. Peterson enjoys gardening, scrap booking, reading, and designing projects for her home.
Duane S. Hellebrand, Human Resources
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, he has been involved in the treatment of behaviorally disordered teens in direct care and related roles such as Safety Officer and other administrative, 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, Gracie. He enjoys reading historical novels and military history.
Bo Wolfe, Supervisor, 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 ERWC, 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.
Melissa Darby, Supervisor/Counselor
Biography coming soon.
Mike Darby, Supervisor/Counselor
Biography coming soon.
Phil Dean, Supervisor/Counselor
Biography coming soon.
Nita Hargrove, Supervisor/Counselor
Biography coming soon.
Laura Watson, RD
Biography coming soon.
