MAYER, AZ (March 2, 2020) -- Spring Ridge Academy welcomed two new team members last month. Jay Lowden joins the clinical team as a masters-level therapist and is excited to be building a caseload. Kelly Ellegard joins the academic faculty as an English instructor, replacing Dr. Erin Smith, who has moved into the role of Director of Operational Excellence.
Jay, a U.S. Army veteran, attended Chaminade University in Honolulu, earning a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. Later, he received a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from South University in Savannah, GA. Jay has worked in both in-patient and out-patient clinical settings, including at a local VA. Jay uses an integrative approach in therapy that focuses on client-driven change, and he specializes in trauma therapy using EMDR.
Kelly transitioned from sales to education in 2016, working with the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community near Phoenix, AZ. She earned a Bachelor’s in English from Wesleyan College in Macon, GA, and received her teacher certification through TEACH-NOW. Kelly is excited for the opportunity to co-teach the distinctive English curriculum developed by Clay and Erin Smith that meets the specific needs of Spring Ridge Academy Students. “She is eager to teach and is a welcome addition,” said Justin Zych, principal.
Erin began her transition into the position of Director of Operational Excellence at the beginning of this year. Erin has served as a teacher at Spring Ridge since August 2008 and the vice principal since January 2016. “I have loved being a teacher at Spring Ridge, and I already miss being in the classroom every day, but I know that this transition is the right choice and that Kelly will do a wonderful job in the classroom,” said Erin.
In July of 2019, Erin completed her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership with a dissertation focused on building a positive culture among stakeholders in therapeutic boarding schools. Erin will be taking on some of Susan Coatney’s administrative duties as Susan transitions into retirement. Susan has been a key member of the Spring Ridge Academy team for the last 17 years and has served in a variety of roles, including in admissions and administration.
About Spring Ridge Academy
Spring Ridge Academy, located 1.5 hours outside Phoenix, Arizona, serves young women ages 13-17. Founded in 1997 as a female and family-owned Residential Treatment Center. It is licensed by the State of Arizona. The academic program/school is accredited by AdvancED. Utilizing evidence-based clinical modalities with a traditional rigorous college-prep curriculum, including fine and expressive arts and team sports, Spring Ridge has created a relationship-based setting that allows the students’ emotional, relational, spiritual, intellectual, and physical to grow.