The Whetstone Academy Team

   

John L. Singleton, Jr., Ed.D.

Owner/CEO

Dr. John Singleton has 30 years of experience working in education and 15 years of experience in therapeutic school leadership. John’s extensive education experience is steeped in life-changing results and award-winning programs.

In early 2000, John’s strong belief in multisensory learning and an individualized approach to education guided him from public school administration into the Program Director role at Stone Mountain School, a therapeutic wilderness boarding school in Black Mountain, NC. A few years later, he used his knowledge and management experience to help establish New Leaf Academy of North Carolina, an all girls’ therapeutic boarding school. By 2006, he became the Executive Director of Cedars Academy in Delaware, a program for Autism Spectrum Disorder students; a role he continued for four years before serving as President and Head of School at Brandon Hall in Atlanta. During his five years at Brandon Hall, he was instrumental in overseeing the school’s 700% growth in student enrollment, facility development and creation of a 21st Century technology enriched learning model. Finally, for the past year and a half, he has been the Director of Business Development at Trails Carolina, a therapeutic wilderness program in Western North Carolina.

John has presented nationally and is published on the subject of Educational Leadership and learning differences. His most recent presentations include: CASE-NAIS National Conference Pre-Conference Advancement Master Class, January 2013, Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), Philadelphia, PA, May 2011 and Texas A&M University - Southwest Teaching and Learning Conference in 2010.

He has attended Harvard Graduate School of Education - Independent Schools Institute. He has also furthered his studies at Yale Child Study Center in 2008; Minds and Hearts Clinic, Tony Attwood, Ph.D. in 2007; and The Medical University of South Carolina, Russell Barkley, Ph.D. in 2006.

John received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Education from Gardner-Webb University and his Doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2010 from the University of Phoenix. His research was focused on the topic of Educational Leadership and working with students on the Autism Spectrum.

In his spare time, John enjoys traveling, gardening and spending time with his family and dogs.

 

Kevin B. Decker, Jr.

Director of Admissions & Marketing 

 Kevin began working in the mental health field at the early age of 12 as a volunteer for the state of North Carolina. During his 2 ½ years of volunteer service, he was awarded the North Carolina Volunteer of the Year by The Honorable James B Hunt, Jr., Governor of North Carolina in 1994. After high school, Kevin began working at the state mental health facility in Morganton, North Carolina as a residential supervisor.

After 11 years of service to the state, he began working at Stone Mountain School, a therapeutic boarding school in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Kevin then focused his career in the education field as the Director of Student Services, Associate Dean of Students, and Director Consultant Relations at an independent boarding school in Atlanta, GA. He then worked as Director of Admissions/Marketing for the east coast for Sedona Sky Academy and Ashcreek Ranch Academy. Most recently, Kevin was a Group Home Director for RHA in Asheville, NC.

Kevin has his degree in Business from American Intercontinental University. When Kevin is not working, he with his family and their 3 dogs, Otis, Moo & Shelby.

 

 

Talina Dehler, HS-BCP

Director of Program Services

Talina is a native of the Oconee area. She brings to Whetstone twelve years experience working with adolescents in a therapeutic environment. Her experience has included positions as a Primary Counselor, Admissions Coordinator, and most recently the Director of Student Services. She has an Associate’s Degree and Bachelor's Degree in Human Services as well as certificates in mental health and substance abuse treatment. Talina also holds a certification as a Human Service-Board Certified Practitioner. In addition, Talina has six years experience working with victims of sexual assault. Her compassion and commitment for others can be seen through her interactions with the boys and their families.  Talina enjoys working with families because in her words “There is nothing more rewarding then getting to see a family’s success.” 

James Holcomb

Director of Operations and Human Resources

Teacher: Science and Social Studies Teacher

James graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education in 2005.  He taught middle school science for 3 years in the public school system in South Carolina before moving to the therapeutic boarding school setting.  James has accumulated over 8 years of experience working with boys in this setting.  He has served various roles including:  counselor, direct care staff, soccer coach, day and weekend manager, and teacher in therapeutic boarding schools.  James is a vital team member at Whetstone Academy that is avid about the continual improvement of the program.  He loves to literally get dirty in the school garden and on the field playing flag football.  He also understands setting firm boundaries while adhering to the idea of unconditional positive regard for all our boys at Whetstone Academy.

 

Daniel Capps

Director of Academics

Daniel is a native of South Carolina.  He graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education.  Upon completion of coursework at Clemson, Daniel worked in numerous classroom settings, most often supporting students with disabilities.  Once at Whetstone, Daniel received his Upper Elementary Montessori certification through North American Montessori Center (NAMC), which he implements day to day in guiding his students through academic concepts. Daniel believes that students become most pliable when a healthy rapport is kindled between the student and adult.  Doing his best to offer a positive, engaging learning experience, Daniel guides and directs his students in finding their strengths and weaknesses in order to recognize and utilize their full potential throughout their academic journey.

Butch Clay

Director of Erdkinder

 

 

Dr. April Richardson

Psyhiatrist

Dr. Richardson is an Adult, Child and Adolescent, and Forensic Psychiatrist. Dr. Richardson provides treatment to a wide range of child, adolescent, and adult psychiatric illnesses including: depression, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, autistic spectrum disorders, ADHD, and substance use.

She is also available for consultation and forensic evaluations in both criminal and civil matters. This can include: Competency to Stand Trial and/or Criminal Responsibility evaluations, Psychiatric Disability evaluations, Independent Psychiatric evaluations, Workers Compensation, and Personal Injury/Psychiatric Harm evaluations. Dr. Richardson is also trained in both ChildFirst and Advanced ChildFirst, which is a nationally established training program for child abuse evaluations.

Dr. Richardson received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and attended medical school at Michigan State University. Dr. Richardson then completed her training in Adult Psychiatry at the University of South Carolina/Palmetto Health Alliance. She completed additional training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry at the University of South Carolina/Palmetto Health Alliance. Dr. Richardson is board certified in Adult Psychiatry, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and Forensic Psychiatry.