The fearless leader of Wolf Creek Academy has a sense of adventure and tenacity that led him to get off the porch and into action. He loves camping as it allows him to unplug and rejuvenate. He is all about relationships and family. Jeremey and Angela have five sons, (affectionately known as the Tribe of Five), so one would think that he has “enough” family, but the truth is, their family has grown to include many students, families, and coworkers over the years. Building lifelong relationships is easy for Jeremey, “all you have to do is be present on a regular basis, and love people without judgment.” He was taught not to judge people from their exterior by his parents, and the lesson has been continually reinforced by the students he has worked with over the years. Jeremey knows that the students can all do amazing things when we believe in them. “They truly want to be amazing, they simply need someone to see their potential and believe in them!” Jeremey loves watching his boys play sports and is quick to get off the porch and into any game his boys, the students, or the rest of the “family” are playing at the time!

Angela Jones is more than the Vice President of Wolf Creek Academy, she is Jeremey’s right (and sometimes left) hand! She helps to transform his passion into a plan. Together they see it through. These “best friends” have worked in church-based youth ministry, as house parents for at-risk youth, built successful businesses, and raised 5 awesome young men. Angela knows that no student, family, or situation is the same as the next, so it is important to adjust the way we approach each individual and address each situation. When this is done well the lasting impact on the behavior, outlook, and attitude of both the student and their family is truly remarkable! Although success will look different for each student or family, all are capable of attaining success. Angela enjoys camping, snowboarding, and spending quality time with family and friends. Her genuine love for others and desire to see them become the best version of themselves fuels the work she does at Wolf Creek.

John Shelley enjoys thoughtful games of chess with a cup of dark coffee, particularly during cool mornings. Chocolate, pecan pie, hammocks, sweet tea, U2, and Mumford & Sons are some of his favorite things. He finds inspiration in creativity and art. John has been married to his best friend for 6 years and she has been a constant anchor, mirror of God’s mercy, and reflection of His grace. While the setting of Wolf Creek Academy is incredibly beautiful, it is a far cry from the beauty and the love that is evident in how the staff offers guidance, mercy-filled care, and therapy to the adolescence who come to stay here. John’s favorite thing about working at Wolf Creek Academy is knowing that every single teen is cared for, watched over, and provided with therapy according to his or her particular needs. John appreciates that Wolf Creek Academy has a work-place-culture that values serving those in need of help.

With a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and many other certifications and licenses, Amanda knows how to help whoever comes into her care. If there is one thing to say about Amanda, she is certainly qualified. While she may be qualified, she is also a light here at Wolf Creek Academy. Amanda never fails to lighten your day with her presence and smile. Her favorite thing about working at Wolf Creek Academy is doing Family Therapy, helping the families as they work through the process of healing and reconnecting. While working at Wolf Creek, she has learned the importance of the teenage years and how it is the chrysalis for human development. In her free time, Amanda loves to take her two sons swimming, watching them have the time of their lives and listening to the sound of their giggles. We are so grateful to have Amanda as a part of our family here at Wolf Creek Academy.

Elizabeth’s energetic and friendly personality lights up any room she enters. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and her graduate degree from Western Carolina University. Elizabeth loves going to the climbing gym with the students and having the opportunity to boulder with them. She joined the team from a local Wilderness program and loves having deep, engaging conversations with the students and staff. Elizabeth said that one thing she has learned in her time here at Wolf Creek Academy is that no one is ever truly finished working on themselves. Sometimes little victories are the most considerable progress. She loves to swim and recently read Rascal by Sterling North in her off time. Wolf Creek is blessed to have you on the team!

Cynthia’s playful, witty, sarcastic, and fun sense of humor requires you to come into her office ready to laugh. However, that fun is just the tip of the iceberg. Cynthia can make the people she meets feel like family or life-long friends. When we asked Cynthia what her favorite thing about working at Wolf Creek Academy was, she said, “I love the interaction with the children and their families. Wolf Creek Academy is more than just a job or boarding school; it is a family. I love watching these young men and women blossom and grow. These children are wise beyond means, and I look forward to what the future holds for them both at Wolf Creek Academy and in the future.” One of Cynthia’s favorite activities at Wolf Creek is sitting and listening to the students do their morning devotion and discussion. It is a quick look into their minds and hearts.

To say that Rob loves the outdoors is a huge understatement. Whether it is biking, hiking, or traversing glaciers while climbing the world’s tallest peaks, Rob is in for the adventure! He understands the value of a “mountain top experience” and desires to share that experience with each of our Wolf Creek Academy students. However, the highlight of his job comes when the student begins to recognize how much they have grown and experienced while at Wolf Creek and it drives them to be the best version of themselves. Rob knows that as much as we work to serve the students in their growth, we also are impacted and grow as a result of the students’ time with us. Although Rob has earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, he constantly adds more tools to his toolbox through continuing education in Outdoor Activities and safety. Rob might just have the BEST job at Wolf Creek Academy, and he is the perfect person for it!

Jean is an awesome example to our students and staff! Jean loves to get off the porch and out into the fresh air with our students. She enjoys golfing, playing tennis, walking on the beach, and pouring into the lives of others. In addition to almost 30 years of marriage, Jean is also a mother of two amazing young men who are currently pursuing their degrees at Iowa State University. Jean is thankful for the opportunity to serve the Lord by sharing her gifts with the lovely young ladies at Wolf Creek Academy and is surprised to find that He blesses her with just the right amount of patience and grace she needs to get through the day. She is grateful for the staff and students who have become her Wolf Creek Academy Family and the opportunity to laugh every day!

Working at Wolf Creek Academy has reminded Jen of raising and homeschooling her two children. From her first-hand interactions with the students to the completion ceremonies, where we celebrate students completing the C.L.I.M.B. Program, working here reminds her of family. Jen loves the completion ceremonies because she sees the students be proud of themselves and realize that they have accomplished something great that will give them a better future. Jen’s favorite thing about Wolf Creek is the feeling of family and community we have here and knowing that we can provide that to our students. Jen said that if she could have any superpower, she would want to be an empath so she could feel the emotions that others are feeling and better relate to and support the people around her. When she is not on campus, Jen loves spending time with her family and friends, hiking, and reading. We are so blessed to have her on our team!

Charity is a cherished member of our Wolf Creek Academy family. One of her fondest memories here at Wolf Creek involves the 4th of July picnic and fireworks show, where she reveled in water balloon fights, whipped cream attacks, and lively line dances before the fireworks dazzled the night sky. Through her time at Wolf Creek Academy, Charity has learned the invaluable lesson of celebrating each student’s unique strengths rather than fixating on their weaknesses. She draws inspiration from the courage displayed by our students as they conquer their fears and challenges. When she’s not at Wolf Creek, you can find Charity outdoors, enjoying her favorite activity of tossing a frisbee while engaging in lively conversations with friends. She’s an avid reader with a penchant for science fiction, currently immersed in Frank Herbert’s ‘Dune’ while cherishing classics from authors like Andy Weir, Michael Crichton, and Isaac Asimov.

With a background in biblical studies and peer mental health coaching, David finds himself uniquely qualified to work in Direct Care at Wolf Creek Academy. His favorite thing about working at Wolf Creek is knowing that God is using his presence and influence to change the hearts and minds of the students he works with. He enjoys connecting with the students, having deep conversations with them, encouraging them, and sharing the love of Jesus with them. In his spare time, David enjoys gardening, walking his dog, hiking, biking, fishing, and checking out local farmers’ markets. His favorite sport is soccer, and he loves to read! Anything from Tolkien, to CS Lewis, to authors that build and challenge his faith, such as Charles Swindoll, David Zahl, Lucas Kitchen, and Zane Hodges. Our students are building bonds with David over his love for books and music!

Katelyn is a sweet, loving young woman currently pursuing a nursing degree at A-B Tech. She loves learning about behavioral and mental health almost as much as spending time and building relationships with the students. She has joined the team as a Houseparent Assistant and is absolutely crushing it! One of Katelyn’s favorite memories at Wolf Creek Academy is playing laser tag with the girls on an outing. Katelyn loves hiking, especially if the view is beautiful, and loves watching baseball. Her favorite thing about working at Wolf Creek is watching the girls grow and become closer to God throughout their time here. Having Katelyn on the team is a blessing; the love and compassion she has for the students is truly one of a kind.

Trevor is a kindhearted, funny young man studying Physical Therapy at Mars Hill University. Growing up around Wolf Creek Academy, he knew. that when the time came, he would take his place on the team. While a house parent, Trevor has learned that his favorite part about being at Wolf Creek is getting to know and hanging out with the boys. Trevor loves learning from the students, whether learning to solve a Rubix cube or learning to spot recurring behavioral patterns. So far, his favorite memory at Wolf Creek Academy is bowling with the boys. Trevor loves going on walks with his wife in his free time, and if he could have any superpower, he would want to be able to read minds on command. The boys adore Trevor and look forward to any shift that he is working. We are so thankful to have Trevor on our team!

Working at Wolf Creek Academy has reminded Chase that people will often surprise you. Chase is surprised and encouraged to see the boys take the initiative to start their days off on the right foot by accomplishing their chores and setting goals for their days. Some would say the students have the odds stacked against them, but they can and will find a way to rise to the challenge and persevere when given the opportunity. The Wolf Creek Academy students are survivors, and they are just beginning to grasp how capable they are. It is inspiring to work with the Wolf Creek students and their families. When not working, Chase enjoys camping, football, and spending time with friends and family.

Stephen relishes the opportunity to pour love, direction, and Jesus into the lives of the students and families of Wolf Creek Academy. Stephen enjoys hanging out, watching movies, and playing video games with the students. He also looks for opportunities to talk about the important stuff in life and share Godly wisdom. Working with the students at Wolf Creek Academy has taught Stephen that no matter how much we feel we have messed up, we have the opportunity to determine who we want to be going forward. As long as we are alive, we have the opportunity to change who we are today and the legacy we leave tomorrow. Stephen also serves as part of the leadership team for the youth ministry of the Rock Church. His love for Jesus, teenagers, and Wolf Creek Academy is evident through his words, actions, and commitment to all three! Wolf Creek Academy is blessed to have Stephen as part of our House Parent team.

Hannah brings training, experience, passion, a great sense of humor, and a love for animals to our Direct Care team. Her years of experience, Professional Parent training, and classes in adolescent development, psychology, and sociology have Hannah uniquely trained for her role as Direct Care Staff. Her calm demeanor and sense of humor provide balance to her adherence to the structure and rules in the lodge. One of Hannah’s desires is to meet the kids where they are and find common ground and shared interests. She enjoys the opportunity to bring her dog Altas to work with her, and so do the Wolf Creek students. They like to hang out with Atlas and pour attention and affection on him. Hannah is an avid reader citing her favorite book as The Great Gatsby (F Scott Fitzgerald) while currently reading Wild at Heart (John Eldredge).

Twenty years working as a nanny for children ranging from newborns to eighteen years old prepared Suzi to work in Direct Care at Wolf Creek Academy. The fact that five of those kids were Jones boys only made the experience even more applicable! Suzi knows that one of the greatest desires of a teenager is to be heard, and she specializes in listening without judgment. When the teens are open, she is ready and willing to give constructive feedback. Suzi loves playing music for the students and watching how a song can change the mood. Whether it is a dance party in the morning to start the day off on the right foot or group sing-alongs to brighten the afternoon, music can wash the blues away. Her expertise in photography is such a blessing to Wolf Creek Academy for daily candid shots, group events, or senior photos. Many of Suzi’s photos make their way to the Wolf Creek social media pages!

Summer joined the Direct Care staff in May of 2021. Her love for helping people of all ages find their passion and Godly purpose in life has prepared her perfectly for her position at Wolf Creek Academy. Summer enjoys watching the students grow and seeing their excitement as they accomplish something new. She has begun a collection of awesome Wolf Creek experiences thus far, but the opportunity to watch students get baptized currently tops the list. Summer hobbies include hiking in the Western North Carolina wilderness and reading, especially books by her favorite author Francine Rivers.

JD’s laid-back persona and easy-going smile make him someone students relate to quickly. However, it is his quick wit and one-liners that make him a favorite! JD earned his master’s degree in Wildlife Biology from Auburn University and is a huge Auburn Tigers sports fan. This fandom is another way that JD builds relationships with students because you are either an Auburn fan or well… you are not! JD Has a wife and three sons and has been a part of the Jones family and Wolf Creek Academy for over 30 years! He has always enjoyed seeing the look in a teenager’s eye when they learn to do something, they never imagined that they could do. Seeing the joy of overcoming their fears and the confidence it gives them to take on all of life’s challenges is one of his greatest rewards. JD loves the outdoors and enjoys camping and other activities involving nature.

Michael is an experienced professional in the mental health/substance use field. With 19 years of experience working with at-risk adolescents and adults, he has honed his skills through various work settings, including school, psychiatric units, and outpatient community mental health. Along with this, Michael has served as a Youth Pastor at several churches in Wolf Creek Academy due to his ordination as a minister. At Wolf Creek, Michael finds satisfaction in positively impacting the next generation. In his free time, Michael likes to hunt for elk, mule deer, and pronghorn out west. He is also an avid college football fan and supports the Florida State Seminoles.

Vicki is a dedicated member of the team at Wolf Creek Academy. Vicki brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her position, having obtained a 2-year Associate’s Degree and worked for several years at an elementary school as a teaching assistant. At Wolf Creek, Vicki’s favorite thing is the love shown for the kids and the opportunity to treat every child with the same care and concern she would show her own family. She also places a high value on individuality, having learned through her experience at Wolf Creek that everyone has a unique story. When Vicki isn’t busy at work, she enjoys her favorite outdoor activity – camping at the beach. She loves the calming sound of the waves and finds joy in relaxing with her feet in the sand. If she’s not outside, Vicki can be found cozying up with a romance novel written by Danielle Steele.

With a heart for making true connections with the students, showing them love, patience, and guidance, Teresa Ingram is the perfect fit for a Wolf Creek Academy classroom. She brings her Bachelor of Arts in Education and over 30 years of experience as a classroom teacher along with her. Add to the equation, over 30 years of marriage to Ricky and the successful raising of their son Rick, and you have a recipe for success in the classroom! However, it is Teresa’s heart that takes center stage. Her desire to build relationships with the students and staff of Wolf Creek Academy, creating a family for all who are brought here, leads her to invest time and love to build quality connections with our students and families. She is a North Carolina girl who loves to watch Tar Heel Basketball and soak up the sun, sand, and saltwater at the beach. A word of warning to all… watch out for her strange but witty sense of humor!

With an operation the size and scope of Wolf Creek Academy there is always a part of our facilities and properties that can use a little extra TLC and we have just the guy for the job, James Carver! James is the kind of guy who likes to get his hands dirty on a project and loves to leave everything just a little bit better than he found it. With a background in agriculture, construction, and service James is well suited to tackle any project we can throw at him and there is no shortage of projects. James is happily married and has two children. Working at Wolf Creek Academy keeps him close to home and allows him the opportunity to add his family to the Wolf Creek family. His favorite thing about Wolf Creek Academy is that we are one, big, happy, family! He was impressed by this from the very start as his first day was the 2021 Fall Festival. Wolf Creek is blessed to have James and his family as part of our family!

Curtis is a funny, energetic man who knows better than to take life too seriously, bringing an extensive knowledge of the culinary arts with him to the team. Curtis studied at several culinary schools in Indiana and Pennsylvania. After his education, he went on to spend nine years as a Chef at the Biltmore Estate, seven years in fine dining, and almost nine years at UNCA. On campus, he likes to joke around with the students and staff and loves talking with the students about the menu and what they would like to see on it. Outside work, Curtis spends his free time outdoors, whether it be fishing, hunting, or golfing.

Upon his graduation from Western Carolina University, Tanner Jones officially joined the team at Wolf Creek Academy! He brings with him a lifetime of memories and experiences from growing up around Wolf Creek Academy. Among his favorite memories are the tug-of-war competitions across the pond at the Girls’ Campus! Tanner relishes the opportunities for growth Wolf Creek offers. Whether it is the students growing into the best version of themselves or the staff growing as we learn from, and assist one another no matter which department we work in. If he could have any superpower, Tanner would choose teleportation! Not only would teleportation solve the mystery that is Asheville traffic, but he could also travel around the world without the cost of a ticket. Wolf Creek Academy is blessed to welcome Tanner to the team!