Facility profile North Carolina

Magnolia Mill School

Formerly Solstice East

Closed Weaverville, North Carolina

Magnolia Mill School was a residential treatment center in Weaverville, North Carolina, operated by Family Help & Wellness. It operated from 2024 to 2025.

About Magnolia Mill School

It opened new East Coast expansion of Solstice, scheduled to open in Asheville, NC.source It was listed as closed, year given: 2024.source Merger with Asheville Academy for Girls announced, to be called Asheville Academy.source It was rebranding as Magnolia Mill School.source

It cost $10,000-12,000 per month.source 9 to 12 months reported, usually longer.source Transition program The Journey Home East.source It was located in Weaverville, NC (Solstice East).source

It was a member of NATSAP since 2012.source

Survivor testimony

What people who lived or worked here say happened. Survivors' own words are published with their permission; forum accounts are what was posted publicly and are reported as claims, not findings.

Reported on survivor forums

Timeline

From the records: who ran it and the deals that moved it, its names, and the deaths, incidents, inspection findings, lawsuits and news stories on file. Point at an event, or tap "More about this", for the details.

2015201620192020202120242025202620152026

  1. 2015

    1. Incident

      Incident

      A survivor reports one therapist worked without a license for a year in 2015.

      Incident

      source

  2. 2016

    1. Incident

      Sexual abuse

      A survivor reports two staff tried to engage with her sexually as a minor and a third tried an inappropriate relationship, between 2014 and 2016.

      Sexual abuse

      source

  3. 2019

    1. IncidentAugust 2019

      Lawsuit

      In August 2019 a former resident sued alleging she was given five times the proper dose of Lamictal for two days in 2015 and then kept on an excessive dose...

      Lawsuit August 2019

      In August 2019 a former resident sued alleging she was given five times the proper dose of Lamictal for two days in 2015 and then kept on an excessive dose; the lawsuit was dismissed.

      source

    2. IncidentAugust 20, 2019

      Lawsuit

      On August 20 2019 a former resident filed a lawsuit alleging medical malpractice including a Lamictal overdose, breach of contract and unfair practices; it was dismissed.

      Lawsuit August 20, 2019

      source

    3. Lawsuit

      Court opinion - Magnolia Mill School

      Court opinion - Magnolia Mill School

      Scott and Nicole Goss appealed a trial court decision involving Solstice East, LLC. The North Carolina Court of Appeals reviewed the matter and issued an unpublished opinion. The document provides basic appellate docket and counsel information for the case.

      Outcome: An unpublished opinion was issued by the Court of Appeals of North Carolina.

      Court
      Court of Appeals of North Carolina
      Case number
      COA18-1158
      Status
      Unknown

      All lawsuits on record

    4. Lawsuit

      lawsuit

      lawsuit

      Parents filed a lawsuit against a residential treatment center alleging breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty after their daughter was administered an excessive dosage of prescription medication and subjected to isolation during her placement.

      Outcome: Trial court orders granting motions to dismiss without prejudice affirmed.

      Court
      Court of Appeals of North Carolina
      Case number
      COA18-1158
      Status
      Unknown

      All lawsuits on record

  4. 2020

    1. Incident

      Investigation

      A late-2020 North Carolina DHS report found 115 medication errors and 21 restrictive interventions over 10 clients between March and October 2020.

      Investigation

      source

  5. 2021

    1. Incident

      Abuse

      Survivors report residents were routinely put in violent restraints and isolated in the basement.

      Abuse

      source

    2. IncidentMarch 6, 2021

      Incident

      On March 6 2021 the Citizen Times published an investigative report in which several survivors recount abuse at the program.

      Incident March 6, 2021

      source

  6. 2024

    1. New name

      Renamed Magnolia Mill School

      It had been Solstice East.

    2. Opened

      Opened in Weaverville, North Carolina

  7. 2025

    1. Closed

      Closed

  8. 2026

    1. Essential reportingJanuary 17, 2026

      Adopted and Locked Away: Kids promised ‘forever homes’ instead confined in for-profit institutions

      The Associated Press: The Associated Press found adopted children sent to for-profit treatment programs, where many were restrained, abused or neglected.

      Adopted and Locked Away: Kids promised ‘forever homes’ instead confined in for-profit institutions January 17, 2026

      The article investigates the 'troubled teen industry', a network of for-profit residential treatment centers, wilderness programs, and boarding schools, and its impact on adopted children. Many adopted children are sent to these facilities, where they often experience physical restraint, abuse, and neglect.

      Read the article

As Solstice East

until 2024 | Solstice RTC

Lawsuits

  • Court opinion - Magnolia Mill School 2019 | Unknown | Court of Appeals of North Carolina | COA18-1158 Names this facility

    Outcome: An unpublished opinion was issued by the Court of Appeals of North Carolina.

    Scott and Nicole Goss appealed a trial court decision involving Solstice East, LLC. The North Carolina Court of Appeals reviewed the matter and issued an unpublished opinion. The document provides basic appellate docket and counsel information for the case.

  • lawsuit 2019 | Unknown | Court of Appeals of North Carolina | COA18-1158 Names this facility

    Outcome: Trial court orders granting motions to dismiss without prejudice affirmed.

    Parents filed a lawsuit against a residential treatment center alleging breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty after their daughter was administered an excessive dosage of prescription medication and subjected to isolation during her placement. The trial court granted the defendant's motions to dismiss the claims under Rule 12(b)(6), concluding that the claims arose from medical treatment and constituted medical malpractice. On appeal, the North Carolina Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court's dismissal of the claims.

Incidents on record

  1. 2015 Incident

    A survivor reports one therapist worked without a license for a year in 2015.source

  2. 2016 Sexual abuse

    A survivor reports two staff tried to engage with her sexually as a minor and a third tried an inappropriate relationship, between 2014 and 2016.source

  3. August 2019 Lawsuit

    In August 2019 a former resident sued alleging she was given five times the proper dose of Lamictal for two days in 2015 and then kept on an excessive dose; the lawsuit was dismissed.source

  4. August 20, 2019 Lawsuit

    On August 20 2019 a former resident filed a lawsuit alleging medical malpractice including a Lamictal overdose, breach of contract and unfair practices; it was dismissed.source

  5. Lawsuit

    Solstice East faced a lawsuit by a former resident alleging medical malpractice.source

  6. 2020 Investigation

    A late-2020 North Carolina DHS report found 115 medication errors and 21 restrictive interventions over 10 clients between March and October 2020.source

  7. Investigation

    A North Carolina DHS investigation of Solstice East found 115 medication errors and 21 restrictive interventions across 10 clients.source

  8. 2021 Abuse

    Survivors report residents were routinely put in violent restraints and isolated in the basement.source

  9. Abuse

    Survivors report residents who broke rules were placed on Basement Restriction, staying in the basement 24/7 and sleeping on the floor with lights on.source

  10. March 6, 2021 Incident

    On March 6 2021 the Citizen Times published an investigative report in which several survivors recount abuse at the program.source

  11. Abuse

    Survivors of Solstice East report violent restraints, isolation, attack therapy, discrimination, physical, emotional and sexual abuse and severe medical neglect.source

As Magnolia Mill School

2024 to 2025 | Family Help & Wellness

News coverage

  • The Associated Press Jan 17, 2026 Expose

    Adopted and Locked Away: Kids promised ‘forever homes’ instead confined in for-profit institutions

    Essential reporting

    The Associated Press found adopted children sent to for-profit treatment programs, where many were restrained, abused or neglected.

    The article investigates the 'troubled teen industry', a network of for-profit residential treatment centers, wilderness programs, and boarding schools, and its impact on adopted children. Many adopted children are sent to these facilities, where they often experience physical restraint, abuse, and neglect. The industry is largely unregulated, and facilities often prioritize profits over the well-being of the children in their care.

  • USA TODAY May 11, 2026 Expose

    Asheville Academy and what happens when teen treatment centers close

    Asheville Academy, a residential treatment center in North Carolina, closed suddenly after two student deaths, leaving families who had sent their children there for treatment scrambling to find alternative care. The facility had a history of allegations of abusive practices, including physical restraint and seclusion. Former students have filed lawsuits alleging abuse and misconduct at the program.

  • AP News Apr 28, 2026 Expose

    AP investigation: Adopted kids confined in private for-profit facilities

    This Associated Press investigation uncovers a "shadow orphanage system" where adopted children are disproportionately placed in for-profit residential treatment facilities. These institutions often market themselves to families by misusing the diagnosis of Reactive Attachment Disorder to justify expensive and unregulated "tough-love" programs. Rather than finding support, many children experience systemic abuse, isolation, and neglect in environments focused on profit margins. The report emphasizes that these institutional settings often cause more harm than healing, failing the vulnerable children they were meant to protect.

  • WSOC TV Jan 7, 2026 Lawsuit

    Federal lawsuit details alleged abuse, coercion at now-closed teen programs

    A federal lawsuit has been filed against Wilderness Training & Consulting LLC, alleging that four young adults were subjected to abuse, neglect, and forced labor while minors at Trails Carolina and Solstice East. The plaintiffs claim they were marketed therapeutic treatment but instead experienced coercion, humiliation, and physical restraint. The lawsuit also alleges violations of the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act.

  • Asheville Citizen Times Jan 5, 2026 Lawsuit

    New lawsuit claims abuse, neglect at two Asheville-area teen centers

    A federal lawsuit has been filed against two now-shuttered teen treatment centers in the Asheville area, alleging that residents suffered physical abuse, neglect, and forced labor. The lawsuit claims that the facilities, Trails Carolina and Solstice East, failed to provide adequate care and supervision, and instead used punitive measures to control residents. The plaintiffs allege that they were subjected to various forms of abuse, including physical restraints, strip searches, and humiliation.

  • Asheville Citizen Times Jul 11, 2025 Lawsuit

    In Asheville Academy suit, lack of supervision led to self harm, child and parent say

    A parent and their child, identified as M.C., filed a lawsuit on July 9, 2025 against the now-closed Asheville Academy for Girls and its parent company, Family Help & Wellness, alleging neglect and failure to supervise. The suit claims M.C., then 12, repeatedly self-harmed, ingested dangerous items, and ran away from campus while staff failed to intervene. It also alleges the child was isolated from their parent and denied adequate therapy, despite documented high suicide risk.

  • WLOS ABC 13 News Jun 25, 2025 Closure

    NC state investigation continues despite Asheville Academy's voluntary closure

    Asheville Academy in Weaverville, NC, voluntarily closed in June 2025 after two student suicides in May. Despite the closure, a state investigation continues into conditions described as detrimental to client health and safety. Asheville Academy was fined $45,000 for licensing violations, including inadequate staff training. The facility, previously known as Solstice East and Magnolia Mill, was managed by Wilderness Training & Consulting LLC, which also operated Trails Carolina.

  • Spectrum News 1 Jun 18, 2025 Closure

    Asheville Academy Fined $45,000 Following State Child Safety Investigation

    State health officials issued $45,000 in fines to Asheville Academy following an investigation that found multiple child safety violations, including inadequate staff supervision, failure to protect residents from potential abuse, and lack of valid CPR certification for staff members. The residential facility, operated by Wilderness Training & Consulting, closed voluntarily following two resident deaths by suicide in May.

  • WLOS May 22, 2024 Corporate

    North Carolina wilderness program's license issues raise concerns for related facilities

    State regulators are reviewing licensing and regulatory concerns surrounding Trails Carolina following a death by suicide of a 12-year-old camper in February 2024. Investigative reports examine the facility's corporate connections through Wilderness Training & Consulting LLC and Family Help & Wellness to other residential and wilderness programs in North Carolina and nationwide.

Staff

Administration

  • Kyle S. Gillett

    Former Executive Director (2012)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

    • Telos RTC Assistant Clinical Director, Research Director, Primary Therapist, Therapist, Assistant Clinical Director, Therapist and Assistant Clinical Director, Therapist, Assistant Clinical Director, 2005
    • Solstice West Founder, Founder, Program Director, Clinical Director, Therapist, Admissions Director, Admissions and Marketing Director, Founder, Program Director, Admissions/Founder, Therapist/Marketing Dir., 2008-2025
    • the Executive Director of the program
    • Equinox RTC Former Executive Director and a Founding Partner

  • Sarah Hollis

    Former Addictions Program Director (2013)source

  • Megan Simpson

    Former Neurofeedback Administrator, Therapist (2024, r/troubledteens wiki)source

  • Brian Tomas

    Former Head of Schoolsource

  • Charlie Falatea

    Former Executive Directorsource

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • MaKenzee Townsend

    Former Program Directorsource

  • Ryn Blecke

    Former Head of Schoolsource

Notable staff

  • Sharon Findlay

    Former Admissions Director (2013)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Kristina Urquhart

    Former Staff (2012)source

  • Susan Elaine

    Former Primary Therapist (2013)source

  • Kathryn S. Huffman

    Former Staff (2013)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Jennifer "Jenny" Selent

    Former First Clinical Directorsource

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Wes Selent

    Former Program Director (2025, r/troubledteens wiki)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Bryan Tomes

    Former Foundersource

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Rick Pollard

    source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Danielle Andrews

    Former Executive Directorsource

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Caitlin Crolley

    source

  • Georgia DeFrancia

    Former Assistant Clinical Director and a Therapistsource

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Kris Archer

    Former Executive Directorsource

    Elsewhere in the industry

    • Alpine Academy Family Teacher, 2010
    • Solstice West Director of Business Development, 2016-2017
    • Certified Educational, Recreational, and Therapeutic Schools and Programs (CERTS) Marketing and Outreach Director, 2021
    • New Haven RTC Admissions Counselor and Outreach Director, Admissions Counselor/Outreach, 2015
    • Utah Youth Village family teacher
    • CERTS marketing director

  • Becca Jefferies

    source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Bri Anicetti

    source

  • Sarah Matulich

    Former Senior Lead Mentorsource

    Elsewhere in the industry

    • the program's Fitness Director
    • the program's Executive Clinical Director
    • Victoria's Secret
    • Asheville Academy for Girls Former Senior Instructor (2011)

  • Carla Shorts

    Former Founder and Executive Directorsource

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Kim Gregory

    Former Program Directorsource

    Elsewhere in the industry

    • a CNA at the Brian Center and the Yancey House

  • Carol Sowers

    Former Academic Director (2024, r/troubledteens wiki)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

    • the program since 2017
    • a variety of public and preparatory schools

  • Meg Narea

    Former Director of Family Services (2024, r/troubledteens wiki)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

    • several treatment programs for teenagers and adults

  • Audrey Tanner

    Former Therapist (2024, r/troubledteens wiki)source

  • Ben Chamberlain

    Former Math Teachersource

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Chandler Ray

    Former Mentor, then intern (2018, r/troubledteens wiki)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Dan Hadley

    Former Executive Clinical Director, Psychiatrist, Therapistsource

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Dan Keith

    Former Therapist (2019, r/troubledteens wiki)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Emily Lamb

    Former Mentor (2018-2025, r/troubledteens wiki)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Joey Bane

    Former Therapist (2024, r/troubledteens wiki)source

  • Julia Sanchez

    Former Therapist (2024, r/troubledteens wiki)source

  • Kristin Adams

    Former Therapistsource

  • Leslie Rosenberg

    Former Staffsource

  • Margo Murphy

    Former Therapistsource

  • Melissa J. Villodas

    Former Therapist (2015-2025, r/troubledteens wiki)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Natalie Hollenback

    Former Direct Care Staffsource

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Sophie Williams

    Former Therapist (2024, r/troubledteens wiki)source

  • Andrea Carlstrom

    Former Staffsource

  • Anna White

    Former Therapistsource

  • Brinkley Werley

    Former Therapist/Director of Journey Homesource

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Danielle Manion

    Former Team Leadersource

  • Danielle Willis

    Former Team Leadersource

  • Gaynor Mulrooney

    Former Human Resourcessource

  • Kimberly Peterson

    Former Admissionssource

  • Lanae Kimber

    Former Staffsource

    Elsewhere in the industry

    • Brighton Center’s Homeward Bound Shelter Staff
    • Uinta Academy Admissions and Outreach Director
    • the Program Director of Uinta Academy
    • Solstice West Therapist

  • Mark Dunn

    Former Therapistsource

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Megan Harrah

    Former Mentorsource

  • Mona Rice

    Former Psychiatristsource

  • Nate Pack

    Former Art Teachersource

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Noah Granade

    Former Mentorsource

  • Rob Jacoby

    Former Therapistsource

    Elsewhere in the industry

    • Asheville Academy Equine Therapist, 2012
    • Glen Willow Academy Former Lead Clinician, Clinical Team; Equine Therapy Program (2011)

  • Sarah Lewis-Fernandez

    Former Therapistsource

  • Tiffany Sauls

    Former Psychiatristsource

  • Tim Doyle

    Former Mentorsource

  • Zac Tompkins

    Former Therapistsource

Connections on the network map

The companies, people and programs our research map ties to this program. Open it on the network map.

Ownership

Documents

Documents on file (5)
Woodbury Reports Mentions (3)

From the Unsilenced archive

26 documents about Magnolia Mill School that Unsilenced collected and Kids Over Profits does not hold a copy of. They open on Unsilenced's Google Drive. Their whole folder: Solstice East.

Documents (26)

From SCIAD NET

1 document about Magnolia Mill School that Kids Over Profits does not hold a copy of. SCIAD NET keeps it on Google Drive, where it opens.

Wiki entries

Materials and links

Licensing and inspection reports

Advertising and marketing listings

Reference and research

1 of these from SCIAD NET.

Other links

Record updated . Generated from the Kids Over Profits facility database. Suggest a correction