Facility profile Texas

Meridell Achievement Center

Formerly Westwood Boys Ranch, Westwood Program

Open Liberty Hill, Texas

Meridell Achievement Center is a residential treatment center in Liberty Hill, Texas, operated by Universal Health Services (UHS). It has operated since 1961.

About Meridell Achievement Center

Both campuses sold to Universal Health Services.source Westwood Boys Ranch merged with Meridell Achievement Center.source Cedar Park (Windridge) program moved onto the Westwood campus in Liberty Hill.source Jollyville campus moved to Cedar Park, renamed Windridge.source It was run by Universal Health Services.source

Its address was 12550 W State Hwy 29, Liberty Hill, TX 78642.source It sat on original 5-acre campus in Jollyville, TX.source Four-level system with Individual Specialized Plans; three houses (Bunk House, La Aasas, Ranch House).source Neurobehavioral specialty program for adolescents with aggressive and impulsive behaviors added.source

It was originally a daycare and residential program for boys and girls aged 5 to 17.source It had a 300-acre Westwood boys ranch campus in Liberty Hill.source 1, source 2 It had a Westwood Behavioral Campus.source It had a Windridge Neurological Campus, in another town near Liberty Hill.source 1, source 2

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.

196119731980199820102015202120222025202619612026

  1. 1961

    1. Opened

      Opened in Liberty Hill, Texas

  2. 1973

    1. Incident

      Investigation

      A 1973 Illinois report said Meridell officials wined and dined Illinois Welfare Department workers to get more out-of-state students, and that three Texas...

      Investigation

      A 1973 Illinois report said Meridell officials wined and dined Illinois Welfare Department workers to get more out-of-state students, and that three Texas Welfare Department officials held part-time jobs at Meridell while on the state regulator's payroll.

      source

  3. 1980

    1. Incident

      Lawsuit

      Meridell was sued in 1980 for authorizing an allegedly unnecessary hysterectomy of a young girl in the program.

      Lawsuit

      source

  4. 1998

    1. Incident

      Injury

      The survivor reported a boy on Tegretol collapsed twice playing football in 90+ degree heat while staff monitored him (1998-1999).

      Injury

      source

    2. Incident

      Abuse

      A survivor told HEAL that Meridell neglected, misdiagnosed and over-drugged students and likely used them for experimentation for the University of Texas (1998-1999 stays).

      Abuse

      source

  5. 2010

    1. Incident

      Abuse

      HEAL had received over 25 e-mails and calls alleging abuse and violations at Meridell (as of 2010).

      Abuse

      source

  6. 2015

    1. IncidentNovember 2015

      Arrest

      A nurse was arrested in November 2015 after reportedly putting an 8-year-old resident in a choke hold and was charged with injury to a child.

      Arrest November 2015

      source

  7. 2021

    1. Inspections

      State inspectors recorded 2 serious findings

      2 physical abuse or assault.

      State inspectors recorded 2 serious findings

      Aug 23, 2021: A staff member was observed on video to swing and hit a child in care multiple times, wrestled with the child and placed the child in an improper restraint where the child appeared to be knocked to the ground and have the staff member's arm across their neck.

      Aug 23, 2021: A caregiver was observed on video using an improper restraint that was not a permitted technique allowed by the operation.

      Read the findings

  8. 2022

    1. Inspections

      State inspectors recorded 2 serious findings

      2 physical abuse or assault.

      State inspectors recorded 2 serious findings

      Aug 30, 2022: During the course of the investigation, it was determined a child in care was physically abused by a caregiver when he was choked.

      Mar 11, 2022: It was discovered during investigation a staff member shoved a child in care during a verbal discussion.

      Read the findings

  9. 2025

    1. Inspections

      State inspectors recorded 2 serious findings

      Physical abuse or assault, hospitalisation.

      State inspectors recorded 2 serious findings

      Feb 11, 2025: An inappropriate restraint was completed by a staff on a child.

      Dec 21, 2025: Despite earlier instructions from a doctor that the child needed emergency room treatment, the child was not taken to the ER until 9:37 PM

      Read the findings

  10. 2026

    1. Inspections

      State inspectors recorded 2 serious findings

      2 physical abuse or assault.

      State inspectors recorded 2 serious findings

      Jun 20, 2026: Through interviews it was determined that a staff threatened to kick a child due to allergies, after a child attempted to hug her after animal therapy.

      May 5, 2026: A staff member pushed a child after the child hit them with a stuffed animal.

      Read the findings

As Westwood Boys Ranch

1961 to 1967

Nothing on record is dated to these years yet.

As Westwood Program

from 1967

Serious violations

Physical abuse or assault Inspected Aug 30, 2022

During the course of the investigation, it was determined a child in care was physically abused by a caregiver when he was choked.

From the TX inspection report. Risk level: High

Physical abuse or assault Inspected Aug 23, 2021

A staff member was observed on video to swing and hit a child in care multiple times, wrestled with the child and placed the child in an improper restraint where the child appeared to be knocked to the ground and have the staff member's arm across their neck.

Several nurses were observed on video to not intervene when a child was placed in a supine hold [...]

Read the whole finding

A staff member was observed on video to swing and hit a child in care multiple times, wrestled with the child and placed the child in an improper restraint where the child appeared to be knocked to the ground and have the staff member's arm across their neck.

Several nurses were observed on video to not intervene when a child was placed in a supine hold and when another caregiver was hitting a child.

From the TX inspection report. Risk level: High

Physical abuse or assault Inspected Jun 20, 2026

Through interviews it was determined that a staff threatened to kick a child due to allergies, after a child attempted to hug her after animal therapy.

From the TX inspection report. Risk level: Medium High

Physical abuse or assault Inspected May 5, 2026

A staff member pushed a child after the child hit them with a stuffed animal.

From the TX inspection report. Risk level: Medium

Physical abuse or assault Inspected Feb 11, 2025

An inappropriate restraint was completed by a staff on a child.

From the TX inspection report. Risk level: Medium High

Physical abuse or assault Inspected Mar 11, 2022

It was discovered during investigation a staff member shoved a child in care during a verbal discussion.

From the TX inspection report. Risk level: Medium High

Physical abuse or assault Inspected Aug 23, 2021

A caregiver was observed on video using an improper restraint that was not a permitted technique allowed by the operation.

From the TX inspection report. Risk level: Medium High

Hospitalisation Inspected Dec 21, 2025

Despite earlier instructions from a doctor that the child needed emergency room treatment, the child was not taken to the ER until 9:37 PM

From the TX inspection report. Risk level: High

Incidents on record

  1. 1973 Investigation

    A 1973 Illinois report said Meridell officials wined and dined Illinois Welfare Department workers to get more out-of-state students, and that three Texas Welfare Department officials held part-time jobs at Meridell while on the state regulator's payroll.source

  2. 1980 Lawsuit

    Meridell was sued in 1980 for authorizing an allegedly unnecessary hysterectomy of a young girl in the program.source

  3. 1998 Injury

    The survivor reported a boy on Tegretol collapsed twice playing football in 90+ degree heat while staff monitored him (1998-1999).source

  4. 1998 Abuse

    A survivor told HEAL that Meridell neglected, misdiagnosed and over-drugged students and likely used them for experimentation for the University of Texas (1998-1999 stays).source

  5. 2010 Abuse

    HEAL had received over 25 e-mails and calls alleging abuse and violations at Meridell (as of 2010).source

  6. November 2015 Arrest

    A nurse was arrested in November 2015 after reportedly putting an 8-year-old resident in a choke hold and was charged with injury to a child.source

  7. Arrest

    A survivor reports a Recreation Therapist was arrested for possession of methamphetamines and marijuana on campus.source

Incidents on record

  1. Abuse

    Survivors report excessive and violent physical restraints, isolation lasting days to weeks, emotional and physical abuse, medical neglect, verbal harassment and a punitive levels system.source

  2. Incident

    HEAL classifies Meridell Achievement Center as a Confirmedly Abusive program.source

Videos

Escaped Juveniles From the Westwood Boys Ranch Are Apprehended - April 1977 Watch on YouTube
Nurse charged with injuring child Watch on YouTube
1 of 2

Staff

Administration

  • Wayne Lippold

    Founder (1961-2003, r/troubledteens wiki)source

  • Byron Stone

    Program Directorsource

Notable staff

  • Janet and Wayne Lippold

    Founder (1961-2010, r/troubledteens wiki)source

  • Justin Johnson

    Nurse (2015, r/troubledteens wiki)source

  • Alan Reiman

    Director of Business Developmentsource

  • Carlin Troy

    Nurse/Directorsource

  • Dan Matthews

    Neuropharmacologistsource

  • David Reed

    LCSWsource

    Elsewhere in the industry

    • Blueprint Education Curriculum Director
    • Blue Ridge International Academy Assistant Education Director

  • David Riedel

    Medical Directorsource

  • Glenda Kroll

    Medical Directorsource

  • Holly Kerby

    Nursesource

  • James Hageman

    Attending Psychiatristsource

  • Janet Fish

    Business Developmentsource

  • Janet Stroman

    Nursesource

  • Jennifer Miller

    Director of Special Projectssource

  • Jerry Romer

    Intake Directorsource

  • John Seals

    Neurologistsource

  • Kathleen Redlin

    Mental Health Technician/Youth Care Counselorsource

  • Kathy Reiman

    Nursesource

  • Kevin Linder

    History Teachersource

  • Larry Fisher

    Neurologistsource

  • Lori Holland

    Business Developmentsource

  • Lynn Head

    Nursesource

  • Marsha Whited

    Intakesource

  • Nichole Rust

    Business Developmentsource

  • Ray Johns

    Charge Nurse: La Casa Unitsource

  • Shannon Baldwin

    Program Coordinator/Recreation Therapysource

  • Steve Goodnow

    Nursesource

  • Tatum Moore

    Therapistsource

  • Wendy Hercliff

    Business Developmentsource

Licensing and inspections

License category
General Residential Operation
Licensed capacity
134
License expires
1985-11-08
Licensing action
Full Permit
Phone on file
(512) 528-2109
Licensed address
12550 W State Highway 29, Liberty Hill, TX 78642

135 inspection reports on file. Search all Texas reports

The newest 25 reports, by date: 24 findings in 24 reports
  1. Jul 30, 2026 748.507(1) - Employee general responsibilities-Demonstrate competency, prudent judgment, self-control in presence of children and when performing assigned tasks
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium High : 748.507(1) - Employee general responsibilities-Demonstrate competency, prudent judgment, self-control in presence of children and when performing assigned tasks

      During the course of the investigation, it was determined that a caregiver used derogatory language in the presence of children.

  2. Jun 20, 2026 748.507(1) - Employee general responsibilities-Demonstrate competency, prudent judgment, self-control in presence of children and when performing assigned tasks
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium High : 748.507(1) - Employee general responsibilities-Demonstrate competency, prudent judgment, self-control in presence of children and when performing assigned tasks

      Through interviews it was determined that a staff threatened to kick a child due to allergies, after a child attempted to hug her after animal therapy. Through interviews it was determined that staff showed a child in care her medication, allowing her to grab and ingest the pills. Through interviews it was determined that staff are bribing children in care for privileges and to take away consequences.

  3. Jun 11, 2026 748.3301(a)(2) - Physical Site- Buildings must be clean and in good repair.
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium : 748.3301(a)(2) - Physical Site- Buildings must be clean and in good repair.

      Concerns were identified during the walk through of the Falcon Unit. There was a clogged toilet, two different rooms had holes in the walls, and paint was peeling in several rooms and halls in the Unit.

  4. Jun 5, 2026 748.311(4) - Serious Incident Documentation-Includes names of all adults involved and their role in relation to the child(ren)
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium : 748.311(4) - Serious Incident Documentation-Includes names of all adults involved and their role in relation to the child(ren)

      Review of the Serious Incident Report showed only one staff involved was listed and the other staff were not. No child witnesses were listed and the incident occurred in an area where other children and staff were present and could see the incident.

  5. May 21, 2026 748.2455(a)(2) - Emergency Behavior Intervention-Basis for EBI is an emergency situation or to administer medication
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium High : 748.2455(a)(2) - Emergency Behavior Intervention-Basis for EBI is an emergency situation or to administer medication

      An emergency medication was administered to a child during a nonemergency situation. This led to a personal restraint being used that was avoidable.

  6. May 21, 2026 748.507(1) - Employee general responsibilities-Demonstrate competency, prudent judgment, self-control in presence of children and when performing assigned tasks
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium High : 748.507(1) - Employee general responsibilities-Demonstrate competency, prudent judgment, self-control in presence of children and when performing assigned tasks

      A child threatened to fight staff, and a staff member did not demonstrate control when they responded telling the child to just do it.

  7. May 19, 2026 748.685(a)(3) - Caregiver responsibility - being aware of and accountable for each child's on-going activity
    1 finding

    • Risk level: High : 748.685(a)(3) - Caregiver responsibility - being aware of and accountable for each child's on-going activity

      Staff failed to complete required 15 minute checks as 2 children were able to engage in inappropriate activity in a bathroom for 18 minutes.

  8. May 5, 2026 748.2301(c) - Disciplinary Measures-goal must be to teach a child acceptable behavior and self-control; caregiver must explain reason for discipline when imposed
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium : 748.2301(c) - Disciplinary Measures-goal must be to teach a child acceptable behavior and self-control; caregiver must explain reason for discipline when imposed

      A staff member pushed a child after the child hit them with a stuffed animal.

  9. Feb 22, 2026 748.303(a)(6)(A) - Serious Incident-Report to Licensing no later than 24 hours after becoming aware that child is indicted, charged, or arrested or when police respond.
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium : 748.303(a)(6)(A) - Serious Incident-Report to Licensing no later than 24 hours after becoming aware that child is indicted, charged, or arrested or when police respond.

      During the course of the investigation, it was determined that the incident resulted in a child being arrested on February 20, 2026. However, the operation did not notify Licensing til the 22nd.

  10. Feb 7, 2026 748.1003(a) - Child/caregiver ratio-Caregiver may care for 5 children if any require tx svcs, 8 children if not; children under 5 yrs old count as 2 children
  11. Feb 7, 2026 748.2307(9) - Other Prohibited Punishments-subjecting a child to abusive or profane language
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium High : 748.2307(9) - Other Prohibited Punishments-subjecting a child to abusive or profane language

      Throughout the course of the investigation, it was determined that there are staff using profanity with children in care.

  12. Jan 6, 2026 748.1007(b)(1) - Child/caregiver ratio-Awake caregiver may care for 15 children if any child in group requires treatment services
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium High : 748.1007(b)(1) - Child/caregiver ratio-Awake caregiver may care for 15 children if any child in group requires treatment services

      Overnight staff interviewed stated the operation has been out of ratio multiple times overnight in the last 2 months.

  13. Dec 21, 2025 748.1553 - Child must be immediately treated by health prof, contact emergency svs or take child to ER for injury/illness requiring treatment by a health prof.
    1 finding

    • Risk level: High : 748.1553 - Child must be immediately treated by health prof, contact emergency svs or take child to ER for injury/illness requiring treatment by a health prof.

      During the investigation, it was determined that a child sustained a head injury while playing basketball and showed symptoms of a concussion at 2:15 PM. Despite earlier instructions from a doctor that the child needed emergency room treatment, the child was not taken to the ER until 9:37 PM

  14. Dec 16, 2025 748.2307(4) - Other Prohibited Punishments-using sarcastic or cruel humor, and verbal abuse
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium High : 748.2307(4) - Other Prohibited Punishments-using sarcastic or cruel humor, and verbal abuse

      A caregiver used inappropriate language to a child in care referring to their self-inflected wound scars, in addition to other comments about children's bodies and religion.

  15. Dec 1, 2025 748.303(a)(2)(A) - AP Serious Incdt-Report to Licensing no later than 24 hours after injury/illness that warrants treatment by a medical professional or hospitalization
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium High : 748.303(a)(2)(A) - AP Serious Incdt-Report to Licensing no later than 24 hours after injury/illness that warrants treatment by a medical professional or hospitalization

      A child's injury and ER visit was reported to the hotline late.

  16. Oct 25, 2025 748.1553 - Child must be immediately treated by health prof, contact emergency svs or take child to ER for injury/illness requiring treatment by a health prof.
    1 finding

    • Risk level: High : 748.1553 - Child must be immediately treated by health prof, contact emergency svs or take child to ER for injury/illness requiring treatment by a health prof.

      During the course of the investigation, it was determined that a child in care sustained a fracture during recreational activity. However, the child had to wait 24 hours before being fully evaluated by a medical professional.

  17. Oct 13, 2025 745.651(1) - Background Check Validation - You must inactivate a subject who is no longer associated with your operation within 7 days of leaving
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium : 745.651(1) - Background Check Validation - You must inactivate a subject who is no longer associated with your operation within 7 days of leaving

      Review of the background checks found a staff left in Nov 2025 but was still active as of 12/10/25. This was also verified by interviews that were conducted.

  18. Oct 13, 2025 748.311(5) - Serious Incident Documentation-Includes names or other means of identifying witnesses to the incident, if any
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium : 748.311(5) - Serious Incident Documentation-Includes names or other means of identifying witnesses to the incident, if any

      Interviews confirmed a child reported this incident to a staff but the child was not listed on the Serious Incident Report. There was also another victim involved but this child was not listed. Only one of the staff involved were listed on the Serious Incident Report.

  19. Oct 4, 2025 748.685(c)(1) - Caregiver responsibility - be aware of children's habits, interests, and any special needs including supervision
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium High : 748.685(c)(1) - Caregiver responsibility - be aware of children's habits, interests, and any special needs including supervision

      A child in care was left unsupervised in the bathroom for several minutes with the door closed. This was not consistent with the child’s precaution plan, which requires staff to maintain line of sight supervision and keep the bathroom door open for safety.

  20. Jun 5, 2025 745.635(2) - AP Background check determination - If ineligible then you must immediately remove subject from operation and confirm to CBCU receipt of notice letter
    1 finding

    • Risk level: High : 745.635(2) - AP Background check determination - If ineligible then you must immediately remove subject from operation and confirm to CBCU receipt of notice letter

      An administrative penalty will be recommended as a result of this citation, per HRC §42.078

  21. Mar 30, 2025 748.507(1) - Employee general responsibilities-Demonstrate competency, prudent judgment, self-control in presence of children and when performing assigned tasks
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium High : 748.507(1) - Employee general responsibilities-Demonstrate competency, prudent judgment, self-control in presence of children and when performing assigned tasks

      Residents interviewed consistently mentioned a staff member used profane language. One staff member was told by several residents that a staff member has use profane language. Another staff member stated he had heard a staff member used profane language.

  22. Mar 30, 2025 748.1003(a) - Child/caregiver ratio-Caregiver may care for 5 children if any require tx svcs, 8 children if not; children under 5 yrs old count as 2 children
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium High : 748.1003(a) - Child/caregiver ratio-Caregiver may care for 5 children if any require tx svcs, 8 children if not; children under 5 yrs old count as 2 children

      Through interviews staff as well as documentation provided, it is determined one of the units on campus was out of ratio during the time of the altercation on 03/30/2025.

  23. Feb 11, 2025 748.2551(b)(2) - EBI Implementation-The caregiver must consider the permitted types of emergency behavior intervention
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium High : 748.2551(b)(2) - EBI Implementation-The caregiver must consider the permitted types of emergency behavior intervention

      An inappropriate restraint was completed by a staff on a child. Staff lunged at the child tackling the child to the ground. A proper hold could not be completed, but staff continued to wrestle with the child for 30-45 seconds until another staff responded.

  24. Jan 22, 2025 748.685(a)(5) - Caregiver responsibility - being able to intervene when necessary to ensure child's safety
    1 finding

    • Risk level: High : 748.685(a)(5) - Caregiver responsibility - being able to intervene when necessary to ensure child's safety

      During the course of the investigation, a staff member admitted they did not intervene when an altercation took place between two children in care.

  25. Jan 11, 2025 748.3301(a)(2) - Physical Site- Buildings must be clean and in good repair.
    1 finding

    • Risk level: Medium : 748.3301(a)(2) - Physical Site- Buildings must be clean and in good repair.

      Grates in 4 of the doors at the gym were found to be bent. The pool was found to be dirty and the bottom could not be seen. Trash was foun through out all of the buildings.

Connections on the network map

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

Acquisitions

  • Universal Health Services Acquired this program (acquired)

Documents

Documents on file (11)
Woodbury Reports Mentions (1)

From SCIAD NET

6 documents about Meridell Achievement Center that Kids Over Profits does not hold a copy of. SCIAD NET keeps them on Google Drive, where they open.

Wiki entries

Materials and links

Government records

Survivor posts and discussion

Reference and research

From SCIAD NET.

Other links

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