Facility profile Utah

OASIS Ascent

Formerly Discovery Academy (1989 to 2022)

Open Millcreek, Utah

OASIS Ascent is a therapeutic boarding school in Millcreek, Utah, operated by Ascent Companies. It has operated since 2022.

About OASIS Ascent

It was part of the RedCliff Ascent family, along with Discovery Ranch and Oxbow.source It was founded by D. Eugene Thorne.source It was run by Ascent Company.source

It cost $95,000 for a ten-month stay (2005/2006).source It was described as uses Positive Control Systems methods like Eagle Ranch Academy and WWASPS.source Stays lasted 6 to 18 months.source It was associated by ownership with RedCliff Ascent, Discovery Ranch, Oxbow Academy and Medicine Wheel.source It believed to be a spin-off of Provo Canyon School.source It was a sister program to RedCliff Ascent, Discovery Ranch, Discovery Ranch For Girls, Discovery Connections and Oxbow Academy.source

It was accredited by Northwest Association of Accredited Schools (NAAS).source It joined NATSAP in 1999.source

As Discovery Academy

1989 to 2022 | Ascent Companies

Lawsuits

  • lawsuit 2007 | Unknown | United States District Court, District of Utah, Central Division | 2:07-cv-755 CW Names this facility

    The Disability Law Center filed a complaint seeking injunctive and declaratory relief against Discovery Academy and its executive director, demanding full access to facility residents and records to investigate alleged abuse and restraint practices. The court granted the defendants' motion for summary judgment, finding that the claims regarding the initial resident were moot and that the plaintiff lacked probable cause to investigate other current residents under the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Act.

Incidents on record

  1. 2001-2012 Investigation

    HEAL obtained Provo Police calls to Discovery Academy from 2001 through September 2012 including reports of child abuse, forcible sexual abuse of a child, three missing children and rape with an instrument/object.source

  2. October 2002 Arrest

    Employee Joseph J. Butler was sentenced in October 2002 to one year in jail and ordered to register as a sex offender.source

  3. July 2002 Criminal charge

    In July 2002 employee Joseph J. Butler pleaded guilty to attempted rape and making a written false statement after a 16-year-old resident reported he raped her.source

  4. 2006 Lawsuit

    A 2006 lawsuit alleges a boy enrolled in 2005 was sexually assaulted by two other residents while the supervising staff member was outside on the phone; the outcome is unknown.source

  5. August 2006 Lawsuit

    A California mother sued Discovery Academy, a Provo boarding school for troubled youth, in August 2006 for at least $200,000 claiming her son was sexually assaulted by other students.source

  6. 2007 Lawsuit

    In 2007 the Disability Law Center sued Discovery Academy in federal court for refusing to release records tied to an investigation into abusive practices; the judge later dismissed the suit.source

News coverage

Staff

Administration

Notable staff

As OASIS Ascent

from 2022 | Ascent Companies

Incidents on record

  1. Reported December 2025 Abuse

    Survivors report emotional, physical and sexual abuse by employees, including being struck, beaten and kicked, and over-restrained by staff.source

  2. Reported December 2025 Abuse

    Survivors report solitary confinement (the 'hole in the wall') was used as punishment, sometimes for weeks or months.source

  3. Reported July 2025 Lawsuit

    A mother sued Discovery Academy in 4th District Court claiming her son was sexually assaulted by other students, seeking at least $200,000.source

  4. Reported December 2025 Sexual abuse

    A survivor reports Dennis (Denny) Thorne, son of founder Dr. Thorne, was accused of raping a 16-year-old student.source

  5. Reported July 2025 Sexual abuse

    HEAL reported that a staff member reportedly sexually assaulted a resident in the kitchen and is believed to no longer be employed.source

  6. Reported December 2025 Sexual abuse

    Survivors report some residents were sexually abused by staff and other students.source

Federal funding

Federal money this program received, as government records, congressional reports and news coverage show it.

Paycheck Protection Program loan

  • 2020: Received a Paycheck Protection Program loan of $913,900, approved April 7, 2020, reporting 148 jobs; $837,922 of it was forgiven. source

News coverage

Staff

Administration

  • Nick Pakidko

    Former Headmaster (2022, HEAL)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Janet Mulitalo

    Assistant Executive Director (2025, r/troubledteens wiki)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

Notable staff

  • D. Eugene Thorne

    source

    Elsewhere in the industry

    • the co-owner of (https://www
    • Provo Canyon School Former Owner and Executive Director, Executive Director, Co-owner (1979-1986)

  • Brent Hall

    Executive Directorsource

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Matt Child

    Clinical Directorsource

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Adam Anderson

    Former Therapist (2022, HEAL)source

  • Alan Barrett

    Former Business Mgr. (2022, HEAL)source

  • Ann Ngatai

    Former Therapist (2022, HEAL)source

  • Annette Reitano

    Former Faculty (2022, HEAL)source

  • Barbara Davis

    Former Admissions (2022, HEAL)source

  • Bekki Saluone

    Former Supervisor (2022, HEAL)source

  • Brian Allred

    Former Therapist (2022, HEAL)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Casey Pehrson

    Former Admissions (2022, HEAL)source

  • Chris Brown

    Former Therapist (2022, HEAL)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

    • Teen Challenge of WNY Program Director, 2012
    • Teen Challenge, Pensacola Emerging Leader's Intern, 2022

  • Christin Prestwich

    Former Admissions/Therapist (2022, HEAL)source

  • Clark DeLange

    Former Faculty (2022, HEAL)source

  • Coleen Gleason

    Former Faculty (2022, HEAL)source

  • Corrie Agnew

    Former Therapist (2022, HEAL)source

  • Cory Dixon

    Former Faculty (2022, HEAL)source

  • Dane Kay

    Former Director (board) (2022, HEAL)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

    • RedCliff Ascent Wilderness Program Owner and Administrator, Owner, 1993-2018
    • Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Industry Council Treasurer, 1996
    • Natsap Treasurer, 2011
    • Discovery Ranch Board of Directors, 2015
    • Adolescent Recovery Services Registered agent, before 2018

  • Delicia Barker

    Former Faculty (2022, HEAL)source

  • Dennis Eugene Thorne

    Former Staff (1989, r/troubledteens wiki)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Derek Farr

    Former Faculty (2022, HEAL)source

  • Don Dixon

    Former Staff/Therapist (2022, HEAL)source

  • Dorothy Ah Quin

    Former Therapist (2022, HEAL)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

    • Discovery Ranch Therapist; defendant in Liparote v. Discovery Ranch, Inc. (2026)

  • E. Gene Shumway

    Former Therapist (2009-2022, HEAL)source

  • Elaine Layosa

    Former Faculty (2022, HEAL)source

  • Erin Wiemers

    Former Faculty (2022, HEAL)source

  • Greg Beveridge

    Former Faculty (2022, HEAL)source

  • Jack Chruma

    Former Faculty (2022, HEAL)source

  • Jackie Rock

    Former Therapist (2022, HEAL)source

  • Janeen Martin

    Former Therapist (2022, HEAL)source

  • Janet Stodmeister

    Former Psychiatry (2022, HEAL)source

  • Jen Festi

    Former Residential (2022, HEAL)source

  • Jim Salisbury

    Former Director (board) (2022, HEAL)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • John Moon

    Former Faculty (2022, HEAL)source

  • Joseph Butler

    Former Staff (2022, HEAL)source

  • Justin Reeves

    Former Faculty (2022, HEAL)source

  • Katie Smith

    Former Office Mgr. (2022, HEAL)source

  • Keith Lederhaus

    Former Therapist (2022, HEAL)source

  • Keli Huber

    Former Faculty (2022, HEAL)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Kristi Steimle

    Former Registrar (2022, HEAL)source

  • Lance Hall

    Former Therapist (2022, HEAL)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Laura Elliker-Steffens

    Former Residential Director (2022, HEAL)source

  • Linda Whitely

    Former Office Mgr. (2022, HEAL)source

  • Luda Antujchow

    Former Food Services (2022, HEAL)source

  • Mark Edwards

    Former Staff (2022, HEAL)source

  • Marni Reeve

    Former Therapist (2022, HEAL)source

  • Matthew Hendry

    Former Clinical Director (2003, r/troubledteens wiki)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

    • House of Hope/CUATC Therapist/Clinical Director, 1999
    • The Ridge Maine Clinical Director, 2019

  • Momi Tu'ua

    Former Counselor (2022, HEAL)source

  • Monique Hadley

    Former Faculty (2022, HEAL)source

  • Natalie Wood

    Former Faculty (2022, HEAL)source

  • Nate Porter

    Former Supervisor/Therapist (2022, HEAL)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

    • Utah State Hospital Staff, before 2022

  • Nathan Mitchell

    Former Staff (before 2020, HEAL)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Oleg Antujchow

    Former Facilities/Maintenance (2022, HEAL)source

  • Raoul Willard

    Former Therapist (2022, HEAL)source

  • Robert Stoddard

    Former Faculty (2022, HEAL)source

  • Russ McKell

    Former Faculty (2022, HEAL)source

  • Sabrina Gentry

    Former Faculty (2022, HEAL)source

  • Samantha Patient

    Former Girl's Supervisor (2022, HEAL)source

  • Sara Carter

    Former Nurse, Medical Services (2022, HEAL)source

  • Scott Petersen

    Former Director (board) (2022, HEAL)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Sharon Kay

    Former Staff/Therapist (1990s-?) (2022, HEAL)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

    • Four Winds Saratoga Nurse, 2016

  • Steve Nadauld

    Former Director (board) (2022, HEAL)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Steve Petersen

    Former Director (board) (2022, HEAL)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Steve Revelli

    Former Faculty (2022, HEAL)source

  • Tara Huber

    Former Student Services (2022, HEAL)source

  • Thomas Richards

    Former Faculty (2022, HEAL)source

  • Xolani Radebe

    Former Family Coordinator (2022, HEAL)source

  • Laurie Laird

    Former Staff (2021, HEAL)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

    • New Haven RTC Education Director, 2007-2021
    • New Haven Residential Treatment Center Staff, before 2021

Licensing and inspections

Licensed as
OASIS Ascent (DT, RT, OT)
License category
Outpatient Treatment
License expires
12/31/2026
Licensing action
Licensed
Phone on file
8013742121
Licensed address
122 N 600 W, Provo, UT, 84601

57 inspection reports on file. Search all Utah reports

The newest 25 reports, by date: 4 findings in 4 reports
  1. Aug 21, 2026 Focus, Non On-Site (1 finding)
    1 finding

    • Out of compliance, focus, non on-site : R380-600-7(16)(a)-(e) Critical incidents reporting requirements

      Critical incidents reporting requirements

  2. Aug 6, 2026 Investigation Inspection
  3. Jul 28, 2026 Non On-Site Inspection (1 finding)
    1 finding

    • Out of compliance, non on-site inspection : R380-600-7(16)(a)-(e) Critical incidents reporting requirements

      Critical incidents reporting requirements

  4. Jun 10, 2026 Investigation Inspection
  5. Jun 4, 2026 Investigation Inspection
  6. Jun 1, 2026 2nd Unannounced
  7. Apr 30, 2026 Investigation Inspection
  8. Feb 3, 2026 Investigation Inspection
  9. Jan 14, 2026 Unannounced, Annual Inspection
  10. Nov 26, 2025 Investigation Inspection
  11. Oct 30, 2025 Announced, Annual Inspection
  12. Oct 8, 2025 Investigation Inspection
  13. Aug 14, 2025 3rd Unannounced
  14. Aug 5, 2025 Investigation Inspection (1 finding)
    1 finding

    • Out of compliance, investigation inspection : R501-19-3(3)(a)-(j) Supervision and ratio requirements

      The licensee is out of compliance with R501-19(3)(a) by failing to provide direct supervision that met supervision requirements. During the investigation the licensor identified that a client that was supposed to be supervised one-on-one and was not supervised one-on-one.

  15. Jul 15, 2025 Investigation Inspection
  16. Jun 4, 2025 Follow-Up Inspection, Non On-Site Inspection
  17. May 28, 2025 2nd Unannounced
  18. Mar 27, 2025 Follow-Up Inspection
  19. Feb 24, 2025 Focus, Non On-Site (1 finding)
    1 finding

    • Out of compliance, focus, non on-site : R380-600-7(16)(a)-(d) Critical incidents reporting requirements

      The provider was out of compliance with this rule by not reporting a critical incident to the Office within one business day. During review of critical incidents it was identified that the incident occurred on 2/19/2025 and was not reported until 2/21/2025.

  20. Feb 13, 2025 Follow-Up Inspection
  21. Jan 30, 2025 Unannounced, Annual Inspection
  22. Jan 16, 2025 Investigation Inspection
  23. Jan 7, 2025 Investigation Inspection
  24. Dec 26, 2024 Investigation Inspection
  25. Dec 19, 2024 Investigation Inspection

Connections on the network map

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

Ownership

  • Ascent Companies

Documents

Documents on file (14)
Woodbury Reports Mentions (14)

From the Unsilenced archive

114 documents about OASIS Ascent that Unsilenced collected and Kids Over Profits does not hold a copy of. They open on Unsilenced's Google Drive. Their folders: OASIS Ascent (DT, RT, OT), Discovery Academy.

Documents (113)
Legal / Penn vs Diamond Ranch Academy / Penn vs Diamond Ranch Academy (1)

From SCIAD NET

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

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

Wiki entries

Materials and links

External links

A program's own website is linked as an archived snapshot, so the page reads as it did when it was captured.

Survivor posts and discussion

Advertising and marketing listings

Reference and research

2 of these from SCIAD NET.

Other links

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