Facility profile Utah

West Ridge Academy

Formerly Utah Boys Ranch

Closed West Jordan, Utah

West Ridge Academy was a residential treatment center in West Jordan, Utah. It operated from 1964 to 2025.

About West Ridge Academy

It opened opened two new programs: an Outpatient Clinic and an In-home Services program (TENEO), plus psycho-educational and support groups for adolescents.source West Ridge Academy closed on February 21, 2025.source

The campus formerly housed the Utah Boys Ranch before becoming West Ridge Academy under new management.source Held annual fundraising spring gala, 230+ guests.source It was offering free regional parent seminars on 'Youth in Crisis'.source Therapeutic recreation program awarded 'Outstanding Program' at the Utah Recreation Therapy Association (URTA) Conference, April 2009.source Ken Allen named as the academy's director.source

LDS Church described as a long-time supporter.source LDS Church president David O. McKay donated $10,000.source A new charter school, Eagle Summit Academy, replaces West Ridge's private school on its campus in fall 2016.source Randy Oakley, Program Director (2004).source

The school was accredited through NAAS; clinical program licensed by the State of Utah as a residential treatment center.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.

19642003200520082009201020122016201920202021202519642025

  1. 1964

    1. Opened

      Opened in West Jordan, Utah

  2. 2003

    1. IncidentJune 2003

      Lawsuit

      In June 2003 Director of Academics Paul Keene was named in a lawsuit against Utah Boys Ranch for sexual harassment of a fellow employee.

      Lawsuit June 2003

      source

  3. 2005

    1. New name

      Renamed West Ridge Academy

      It had been Utah Boys Ranch.

  4. 2008

    1. Incident

      Lawsuit

      West Ridge Academy has been the subject of several lawsuits, including two personal injury lawsuits in 2008 and 2010.

      Lawsuit

      source

    2. IncidentNovember 4, 2008

      Abuse

      On November 4, 2008 survivors published YouTube videos alleging they were forced to run laps naked in the snow, scrub toilets with toothbrushes, and endured...

      Abuse November 4, 2008

      On November 4, 2008 survivors published YouTube videos alleging they were forced to run laps naked in the snow, scrub toilets with toothbrushes, and endured extreme physical punishments.

      source

    3. Lawsuit

      Elsey v. West Ridge Academy

      Elsey v. West Ridge Academy

      The case Elsey v. West Ridge Academy was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Utah on May 15, 2008. Plaintiff Tyler Elsey alleges personal injury arising from actions at West Ridge Academy. The filing indicates a diversity jurisdiction and a notice of removal. No further rulings or settlements are indicated in the docket entry.

      Outcome: The case was terminated on June 24, 2008.

      Court
      United States District Court for the District of Utah
      Case number
      2:2008cv00390
      Status
      Closed

      All lawsuits on record

  5. 2009

    1. IncidentJanuary 2, 2009

      Sexual abuse

      On January 2, 2009 a former student published an article alleging rampant physical and sexual abuse at the ranch; Buttars and staff declined a KRCL radio invitation to discuss it.

      Sexual abuse January 2, 2009

      source

  6. 2010

    1. Lawsuit

      Doe et al v. Children and Youth Services et al

      Doe et al v. Children and Youth Services et al

      Doe et al filed a civil action in the United States District Court for the District of Utah on April 9, 2010. The plaintiffs, five individuals identified as John, Jane, Jack, Jim, and Jen Doe, allege personal injury arising under federal law against Children and Youth Services and several individual defendants. The case is listed as a federal question civil suit (28 U.S.C.

      Court
      US District Court for the District of Utah
      Case number
      2:2010cv00313
      Status
      Unknown

      All lawsuits on record

  7. 2012

    1. Incident

      Lawsuit

      In 2012 a former student sued West Ridge Academy in California District court alleging negligence, physical abuse and sexual abuse.

      Lawsuit

      source

  8. 2016

    1. Incident

      Investigation

      Utah's Board of Education initially denied West Ridge Academy's charter school application (Eagle Summit Academy) partly over abuse allegations; a 60-page...

      Investigation

      Utah's Board of Education initially denied West Ridge Academy's charter school application (Eagle Summit Academy) partly over abuse allegations; a 60-page State Office of Education report found several lawsuits but no corroborating evidence.

      source

    2. IncidentMarch 2016

      Abuse

      Former students told Utah education boards that West Ridge staff used violence as discipline; a state review found several lawsuits settled out of court.

      Abuse March 2016

      source

  9. 2019

    1. DeathNovember 15, 2019

      Kirsta Simons, 17, died here

      Died by suicide

      Kirsta Simons, 17, died here November 15, 2019

      source

    2. IncidentNovember 14, 2019

      Death

      On November 14, 2019 a 17-year-old resident sent from Bermuda attempted suicide at WRA and died the next day; she had been on suicide watch and hanged herself...

      Death November 14, 2019

      On November 14, 2019 a 17-year-old resident sent from Bermuda attempted suicide at WRA and died the next day; she had been on suicide watch and hanged herself in the bathroom during shower time.

      source

  10. 2020

    1. IncidentJanuary 2020

      Investigation

      West Jordan police investigated the 2019 death for several months and closed the case in January 2020 after the medical examiner ruled it a suicide.

      Investigation January 2020

      source

    2. IncidentMarch 2020

      License action

      The Utah Office of Licensing closed its case in March 2020 finding West Ridge violated one rule (staff watching the girl should not have been outside the...

      License action March 2020

      The Utah Office of Licensing closed its case in March 2020 finding West Ridge violated one rule (staff watching the girl should not have been outside the bathroom); no disciplinary action was listed.

      source

  11. 2021

    1. Incident

      Arrest

      Staff member Tyler Haun Feinga was fired and later arrested on one count of misdemeanor child abuse after the January 2021 wrist fracture.

      Arrest

      source

    2. IncidentJanuary 4, 2021

      Restraint

      On January 4, 2021 a staff member fractured a teenager's wrist in a gooseneck hold restraint after he was loud in class; the teen was reportedly not taken to...

      Restraint January 4, 2021

      On January 4, 2021 a staff member fractured a teenager's wrist in a gooseneck hold restraint after he was loud in class; the teen was reportedly not taken to the hospital for several days.

      source

    3. IncidentJune 2021

      Lawsuit

      In June 2021 the parents of the girl who died filed a wrongful death lawsuit against West Ridge Academy alleging negligence, negligent hiring, training and...

      Lawsuit June 2021

      In June 2021 the parents of the girl who died filed a wrongful death lawsuit against West Ridge Academy alleging negligence, negligent hiring, training and supervision, emotional distress and willful or wanton misconduct.

      source

  12. 2025

    1. Closed

      Closed

As Utah Boys Ranch

1964 to 2005

Incidents on record

  1. June 2003 Lawsuit

    In June 2003 Director of Academics Paul Keene was named in a lawsuit against Utah Boys Ranch for sexual harassment of a fellow employee.source

  2. Abuse

    A former student described sexual, physical and emotional abuse, suicide, staff corruption and escape at Utah Boys Ranch, a Mormon-funded "tough-love" prep school.source

As West Ridge Academy

2005 to 2025

Deaths on record

Lawsuits

  • Doe et al v. Children and Youth Services et al 2010 | Unknown | US District Court for the District of Utah | 2:2010cv00313 Names this facility

    Doe et al filed a civil action in the United States District Court for the District of Utah on April 9, 2010. The plaintiffs, five individuals identified as John, Jane, Jack, Jim, and Jen Doe, allege personal injury arising under federal law against Children and Youth Services and several individual defendants. The case is listed as a federal question civil suit (28 U.S.C. §1331) and a jury trial was demanded by the plaintiffs. No further rulings or settlements are indicated in the docket summary.

  • Elsey v. West Ridge Academy 2008 | Closed | United States District Court for the District of Utah | 2:2008cv00390 Names this facility

    Outcome: The case was terminated on June 24, 2008.

    The case Elsey v. West Ridge Academy was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Utah on May 15, 2008. Plaintiff Tyler Elsey alleges personal injury arising from actions at West Ridge Academy. The filing indicates a diversity jurisdiction and a notice of removal. No further rulings or settlements are indicated in the docket entry.

Incidents on record

  1. 2008 Lawsuit

    West Ridge Academy has been the subject of several lawsuits, including two personal injury lawsuits in 2008 and 2010.source

  2. November 4, 2008 Abuse

    On November 4, 2008 survivors published YouTube videos alleging they were forced to run laps naked in the snow, scrub toilets with toothbrushes, and endured extreme physical punishments.source

  3. January 2, 2009 Sexual abuse

    On January 2, 2009 a former student published an article alleging rampant physical and sexual abuse at the ranch; Buttars and staff declined a KRCL radio invitation to discuss it.source

  4. 2012 Lawsuit

    In 2012 a former student sued West Ridge Academy in California District court alleging negligence, physical abuse and sexual abuse.source

  5. 2016 Investigation

    Utah's Board of Education initially denied West Ridge Academy's charter school application (Eagle Summit Academy) partly over abuse allegations; a 60-page State Office of Education report found several lawsuits but no corroborating evidence.source

  6. March 2016 Abuse

    Former students told Utah education boards that West Ridge staff used violence as discipline; a state review found several lawsuits settled out of court.source

  7. November 14, 2019 Death

    On November 14, 2019 a 17-year-old resident sent from Bermuda attempted suicide at WRA and died the next day; she had been on suicide watch and hanged herself in the bathroom during shower time.source

  8. January 2020 Investigation

    West Jordan police investigated the 2019 death for several months and closed the case in January 2020 after the medical examiner ruled it a suicide.source

  9. March 2020 License action

    The Utah Office of Licensing closed its case in March 2020 finding West Ridge violated one rule (staff watching the girl should not have been outside the bathroom); no disciplinary action was listed.source

  10. 2021 Arrest

    Staff member Tyler Haun Feinga was fired and later arrested on one count of misdemeanor child abuse after the January 2021 wrist fracture.source

  11. January 4, 2021 Restraint

    On January 4, 2021 a staff member fractured a teenager's wrist in a gooseneck hold restraint after he was loud in class; the teen was reportedly not taken to the hospital for several days.source

  12. June 2021 Lawsuit

    In June 2021 the parents of the girl who died filed a wrongful death lawsuit against West Ridge Academy alleging negligence, negligent hiring, training and supervision, emotional distress and willful or wanton misconduct.source

Videos

video Watch on YouTube
videos Watch on YouTube
West Ridge Academy: Lawsuit filed 1-11-2012 Watch on YouTube
Abuse at Utah's west ridge academy (2008-11-04) Watch on YouTube
1 of 4

Staff

Administration

  • Ken Allen

    Former Executive Director (2006-2009)source

  • Charlie Falatea

    Former Program Director and Strategic Business Developer (2015, r/troubledteens wiki)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Chris Buttars

    Former Executive Directorsource

  • Janet Mulitalo

    Former Executive Director (2016-2025, r/troubledteens wiki)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Landon Kirk

    Former Therapist and Campus Administrator (2005, r/troubledteens wiki)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

    • Change Academy at Lake of the Ozarks (CALO) Therapist, Clinical Director, COO, CEO, CEO, 2007-2016
    • Calo Staff, 2011
    • Embark Behavioral Health Chief Quality & People Officer

  • Lowell L. Bennion

    Former Founder (1964, r/troubledteens wiki)source

  • William L. Hutchinson

    Former Founder (1964, r/troubledteens wiki)source

  • Ken Betts

    Aftercare, after care services director

    Elsewhere in the industry

Notable staff

  • Amy Whittaker

    Former Clinical Assistant, Boy's Clinical Director (2006-2009)source

  • Dr. Ken Huey

    Former Clinical Director, Director of Clinical Services (2006)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

    • Provo Canyon School Therapist and Director of Business Management, Director of Business Development, Therapy (2005 became Director of Bus. Dev.), Therapist, later Director of Business Development, 2002-2022
    • Westridge Academy Director of Clinical Services, 2006
    • The Change Academy at Lake of the Ozarks Founder, CEO, 2006-2008
    • CALO Programs Founder, Founder and CEO, 2006-2025
    • Change Academy Lake of the Ozarks (CALO) CEO, 2009
    • Red Mountain Colorado Founder and Owner, 2017
    • Havenwood Academy Executive Director, Executive Director/CEO
    • HOPE Group CEO

  • Guy Hardcastle

    Former Director of Business Development, Director of Admissions (2009-2010)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Jared Hamner

    Former Admissions Director, Director of Midwestern Operations (2006-2010)source

  • Wayne Brock

    Former Weekend Supervisor (2008)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

    • Youth Developmental Enterprises Staff working with at-risk youth, before 2008

  • Wendy Ballard

    Former Communications (2008-2009)source

  • Jacob Gibson

    Former Staff (2009)source

  • Eli Kerr

    Former Therapeutic Recreation Staff (2009)source

  • Alta Swarnes

    Former Therapeutic Recreation Staff (2009)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Randy Oakley

    Former Program Director (2004)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

    • Aspiro CEO, Director, 2009
    • the Clinical Director of Aspiro
    • Kairos Young Adult Adventure Wilderness Program in Puerto Rico
    • Aspiro Group Inc. Founder, Founder/CEO, 2007-2025
    • Aspiro Wilderness Adventure Therapy Executive Director/CEO, CEO/Owner, Founder, 2019-2025
    • Kairos Young Adult Adventures Executive Director, 2019
    • Kairos Young Adult Adventure Wilderness Program Executive Director, 2025
    • West Ridge Academy/Utah Boys Ranch Program Director, before 2025
    • Daniels Academy Former Member

  • John Webb

    Former Head of Therapeutic Recreation Program (2009)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Bob Stubbs

    Former Executive Directorsource

  • Robby Lindquist

    Former Clinical Directorsource

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Ofa Pekipaki

    Former Residential Directorsource

  • Sen. Chris Buttars

    source

    Elsewhere in the industry

    • an unnamed "faith-based" program in Mississippi

  • Joe Milner

    source

  • John R. Anderson

    Former Board Member and later the Presidentsource

  • Andrea Jones

    Former Social Worker (2006, r/troubledteens wiki)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Delpha A. Baird

    Former Development Directorsource

  • Donovan Tagaloa

    Former Staff (before 2023, r/troubledteens wiki)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • James H. McMaster

    Former Clinical Directorsource

  • Jeff Murdock

    Former Seminar Instructorsource

  • Jerry Spanos

    Former Director of Social Services (1974, r/troubledteens wiki)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • John A. Rhodes

    Former Therapist (2001, r/troubledteens wiki)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Julia M. Ortiz

    Former Youth Mentor (2020, r/troubledteens wiki)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Michael Ruoho

    Former Assistant Clinical Directorsource

  • Paul Keene

    Former Director of Academics (1992-2025, r/troubledteens wiki)source

  • Tyler Haun Feinga

    Former Staff member (2021, r/troubledteens wiki)source

  • Vern C. Utley

    Former Staff (1990, r/troubledteens wiki)source

    Elsewhere in the industry

    • an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at Changes Individual and Relational Therapy from 2009 until 2010
    • Life-Line, Inc. Executive Director, 2020

  • Justin Robinson

    Elsewhere in the industry

  • Sulay Tovar

    Elsewhere in the industry

Connections on the network map

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

Other staff

Documents

Documents on file (17)
Woodbury Reports Mentions (15)

From the Unsilenced archive

243 documents about West Ridge Academy that Unsilenced collected and Kids Over Profits does not hold a copy of. They open on Unsilenced's Google Drive. Their folders: Utah Boys Ranch_West Ridge Academy, West Ridge Academy - Utah Boys Ranch.

Documents (243)

From SCIAD NET

12 documents about West Ridge Academy 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

External links

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

Government records

From SCIAD NET.

Survivor posts and discussion

Advertising and marketing listings

Reference and research

8 of these from SCIAD NET.

Archived pages

1 of these from SCIAD NET.

Other links

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