Parent company profile

Aspen Education Group

Acquired 41 programs, 2 open

Aspen Education Group is a parent company (acquired) based in Cerritos, CA. Kids Over Profits has records of 41 programs it has run in 18 states and countries, 2 of them open.

History

Year by year

From the records: the years it ran each program, and lawsuits and deaths on record from those years. A program it took over appears only once the records say when it did.

  1. 1997

    Founded

  2. 2004

    Opened: Wellspring Academies

  3. 2007

    Opened: Wellspring Hawaii

  4. 2014

    Closed: Wellspring Academies

Programs it has run

41 on record, open ones first.

People

The people the network map ties to the company, with their other jobs in the industry.

14 other staff on record
  • Aaron Shaw, staff
  • Brad Gerrard, staff
  • Jeff Johnson, staff
  • John L Singleton, staff
  • Josh Gunalda, staff
  • Kristen L. Hayes, staff
  • Paul Ravenscraft, staff
  • Rae Ann Knopf, staff
  • Rick Pollard, staff
  • Robin Stephens, staff
  • Scott Canter, staff
  • Tazim Salehani, staff
  • Trina Packard
  • Woody Crowell, staff

Ownership

Owned by

News coverage

  • AP investigation: Adopted kids confined in private for-profit facilities AP News | Apr 28, 2026 | expose

    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.

  • 'It was a cult': Traumatizing troubled teens Arizona Mirror | Jul 15, 2024 | lawsuit About one of its programs

    Spring Ridge Academy, a facility for troubled teens in Arizona, has been ordered to pay $2.5 million in a lawsuit claiming fraud. The facility, which closed in 2023, used outdated therapies and procedures born out of a cult from the 1950s. Survivors of the facility report experiencing physical and emotional abuse, including being forced to participate in humiliating group therapy sessions.

  • Paris Hilton Reveals Sexual Abuse, Nonconsensual ‘Cervical Exams’ at Utah Boarding School Jezebel | Oct 12, 2022 | expose About one of its programs

    Paris Hilton has spoken out about the abuse she experienced at Provo Canyon School, including nonconsensual medical exams. She has testified about the emotional and physical abuse she and other teens faced at the school. Hilton is advocating for reforms to youth congregate care and reform schools.

  • Dr. Phil and CBS sued after teen allegedly was sexually assaulted at Utah center (2021-10-20) archive.md (archived) | Oct 20, 2021 | general About one of its programs
  • An Examination of Allegations and Practices Within the Troubled Teen Industry Refinery29 | Jun 29, 2021 | expose About one of its programs

    Multiple survivors have come forward with allegations of emotional, physical, and psychological abuse within various residential treatment facilities and behavioral modification programs. Former residents report practices including involuntary transport, isolation, forced labor, and peer-to-peer shaming sessions, prompting increased public scrutiny of the troubled teen industry.

  • Bhad Bhabie speaks out about abuse at Turn-About Ranch The Daily Targum | Apr 2, 2021 | expose About one of its programs

    Danielle "Bhad Bhabie" Bregoli publicly described abuse she endured at Turn-About Ranch, a Christian-based residential program, including physical restraint, forced labor, and medical neglect. She also highlighted sexual misconduct allegations by a former student, Hannah Archuleta, and called for an apology from Dr. Phil for sending teens to the facility. The account underscores systemic failures in oversight and care for vulnerable youth.

  • Musician Danielle Bregoli Alleges Abuse at Turn-About Ranch BuzzFeed | Mar 23, 2021 | expose About one of its programs

    Musician Danielle Bregoli publicly detailed allegations of institutional abuses experienced while enrolled at Turn-About Ranch following an appearance on the Dr. Phil show. Bregoli's disclosures coincided with a lawsuit filed by another former participant alleging sexual assault at the facility and included accounts of physical restraint, arbitrary disciplinary punishments, and severe deprivations of basic necessities.

  • Bhad Bhabie discusses alleged abuse at Turn-About Ranch PopBuzz | Mar 23, 2021 | expose About one of its programs

    Danielle Bregoli, known as Bhad Bhabie, released a video alleging that she was subjected to harsh conditions and physical restraint at Turn-About Ranch, a Utah-based troubled‑teen facility. She claims she was transported without notice, handcuffed, and denied basic amenities such as showers and proper bedding. The video also references a separate allegation of sexual assault by a former resident, Hannah Archuleta.

  • Former Program Participant Alleges Abuse and Demands Public Accountability from Television Host Toronto Sun | Mar 22, 2021 | general About one of its programs

    Survivor Danielle Bregoli publicly alleged that she experienced abusive conditions after being sent to Turn-About Ranch following an appearance on a television program. Following a separate lawsuit filed by another former participant alleging sexual assault by a staff member, Bregoli demanded public accountability and an apology from television personality Dr. Phil.

  • Rapper Danielle Marie Bregoli Alleges Mistreatment at Utah Residential Program People | Mar 22, 2021 | expose About one of its programs

    Rapper Danielle Marie Bregoli publicly stated that she experienced institutional abuses, including sleep deprivation and lack of basic necessities, while enrolled at Turn-About Ranch in Utah following an appearance on a television program. Bregoli's disclosures aligned with separate allegations made by another former attendee concerning sexual misconduct and subsequent retaliation by facility staff.

  • Bhad Bhabie Was Just 13 When Dr. Phil Sent Her To A Troubled Teen Ranch — Here's What Happened (2021-03-22) Refinery29 | Mar 22, 2021 | general About one of its programs
  • Bhad Bhabie alleges abuse at Turn-About Ranch UNILAD | Mar 22, 2021 | lawsuit About one of its programs

    Danielle Bregoli, known as Bhad Bhabie, alleges that she was subjected to physical restraint and deprivation of basic comforts while attending Turn-About Ranch in Escalante, Utah, a facility that receives teenagers from Dr. Phil. She also reports witnessing other children being restrained and describes a lack of evidence due to restricted phone and camera use. A former resident, Hannah Archuleta, has filed a lawsuit alleging sexual assault by staff at the ranch.

  • Musician Danielle Bregoli Alleges Mistreatment at Utah Residential Facility The Independent | Mar 21, 2021 | lawsuit About one of its programs

    Musician Danielle Bregoli publicly alleged experiences of abuse, sleep deprivation, and coercive control at Turn-About Ranch in Utah after being transported there following an appearance on the television program hosted by Phil McGraw. Bregoli's statements supported a separate lawsuit filed by a former resident alleging negligence and sexual assault by a facility staff member. The facility and McGraw have faced public scrutiny regarding youth residential placement practices.

  • Bhad Bhabie calls out Dr. Phil, alleges abuse at treatment camp she was sent to after appearing on the show | Fox News (2021-03-21) Fox News | Mar 21, 2021 | expose About one of its programs

    The article reports that Bhad Bhabie, a former guest on Dr. Phil, alleges that she was subjected to abusive conditions at the Turn-About Ranch in Utah, a wilderness therapy program. She claims she was transported against her will, handcuffed, and denied basic privileges, and that staff used physical restraint and manual labor as punishment. The piece also references a lawsuit by Hannah Archuleta alleging sexual assault by a staff member at the same facility.

  • Turn-About Ranch Abuse Allegations PopCulture.com | Mar 21, 2021 | lawsuit About one of its programs

    The article reports that former guests of the Turn-About Ranch, a troubled teen treatment center, allege sexual assault and punitive labor practices. Hannah Archuleta filed a lawsuit claiming repeated sexual misconduct by staff and punitive measures, while Danielle Bregoli has also spoken out about similar abuse. The allegations focus on the ranch’s treatment methods and the role of Dr. Phil McGraw in recommending the facility.

  • Danielle Bregoli Details Allegations of Abuse at Utah Residential Facility Vulture | Mar 20, 2021 | expose About one of its programs

    Public figure Danielle Bregoli released a video detailing allegations of physical and mental abuse experienced at Turn-About Ranch in Utah following a television appearance. Her testimony supported allegations raised by another former resident, Hannah Archuleta, who filed a negligence lawsuit against the facility regarding staff misconduct. The accounts describe unauthorized transport practices, physical restraint, and deprivations of basic needs during their residency.

  • Rapper Bhad Bhabie Publishes Testimony Detailing Allegations at Turn-About Ranch XXL | Mar 19, 2021 | expose About one of its programs

    Rapper Bhad Bhabie published a video detailing allegations of physical and emotional abuse, forced labor, and substandard living conditions experienced during her placement at Turn-About Ranch in Utah. She also expressed support for another survivor who reported sexual assault at the facility and issued demands for public accountability regarding placements at such programs.

  • Bhad Bhabie alleges forced wakefulness at Turn-About Ranch Newsweek | Mar 19, 2021 | expose About one of its programs

    Bhad Bhabie, an 18‑year‑old rapper, alleges that staff at Turn‑About Ranch forced her to remain awake for three days after her arrival. She claims she was denied basic hygiene and sleep, and that a staff member was later killed by a teen. The article also references a lawsuit alleging sexual assault by a ranch employee.

  • An Examination of the 'Dr. Phil' Show and Participant Referral Practices BuzzFeed News | Mar 5, 2021 | expose About one of its programs

    An investigative report examines the daytime talk show "Dr. Phil" and its practice of referring vulnerable guests and minors to residential behavioral programs, including Turn-About Ranch. The article highlights allegations of abuse and misconduct associated with these facilities and questions the show's participant care and referral practices.

  • Public Figure Alleges Neglect and Traumatic Incidents at Turn-About Ranch TheThings | Feb 28, 2021 | general About one of its programs

    Public figure Danielle Bregoli published allegations regarding Turn-About Ranch in Utah, stating she experienced neglect and restricted communication during her placement at the facility. She also referenced a 2016 incident in which a staff member was killed by a resident at the facility.

  • Hannah Archuleta alleges sexual assault at Turn-About Ranch The Sun | Feb 26, 2021 | lawsuit About one of its programs

    Hannah Archuleta, a 17‑year‑old former guest on Dr Phil’s show, alleges she was sexually assaulted by a staff member at Turn‑About Ranch in Utah and that the facility failed to take remedial action after she reported the abuse. She claims the ranch subjected her to physical and emotional abuse, including forced labor and restricted access to facilities. A lawsuit was filed on 24 February 2021 seeking justice for the alleged misconduct.

  • Details Emerge Regarding Fatal Attack on Turn-About Ranch Staff Member and Subsequent Arrest KUTV | Dec 9, 2016 | arrest About one of its programs

    Court documents and law enforcement statements detail an incident at Turn-About Ranch in Escalante, Utah, resulting in the death of a 61-year-old staff member and subsequent charges against a 17-year-old resident. The suspect was apprehended following a high-speed vehicle pursuit and faces multiple felony counts, including aggravated murder and attempted aggravated murder.

  • Teenager Allegedly Kills Staff Member During Escape Attempt at Utah Facility HuffPost | Dec 8, 2016 | arrest About one of its programs

    A 17‑year‑old at Turn‑About Ranch in Escalante, Utah, allegedly attempted to escape, during which he struck staff member James Woolsey on the head, resulting in Woolsey’s death, and then attacked Alicia Keller. The teenager was arrested following a high‑speed chase. The incident highlights safety concerns at the facility.

  • 3 Teens Sentenced for Beating 2 Counsellors Deseret News | Aug 27, 1994 | arrest About one of its programs

    Three juveniles from out-of-state pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated assault and theft following an incident at Turnabout Ranch near Escalante, Utah. The youths admitted to assaulting two staff members before fleeing the facility and later returning voluntarily. A juvenile court judge ordered restitution, detention time, and enrollment in a rehabilitation program.

Deaths on record

Young people who died at, or after being in, one of its programs.

  • (Unknown male) age 16 | Aspen Achievement Academy | April 1, 2007 | Died by suicide
  • Rocco D. Magliozzi age 12 | SUWS Idaho | July 28, 2006 | Medical neglect
  • Brandon Hoffman age 17 | Mount Bachelor Academy | December 16, 1998 | Died by suicide

Documents

Documents on file (157)
Academy at Swift River (45)
Woodbury Reports Mentions (17)
Adirondack Leadership Expeditions (21)
Woodbury Reports Mentions (20)
Aspen Achievement Academy (28)
Woodbury Reports Mentions (19)
Aspen Institute for Behavioral Assessment (3)
Woodbury Reports Mentions (2)
Island View (4)
Oakley School (17)
Woodbury Reports Mentions (8)
Stone Mountain School (6)
Woodbury Reports Mentions (6)
Woodbury Reports Mentions (27)

Filed under its programs

217 documents across 27 programs: inspection reports, court records, clippings and more, each on its program page.

From the Unsilenced archive

199 documents about Aspen Education Group that Unsilenced collected and Kids Over Profits does not hold a copy of. They open on Unsilenced's Google Drive. Their whole folder: Aspen Education Group HQ.

Documents (199)

From SCIAD NET

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

Record updated October 2, 2026. Generated from the Kids Over Profits facility database. Suggest a correction