WELLSPRING ACADEMY OF california

The first and flagship Wellspring Academy (formerly Academy of the Sierras), Wellspring Academy of California has transformed hundreds of lives since opening in September 2004. It is located on the edge of the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, about 30-minutes southeast of Fresno on a beautiful 68-acre campus.

Location: Reedley, California
Young men and women ages 13–24.
Grades 8 through college.

Wellspring Academy of California enrolls 100 students throughout the year. Wellspring Academy of California picks up from Fresno-Yosemite International Airport.

TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR OF THE WELLSPRING ACADEMY OF CALIFORNIA CAMPUS >>

Residences

Students at Wellspring Academy of California live in one of three dormitories. There is one dormitory for boys, one for girls and one for the Wellspring College Program. Living arrangements vary from two to four students per room, depending on the configuration. Most rooms have in-suite bathrooms and showers. To take a look at the dorms and other facilities, please click here to take the virtual tour. The dorms and facilities are also prominently featured in many of the television news programs available for viewing here.

Academics

Wellspring Academy of California is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. As a result, Wellspring issues diplomas to graduating seniors and works closely with home schools for acceptance of Wellspring credits. Wellspring’s Academic Department works with home schools and families to ensure a smooth academic transition to Wellspring, and back home. Although some Wellspring students are already excelling academically, many have fallen behind. Wellspring Faculty and Tutors, along with special education teachers are available to work with each student to help them succeed academically, taking advantage of the typical increase in energy and self-esteem, and adding to it.

In fact, a recent study of academic performance found that student grade point averages improved 27.5% at Wellspring Academies compared to the most recently completed semester at the student’s home school.

Wellspring Academy of California provides individualized tutoring and is able to work with students who have IEPs. Wellspring Academy of California also supports and provides prep courses for students who are taking the SAT. Other course options include culinary , nutrition and fitness. Beyond this, students may take foreign languages or select from among a host of electives including performing arts, media, debate, philosophy, horticulture, hip-hop culture, visual arts, automotive, leadership, animal care, photography and independent projects. All courses are taught by members of the Wellspring Faculty, with availability of electives dependent on current student population needs.

For students who have graduated from high school, or have already completed some college work, the Wellspring College Program allows students to attend classes at Reedley College, one of California’s network of 2-year community colleges, while partaking fully in the nutrition, activity, and clinical program at Wellspring Academy of California. Click here for more information on the Wellspring College Program.

For Wellspring Expected School-wide Learning Results, please click here.

Activities

Wellspring Academy of California’s scientifically-based Activity Management program ensures that Wellspring students achieve an unprecedented level of activity – starting at 10,000 steps per day (as measured on a pedometer), but often exceeding 20,000 (approximately 10 miles of walking).

Facilities at Wellspring Academy of California offer unique and varied opportunities for students to find activities they love and will continue at home. Our 68-acre campus offers:

Wellspring California also makes frequent use of the nearby National Parks – Sequoia, Kings Canyon and Yosemite – for hiking, backpacking, mountain biking and camping.

Directors

David Melear, M.Ed., is Executive Director of Wellspring California and Wellspring Academy of California. David is a leader in the field of therapeutic education with experience extending back 16 years. Prior to joining Wellspring, David spent several years with Universal Health Services and served as COO of Coastal Harbor Treatment Center in Savannah, GA, and CEO of Provo Canyon School - one of the largest therapeutic programs in the country. David received a Bachelor's degree in Education Magna Cum Laude from Western Kentucky University, and a Master's degree in Education from Western Kentucky University.

Dan Barney is Director of Wellspring Academy of California. Dan has been working with adolescents at Aspen Education programs for five years. Prior to joining Aspen, Dan worked with adolescents in other residential settings for five years. In his role as Director at the Academy, Dan sets the schedule and directs the Activity Management and Personal Training programs. He is also responsible for the overall health and well-being of the community.

Samanthia Gaspar, PsyD, is Interim Clinical Director of Wellspring Academy of California. Sammi started with Healthy Living Academies as a Behavioral Coach at Wellspring New York and Wellspring California in 2006 before relocating to Wellspring Academy of California. Sammi has worked for a number of years in diverse settings with youth and their families around issues of emotional, physical and mental health, as well as addiction and substance abuse. She received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Social Work from Illinois State University, her Master’s in Organizational and Counseling Psychology from the Alder School of Professional Psychology, and her PsyD in Clinical Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Lora Tilson is Program Director at Wellspring Academy of California. Lora graduated from University of Akron in 2003 with bachelor's degrees in both physical education and health education. She has worked as a teacher and personal trainer, and in 2006 joined the Wellspring New York program. In the past two years, Lora has served as Activities Director and then Program Director at Wellspring Academies as well as Program Director for Wellspring Camps Texas.
Mary Xiong, M.A. is interim Academic Director of Wellspring Academy of California (WSCA). Mary received her bachelor degrees in Sociology and Asian American Studies from the University of California Davis as well as a Masters of Arts Degree in School Counseling from Fresno Pacific University. Mary has extensive experience in working with students and families through student leadership conferences and family empowerment workshops. She is committed to helping students smoothly transition into WSCA, receive academic support while attending WSCA, and return to their home school with confidence.

David Burns is Operations Director of Wellspring Academy of California. For many years he was an administrator at the University of California at Berkeley. David brings a wealth of experience in food services, human resources, finance, and facilities management. As Operations Director David ensures that Dining Services provide nutritious and tasty meals and that facilities are clean and well maintained. His philosophy is to exercise "best practices" in all aspects of operations. David received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from St. Patrick’s College.

Side Xi, M.D., Ph.D. is the consulting pediatrician at Wellspring Academy of California. With a background combining pediatric medicine and nutrition, Dr. Xi provides medical consultation and oversight for many aspects of Wellspring Academy of California as well as treatment for students. His research in the field of nutrition has been published in multiple journals. Dr. Xi is a full-time employee of Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency, Chief of Pediatric Division. He received his pediatric residency training at UC Davis and his Ph.D. in Nutrition from the University of Kentucky.

Becky Pfeiffer, M.Ed. is Senior Academic Advisor of Wellspring Academy of California. Becky has 27 years in the field of education with a broad and diverse cross-cultural background. Her administrative and classroom experience in both public school systems and private schools enables her to effectively construct and implement curriculum that ensures all students may enjoy, grow and develop in their education. Becky received a Master’s in Education Administration from California State University, Fresno and a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development from San Diego State University. She has spoken at many conferences and events at the state and national levels. Becky has been recognized by the United States Congress and California's State Senate for her outstanding contributions to the field of education.

 

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