PDF
888.631.5994
Meet the Staff at Stone Mountain Private School for Boys
Jake Weld, M. Ed.
Executive Director
Jake has his B.S. in History from Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C., as well as Minors in Experiential Education and Philosophy & Religion. He received his teaching credential from Eastern Oregon University in 2003 and later completed a Masters in Education in 2009. Jake has worked in wilderness, experiential, therapeutic, conventional, and residential educational settings for over fifteen years, and has taught a wide variety of skills and ages. He served as the Dean of Academics for an independent boarding school in Northern California, and returned to Aspen as the Academic Director for Talisman Programs for the 2009/2010 school year. Jake has taught and traveled throughout Central and South America and Egypt, and enjoys fishing, hiking with his dog Everett, snowboarding, and sailing.
Charles "Chuck "Flagler Psy.D.
Clinical Director
Dr. Chuck Flagler is a North Carolina licensed Psychologist. He has earned a doctorate and M.S from Florida Tech in 2002 as well as a M.A. from Western Carolina University in 1988. While trained as a Clinical Psychologist, additional specialties include Child/Family, Developmental and Behavioral psychologies.
Dr. Flagler has 30 years in the field, including 16 years in residential treatment across child/adolescent, developmental and psychiatric settings. Direct care work began at Miami Children’s Hospital, followed post masters by work as a therapist, then a residential director role, within a Palm Beach County Residential and Special Education School. He also has worked as a North Carolina Staff Psychologist in three separate roles including Developmental Disability residential, Developmental Evaluation Center and Psychiatric hospital settings. His most recent position was as a Senior Consulting Psychologist at a North Carolina State Hospital working with 12 Psychologists.
While originally from Miami, Florida, Dr. Flagler enjoys the beautiful mountains and varied outdoor settings in Western Carolina. He enjoys the social and cultural aspects of Asheville, along with pastimes of running, hiking, yoga, cars and music.
Leigh Uhlenkott, MS, LPC, NCC, LMHC
Assistant Clinical Director
Leigh has a Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling; she is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and is Nationally Certified. She is originally from San Diego, Ca and attended undergrad at Carroll College in Helena, MT She received her graduate degree at Nova Southeastern in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Much of her professional experience before working at SMS has been spent working with troubled youth in a variety of settings. All of which include therapeutic wilderness, a Hospital and several School settings.
Leigh spent the last 5 years working with adolescent boys 13-18 in a wilderness setting (SUWS of the Carolinas) providing assessment and counseling. She also worked for 5 years in the Broward School System counseling Severely Emotionally Disturbed children K-12th grade. She also was contracted to perform Substance abuse groups for Memorial hospital with adults and adolescents. Leigh has also worked with victims of Domestic Violence. In Leigh's spare time she enjoys exploring Asheville's culture, cooking, reading, and spending time with her two adorable dogs, Colby and Cody.
Mark Cox MA, NCC, LPC
Program Director
Mark is a Nationally Certified Counselor through the National Board of Certified Counselors and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of North Carolina. He received his master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University and obtained additional trainings in Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapies. He has held the positions of primary therapist, clinical director, program director, and challenge course facilitator for residential substance abuse treatment programs, wilderness programs, and adventure based counseling programs. Mark also helped found an Equine Assisted Psychotherapy program in Wilmington, NC. One of his specialty interests is the use of outdoor adventure experiences s metaphors for developing everyday life skills and the therapeutic value of spending time in nature. Mark has been working with children and families for over 13 years in a variety of setting. He has a strong love for animals and nature and incorporates that passion into his work whenever possible.
Billy Porter
Academic Director
Billy Porter holds a Master's Degree in Education (MAEd) and a B.S. in Cultural Anthropology, and has taught in a wide variety of settings, serving students and families with a myriad of unique needs. Some of his experiences include having served in the military for several years, working as an archaeological field technician for the State of Oregon, and serving as the Academic Director at Wellspring Academy of the Carolinas. Billy feels education represents one of the highest callings for professionals and that we in education serve our country and communities by fulfilling to the highest degree our obligations to help your child succeed. What Billy brings to the academic team at Stone Mountain School is a clear vision, dedication to his teachers and students, and a passion for providing excellent education.
Shannon Wheat
Admissions Director
Shannon is a graduate of Appalachian State University and began her career with a passion for the outdoors working as a both a raft guide and caving guide. In 2001, Shannon found a way to combine her love of the outdoors with her desire to help others by working as an instructor at SUWS of the Carolinas, a therapeutic wilderness program. While at SUWS she worked in the field with both male and female adolescent groups and later as their Graduation Coordinator, assisting families through transition. In the spring of 2003, Shannon decided to expand her experience within therapeutic programs by working as a Senior Instructor for Stone Mountain School, followed by a position as a Supervisor. Shannon joined Stone Mountain’s admissions department in 2007 and one year later accepted the role of Admissions Director. As a proud parent of a young daughter, Shannon truly enjoys working with other parents and demonstrates great compassion throughout the admission process. When not assisting families at Stone Mountain School, Shannon can be found spending time with her daughter and two dogs or enjoying such activities as whitewater kayaking, hiking, snowboarding, and making jewelry.