Executive Director

John Moore, LCMHC

John earned a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health from Western Seminary in Sacramento, CA. As a licensed mental health counselor with more than 10 years of clinical experience, John appreciates the transformational ability of individualized, relationship-based therapy and holistic programming unique to residential treatment centers. He also believes in the healing power of nature, supported by his own outdoor adventures growing up and now raising a family in Western North Carolina. John has held a variety of roles in residential treatment programs including Therapist, Program Manager, Clinical Director, Operations Director, and Executive Director. Additionally, he has a diverse clinical background that encompasses outpatient, in-home, and school-based treatment. Throughout his career, John has worked with high-risk populations including Juvenile Justice, victims of sex trafficking, and clients with significant behavioral and developmental disorders. Through a trauma-informed lens, John pairs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Motivational Interviewing and EMDR to build resiliency in clients. When John is off-campus, he enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, mountain and road biking, and building furniture in his woodshop.

Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Mike Feeney, PhD , Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Mike Feeney, PhD. is a Licensed Psychologist with a passion for working with young people and their families, especially those affected by challenging behaviors, adverse events, or trauma. He values the level of treatment residential services can provide, and has a genuine appreciation of the trust families give when seeking support. Mike earned his doctoral degree in clinical psychology from East Tennessee State University and was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Virginia Treatment Center for Children, part of VCU Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia. He started working with young people in out of home placements ten years ago as a field guide in a wilderness program, learning the value of new experiences to support change. Since then, his clinical training and work has spanned acute, residential, and outpatient care, juvenile justice, and medical settings. He has provided clinical supervision and trainings, administrative management of services, and has been fortunate enough to work alongside numerous specialists as a part of integrated treatment teams. He has a solid foundation in psychological testing, developing treatment plans, assessing risk factors, determining appropriate levels of care, and supporting school recommendations for young people. He has also conducted research examining how relationships influence self-identity in teens and young adults. Through a developmental lens and trauma informed approach, he works to help young men create meaningful change and feel joy and acceptance in their relationships with others and themselves. Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Family Systems Therapy are a few of the evidence-based interventions he draws from. Mike works well with young men who get “stuck,” whether that be in a pattern of behavior, an unhelpful mindset, or with big emotions. He approaches clients with validation and curiosity, finding positive intentions, and always working to connect, then correct. With an emphasis on experiential and holistic programming, and evidence based treatment, Mike supports the team at Equinox to ensure that each young man and family receives quality care. In his personal time, Mike enjoys cooking for his wife and loved ones, running, mountain biking, learning to play the guitar, and looking for new fishing holes.

Director of Business Development, Founding Partner

Bryan Tomes

Bryan, founding partner at Equinox RTC, also helped found Asheville Academy for Girls as well as assist in the startup of Solstice East. He has managed the development of the academy (Timbersong) associated with all three programs. He also has historically supported in operations and business development. Bryan’s prior experience includes work in multiple therapeutic and traditional school settings, residential and day. Bryan has taught classes, led schools, managed accreditation, and developed therapeutic programs from the ground up, including marketing, budgeting, infrastructure development, systems, and client referrals. Bryan’s education focused on History, Secondary Education, and School Administration. Bryan is married with one child. Most of his free time is spent hiking, biking, kayaking or whatever outside activities he can bully his family into joining. “I believe that we find our way to this work from a place of a deep-felt intention to make a difference in the world. I am so grateful that I have been able to find a place where I can fulfill that personal mission while also being able to manage the school outside the normal bureaucratic challenges of the public sector. We run a responsive, creative, outcomes dependent program that is and must be great at what we do. I love the challenge of merging mission and practice.”

Director of Admissions"

Laura G. Storey, MPA, MBA

Early in her career, Laura recognized her passion for helping others. That led her to Asheville Academy, where she was able to connect families and referral sources needing the best mental health resources for their children, with a program that truly changed lives. That passion brought Laura to Equinox, where her focus is connecting families and referral sources with a program focused on relational trauma. Laura has a unique ability to truly connect with others, understand challenges, and find real solutions for sustainable change. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, running, live music, biking on the Peloton, attempting DIY projects, and spoiling her nieces. She believes there is a Tom Petty song for every moment in life. Laura lives in Asheville, NC with her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Addie Lou. In addition to a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of South Carolina, as well as a Masters of Public Administration, Laura recently graduated from the Executive MBA program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Go Tarheels!). Prior to behavioral health, she was an intern at The White House, and subsequently, a grassroots organizer for the Obama 2012 re-election campaign.

Academic Director

Bonnie Richardson M.A.

Bonnie has over 10 years of experience working in secondary and higher education. For a number of years she has served as an academic director at a wilderness therapy residential treatment center and short-term therapeutic boarding school and has also held administrative and leadership roles in international education. She earned her Masters in Critical & Cultural Theory from Cardiff University in the U.K. and her B.A. in Interpersonal Communication from UCF. Bonnie’s time as a Wilderness First Aid/Responder Instructor and volunteer experiences teaching abroad have only further enriched her time in the classroom where she enjoys teaching English and tutoring in mathematics. Bonnie is committed to supporting and guiding teachers and building relationships with students, supporting them and encouraging them to find their strengths, address their challenges, and push themselves to harness their full potential. In her spare time, Bonnie enjoys spending time with family, adventuring in the outdoors, binge listening to podcasts, exploring countries abroad, travel photography, and skating.

Primary Therapist

Angela Curtis, MSW, LCSW, Equine Specialist

Angela graduated from Western Carolina University with a Master’s Degree in Social Work. She has been practicing social work for 7 years. She is licensed in Social Work in the state of North Carolina. Angela is a strong believer that consistent, clear, and compassionate boundaries lead to freedom in relationships. Angela is passionate about experiential and equine therapy. She believes that connections to the outdoors and animals are two keys to adolescents giving human relationships a second chance. Angela has experience in working with families who have complex family systems. Angela’s passion and work is centered on helping clients find a voice and a healthier way to maneuver their difficult circumstances. Outside of work, Angela’s passions are riding horses, faith, using the outdoors as a playground, and spending time with her husband and two little girls.

Primary Therapist

Ryan Bell, LCMHC, LCAS-A

Ryan Bell is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist.  He received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from The University of South Carolina and his Master’s degree from Western Carolina University. Ryan approaches his counseling with a focus on vulnerability and emotional safety. Ryan’s journey to our beautiful spot in the woods was a winding one. Ryan has worked with adolescents for the last two decades in a variety of settings including summer camps, a boarding school, juvenile detention, homeless shelters, community mental health centers, and wilderness therapy. The variety of experiences and work with students all have one common directive: a focus on increasing connections. These connections include the connection with self through self-awareness and mindfulness; the connection to the world around us through our personal spiritual practices; and finally the connection to others. With the goal of increasing connection, Ryan operates from a framework of mindfulness, person-centered counseling, motivational interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). He has a passion for supporting adolescents as they grow and transition into young adults. In his free time while not sitting around fires, laughing at corny jokes, solving riddles, or helping kids learn how to cope with life, Ryan enjoys mountain biking, hiking, listening to audiobooks, seeking out new friends, and learning how to get out of his own way so he can enjoy life to its fullest.

Psychiatry Provider

Bennett Harris, LCMHC, PA-C

Bennett’s entire professional career has been spent in the passionate pursuit of providing world class behavioral health care. He is a graduate of the Wingate University Physician Assistant program as well as the University of North Carolina at Pembroke’s Counseling Psychology program. His training includes EMDR, TRM and DBT. With more than a decade of experience as both a prescribing provider and a licensed professional counselor, his therapeutic approach combines trauma-focused modalities and psychiatric interventions in a holistic manner. As a trauma-informed clinician, Bennett is adept at viewing the individuals he serves through a lens of compassionate understanding. His theoretical orientation is aligned with biology, not pathology and seeks to involve the family system in the healing process. Bennett believes that the family system can be the catalyst of unparalleled healing when appropriate support and nurturing is involved. His training in both psychiatry and counseling allow him to seamlessly integrate with the therapeutic approach at Equinox to optimally support both the students and family alike. His love of the mountains recently attracted him to the Asheville area. Bennett is an avid rock climber and outdoorsman.

Director of Recreational Therapy

Natalie Stark, LRT, CTRS

Natalie graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Recreational Therapy. She has been working with adolescents in residential treatment since 2009. She is a licensed Recreation Therapist in the state of North Carolina and is nationally certified through the National Council of Therapeutic Recreation. Natalie is an avid believer that healthy, strong, and fulfilling relationships set the foundation for long lasting emotional well-being. She is creating a program that will provide students with a variety of recreational activities that will empower them to live in the moment and focus on the journey, not just the destination. Natalie understands how vital a full and exciting recreational lifestyle is to living a life of well-being. Her passion lies in helping others develop skills and assets they may need on their journey. Some of Natalie’s favorite activities are snowboarding, rock climbing, hiking, fishing, and hanging out with her Australian Shepard, Stella.

Nurse

Tina Carpentier, RN

Tina has been a registered nurse for 24 years with various experiences in hospital and patient care settings. She grew up in Rhode Island and moved to North Carolina in 2017. She enjoys music, travel, and spending time with her son.

Teacher Math & Environmental Science

Austin Winfield

Bio Coming Soon.

Humanities Teacher

Ramsee Boone

Ramsee is a dedicated and versatile educator with a passion for nurturing young minds and fostering their development. With a rich background in teaching social studies, language arts, and music, Ramsee brings a unique blend of academic expertise and creative insight to the classroom. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling, Ramsee is deeply committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students. Ramsee aims to meet students at their own learning levels, tailoring lessons to suit their needs and encouraging their growth. Beyond academics, Ramsee is invested in the social and emotional well-being of students, aiming to equip them with the necessary skills to navigate life’s challenges. When she isn’t in the classroom, you will find Ramsee exploring the outdoors, singing, spending time with her cats, playing musical instruments, and engaging in various artistic pursuits.

Office Manager

Kevin Holliday

Kevin grew up in the mountains of West Virginia working the farm with his family. He attended Marshall University and moved to Asheville, NC in 2006. Kevin is a dedicated father of two children and a dog named Penelope. He believes family is the most important thing in life. Most weekends you will find him at the softball fields cheering on his daughter and her travel team. He likes spending free time with the love of his life Les, playing golf, hunting, fishing, or anything outdoors.

IT Administrator

Colt Wight, B.A., QMHP

Colt enjoys preparing and supporting new hires for their direct care role as well as keeping emails and print jobs flowing. Colt has many years of direct care and supervisorial experience with wilderness and residential therapy, and holds a Bachelors of Arts in Recreation Administration. In his free time, Colt enjoys hiking, trail running and rock climbing with his wife and two daughters.

Chef

Matt Helms

Bio Coming Soon

Senior Lead Residential Counselor

Ben Cable

Benjamin graduated from Western Carolina University with a degree in Parks and Recreation Management. He has been working with adolescents in residential treatment since 2018. He worked 4 1/2 years at a wilderness therapy program here in North Carolina. He worked for 3 years as a field instructor and 1 year in logistics. Ben believes that healthy communication and positive connections are a big part of human growth and development. Ben got into residential treatment for his love of the woods but stays for the relationships he has built and the joy he feels when he sees the clients grow. Ben loves doing anything outside from hiking to white water kayaking and everything in between.