Our Staff
Jeannie Courtney
CEO/Founder
Jeannie Courtney, CEO has been associated with residential treatment for 17 years. Jeannie designed, developed and facilitated an innovative teen, parent and family program for a facility in Utah. In addition to program development, strategic planning and financial oversight responsibility at Spring Ridge Academy, Jeannie is actively involved in the training, community and academic components of the program. She has assembled a quality staff in her efforts to establish a school and program with strong emphasis on excellence and community. Jeannie's background includes teaching, training and other entrepreneurial endeavors. Courtney received a B.A. in Education from Arizona State University.
Gary Hees
Clinical Director
Gary Hees, Clinical Director, is responsible for the Administration of the Arizona Behavioral Health Services licensure held by Spring Ridge Academy as well as the Mental Health/Clinical aspects of the program. Gary had a successful 23 year career in business before deciding upon a change of career into the field of Behavioral Health. Gary holds an M.A. in Psychology/Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona and Texas. His background in Behavioral Health includes the treatment of adults, adolescents, children and families as well as the creation, implementation and supervision of programs in the public, private and educational sectors. In addition, Gary has extensive background in the presentation and facilitation of the experiential, personal growth workshops that are an integral part of the holistic approach of Spring Ridge Academy to the healing of our girls and their families.
Joseph Gubbins
Academic Director
Joe received his B.A. in English from DePaul University and his M.A. in Supervision and Administration from Roosevelt University. He has a wide range of experience in the field of education. Following years of teaching high school English and coaching various sports he moved into Administration where he has been an active partner and participant in school improvement initiatives both at National and State levels.
Suzanne Courtney
Parent Liaison - Admissions Team Member
Suzie brings a rich history to her position at Spring Ridge Academy. Suzie earned her B.A in Human Development at Prescott College and her Masters of Education and Human Relations from Northern Arizona University. Her work experience includes a position as Dean of Students in a transitional program in Utah and the roles of Community Supervisor and Community Director at Spring Ridge prior to moving into the Parent Liaison position. Suzie has further experience in the fields of child welfare, therapy and education from her positions at Child Protective Services, as well as, experience in adventure education and wilderness therapy. In the role of Parent Liaison, Suzie utilizes her extensive experience and familiarity with Spring Ridge Academy’s philosophy and procedures and the process of the families enrolled in Spring Ridge.
Susan Coatney
Admissions Director/HR Supervisor
Susan has been employed in the therapeutic boarding school environment since 1998. She was formerly the Director of Operations for a similar program located in the State of Arizona where her duties covered a variety of responsibilities from administrative and fiscal management to assisting with admissions. Her diverse experience includes sales and marketing, and more than 20 years of administrative, financial, and human resources management.
Click to view: CLINICAL TEAM MEMBERS