I went to Ash Creek Academy for ten months. My experience there was ineffective and traumatic. Keep in mind, I cam from [redacted] wilderness therapy in Bend Oregon, and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. In my time at ash creek i witnessed a program director (who i believe now works at Falcon Ridge Academy) tell a student that he doesn’t agree with his homosexuality and several times stating that he thinks its a choice to be gay. One of Ash Creek’s policy is that if you refuse to do what is asked of you, you can be physically escorted or restrained, even if you are not in danger to yourself or others. It is referred to as a “refusal” and i would often be told that “you can either do what is being asked, or i will help you do it” One example is getting out of bed in the morning. I was threatened to be pulled out of my top bunk several times. The staff at this facility were very unprofessional. One staff in particular told me that the Sandy Hook (where i live) tragedy was a government conspiracy. The most severe case of misconduct i witnessed was a restraint that resulted in a medical injury causing the student to have a cast on his wrist. They didnt take him to the hospital until a few days later, and the student said that his wrist was broken. I cant confirm or deny what his actual injury was. My most severe case of abuse was when i was pushed into a window by a ranch staff, and the window shattered. The staff was suspended for two weeks and then returned. He doesnt work there anymore. Darren Prince owns the program with his sister Tammy and he coincidentally is the admissions director. He will tell you whatever you want to hear to get your money. Also, one of the temporary forms of consequence while i was there was called “basic”. During basic i spent all day in the basement alone with a staff, not allowed to talk to the staff at all. I was allowed 3 walks around the lake each day, and i went to sleep an hour later than everyone else, and woke up an hour earlier. The longest i was on basic for was a week and a half. In my opinion, most of the kids at ash creek lie and pretend their way through the program, just to come back home. I myself did this out of fear that if i was honest about my feelings i would be kept there longer. This is why i told my parents i was very “passionate” about being sober and attending NA meetings. I believe most of the kids that have graduated from ash creek did that same thing, unfortunately. I left the program as a level 2 out of 4. I am writing this to save a child from going to this school or any other one like this ( there are plenty in Utah).

DECLARATION UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY
PURSUANT TO 28 USCA 1746

I,Noah S. declare and state as follows:

Name of Program:
Ash Creek Academy

Location of Program:
Toquerville, UT

Period of Internment (MM/YY to MM/YY)
November 2014-August 2015

I give WWASPSurvivors permission to use this statement.  I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.  Executed on(date: MM/DD/YY):
I give permission. 9/17/2015