Owner & Ceo

Dr. John Singleton has 33 years of experience working in education and 17 years of experience in therapeutic school leadership. John’s extensive education experience is steeped in life-changing results and award-winning programs.

John plays several vital roles in the Treatment Industry. He serves as President of NATSAP, the Therapeutic Industries national professional organization. John also serves on the board of Trustees for the IECA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of IECA. Further, John is the Founder and President of the Board of GEMS, which is a non-profit organization & conference. Finally, he serves on the board of directors for the Whetstone Family Foundation.

In early 2000, John’s strong belief in multisensory learning and an individualized approach to education guided him from public school administration into the Program Director role at Stone Mountain School, a therapeutic wilderness boarding school in Black Mountain, NC. A few years later, he used his knowledge and management experience to help establish New Leaf Academy of North Carolina, an all girls’ therapeutic boarding school. By 2006, he became the Executive Director of Cedars Academy in Delaware, a program for Autism Spectrum Disorder students; a role he continued for four years before serving as President and Head of School at Brandon Hall in Atlanta. During his six years at Brandon Hall, he was instrumental in overseeing the school’s 700% growth in student enrollment, facility development and creation of a 21st Century technology enriched learning model. Finally, before he purchased Whetstone in 2016, he was the Director of Business Development at Trails Carolina, a therapeutic wilderness program in Western North Carolina.

John has presented nationally and is published on the subject of Educational Leadership and learning differences. His most recent presentations include: GEMS 2019, NATSAP 2018, CASE-NAIS National Conference Pre-Conference Advancement Master Class, January 2013, Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), Philadelphia, PA, May 2011 and Texas A&M University – Southwest Teaching and Learning Conference in 2010.

He has attended Harvard Graduate School of Education – Independent Schools Institute. He has also furthered his studies at Yale Child Study Center in 2008; Minds and Hearts Clinic, Tony Attwood, Ph.D. in 2007; and The Medical University of South Carolina, Russell Barkley, Ph.D. in 2006.

John received his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Education from Gardner-Webb University and his Doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2010 from the University of Phoenix. His research was focused on the topic of Educational Leadership and working with students on the Autism Spectrum.

In his spare time, John enjoys traveling, gardening and spending time with his family and dogs.

Justin Cantalini earned his Master’s degree in Counseling with a concentration in Marriage and Family Counseling from Appalachian State University in 2013. He also holds Graduate Certificates in Expressive Arts Therapy and Addictions
Counseling. He has worked in the mental health field since 2006 in various roles, including a wilderness field guide, primary therapist, parent coach, and previous Clinical Director for Whetstone.

He is passionate about helping individuals and families heal and find a renewed sense of meaning and connection. He believes authenticity and compassion are the active ingredients in creating and sustaining healthy change and healthy relationships with ourselves and others. He wants to ensure that Whetstone Academy is where students are immersed in a rich learning environment and where students and families are seen for their strengths.

“I want to ensure that while our students and families are working through their challenges, that they also have a sense of fun and curiosity while they are doing it; that it is meaningful for them. I want each family that comes to Whetstone to leave with greater resilience and to feel connected.”

Blake brings 25 years of experience working with adolescents and families in a variety of educational, outdoor, and counseling settings.  Blake holds licensure as a professional counselor (LCMHC) in the North Carolina from the Licensed Board ofProfessional Counselors (NCBLCMHC).   Following several years of teaching Language Arts, Humanities, and Outdoor Education, Blake returned to Western Carolina University to focus on a master’s degree in School Counseling(MA-ED) in 2001. Since graduating with his master’s degree in 2003, Blake has continued to gain experience in a variety of public and private educational and therapeutic settings.   Prior to joining Whetstone in 2023,, Blake was mostly recently a field supervisor/therapist at SUWS of the Carolinas. Blake completed two years of certification with The Center for Self Leadership in 2009 whereby he utilizes the research-basedInternal Family Systems model to assist young adults in their recovery from traumas, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive behavioral patterns, attachment needs, mild to moderate substance use disorders. Blake has considerable experience working with adoption (Blake was adopted at 3 months), educational accommodations and autism spectrum disorders, attachments, family systems, as well as grief and loss.   A lifelong resident of the Western North Carolina mountains, Blake lives part-time in the wild and scenic are of Chattooga National Forrest and in Bat Cave, NC.  He enjoys family-time with daughters Ava (19) and Sonja (25), and a English bulldog (Rizzo). Favorite activities include: songwriting/guitar, running, hiking. ultra-distance running, painting, fly-fishing, basketball, and writing.

Talina McKinney

Director of Residential Life

Jessica’s desire for enriching the lives of those around her combined with her educational background and work history makes her the perfect fit for the position of Residential Life Coordinator at Whetstone Academy. She joined Whetstone Academy while earning a Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy, and already possessing an Associate’s degree in Respiratory Therapy, and an Activities Director license. In her career, Jessica has served in roles such as Director of Quality of Life Initiatives, Resident Programming Support, Director of Resident Engagement, and is trained on the Eden Alternative.  Jessica’s passion lies in helping others transition graciously through all stages of life while watching them flourish emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Sally Clay

Sally is a founding staff member of Whetstone Academy. She has been the Business Manager for Whetstone Academy since it opened in 2011.  A strong advocate for helping children obtain the services they need in an educational environment, she was drawn to work for a place like Whetstone Academy where she could offer her years of experience in accounting.  Sally is also a member of several other school committees, as well as a local Girl Scout Troop Co-Leader.  A native of South Carolina, she currently lives in Mountain Rest with her husband and three children.

Rick began his work in the therapeutic industry in 2004 and brought his extensive and varied experience to be our Director of Business Development. From 2021-2022 Rick served as the Executive Director of our sister academy, Maple Hall. He was employed as a retail District Leader for 16 years before starting his life-changing career in schools.

In 2004, he began with the inaugural team of New Leaf Academy of NC, an all-girls therapeutic boarding school that he helped lead for over five years. He continued his career in therapeutic education as he led admissions teams for wilderness programs, assisting families with placements for various diagnoses. For three years, he was Assistant Head of School at Brandon Hall School, an independent boarding school in Atlanta, GA. For six years, Rick considered it a privilege to lead a team at a residential treatment program that brought so much positive change and healing to the lives of adolescents and their families prior to arriving at Whetstone Academy.

Rick was a board member of NATSAP from 2018 until 2021 and is Vice President of the GEMS conference. Rick received his M.Ed. and Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at Mercer University. His research topic focused on the topic of Educational Leadership and working with students on the gender spectrum.

In his spare time, he enjoys a variety of activities including kayaking, hiking, singing and painting. He loves his daily walks and time with his family and Yorkshire terrier daughters, Katy and BeBe.

Ambrose brings nearly a decade of combined experience in adventure recreation, education, and marketing. He earned his undergraduate degree from Young Harris College in 2014, graduating with a degree in Outdoor Leadership. He currently studies at Clemson University, working towards earning his master’s degree in Business Administration.

Ambrose has worn many hats throughout his career and began working with Whetstone in April of 2022 as the Walkabout Coordinator. As of November 2023, Ambrose now serves Whetstone Academy as the Admissions Director. He had this to say about the transition: “It has been a privilege to work for Whetstone Academy as the Adventure Coordinator and serve the academy as a member of the residential care staff. In that time, it has been an honor to witness the profound growth students can achieve through adventure, the outdoors, and consistent support from caring mentors. The students and I have climbed mountains, floated rivers, and biked trails. I’ve seen students achieve goals that they thought were unachievable in their first days at Whetstone and have been inspired by their tenacity to push myself and pursue my own goals in my personal and professional life. While it saddens me to step away from working directly with our students, I am very excited to take on the challenges ahead as Admissions Director and help new families find the healing I have witnessed at Whetstone Academy.

Justin Cantalini earned his Master’s degree in Counseling with a concentration in Marriage and Family Counseling from Appalachian State University in 2013. He also holds Graduate Certificates in Expressive Arts Therapy and Addictions
Counseling. He has worked in the mental health field since 2006 in various roles, including a wilderness field guide, primary therapist, parent coach, and previous Clinical Director for Whetstone.

He is passionate about helping individuals and families heal and find a renewed sense of meaning and connection. He believes authenticity and compassion are the active ingredients in creating and sustaining healthy change and healthy relationships with ourselves and others. He wants to ensure that Whetstone Academy is where students are immersed in a rich learning environment and where students and families are seen for their strengths.

“I want to ensure that while our students and families are working through their challenges, that they also have a sense of fun and curiosity while they are doing it; that it is meaningful for them. I want each family that comes to Whetstone to leave with greater resilience and to feel connected.”

Blake brings 25 years of experience working with adolescents and families in a variety of educational, outdoor, and counseling settings.  Blake holds licensure as a professional counselor (LCMHC) in the North Carolina from the Licensed Board ofProfessional Counselors (NCBLCMHC).   Following several years of teaching Language Arts, Humanities, and Outdoor Education, Blake returned to Western Carolina University to focus on a master’s degree in School Counseling(MA-ED) in 2001. Since graduating with his master’s degree in 2003, Blake has continued to gain experience in a variety of public and private educational and therapeutic settings.   Prior to joining Whetstone in 2023,, Blake was mostly recently a field supervisor/therapist at SUWS of the Carolinas. Blake completed two years of certification with The Center for Self Leadership in 2009 whereby he utilizes the research-basedInternal Family Systems model to assist young adults in their recovery from traumas, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive behavioral patterns, attachment needs, mild to moderate substance use disorders. Blake has considerable experience working with adoption (Blake was adopted at 3 months), educational accommodations and autism spectrum disorders, attachments, family systems, as well as grief and loss.   A lifelong resident of the Western North Carolina mountains, Blake lives part-time in the wild and scenic are of Chattooga National Forrest and in Bat Cave, NC.  He enjoys family-time with daughters Ava (19) and Sonja (25), and a English bulldog (Rizzo). Favorite activities include: songwriting/guitar, running, hiking. ultra-distance running, painting, fly-fishing, basketball, and writing.

Primary Therapist

Stuart is originally from Charlotte North Carolina, and obtained her bachelors at The University of North Carolina at Asheville where she double majored in psychology and political science. Post undergrad, she moved to Charleston, South Carolina where she received her Masters Degree in Clinical Counseling at The Citadel.

Her clinical experience has been working with college students at College of Charleston Counseling at the Substance Abuse Center and working intensively with families at Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center.

Stuart’s passion for working with children is fueled by the kids themselves. To Stuart, working with kids of all ages is a breath of fresh air.  While she considers herself a true city gal, she’s been involved in outdoor recreation for 6 years throughout the Lake Lure and Charleston, S.C areas. Stuart places a significant value in fresh air and “disconnecting” from the distractions of the modern world. Her favorite outdoor activities include rock climbing, hiking and canoeing. She is also an avid Jenga player and challenges anyone to join her in a game.

Her dog, Cookie, has also joined the Whetstone dog pack. You can find her being Stuart’s little shadow or tanning in the sun. Cookie loves giving kisses and getting cuddled – be careful she will steal any ball you have and your heart!

Andreya is a licensed independent social worker. She earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree with a focus on rural communities in 2013 and a Masters of Social Work in 2014, both from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. She has been working in the field of social work since 2013 in a variety of settings, and has been a therapist since 2017. Andreya worked with youth and their families in outpatient mental health and the public school settings in Montana prior to joining the team at Whetstone Academy.

Andreya believes in cultivating students’ interests and engaging in play to build relationships with kids and work towards goals. She often uses games, student-led projects, and other activities in therapy. She believes strongly that spending time in nature can be healing, and is excited to work at the beautiful Whetstone campus and explore the surrounding area.

In her spare time, Andreya enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, Jarred. She also likes to spend time knitting, cooking, reading, and traveling.

Megan is a licensed independent social worker. She earned a dual Bachelor of Arts Psychology & Sociology degrees with a focus on child and adolescent development (2007); and a Master of Social Work degree (2009) from the University of Southern California. She has been employed in field-based school social work and psychiatric community mental health services for more than a decade. Megan has worked with youth and families across Los Angeles County prior to joining the team at Whetstone Academy.

Megan enjoys using the open space and abundance of nature available on campus to engage with students while working on their goals. Megan employs a range of games, art, and nature exploration such as finding salamanders in the creek to connect with the students. She likes to use creative self-expression in therapy sessions.

In her spare time Megan will be out running, hiking, sewing, and walking her dog, Luca. She loves spending time with her niece & nephew in Charleston.

Asif Choudhary, MD, is our consulting psychiatrist, and he works with our students throughout their stay at Whetstone Academy.

Dr. Choudhary founded Advanced Psychiatry in Marietta, Georgia, to offer mental health services grounded in compassion and excellence in patient care. He believes in the importance of forming meaningful connections and wants to inspire hope in the community through individualized, dignified, and accessible care.

Combining holistic and evidence-based psychiatry, Dr. Choudhary incorporates lifestyle and medical issues into personalized mental health treatment plans. His goal is always to help each client reach their full potential. Dr. Choudhary earned his medical degree at St. Matthews University. He completed his psychiatry residency and child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at the University of Missouri School of Medicine. During his advanced training, he served as chief fellow. Dr. Choudhary is an active member of the American Psychiatric Association.

After completing his fellowship training, Dr. Choudhary worked in inpatient, outpatient, and telepsychiatry settings. He also has experience in consultation-liaison psychiatry, providing care for patients with psychiatric and general medical conditions. In addition to private practice, Dr. Choudhary has years of experience treating patients of all ages. He has trained in an autism center, the juvenile justice system, and multiple school settings.

Dr. Choudhary has written articles, such as Diagnosing Anxiety and Depression in Teens, published in Atlanta Medicine. He has also been featured on television, informing viewers about a breakthrough treatment for ADHD. When he is not busy being Dr. Choudhary, he is just Asif — a fan of skiing, mindless action movies, and traveling. Except for a few brief detours during his medical career, he has lived in Georgia his entire life.

Talina McKinney

I am married with two daughters and two granddaughters.  I have an Associate degree in Science from Tri-County Technical College and a Bachelor’s in Arts in Psychology. I am a graduate of Palmetto Military Academy where I earned a commission.  I am also a graduate of the United States Army Chemical School.  I graduated from medical school at the Autonomous University of Guadalajara in Jalisco Mexico in 2005 with a medical diploma/ Bachelors’s in Science.

I lived in Mexico for just over 15 years, which is where I met my wife.  I am multicultured, and mainly speak Spanish at home  I got into education while living in Mexico, and completed teacher training in 2016.  I come from a large school in Guadalajara where I taught Biology and Physics for over three years.  I am currently working on my Masters of Science in curriculum and instruction. For enjoyment, I like to swim, lift weights, and play the piano.

Bio coming soon.

Bio coming soon.

Julie is a Charleston, South Carolina native. Since she could walk, her family introduced her to her first horse, and she formed a lifelong bond with animals. She was an active member of the United States Pony Club, the largest equestrian educational organization in the world. USPC builds its foundation on education, safety, sportsmanship, and stewardship. Life skills, habits, and values were instilled through horsemanship that she applies to every part of her life.

Early in adulthood, Julie formed Paws4Serenity, a non-profit group of certified pet teams that visit community shut-
ins, nursing facilities, children’s orphanages, and hospitals. Julie has no greater joy than sharing pet-facilitated therapy
with others. Julie is a former law enforcement officer and went on to create K9Assets.org, where she produces elite
canines for other law enforcement agencies, search and rescue, and service assistance dogs. Julie was also a sheriff’s department’s training Director for the Equine Mounted Patrol division. Julie has been an equine riding instructor for decades. She works with students with reduced mobility and coordination with EFL (Equine facilitated learning), where animal caretaking creates emotional bonds and fundamental life skills. Julie returned from out west to the upstate to instill her passion and stewardship of our animals and land on a small ranch with her grandsons. Julie is excited to introduce EFL and AFL to Whetstone Academy students and families.

Bio coming soon.

Bio coming soon.

Director of Residential Life

Jessica’s desire for enriching the lives of those around her combined with her educational background and work history makes her the perfect fit for the position of Residential Life Coordinator at Whetstone Academy. She joined Whetstone Academy while earning a Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy, and already possessing an Associate’s degree in Respiratory Therapy, and an Activities Director license. In her career, Jessica has served in roles such as Director of Quality of Life Initiatives, Resident Programming Support, Director of Resident Engagement, and is trained on the Eden Alternative.  Jessica’s passion lies in helping others transition graciously through all stages of life while watching them flourish emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Bio coming soon.

Bio coming soon.

Sarah is our oldest animal at Whetstone. By most guesses, she was probably born around 1998. Sarah is exceptionally good with helping students work on social skills and non-verbal communications. She also enjoys eating fruits and vegetables and hanging out with her Alpaca friends.

Sussie Q is one of our two potbelly pigs. Her best friend is Kenny G, they are actually siblings!

George is our Farm Cat. Though she helps take care of small rodents like mice on the farm, George the cat is REALLY good at give the boys cuddles.

Forest is one of our two alpacas. Forest other alpaca friend’s name is Cabo. We have to be sure to give these two haircuts in the summer because all of their wool sure can get warm!

Fatty is one of our many chickens at Whetstone. We have many varieties of birds including, chickens, guinea fowl, pigeons, ducks, geese, and peacocks.