Myron Cottam Takes Over Reins as
Executive Director of Turn-About Ranch

Max Stewart Retires After 14 Years with the Escalante, Utah Program

Myron Cottam, MEd, has been appointed executive director of Turn-About Ranch in Escalante, Utah, effective immediately, while industry veteran Max Stewart retires after leading the successful therapeutic program for over 14 years.

Turn-About Ranch is a short-term, high-impact therapeutic program for struggling or underachieving adolescents ages 12-18, set on a working ranch in the southern Utah canyon country. A licensed residential treatment center (RTC), the Ranch emphasizes family values and relationships through the environment of an historic, real-to-life cow and horse ranch and the use of traditional ideals such as honesty, respect, teamwork and accountability. The program is part of the Aspen Education Group family, and serves as the backdrop of the current German reality show, “Teenagers Out of Control.”

“Turn-About Ranch has been very successful under the leadership of Max Stewart and we are sincerely appreciative of his years of dedicated service,” said Elliot Sainer, president of Aspen Education Group. “We are also confident that Myron’s integrity, commitment to students, and keen management skills will enable Turn-About to continue to grow and help the many families that are in need of this service.”

A native of Escalante, Utah, Cottam has over 30 years experience in education, including teaching and administration. Most recently, Cottam served as state associate superintendent for the Utah State Office of Education. Prior to that, he held several administrative positions within the Garfield School District (Utah), including six years as superintendent of schools. He received his master’s degree in educational administration with an emphasis in community education from Brigham Young University.

“As an educational professional and long-time ranch owner, Turn-About Ranch epitomizes the ideal opportunity for me,” said Cottam. “I look forward to helping these troubled youth discover their inherent abilities to accomplish the seemingly impossible through physical and emotional work and determination.”

Turn-About Ranch is proud to be a member of Aspen Education Group, recognized nationwide as the leading provider of education programs for underachieving and struggling youths. Aspen offers the largest and most diversified network of therapeutic schools and programs in the country, tailored to meet the unique and individual academic and emotional needs of youths and their families. Students in Aspen’s schools and programs benefit from the experience and depth of understanding that comes from two decades of dedication to children, teens and young adults. Aspen Education Group’s programs have been profiled internationally in news and television media, including U.S News and World Report, The New York Times, People and Education Week magazines, as well as on ABC’s “20/20” and “Good Morning”, the UK’s Twenty/Twenty Productions’ six-week series, “Brat Camp,” and the syndicated television show “Dr. Phil.” No other organization in the therapeutic education industry offers a more enlightened approach, or a more diverse and reputable network of programs. Aspen is a division of CRC Health Group, the nation’s largest chemical dependency and related behavioral health organization. For more information about Aspen Education Group, please visit www.aspeneducation.com or call 888-972-7736. For more information about Turn-About Ranch, please visit www.turnaboutranch.com or call 800-842-1165.