Our staff brings years of experience, knowledge and commitment and provides services including individual, sibling, parent, and family therapeutic supportive counseling. In addition to assisting students with their academic course work, staff members participate in extracurricular activities, athletic events with students and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to our families.

Cheryl Zak, Executive Director

For more than 18 years, Cheryl Zak has advocated for students and families throughout San Diego County.  She has been a licensed clinical social worker since 1991, having received her Master's degree in Social Science Welfare from The Ohio State University. Cheryl then went on to study pre-law at Oxford University in England.  She was the Clinical Director for one of the largest outpatient mental health private practices in San Diego. She has recently received her certification credential from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) through the University of California, Riverside.  She is currently the co-owner and Executive Director of The Arch Academy.

Art Aragon, Executive Director

Art has been working in the field of adolescent substance abuse and behavioral management for over 30 years. He has been at the forefront of this field, developing innovative programs to address the needs of youth who struggle with substance abuse / chemical dependency, including in-patient, outpatient and residential programs. Art is co-founder and co-owner of The Arch Academy and has been a leader in the development and implementation of family support systems in San Diego County.

Julie D. BeDell, MFT, Principal

Julie graduated from San Diego State University with a BS in Child Development.  She went on to receive her Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of Phoenix.  Julie has been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2005.  She began her work with children in 1996 as a counselor for school age children with developmental disabilities.  In 1999, she was the Program Social Worker for an adolescent Residential Treatment Facility and most recently,  Julie worked with emotionally and behaviorally challenged youth and their families as the Assistant Director/Clinical Supervisor for a Foster Family Agency. 

 Domenic Manente, Vice-Principal, Math and Science Teacher

Domenic graduated from San Diego State in 2007 with a BA in Mathematics. He then went to National University to receive his Single Subject Teaching Credential and Masters in Education Specializing in Cross-cultural Teaching. He completed his student teaching at Madison High School and has worked in the Grossmont Union School District and with the La Jolla YMCA Childcare Department. Domenic enjoys playing basketball, softball, golf and soccer.

 Stephanie Hall, Special Education Teacher

Stephanie Hall graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in 2006 with a BS in Agricultural Science.  She went on to receive a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and her Mild/Moderate Special Education Credential from National University.  Stephanie also has her Master of Education Specializing in Cross-cultural Teaching and an Autism Education Certificate.  Stephanie has been playing the violin and viola since the age of 5 and has played with orchestras that include San Diego Youth Symphony, Cal Poly State University Orchestra and Idyllwild Arts Academy Orchestra. 

 The ARCH Dogs

Our four dogs (Bunny the Schnoodle, Augie the Morkie, Buck-Eye and Toby- the Boston Terriers) are at school every day. The students enjoy having the dogs around because it promotes a school community. Through interaction with the dogs, students gain a sense of comfort, discipline, care, responsibility, reward,discipline, leadership, and an overall atmosphere of calmness.