Audit and Complianc Division
Taxation and Revenue Department 1100 South St. Francis Dr. P.O. Box 630 Santa Fe, NM 87504-0630
I am writing about my concerns regarding a non-profit drug
and alcohol treatment center in Taos called Shadow Mountain
Academy.
My son was in the program there in February. I sent money
to Shadow Mountain, but it was deposited to a California
for-profit company called Art of the Stars in Alamo, California.
Since these payments are for educational expenses I am concerned
that they are transferred to a company which sells sports art in
another state.
Is this legal? And, does it change the tax treatment of my payments?
Thank you in advance.
Douglas A. McIntyre
Managing Director
24/7 Wall St., LLC
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Letter Re; Shadow Mountain Academy To State Of California Tax Authorities
Ms, Debbie Langsea
Audit Division
State of California Franchise Tax Board
PO Box 1468
Sacramento, CA 95812-1468
Dear Ms. Langsea:
I recently made payments to a New Mexico company called Shadow Mountain Academy. The operation, which takes care of young mean with mental and substance abuse problems, is based in Taos.
When I made this payment I saw that it was transferred, without my permission, to a California company called Art of the Stars. This company is based in Alamo, California. I am assuming that Shadow Mountain is a non-profit and Art of the Stars is not.
I do not know whether this transfer was legal. I did, however, make a payment to what I assume was a non-profit entity in New Mexico and it went, instead, to an art dealer in California. This may change the tax status of my payment
I would appreciate it if someone in your office could look into this matter and let me know its status.
Sincerely
Douglas A. McIntyre
Audit Division
State of California Franchise Tax Board
PO Box 1468
Sacramento, CA 95812-1468
Dear Ms. Langsea:
I recently made payments to a New Mexico company called Shadow Mountain Academy. The operation, which takes care of young mean with mental and substance abuse problems, is based in Taos.
When I made this payment I saw that it was transferred, without my permission, to a California company called Art of the Stars. This company is based in Alamo, California. I am assuming that Shadow Mountain is a non-profit and Art of the Stars is not.
I do not know whether this transfer was legal. I did, however, make a payment to what I assume was a non-profit entity in New Mexico and it went, instead, to an art dealer in California. This may change the tax status of my payment
I would appreciate it if someone in your office could look into this matter and let me know its status.
Sincerely
Douglas A. McIntyre
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Letter To 8th Judicial District Attorney About Shadow Mountain Academy
Sent: April 15, 2008
To: 8th Judicial District Attorney Donald Gallegos
Dear Mr. Gallegos: I sent my son, Hunter McIntyre, to Shadow Mountain Academy twomonths ago. The institution claims to treat young men who arediagnosed with both a mental condition and substance abuse. Inthe case of my son this was bipolar illness and alcohol abuse. After two weeks, he was asked to leave, and I have not been ableto get any of my money back. The facility clearly does not have the capacity to do what itpurports to do.
My son is not violent, nor was there any reportof violent activity. I received no written notice that he was on"probation". I understand that these operations are not governed by anylaw in New Mexico, and that is a shame.
These "outpatientliving facilities" are acting in the place of doctors and therapists.The work that they do has the capacity to risk the mentaland physical lives of the young men who attend.
As far as I can tell, all of the young men are left at ShadowMountain overnight without any supervision other than a groundskeeper.
In addition, money which I sent to Shadow Mountain Academywas deposited in the account of a California business, Artof the Stars, which has no relationship to Shadow Mountain otherthan a common owner. This action seems extremely odd to me and I think it bears some examination.
I would appreciate it if someone in your office would lookinto these matters.
Douglas A. McIntyre
To: 8th Judicial District Attorney Donald Gallegos
Dear Mr. Gallegos: I sent my son, Hunter McIntyre, to Shadow Mountain Academy twomonths ago. The institution claims to treat young men who arediagnosed with both a mental condition and substance abuse. Inthe case of my son this was bipolar illness and alcohol abuse. After two weeks, he was asked to leave, and I have not been ableto get any of my money back. The facility clearly does not have the capacity to do what itpurports to do.
My son is not violent, nor was there any reportof violent activity. I received no written notice that he was on"probation". I understand that these operations are not governed by anylaw in New Mexico, and that is a shame.
These "outpatientliving facilities" are acting in the place of doctors and therapists.The work that they do has the capacity to risk the mentaland physical lives of the young men who attend.
As far as I can tell, all of the young men are left at ShadowMountain overnight without any supervision other than a groundskeeper.
In addition, money which I sent to Shadow Mountain Academywas deposited in the account of a California business, Artof the Stars, which has no relationship to Shadow Mountain otherthan a common owner. This action seems extremely odd to me and I think it bears some examination.
I would appreciate it if someone in your office would lookinto these matters.
Douglas A. McIntyre
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Goings On In Taos Near Shadow Mountain Academy
Over in Taos, just up the road from Shadow Mountain Academy, the week has been tough for police. The substance abuse reports are especially disturbing
From The Taos News
April 2 8:50 p.m., Miscellaneous, 325 Adobe Street — Caller reported that a female went into her house drunk and “started acting stupid.”
April 3 2:06 p.m., Narcotics offenses, 812 Gusdorf Road — Caller reported that some kids were smoking pot near the Mary Medina Building.
April 6 12:58 p.m., Narcotics offenses, Paseo del Pueblo Sur — Caller reported that a man was dealing pot.
April 8 12:51 a.m., Alcohol offenses, 710 Paseo del Pueblo Sur — Caller reported that he was lost and wanted an officer.
April 8 12:30 p.m., Narcotics, Taos Middle School — Caller reported a student had drugs.
April 8 2:35 p.m., Narcotics, 1038 Calle del Sol — Caller reported that a woman was trying to sell drugs to the caller’s brother.
From The Taos News
April 2 8:50 p.m., Miscellaneous, 325 Adobe Street — Caller reported that a female went into her house drunk and “started acting stupid.”
April 3 2:06 p.m., Narcotics offenses, 812 Gusdorf Road — Caller reported that some kids were smoking pot near the Mary Medina Building.
April 6 12:58 p.m., Narcotics offenses, Paseo del Pueblo Sur — Caller reported that a man was dealing pot.
April 8 12:51 a.m., Alcohol offenses, 710 Paseo del Pueblo Sur — Caller reported that he was lost and wanted an officer.
April 8 12:30 p.m., Narcotics, Taos Middle School — Caller reported a student had drugs.
April 8 2:35 p.m., Narcotics, 1038 Calle del Sol — Caller reported that a woman was trying to sell drugs to the caller’s brother.
Shadow Mountain Academy Founder Has New Marino Paintings
Shadow Mountain Academy founder Robb Holub's other business, Art of the Stars, has some new Dan Marino paintings.
If I could get Robb to refund my money after booting my son, I might be able to afford one.
If I could get Robb to refund my money after booting my son, I might be able to afford one.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Ann Bruno At Shadow Mountain Academy
Does anyone else think it is odd that Ann Bruno is a consultant who is paid to direct people where to put there kids for rehab and is being paid by Shadow Mountain Academy to run workshops as well?
Her website is certainly odd
http://www.annbrunoconsulting.com/about.html
Her website is certainly odd
http://www.annbrunoconsulting.com/about.html
Shadow Mountain Academy Money Still Not Returned
I have been waiting to get back money owed to me for my son's activity fund for several weeks now.
They are earning a lot of interest at Shadow Mountain Academy. I hope they will send that along
as well
They are earning a lot of interest at Shadow Mountain Academy. I hope they will send that along
as well
Shadow Mountain Academy Town News
Taos New for March 24
4:12 p.m., Trespassing, 710 Paseo del Pueblo Sur — Caller reported that some juveniles were hanging out drunk near the entrance of the store harassing customers.
4:12 p.m., Trespassing, 710 Paseo del Pueblo Sur — Caller reported that some juveniles were hanging out drunk near the entrance of the store harassing customers.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Views On Shadow Mountain Academy Practices
I talked to several therapists about young male adults in recovery. My son was kicked out of Shadow Mountain Academy for taking up too much of their time. He resisted the idea of being "clean and sober".
What I have been told is that not being on board can be a part of the early process with people trying to recover. In other words, my son's behavior fell within the range of being "normal". I guess clinical director Bruce Dechert was not on board with this school of thought.
I still think this is an awful place to send your child.
What I have been told is that not being on board can be a part of the early process with people trying to recover. In other words, my son's behavior fell within the range of being "normal". I guess clinical director Bruce Dechert was not on board with this school of thought.
I still think this is an awful place to send your child.
Still Waiting For My Deposit From Shadow Mountain Academy
Still waiting for whatever was left of my $3,000 deposit for my kid's expenses. Should be about $2,500.
Check is in the mail.
Check is in the mail.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Ann Bruno's Background
Ann Bruno is called "Family Workshop Therapist" at Shadow Mountain Academy. She also has an educational consulting business called Ann Bruno Educational Consulting
According to Ann's site:
An Education Consultant is a professional who works with families to find the best opportunities for their child or young adult who is struggling in life with school, family and peer relationships or drug and alcohol issues. They serve as an advocate for families as they are involved in major life decisions for the child. They can consult with parents on testing and assessment, secondary school and college placement, crisis management and special needs. Consultants charge a consultation fee to develop an educational or therapeutic plan for your child.
Is that a conflict with Ann's work as a therapist at Shadow Mountain Academy? She sounds too busy?
Ann?
According to Ann's site:
An Education Consultant is a professional who works with families to find the best opportunities for their child or young adult who is struggling in life with school, family and peer relationships or drug and alcohol issues. They serve as an advocate for families as they are involved in major life decisions for the child. They can consult with parents on testing and assessment, secondary school and college placement, crisis management and special needs. Consultants charge a consultation fee to develop an educational or therapeutic plan for your child.
Is that a conflict with Ann's work as a therapist at Shadow Mountain Academy? She sounds too busy?
Ann?
Bruce Dechert's Education Background
Shadow Mountain Academy clinical director Bruce Dechert says he graduated from "the University System of New Hampshire". We have never heard of anyone graduating from a "system."
We have a note into the "system" to see how this works. There are four campuses, University of New Hampshire, Plymouth State, Keene State, and Granite State.
Did Bruce go to one of them, or all four?
Bruce, feel free to drop us a note
We have a note into the "system" to see how this works. There are four campuses, University of New Hampshire, Plymouth State, Keene State, and Granite State.
Did Bruce go to one of them, or all four?
Bruce, feel free to drop us a note
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Who Stays At Shadow Mountain Academy At Night?
My son told me that all of the staff, except for a caretaker, leave the facilities at night. No one is there to supervise any troubling behavior. One of the residents is given a radio to call out in case of an emergency.
Given the age of the residents and the fact that they are not at the facility due to their outstanding judgment, it is a bit surprising that this goes on.
In all of the conversations I had with clinical director Bruce Dechert, this never came up. I hope that the information is not accurate. Otherwise Dechert was being irresponsible.
Dechert can drop us a note if there is something inaccurate about this account.
Given the age of the residents and the fact that they are not at the facility due to their outstanding judgment, it is a bit surprising that this goes on.
In all of the conversations I had with clinical director Bruce Dechert, this never came up. I hope that the information is not accurate. Otherwise Dechert was being irresponsible.
Dechert can drop us a note if there is something inaccurate about this account.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Shadow Mountain Academy Deposits
More checking on deposits for Shadow Mountain Academy showing up in another Holub business--Art of the Stars.
Have contacted New Mexico and California tax authorities about whether a business in one state can effectively take deposits from a business in another.
In addition, there is a concern that if something were to happen to the Art of the Stars company that deposits for residents at Shadow Mountain Academy might be at risk.
Would be happy to hear a response from Holub or Shadow Mountain.
Have contacted New Mexico and California tax authorities about whether a business in one state can effectively take deposits from a business in another.
In addition, there is a concern that if something were to happen to the Art of the Stars company that deposits for residents at Shadow Mountain Academy might be at risk.
Would be happy to hear a response from Holub or Shadow Mountain.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Shadow Mountain Academy Deposites Go To "Art of the Stars" Bank Account
As we have previously pointed out Robb Golub, owner of Shadow Mountain Academy, also owns an odd sport art business called Art of the Stars.
The e-mail addresses for both businesses are: rjholub2@mac.com <rjholub2@mac.com>
When I sent my son's expense deposit to Shadow Mountain Academy, it ended up as a charge at Art of the Stars
Here is a copy of the receipt:
Transaction Date: 02/25/2008
Transaction Description: ART OF THE STARS VRUALAMO CA 94900002 9258386260
Charge: $3,090.00
Merchant Address: ART OF THE STARS
270 BOLLA AVE
ALAMO CA 94507-1619
USA
Merchant Type: CARD/SOUVENIR STORE
Doing Business As:ART OF THE STARS
I am curious how a charge for one business ends up in another. One would have to think that Shadow Mountain Academy would have its own deposit account.
That troubles me.
The e-mail addresses for both businesses are: rjholub2@mac.com <rjholub2@mac.com>
When I sent my son's expense deposit to Shadow Mountain Academy, it ended up as a charge at Art of the Stars
Here is a copy of the receipt:
Transaction Date: 02/25/2008
Transaction Description: ART OF THE STARS VRUALAMO CA 94900002 9258386260
Charge: $3,090.00
Merchant Address: ART OF THE STARS
270 BOLLA AVE
ALAMO CA 94507-1619
USA
Merchant Type: CARD/SOUVENIR STORE
Doing Business As:ART OF THE STARS
I am curious how a charge for one business ends up in another. One would have to think that Shadow Mountain Academy would have its own deposit account.
That troubles me.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Does Robb Holub Own "Art Of The Stars"?
Does Robb Holub, the owner of Shadow Mountain Academy also own a business called "Art of the Stars"?
Here is Robb's e-mail address from the Shadow Mountain Academy website: rjholub2@mac.com
And, the address of the owner of Art of the Stars: rjholub2@mac.com <rjholub2@mac.com>
Robb, is that you?
Here is Robb's e-mail address from the Shadow Mountain Academy website: rjholub2@mac.com
And, the address of the owner of Art of the Stars: rjholub2@mac.com <rjholub2@mac.com>
Robb, is that you?
How Often Do Owners Come To Shadow Mountain Academy?
How often do the owners of Shadow Mountain Academy, Robb and DebB Holub, actually show up at the facility? My son says once every two weeks or so. It would be good to hear from Rob if that estimate is wrong.
It sounds like Dana Taylor, the so-called "Executive Director" does not make it over more than a couple of times a week. Word is that she is pregnant. True? Dana can tell us.
It sounds like Dana Taylor, the so-called "Executive Director" does not make it over more than a couple of times a week. Word is that she is pregnant. True? Dana can tell us.
Treating Abuse A "Money Making Racket"?
"Or is substance abuse treatment (SAT) a racket designed primarily to make money or to promote some other selfish goal, with little regard for the health or ..."
More on the article from The Skeptic's Dictionary.
More on the article from The Skeptic's Dictionary.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Note from Robb Holub, Owner, Shadow Mountain Academy
YOU KNOW DOUG YOUR APPROACH IS NOT ONE THAT LENDS ITSELF TO RESOLVING A DIFFICULT SITUATION
FOR ALL PARTIES INVOLVED. A CONTRACT WAS SIGNED THAT I WOULD HOPE YOU READ AND UNDERSTOOD.
IF THIS IS SOMETHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO EXPLORE A RESOLUTION TO I ENCOURAGE A DIRECT CONVERSATION WITH ME
TO SEE HOW WE PROFESSIONALLY HANDLE A DIFFICULT SITUATION OF THIS NATURE.
I WOULD BE HAPPY TO SET UP A TIME FOR A CALL CONVIENENT TO YOU.
ROBB HOLUB (OWNER)
SHADOW MOUNTAIN ACADEMY
Robb must have the Caps Lock key engaged on his PC
FOR ALL PARTIES INVOLVED. A CONTRACT WAS SIGNED THAT I WOULD HOPE YOU READ AND UNDERSTOOD.
IF THIS IS SOMETHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO EXPLORE A RESOLUTION TO I ENCOURAGE A DIRECT CONVERSATION WITH ME
TO SEE HOW WE PROFESSIONALLY HANDLE A DIFFICULT SITUATION OF THIS NATURE.
I WOULD BE HAPPY TO SET UP A TIME FOR A CALL CONVIENENT TO YOU.
ROBB HOLUB (OWNER)
SHADOW MOUNTAIN ACADEMY
Robb must have the Caps Lock key engaged on his PC
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Rehab and drug treatment centers are in business to make money
Rehab and drug treatment centers are in business to make money; they are huge profit centers. Paying for rehab can be very expensive and families will bankrupt themselves trying to save their child’s life.
From Alcohol & Drug Treatment Referrals.
From Alcohol & Drug Treatment Referrals.
The Shadow Mountain Family Room
The Shadow Mountain Family Room is a place that parents can come and gather information about their child's progress
I never got my money's worth on this one. My kid had been here for three weeks before he was kicked out, and they never gave me a password.
I never got my money's worth on this one. My kid had been here for three weeks before he was kicked out, and they never gave me a password.
Questions for Shadow Mountain Academy?
Are they accredited?
What is their success rate?
Be careful and especially scrutinizing as you determine the drug rehab program that is designed to most completely meet your needs and assist with long lasting success.
What is their success rate?
Be careful and especially scrutinizing as you determine the drug rehab program that is designed to most completely meet your needs and assist with long lasting success.
Sober Living In Taos?
The Shadow Mountain website says the operation has a sober living location in downtown Taos.
Hard to say whether that is a good place to have a facility.
According to The Taos News a criminal case is just closing in which a 21-year-old was "beaten and forcibly injected with a lethal dose of heroin by a group of people at a party." He was then put in a car in the parking lot of the local mormon church and set on fire.
Doesn't sound like much of an environment for kids trying to get straight.
Hard to say whether that is a good place to have a facility.
According to The Taos News a criminal case is just closing in which a 21-year-old was "beaten and forcibly injected with a lethal dose of heroin by a group of people at a party." He was then put in a car in the parking lot of the local mormon church and set on fire.
Doesn't sound like much of an environment for kids trying to get straight.
Some Interesting Drug And Alcohol Activity In Taos
Toas may not be the best place for calls preparing for a life of sobriety.
Here are a few things happening around town, thanks to the local police reports. Keep in mind that Taos is not a very big town.
March 10 2:57 p.m., Alcohol offenses, 622 Paseo del Pueblo Sur — Caller reported that a man was drunk and had wet himself. Caller stated that she “wanted him out of here.”
March 6 8:47 a.m., Miscellaneous, 201 Mariposa — Caller reported that he had an eviction in one of the apartments and he found what appeared to be heroin.
March 6 5:14 p.m., Narcotics offenses, 615 Paseo del Pueblo Sur — Caller reported that there was a possible drug trafficking operation in the parking lot.
March 1 2:08 p.m., Alcohol offenses, 710 Paseo del Pueblo Sur — Caller reported that a man was passed out on the front bench.
March 1 3 p.m., Alcohol offenses, 121 North Taos Plaza — Caller reported that a man was eating out of a garbage can and panhandling.
The local newspaper has a number of reports on local fun.
Here are a few things happening around town, thanks to the local police reports. Keep in mind that Taos is not a very big town.
March 10 2:57 p.m., Alcohol offenses, 622 Paseo del Pueblo Sur — Caller reported that a man was drunk and had wet himself. Caller stated that she “wanted him out of here.”
March 6 8:47 a.m., Miscellaneous, 201 Mariposa — Caller reported that he had an eviction in one of the apartments and he found what appeared to be heroin.
March 6 5:14 p.m., Narcotics offenses, 615 Paseo del Pueblo Sur — Caller reported that there was a possible drug trafficking operation in the parking lot.
March 1 2:08 p.m., Alcohol offenses, 710 Paseo del Pueblo Sur — Caller reported that a man was passed out on the front bench.
March 1 3 p.m., Alcohol offenses, 121 North Taos Plaza — Caller reported that a man was eating out of a garbage can and panhandling.
The local newspaper has a number of reports on local fun.
Ret. Deputy Chief of Police, Ranchos de Taos Supports The Legalized Regulation Of Drugs.
Interesting note from the former Deputy Chief of Police, Ranchos de Taos.
From Mr. J. Michael Jones a few choice quotes. His entire letter is here.
"I do advocate personal responsibility and the legalized regulation of drugs."
"Will legalized regulation end the drug problem? No, but experience indicates it will improve the situation."
Nice way of thinking in an area of the country where people might send kids for treatment.
From Mr. J. Michael Jones a few choice quotes. His entire letter is here.
"I do advocate personal responsibility and the legalized regulation of drugs."
"Will legalized regulation end the drug problem? No, but experience indicates it will improve the situation."
Nice way of thinking in an area of the country where people might send kids for treatment.
Shadow Mountain, Keep Your Kids Out
I had a kid at Shadow Mountain. After telling him that things were not working out, he was kicked out with a 48-hour notice to find a new place for him to go. Of course, the financial arrangements were not resolved until he was gone. I was told someone would call me. That did not happen.
My point is that my son was a high risk kid. They saw the paperwork. They saw the evaluation. They took him.
This blog is to make sure that no other family suffers financially and emotionally from this start-up program, Shadow Academy, which has neither professional staff nor good administrators. We are contacting the nationwide primary detox centers and all educational consultants by mail and phone to appraise them of these practices.
Look for daily posts about Shadow Mountain here. We are in the process of talking to other families who had children there.
My point is that my son was a high risk kid. They saw the paperwork. They saw the evaluation. They took him.
This blog is to make sure that no other family suffers financially and emotionally from this start-up program, Shadow Academy, which has neither professional staff nor good administrators. We are contacting the nationwide primary detox centers and all educational consultants by mail and phone to appraise them of these practices.
Look for daily posts about Shadow Mountain here. We are in the process of talking to other families who had children there.
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