Staff
Staff Qualifications
Duck River is a multi-disciplinary team that includes a consulting Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Family Worker, Unit Director, Program Director, Nurse, Teachers, Activity Specialist and Counselors. This team is specially trained in the safety, therapeutic and development needs of residents in the program. Regular weekly treatment teams and periodic Quality Assurance reviews are conducted. The Duck River staff is able to identify and quickly adjust to changing therapeutic situations.
We love our long-time staff members! Meet them here. [Word doc, 40k]
R. Dean Porterfield, MA, NCC, LPC, MHSP
Masters in Counseling
National Certified Counselor
Licensed Professional Counselor
Mental Health Service Provider
Title: Program Administrator
Dean was born and raised in Gap Mills, WV. After obtaining both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from West Virginia University; he relocated to Nashville, TN; where he currently resides.
As Program Administrator, Dean is responsible for overseeing all staff and day to day operation of the program. His main goal is to assure that the Duck River program provides the best quality care for their clients by creating a nurturing environment and clinically based programming. Dean has been with Three Springs for over eight years, and has served as a Family Service Counselor and Director of Family Services. Dean also started the Louisville, and Nashville parent support groups. In addition, Dean provides clinical trainings to other programs and national conferences.
Dean greatly enjoys working for the Duck River Campus. He has great admiration for the young men that come to his campus. Both for their profound efforts to truly change their lives, and for their parent’s dedication to their son.
Gregory A. Jones, BS
Bachelors in Corrections
Title: Program Director
Gregory was born in Arkadelphia, AR. and raised in Lansing, MI. Upon graduating from High School he spent several years in the U.S Army as a military policeman. After finishing his tour of duty he obtained an undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University.
As the Program Director, Gregory is responsible for ensuring that the program’s therapeutic structure is maintained by creating and maintaining a positive culture for both residents and staff. He is also responsible for overseeing the hiring and training of front line staff and providing ongoing development. Gregory has been with Three Springs for over 12 years. During that time he has served as a direct care counselor, group supervisor, Unit Director, Director of the L.E.A.P.S program, Director of Staff Development, and Program Director.
According to Gregory the past seven years spent working for the Duck River Campus have been a great experience. What really stands out is the environment in which young men are nurtured and given the opportunity to grow.
Kelley Blackwell, LMFT
Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy
Provisional license as a Marriage and Family Therapist
Tennessee Sex Offender Treatment Provider
Title: Director of Family Services
Kelley was born and raised locally. She is married with one son. Kelley obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin and her graduate degree from Trevecca Nazarene University.
As Director of Family Services, Kelley is responsible for overseeing the four family service counselors and medical records. She contributes by staying involved with all treatment teams as well as carrying a few individual cases. Kelley began her career at Three Springs as a practicum student for the first year and was then later hired as a family service counselor. She has been employed with the company for five years. Kelley facilitates the new parent trainings and assists in other parent trainings as needed.
Kelley enjoys working with the residents in this environment. She feels that the dedicated staff and the resident’s success keep her returning to work each day.
Jerry M. Turner, AA, BA, MA and PhD
Title: Director of Education
Dr. Turner was born and raised in neighboring Lewis County. He attended Martin Junior College and Union College, Kentucky. Turner became the only Union College graduate to become Fulbright Scholar in 1966. After his Fulbright year at the University of Würzburg, Germany, Turner returned to finish his doctorate at Vanderbilt University majoring in German Literature with a minor in Swedish. Turner possesses a reading or speaking knowledge of eight modern languages and a thorough knowledge of 7 manuscript languages.
Dr. Turner has taught and coached at the university level at Vanderbilt, Georgia Southern and Mercer Universities. After teaching at these universities over the years Turner worked as either Director or President of various private, technical schools earning a name as a curriculum innovator and a strong marketer. In addition Dr. Turner has been productive as an author, poet, interpreter and translator.
In taking the job as Director of Education at Three Springs, Dr. Turner felt that he was answering a higher calling. As Director of Education his responsibilities are centered upon school administration. His chief goal is to make sure that the boys who are residents at Duck River receive high-level academic training. To this end Turner wants to move the school in the direction of computer-oriented programs. His hope is to be able to measurably enhance whatever education the boys have when they arrive at Three Springs thereby affording them a better chance at success when they return to the mainstream. Jerry Turner’s firm belief is: “There is no greater apostolate than helping young people at the Three Springs stage of life.”
Deborah Gatlin, M.D.
Title: Consulting Adolescent Psychiatrist
Dr. Gatlin was born in Louisville, Kentucky and raised in Benton, Kentucky. Currently she lives is Nashville, TN with her husband Gilbert Raulston, M.D., and her two children Robert and Evangelene.
Dr. Gatlin attended medical school at the University of Florida and completed a psychiatry residency and a child and adolescent fellowship at Vanderbilt University. Dr. Gatlin also works for Vanderbilt and Duck River.
Mark Sigler, PhD., NCSP, NCP
Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology
Title: Clinical Coordinator & School Psychologist - Duck River
Born in Detroit, MI and raised in Centerville, TN, Dr. Sigler now lives in Hohenwald, TN with his wife Sherry, his granddaughter Ashley, and two dogs, Polo and Rebel.
Dr. Sigler is responsible for ensuring overall clinical programming and providing psychological services at Duck River. Dr. Sigler has been certified as a Nationally Certified Psychologist by the Professional Psychologist Certification Board and has been conferred the designation of Nationally Certified School Psychologist by the National School Psychology Certification Board. Holding three professional licenses in Tennessee, Dr. Sigler is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Mental Health Service Provider, a Senior Psychological Examiner, Health Service Provider and is endorsed for professional school services as a School Psychologist. Dr. Sigler has been consulting with Three Springs for 15 years.
