How Our Cherokee Creek Story Began with One Family – and Became a Lifeline for Many
Every meaningful story starts somewhere. For Cherokee Creek Boys School (CCBS), it didn’t begin as a business plan. It began as a family’s journey.
A search for answers.
A desire to help.
And a deep belief that boys – and their families – deserve more understanding, more support and more hope.
Today, more than 23 years later, that single family’s vision has grown into a trusted, accredited therapeutic boarding school and Gurian Model School for boys ages 10 – 15, helping hundreds of families find their way forward.
But at its heart, our Cherokee Creek story is still personal.
A Calling That Couldn’t Be Ignored
“The founding of CCBS was truly the response of a calling – something I could not NOT do.
Like many parents, Beth understood firsthand the challenges families face when a child is struggling – academically, emotionally, or socially.
That understanding became the foundation for something bigger.
A place where families wouldn’t feel alone.
A Partnership That Made It Possible
While Beth is often the voice of the vision, Cherokee Creek would not exist without her partner – her husband and co-founder, Ron Black.
Ron has played a vital role in shaping and sustaining CCBS from the very beginning – bringing not only his professional expertise but also his steady commitment to the mission.
As Vice President and General Counsel, Ron has spent over 50 years practicing law, with a background in real estate and development that helped support the foundation and growth of the school.
A native of North Carolina, Ron earned his law degree from Wake Forest University and his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina.
And while his professional accomplishments are significant, those who know Ron know another side as well – his sense of humor, his humility and his love of UNC basketball and golf. When he retires, there’s a good chance you’ll find him out on the course most days.
Together, Beth and Ron built something that has lasted – not just because of vision, but because of partnership.
Building a School with Heart …
Building a School with Heart …and a Little Magic
Before founding CCBS, Beth spent over a decade working with Walt Disney World in training, communication and culture-building. And while Cherokee Creek is very different from a theme park, one idea carried over in a meaningful way.
As Walt Disney said:
“You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.”
That belief in people – and in creating something meaningful – helped shape what Cherokee Creek would become.
Not just a program … Not just a school
But a place where something real happens every day.
A place where, in its own quiet and powerful way, a little bit of “magic” exists – through connection, care and human relationships.
The People Who Make the Dream Real
If there is one thing we know after 23 years, it’s this: The heart of Cherokee Creek is our people.
Today, our team includes over 65 dedicated professionals – a diverse and deeply committed group of:
- Teachers and academic leaders
- Licensed therapists and counselors
- Program managers and mentors
- Kitchen and dining team members
- Campus and maintenance staff
- Night staff providing 24/7 care
- Admissions and administrative staff
- Nursing and wellness professionals
Each role matters. Each person matters. Together, they create the environment that makes real change possible.
We often talk about “The Cherokee Creek Difference.” A significant part of that difference is the quality, experience and longevity of our team.
We are, at our core, a learning community. That means our staff – just like our students and families – are constantly learning, growing and evolving. At CCBS, we are …
Grounded in our character values of:
- Truth
- Wisdom
- Love
- Courage
Guided daily by our operational values:
- Safety
- Quality
- Creativity
- Fun
Our team members come from a wide range of backgrounds – education, therapy, outdoor leadership, healthcare and business – but they share one thing in common:
A deep passion for helping boys and families build a better future.
And if you spend even a few minutes reading their bios, you’ll see something remarkable – their experience is impressive, but their heart is what truly stands out.
Leadership That Brings the Mission to Life
That sense of purpose is reflected in the leadership of Executive Director, David LePere.
David has been part of Cherokee Creek for nearly 20 of its 23 years and his impact on the school is immeasurable.
With decades of experience in therapeutic schools and wilderness-based education, David brings both expertise and authenticity to his role.
But what truly sets David apart is how he leads. He …
Lives the mission … Models the values … Inspires the team to grow, improve and show up fully for students and families each and every day.
Under his leadership, Cherokee Creek has continued to evolve – strengthening its program while staying deeply rooted in its original purpose. As David shares:
“My professional mission statement is to serve students and families through inspired leadership. The opportunity to lead at Cherokee Creek is an honor and privilege.”
And perhaps most importantly, David leads an extraordinary team that makes this work possible.
A Family Legacy That Continues
Another special part of the Cherokee Creek story is that it remains a family legacy.
Beth and Ron’s daughter, Shaler Black Cooper, has been part of CCBS since the very beginning.
After graduating from Elon University and gaining experience in both Cherokee Creek and the corporate world, Shaler returned and now serves as Senior Director of Marketing & Admissions.
Shaler brings a uniquely personal perspective:
- As a member of the founding family
- As a professional working directly with families
- And as someone who was part of her own family’s healing when her brother attended a therapeutic boarding school
That perspective allows her to connect with families in a way that is both authentic and deeply empathetic. Today, she helps guide families through one of the most important decisions they will ever make.
From One Family to Hundreds
What began as one family’s vision has now impacted more than 600 families. And yet, we never lose sight of what that really means. Because for each family, this isn’t a number.
It’s their child.
Their story.
Their turning point.
– David LePere
The Mission That Still Guides Us
From the beginning, our mission has remained the same …
It’s a simple idea – but a powerful one.
A Place to Reset, Reconnect and Begin Again
On our 77-acre campus in the Blue Ridge Mountains, boys find something many of them have been missing.
Space to reset | Space to reconnect | Space to begin again
And in that space, with the support of our team, something begins to change.
CCBS is More Than a School
It’s a Community
After 23 years, one thing is clear: Cherokee Creek is more than a therapeutic boarding school for boys.
It’s a COMMUNITY.
A place where boys feel supported.
Where families feel understood.
And where change becomes possible.
Could Cherokee Creek Be Part of Your Story?
There is a path forward.
Reach out to start a conversation.
The Cherokee Creek Story Continues
The Cherokee Creek story is still being written.
It all started with ONE family.
And a TEAM of PEOPLE who turned that vision into something real.
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