About Us
We are a unique blend of experts in Child Welfare and Behavioral Health. Our instructors are active in the field. Our researchers don't let up. And our operations team makes all of our ideas come true.
We develop custom courses on all platforms quickly that is relevant to your staff and policies.
Whether you serve at the State level, as a University system, or are from an individual county run agency, we build training programs to suit your needs and match your budget. With so many delivery methods available we can deliver a training product that is perfect for your team.
Our Mission
The mission of the REAL Academy is to build a system of evidence-based training, that emphasizes critical thinking to best equip the Child Welfare worker with objective reasoning skills. We thrive on relational connections and reflective feedback to present relevant training that solves community problems. Our team is responsive and nimble, allowing us to build effective training without unnecessary delay.
Our vision is to improve social work professional standards contributing to a healthy workforce and reduced turnover in the field of public child welfare through simulation and practice.
Core Values
- RELATIONAL
- REFLECTIVE
- RELEVANT
- RESPONSIVE
- RESPECT
Our Team
Dr. Kevin Marino
REAL Academy Founder
Dr. Kevin Marino has over 25 years of experience in mental health, substance misuse, social work, and leadership in public and private agencies. Prior to launching The REAL Academy in the summer of 2020, he served as Director of Social Services in 2 NC counties and has held executive leadership roles at NC DSS in multiple counties since 2013. He has served on several state and local government boards and is well-recognized by his peers and colleagues for innovations in systems work across the state. Dr. Marino is an established author and inventor. The training system, decision-making tools, and technologies that support The REAL Academy’s training are patent-protected under the USPTO #TPP747**.
Matt Hill
Director of Training
Matt Hill brings over 20 years of clinical behavioral health experience to our team. We see his clinical expertise as beneficial to social workers and other human helpers because the tools are useful in both worlds. Matt serves as our Director of Operations, which focuses his attention on writing and developing highly practical training that meets a social worker’s frontline demands. Matt is a level master in Family-Centered Treatment methodology and a master trainer in RA’s training system, and instructional designer.
Dr. Robin Wright
Director of research and development
Dr. Robert Wright serves as the Director of Research and Development at the REAL Academy. He has over 25 years of experience in increasingly more responsible positions to envision, develop, and implement innovative programs/policies/grant acquisition strategies impacting public and private sectors, to organize people and events, and to communicate positive ideas and images intended to improve organizational productivity and support innovative decision-making. Dr. Wright and Marino have been collaborating since 2014 on advanced theory and practice in collaborative frameworks, decision-making, and simulation training methodologies.
Janea Adkins
Training Director
Janea has over 21 years of experience in education, mental health, Social Work, and Leadership. She is the director of training and instructional design. Before joining The REAL Academy, she served 17 years in child welfare in North Carolina, including as a front-line investigator and forensic interviewer, as well as Supervising Licensing, Foster Care, Adoptions, LINKS, and Extended Foster Care for ages 18-21. Before child welfare, she served as a Qualified Professional Mental Health Counselor through Support INC. Prior to that, she was a high school Exceptional Children’s teacher in Cleveland County, NC, grades 9 – 12th. She continues to volunteer as an adult supporter for YALC SaySo 828, Young Adult Leadership Council and Strong Able Youth Speaking Out.
Becky Whisenant
Project Manager
Becky has worked in human services for more than twenty years and is a teacher of both young and old. Her educational background is in education, counseling, and psychology. She is a trained and experienced lay counselor and peer support specialist. Becky has an exceptional eye for project details, and her expertise helps The REAL Academy team and partners excel in exceptional project design and execution.
Morgan Yelton
Trainer / Impacted Life
Morgan is a former foster youth. She is currently enrolled at Western Carolina University’s Social Work Program. She is active in NC’s SaySo (Strong Abled Youth Speaking Out) program and served as SaySo 828’s chapter president. At the REAL Academy, Morgan has a dynamic role of trainer, public speaker, and simulation designer. She utilizes her experience and the experience of her peers to add a required depth to the learner’s journey.
Will Luera
Talent Mgmt for Simulation PLayers™
Will takes great delight in locating and training new talent to act in The REAL Academy’s simulation training. He is also a team support for creating characters, backstories, and instructional design. He was Artistic Director Emeritus of ImprovBoston after serving 12 years as the Artistic Director. A certified Workplace Mediator trained at the Mediation Training Institute of Eckerd College, Will is a globally renowned improv and theater actor, director, and instructor who performs and teaches regularly all across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.
Nathan Askin
Sales and Marketing
Nathan has a unique blend of marketing and sales talent and he assists Dr. Marino in software development. He is a foster parent and brings his lived experience to the table. Nathan’s desire is that all partners of The REAL Academy receive a concierge service catered to their needs. He is more interested in the people he serves over making a sale.
Nathan Askin
Sales and Marketing
Nathan has a unique blend of marketing and sales talent and he assists Dr. Marino in software development. He is a foster parent and brings his lived experience to the table. Nathan’s desire is that all partners of The REAL Academy receive a concierge service catered to their needs. He is more interested in the people he serves over making a sale.
