Youth Academy Staff

Steven W. Fairley, Executive Director
Steve has served as the Youth Academy’s Executive Director since its’ genesis. He has overseen the establishment and growth of the programming and services the Youth Academy has developed and delivered. Steve has served on numerous state and regional committees designed to improve services for families and children. He is a lifelong resident of West Virginia and a graduate of North Marion High School. Steve earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Fairmont State University and a Master of Social Work degree from West Virginia University. He has served as an adjunct faculty member at FSU. Steve has worked as a Regional Director, Director of Quality Assurance and Utilization Management, Clinical Team Leader, Program Supervisor and Family Service Coordinator for other agencies in West Virginia. Steve is blindly loyal to and, a defender of the faith, regarding WVU football.

Stephanie M. Clemons, Assistant Director
Stephanie has been with the Youth Academy since its inception. She started as clinical manager and was later promoted to Assistant Director. She is a native of Lewis County and still resides there with her family. Before coming to the Youth Academy Stephanie worked as an Adolescent Addictions Therapist. Prior, she was employed in residential services for nearly eight years. Among the positions held by Stephanie were Teacher/Counselor, Program Supervisor and Family Service Coordinator. She earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in Sports Management from Glenville State and a Master’s of Science in Community Mental Health from Trinity College. Stephanie is an avid outdoorswoman enjoying camping, fishing, hiking and sports. She is active in her church and supports her local mission along with Ruby Memorial’s Children’s Hospital.

Patrick M. Varah, Coordinator of Programming and Staff Development
Pat started his position with the Youth Academy in February 2004. He has lived in West Virginia most of his life and is a graduate of Grafton High School. Pat worked at the West Virginia Division of Juvenile Services for two and a half years as the Public Information Specialist for the division. He chaired the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s Region I Core Group, which is dedicated to keeping children in state placements in less restrictive environments. Prior to that, he was the Projects Director at Outer Banks Hotline in Manteo, North Carolina. Despite their failings during the past decade, Pat is miserably loyal to the Washington Redskins and enjoys surf fishing.