Our Team
Leadership Team
Parker Bounds Johnson
Founder in SpiritParker's imagination was always out of the box and outside of the lines. He was a deep thinker and a dreamer-- a lot like his Grandpapa. He dreamed BIG. He dreamed globally. He dreamed universally beyond the stratosphere far into space. He led his life with his heart and everyone who truly knows him will vouch for this fact. He believed in loyalty and honesty and being real. He believed in family and belonging and love. He believed in his country and he loved the principles for which it stands--especially freedom and honor. He believed in his teammates and brotherhood. He believed in being humble and helping others without drawing attention to himself. He loved trees and children and animals. He believed in helping the underdog even at his own inconvenience or peril. He did this since the time when he was very young standing up to the school yard bully. He gave the shirt off his back and the last change in his pocket to a homeless man. He cared so much that it hurt. It finally hurt too much.
Parker's experience in Wilderness Therapy in the Great Smokey Mountains of North Carolina in the Fall of 2009 was an experience that changed the course of his life and gave him some of his very brightest years as a young adult. He said in Wilderness the fog lifted and he found himself again. He felt at peace and a sense of self-reliance he had forgotten and most importantly he felt hope for his future. We are certain that this time in Wilderness Therapy gave him and us 5 more priceless years together on earth.
As a family, Parker, Dan, Liz and sister Breanna actively talked and dreamed about doing something to help get more young people to Wilderness. A place, a movement, a community...we even talked about how we would build it and what roles each of us would play. Parker even laughed out loud when we asked him, "what role are you going to play?" and he replied, "I will be at the top. I will be overseeing everything. I will be like the head counselor." He then said, "let's do this!" Well the irony is that it now seems that he is taking the lead role in making this happen. He feels very much alive in our hearts as he inspires us to forge ahead and make his dream a reality to help other young people just like him find their way through Wilderness Therapy and beyond.
The world needs more dreamers. The dreamers are those who can see beyond what is and imagine something better. Thank you Parker for your vision and for inspiring us to "just do this!"
Parker's experience in Wilderness Therapy in the Great Smokey Mountains of North Carolina in the Fall of 2009 was an experience that changed the course of his life and gave him some of his very brightest years as a young adult. He said in Wilderness the fog lifted and he found himself again. He felt at peace and a sense of self-reliance he had forgotten and most importantly he felt hope for his future. We are certain that this time in Wilderness Therapy gave him and us 5 more priceless years together on earth.
As a family, Parker, Dan, Liz and sister Breanna actively talked and dreamed about doing something to help get more young people to Wilderness. A place, a movement, a community...we even talked about how we would build it and what roles each of us would play. Parker even laughed out loud when we asked him, "what role are you going to play?" and he replied, "I will be at the top. I will be overseeing everything. I will be like the head counselor." He then said, "let's do this!" Well the irony is that it now seems that he is taking the lead role in making this happen. He feels very much alive in our hearts as he inspires us to forge ahead and make his dream a reality to help other young people just like him find their way through Wilderness Therapy and beyond.
The world needs more dreamers. The dreamers are those who can see beyond what is and imagine something better. Thank you Parker for your vision and for inspiring us to "just do this!"
Liz
Bounds
President My privilege as Parker's and Breanna's mother has shaped me above all else. My children have become my greatest teachers--my dearest treasures on this earth and beyond life. A catastrophic and unfathomable loss occurred that changed me and the course of my life forever. Our son, Parker, took his own life after several difficult years of struggle and suffering just days before his 24th birthday. My grief and healing journey has taken me on a quest for deeper understanding of his plight and of others who may be suffering like he did. It has become my persistent wish to now do something useful to serve these young people who are hurting so deeply. A passionate idea of Parker’s that he enthusiastically shared a short time before his passing is now coming to life under his name: Parker Bounds Johnson Foundation--or PBJWilderness4Life.org
A few facts for the record: I earned my Bachelor or Arts Degree in Business Administration at the University of Washington and an Associates Degree in Interior Design at Portland Community College. I have owned and operated a business in residential and vacation property management for over 30 years. I have been an Interior Designer for nearly 20 years. I have worked for JCPenney as a buyer and merchandise manager and at Nordstom in commission sales. As a teenager I worked through school as utility worker for the City of Bellevue and as a lifeguard and taught swimming lessons to students from pre-school to the elderly at Edgebrook Club and for Bellevue and Mercer Island Park & Recreation. I worked my way through university at Puget Sound Power & Light Company that granted me a 4 year full ride scholarship to the UW. I have taught private art lessons. I have distributed phone books and delivered newspapers door to door. I even owned and operated a pop machine with my husband when we were first married.
My volunteer involvement revolved around my kids--Breanna and Parker, animals, and art. I was enthusiastically involved in the Art Literacy Programs in the Reedville and Beaverton Public Schools for many years. I was selected as a graphic artist for large projects in schools when I was a teenager as well as an adult. I have been involved in my kid's scouting and sports teams and was an assistant to Parker's Barbarian Rugby team--a true highlight. I have been a lifelong personal advocate for the humane treatment of animals and was an involved volunteer at the Oregon Humane Society. I am the Oregon group facilitator of Helping Parents Heal--a grief and healing support group for parents who have lost a child and for their grieving family members and close friends.
Interests lead me toward nature, exercise, family, friends and animals. I am a supporter of Best Friends Animal Society and even visited Angel Canyon in Kanab, Utah with my daughter. We had all just celebrated Parker’s graduation from In Balance Transitional Living in Tucson AZ and were heading back to Oregon. I am a vegetarian. I am learning to climb really big trees. I am a beginning urban bee keeper waiting for my first swarm. I garden. I hike. I backpack. I scuba dive. I ski. I am learning to kite board. I kayak. I water ski. I have run all 200 miles over 12 years from Mt Hood to Seaside in the Hood to Coast Relay with my team. I am privately learning to play the drums in my basement as therapy. I am beginning to practice Xi Gong and Yoga. I draw. I paint. I used to sew all my own clothes. I love animals and have had several pet house rabbits among an array of many scaled, feathered and furry beings. My recent claim to fame is I can make rice crispy treats using just one pan and one spatula. I especially love to spend time with young people and talk about deep subjects about life, the earth, the universe and beyond.
When I am outdoors in the wild places--whether it be oceans, rivers, lakes, forests, mountains, deserts or jungles--in any season-- I can breathe. I can shed my skin. My sadness and anxiety can lift. I feel renewed, nurtured and even empowered when I am in Wilderness. It feels healing of mind, body and spirit and reminds me what is essential. This love of wild places feels innate to my spirit. And it is a gift that has been nurtured by my family to whom I am grateful. I'd like to play a small part in paying this gift forward for another as I honor the legacy of my son's life. It had a significant impact on Parker when he received the gift of healing through a wilderness therapy program
A few facts for the record: I earned my Bachelor or Arts Degree in Business Administration at the University of Washington and an Associates Degree in Interior Design at Portland Community College. I have owned and operated a business in residential and vacation property management for over 30 years. I have been an Interior Designer for nearly 20 years. I have worked for JCPenney as a buyer and merchandise manager and at Nordstom in commission sales. As a teenager I worked through school as utility worker for the City of Bellevue and as a lifeguard and taught swimming lessons to students from pre-school to the elderly at Edgebrook Club and for Bellevue and Mercer Island Park & Recreation. I worked my way through university at Puget Sound Power & Light Company that granted me a 4 year full ride scholarship to the UW. I have taught private art lessons. I have distributed phone books and delivered newspapers door to door. I even owned and operated a pop machine with my husband when we were first married.
My volunteer involvement revolved around my kids--Breanna and Parker, animals, and art. I was enthusiastically involved in the Art Literacy Programs in the Reedville and Beaverton Public Schools for many years. I was selected as a graphic artist for large projects in schools when I was a teenager as well as an adult. I have been involved in my kid's scouting and sports teams and was an assistant to Parker's Barbarian Rugby team--a true highlight. I have been a lifelong personal advocate for the humane treatment of animals and was an involved volunteer at the Oregon Humane Society. I am the Oregon group facilitator of Helping Parents Heal--a grief and healing support group for parents who have lost a child and for their grieving family members and close friends.
Interests lead me toward nature, exercise, family, friends and animals. I am a supporter of Best Friends Animal Society and even visited Angel Canyon in Kanab, Utah with my daughter. We had all just celebrated Parker’s graduation from In Balance Transitional Living in Tucson AZ and were heading back to Oregon. I am a vegetarian. I am learning to climb really big trees. I am a beginning urban bee keeper waiting for my first swarm. I garden. I hike. I backpack. I scuba dive. I ski. I am learning to kite board. I kayak. I water ski. I have run all 200 miles over 12 years from Mt Hood to Seaside in the Hood to Coast Relay with my team. I am privately learning to play the drums in my basement as therapy. I am beginning to practice Xi Gong and Yoga. I draw. I paint. I used to sew all my own clothes. I love animals and have had several pet house rabbits among an array of many scaled, feathered and furry beings. My recent claim to fame is I can make rice crispy treats using just one pan and one spatula. I especially love to spend time with young people and talk about deep subjects about life, the earth, the universe and beyond.
When I am outdoors in the wild places--whether it be oceans, rivers, lakes, forests, mountains, deserts or jungles--in any season-- I can breathe. I can shed my skin. My sadness and anxiety can lift. I feel renewed, nurtured and even empowered when I am in Wilderness. It feels healing of mind, body and spirit and reminds me what is essential. This love of wild places feels innate to my spirit. And it is a gift that has been nurtured by my family to whom I am grateful. I'd like to play a small part in paying this gift forward for another as I honor the legacy of my son's life. It had a significant impact on Parker when he received the gift of healing through a wilderness therapy program
Dan
Johnson
Vice-President Daniel Johnson is father of Parker Bounds Johnson and Breanna Bounds Johnson and husband of Liz Bounds.
Liz, Breanna and Parker are the love of his life. He has devoted his hands, back, brain, and heart to them. “All that I am, have, do, and dream, is because of them." He was born and raised on a farm in Sunnyside Wa. He has three brothers and four sisters. He learned at a young age to work hard and play hard. He doesn’t sit still well. He would much rather be outside in adventure with family or friends, or working on a “project”. He loves people.
Dan graduated from the University of Washington in 1985 with a BS degree in Construction Management. He went on to construct large commercial projects in San Diego for 5 years before moving “home” to Portland and going to work for Skanska USA Building. In 27 years, he rose in the ranks to become the Vice President of Operations for Skanska’s $450M Portland operations. He has had a hand in many projects covering the Portland, Central Oregon and SW Washington region. He says “Construction is a “people” business like no other. Im lucky to love what I do with great people". His great joy is to witness the success people develop and the benefits that personal and professional growth provides them and their families.
Dan has worked his whole life "making things happen". He has great vision, creativity, organizational and leadership skills. He has proven abilities at turning a vision into actions and reality. He has done a significant amount of public speaking, and has the ability to motivate and inspire.
Dan has witnessed first-hand the devastating impact addiction, substance abuse, mental health challenges and suicide can have on people and their families. He has also seen the power of "Wilderness" and other treatment programs that return young adults back into the arms of their families and friends healthy and with renewed hope for their futures. Dan is committed to sharing with families the possibilities for treatment for their loved ones, supporting the good work of the American Foundation Suicide Prevention and as Parker dreamed--"send one kid a year to Wilderness."
Liz, Breanna and Parker are the love of his life. He has devoted his hands, back, brain, and heart to them. “All that I am, have, do, and dream, is because of them." He was born and raised on a farm in Sunnyside Wa. He has three brothers and four sisters. He learned at a young age to work hard and play hard. He doesn’t sit still well. He would much rather be outside in adventure with family or friends, or working on a “project”. He loves people.
Dan graduated from the University of Washington in 1985 with a BS degree in Construction Management. He went on to construct large commercial projects in San Diego for 5 years before moving “home” to Portland and going to work for Skanska USA Building. In 27 years, he rose in the ranks to become the Vice President of Operations for Skanska’s $450M Portland operations. He has had a hand in many projects covering the Portland, Central Oregon and SW Washington region. He says “Construction is a “people” business like no other. Im lucky to love what I do with great people". His great joy is to witness the success people develop and the benefits that personal and professional growth provides them and their families.
Dan has worked his whole life "making things happen". He has great vision, creativity, organizational and leadership skills. He has proven abilities at turning a vision into actions and reality. He has done a significant amount of public speaking, and has the ability to motivate and inspire.
Dan has witnessed first-hand the devastating impact addiction, substance abuse, mental health challenges and suicide can have on people and their families. He has also seen the power of "Wilderness" and other treatment programs that return young adults back into the arms of their families and friends healthy and with renewed hope for their futures. Dan is committed to sharing with families the possibilities for treatment for their loved ones, supporting the good work of the American Foundation Suicide Prevention and as Parker dreamed--"send one kid a year to Wilderness."
Tyler
Holmer,
Ed.S, NCSP
TreasurerClinical Team
I am a childhood friend of Parker’s who grew up in the same neighborhood, attended the same schools, and participated in many of the same activities growing up. Parker and I both played high school rugby and football together. Memories made during this time, in particular our rugby memories are something that I will cherish for a lifetime.
Helping people is something that I have always been passionate about, which naturally led me to the field of education. I received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Willamette University and then received an Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology from the graduate school at Lewis & Clark College. I am currently working as a School Psychologist at a middle school in the Battle Ground School District.
My job affords me the opportunity to work with amazing kids who with added support, resources, and positive opportunities, I have witnessed the resilience they have to fight whatever struggle they may be having. Nature is one of those resources that I believe invaluable to expose young people to and one that I personally use as a coping skill to deal with life’s daily challenges.
Helping to connect struggling youth with the power of nature through PBJF is why I find so much value in being involved with this foundation.
Helping people is something that I have always been passionate about, which naturally led me to the field of education. I received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Willamette University and then received an Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology from the graduate school at Lewis & Clark College. I am currently working as a School Psychologist at a middle school in the Battle Ground School District.
My job affords me the opportunity to work with amazing kids who with added support, resources, and positive opportunities, I have witnessed the resilience they have to fight whatever struggle they may be having. Nature is one of those resources that I believe invaluable to expose young people to and one that I personally use as a coping skill to deal with life’s daily challenges.
Helping to connect struggling youth with the power of nature through PBJF is why I find so much value in being involved with this foundation.
Chase
Bittner
SecretaryAdmissions Director
Chase Bittner recently returned to the States after 2 years living abroad in Cape Town, South Africa. While overseas, Chase ran the US sales market and helped to facilitate the day to day operations for an internship placement company which helped international students to study and work abroad in Southern Africa, as well as became a founding member who ran operations and project management for a progressive, forward thinking travel company. Chase now resides in Los Angeles, California where he helped to open a newly Michelin Plated restaurant in the down town area.
Chase’s connection to Parker, the healing power of nature and ultimately the Parker Bounds Johnson Foundation dates back to a therapeutic ski/snowboard trip in January 2010 where Parker was a new arrival in Arizona to a transitional living program. For years Chase helped to co-develop, grow and facilitate therapeutically lead experiences where his understanding of the power of nature proved more transformative and healing than psychotherapy alone. These experiences ranged from ski/snowboard trips at the company cabin in the White Mountains, to annual 5-7 day backpacking trips to the Havasupi Waterfalls in the Grand Canyon, to immersion/volunteer trips in townships in the Western Cape of South Africa.
Chase studied clinical Social Work at Arizona State University and earned a Bachelor of Social Work, Graduated Magna Cum Laude in College of Public Programs. A natural healer with the gift of intuition and an insightful understanding of the human condition, Chase acts as an adviser and consultant to those seeking a deeper sense of self and more meaning in their lives. Passionate about the heart and mind opening experiences that only travel can yield, his current mission is to help facilitate mindful travel opportunities for those seeking a deeper perspective of life into Southern Africa. Grateful for a brilliant network of worldly friends due to his natural ability to make connections, Chase invites everyone to “travel while you can with empathy and compassion".
A well-versed Behavioral Health Technician at In Balance Continuum of Care with 8 years experience in outpatient, inpatient, and transitional living settings as lead staff, Chase established therapeutic relationship with residents, acted as role model in maintaining hopeful and positive attitude in problem-solving and coping with disabilities associated with mental health challenges, provided support to assist in the recovery process, led therapeutic groups, planned follow-up and aftercare programs for clients, facilitated interventions, facilitated spirituality and healthy living groups, counselled clients to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, and making changes, supervised and trained staff in implementing health programs, objectives, and goals; adhered to laws of confidentiality, participated in individual and weekly group supervision, treatment reviews and other agency meetings as necessary, attended case conference, supervision, departmental, and outside meetings and training as requested, conferred with other counsellors in order to analyse individual cases and to coordinate counselling services, conducted outcome studies for graduates/ discharged clients, and maintained professional code of conduct at all times.
Chase has strong sales, leadership and relationship-building skills. Excellent verbal, listening and writing skills. Adept at multitasking to achieve individual and team goals. Diverse vocational experience includes sales, group facilitation, client-centered empowerment, clinical supervision, and interventions. Extensive knowledge of human and industry behavior and performance, mental processes and assessment methods.
Chase’s personal creed is to live life encouraging affirmative community and inspiring emotionally safe spaces for everyone to tell their story.
Chase’s connection to Parker, the healing power of nature and ultimately the Parker Bounds Johnson Foundation dates back to a therapeutic ski/snowboard trip in January 2010 where Parker was a new arrival in Arizona to a transitional living program. For years Chase helped to co-develop, grow and facilitate therapeutically lead experiences where his understanding of the power of nature proved more transformative and healing than psychotherapy alone. These experiences ranged from ski/snowboard trips at the company cabin in the White Mountains, to annual 5-7 day backpacking trips to the Havasupi Waterfalls in the Grand Canyon, to immersion/volunteer trips in townships in the Western Cape of South Africa.
Chase studied clinical Social Work at Arizona State University and earned a Bachelor of Social Work, Graduated Magna Cum Laude in College of Public Programs. A natural healer with the gift of intuition and an insightful understanding of the human condition, Chase acts as an adviser and consultant to those seeking a deeper sense of self and more meaning in their lives. Passionate about the heart and mind opening experiences that only travel can yield, his current mission is to help facilitate mindful travel opportunities for those seeking a deeper perspective of life into Southern Africa. Grateful for a brilliant network of worldly friends due to his natural ability to make connections, Chase invites everyone to “travel while you can with empathy and compassion".
A well-versed Behavioral Health Technician at In Balance Continuum of Care with 8 years experience in outpatient, inpatient, and transitional living settings as lead staff, Chase established therapeutic relationship with residents, acted as role model in maintaining hopeful and positive attitude in problem-solving and coping with disabilities associated with mental health challenges, provided support to assist in the recovery process, led therapeutic groups, planned follow-up and aftercare programs for clients, facilitated interventions, facilitated spirituality and healthy living groups, counselled clients to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, and making changes, supervised and trained staff in implementing health programs, objectives, and goals; adhered to laws of confidentiality, participated in individual and weekly group supervision, treatment reviews and other agency meetings as necessary, attended case conference, supervision, departmental, and outside meetings and training as requested, conferred with other counsellors in order to analyse individual cases and to coordinate counselling services, conducted outcome studies for graduates/ discharged clients, and maintained professional code of conduct at all times.
Chase has strong sales, leadership and relationship-building skills. Excellent verbal, listening and writing skills. Adept at multitasking to achieve individual and team goals. Diverse vocational experience includes sales, group facilitation, client-centered empowerment, clinical supervision, and interventions. Extensive knowledge of human and industry behavior and performance, mental processes and assessment methods.
Chase’s personal creed is to live life encouraging affirmative community and inspiring emotionally safe spaces for everyone to tell their story.
Matt
Wood
Clinical TeamProgram Liaison
Matt joined A Circle of Hope in 2018 after working for over 8 years in the fields of Wilderness Therapy and Residential Treatment. After attending the National Outdoor Leadership School, Matt worked as a field guide for wilderness therapy groups, including groups designed for individuals on the Autism Spectrum.
His ongoing work in the field of residential treatment focused on young adult transition and substance abuse recovery. Matt's personal and professional experience help him to provide insights on many levels while families in crisis navigate the therapeutic process.
Matt enjoys all things outdoors, including rock climbing, and is excited to work with Wild Hearts and PBJ to help wilderness graduates stay connected to Nature, and sustain the skills they learned in the programs they attended.
His ongoing work in the field of residential treatment focused on young adult transition and substance abuse recovery. Matt's personal and professional experience help him to provide insights on many levels while families in crisis navigate the therapeutic process.
Matt enjoys all things outdoors, including rock climbing, and is excited to work with Wild Hearts and PBJ to help wilderness graduates stay connected to Nature, and sustain the skills they learned in the programs they attended.
Jason
Ledesma
Corporate Relations Ben
Marchman
Clinical TeamSponsor Relations
I grew up in Georgia on a multi-generational family farm that offered many days of exploration, creativeness, and life learnings. I still value these natural world experiences to this day. I was surrounded by heavy addiction growing up both personally and with those close to me. So, I fell into the mental health world at an early age. When I was a teenager, I struggled through addiction, and it wasn’t until I found wilderness therapy when my live truly changed.
This passion for the natural world, in pushing myself spiritually and into developing deeper connections with myself followed me to my undergraduate years at Brevard College in Brevard NC. At Brevard College I obtained a dual BA degree in Wilderness Leadership & Experiential Education; And in Environmental Studies.
The southern Appalachian and Blueridge mountains held me close for many years and Brevard NC became my home base as I pursued my work in wilderness therapy. I worked at many different wilderness therapy programs as a wilderness field instructor between the years of 2005 to 2011. Some of these programs include Second Nature (now called Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness, Four Circles Recovery Center, and SUWS. During these years I taught part time in the school system and even became a licensed habitat restoration ecologist where I traveled the country and assisted in repairing damaged ecosystems.
From 2011 to present I had many different careers. These include being a preK-12 schoolteacher, an habitat restoration ecologist with the Nature Conservancy, and many different roles within the mental health field. For the past 6 years or so I have been focusing my work in working with individuals struggling with co-occurring disorders, trauma, and addiction.
Currently I am back in graduate school pursuing my M.S. in Counseling with an Emphasis in Somatic Psychotherapy. And Certificate in Nature Based Counseling. I plan to graduate in 2024 and hopefully start up my own private practice that can offer a blend of ecotherapy, experiential therapy, and psychodynamic therapies to my future clients and community.
On the side I am a Certified Addiction Counselor and life coach in my community. I am also training with the Gestalt Therapy Institute of the Rockies to become a Gestalt Therapist. I have many years of training in Somatic Experiencing from Somatic Experiencing International. As well as working towards my Rites of Passage Guide Training with a dear friend and mentor of mine, Kedar Brown(Rites of Passage Council) and the late Malidoma Some(ceremonialist and spiritual teacher).
When I am not immersed in my work, school, or a training, I like to spend time with my wife and two young kids canoeing down rivers, biking, running through the woods, or geeking out about nature.
I chose to serve on the PBJF board because, like Parker, I believe that every teen should be able to have access to outdoor behavioral healthcare and community. And, it is a true honor for me to help create those community relationships for PBJF to have a platform to create that access.
This passion for the natural world, in pushing myself spiritually and into developing deeper connections with myself followed me to my undergraduate years at Brevard College in Brevard NC. At Brevard College I obtained a dual BA degree in Wilderness Leadership & Experiential Education; And in Environmental Studies.
The southern Appalachian and Blueridge mountains held me close for many years and Brevard NC became my home base as I pursued my work in wilderness therapy. I worked at many different wilderness therapy programs as a wilderness field instructor between the years of 2005 to 2011. Some of these programs include Second Nature (now called Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness, Four Circles Recovery Center, and SUWS. During these years I taught part time in the school system and even became a licensed habitat restoration ecologist where I traveled the country and assisted in repairing damaged ecosystems.
From 2011 to present I had many different careers. These include being a preK-12 schoolteacher, an habitat restoration ecologist with the Nature Conservancy, and many different roles within the mental health field. For the past 6 years or so I have been focusing my work in working with individuals struggling with co-occurring disorders, trauma, and addiction.
Currently I am back in graduate school pursuing my M.S. in Counseling with an Emphasis in Somatic Psychotherapy. And Certificate in Nature Based Counseling. I plan to graduate in 2024 and hopefully start up my own private practice that can offer a blend of ecotherapy, experiential therapy, and psychodynamic therapies to my future clients and community.
On the side I am a Certified Addiction Counselor and life coach in my community. I am also training with the Gestalt Therapy Institute of the Rockies to become a Gestalt Therapist. I have many years of training in Somatic Experiencing from Somatic Experiencing International. As well as working towards my Rites of Passage Guide Training with a dear friend and mentor of mine, Kedar Brown(Rites of Passage Council) and the late Malidoma Some(ceremonialist and spiritual teacher).
When I am not immersed in my work, school, or a training, I like to spend time with my wife and two young kids canoeing down rivers, biking, running through the woods, or geeking out about nature.
I chose to serve on the PBJF board because, like Parker, I believe that every teen should be able to have access to outdoor behavioral healthcare and community. And, it is a true honor for me to help create those community relationships for PBJF to have a platform to create that access.
Ricky
Becker,
MSW, LCSW
Clinical Advisor My life experience is founded on the transformative power of nature and the outdoors have had on growth and change throughout my life and the integral part it has played in my dynamic therapeutic approach. I trace this back to my rural roots from where I was born and raised in a small town (White Salmon) in The Cascade Mountains of Washington State. I later earned my Bachelor of Arts from Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington and my Masters of Social Work in Oregon at Portland State University. I have spent the better part of the last ten years working in the wilderness therapy field, further developing my passion for serving others and influencing change.
I found my calling in 2007 as a wilderness therapy field guide. For three years I tirelessly dedicated myself to the work until I earned a role as the field supervisor. Wanting more clinical and educational experience, I enrolled into Portland State University’s School of Social Work.
During my graduate program I focused on youth struggling with mental health and addictions both as a case manager and an addictions counselor. I continued to explore the complex issues of youth and mental illness as a school social worker at an alternative high school in the Portland metro area, until I received my graduate degree.
After graduating in 2012, I quickly returned to wilderness therapy as a therapist for an emerging wilderness therapy program in Wisconsin. When the company opened a new field area in Bend, Oregon, I played an integral role in developing foundational elements of the new program as a Primary Therapist and most recently as Clinical Director.
I am a trained level II Brainspotting (BSP) specialist. My focus is on attachment therapy, family systems and trauma informed care. I specialize in the treatment and placement of adolescents and young adults experiencing acute and complex mental health and addiction struggles. I belong to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and am licensed in the state of Oregon as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
When I am not immersed in my work with clients and families, I enjoy and embrace the outdoor lifestyle of Bend, Oregon and can usually be found on top of a mountain, paddling down a river or traveling and exploring the great outdoors with my partner of 17 years.
I found my calling in 2007 as a wilderness therapy field guide. For three years I tirelessly dedicated myself to the work until I earned a role as the field supervisor. Wanting more clinical and educational experience, I enrolled into Portland State University’s School of Social Work.
During my graduate program I focused on youth struggling with mental health and addictions both as a case manager and an addictions counselor. I continued to explore the complex issues of youth and mental illness as a school social worker at an alternative high school in the Portland metro area, until I received my graduate degree.
After graduating in 2012, I quickly returned to wilderness therapy as a therapist for an emerging wilderness therapy program in Wisconsin. When the company opened a new field area in Bend, Oregon, I played an integral role in developing foundational elements of the new program as a Primary Therapist and most recently as Clinical Director.
I am a trained level II Brainspotting (BSP) specialist. My focus is on attachment therapy, family systems and trauma informed care. I specialize in the treatment and placement of adolescents and young adults experiencing acute and complex mental health and addiction struggles. I belong to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and am licensed in the state of Oregon as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
When I am not immersed in my work with clients and families, I enjoy and embrace the outdoor lifestyle of Bend, Oregon and can usually be found on top of a mountain, paddling down a river or traveling and exploring the great outdoors with my partner of 17 years.
Daniel L.
Cavanaugh,
PhD, LCSW
Clinical Advisor Daniel L. Cavanaugh, PhD, LCSW is passionate about using the outdoors and experiential adventure to support young people and families who face increased levels of risk. Daniel believes in the efficacy of these interventions because of the positive impact they have had on his life, personally. Daniel is working with PBJF because he is excited about working to support young people having access to adventure therapy interventions in their communities. He is invigorated to work with PBJF to build a network of clinicians to support young people who are encountering mental illness and other behavioral health challenges. Kurt Hahn believed in making Outward Bound style outposts called “islands of healing” to deliver facilitated adventure to young people in urban and suburban environments. Daniel wants to help PBJF create some islands here in the Northwest!
Daniel is an avid rock climber, snowboarder, paddler, cyclist, and mountaineer. When he isn’t working, you will find him somewhere in Mt. Hood National Forest or the Columbia River Gorge. Daniel received his BS in psychology at Portland State University in Oregon and both his PhD and MSW from Michigan State University in Lansing. At MSU, Daniel completed qualitative dissertation research exploring how adventure therapy techniques have been utilized to prevent behavioral health disorders in young people. Before doing his PhD, Daniel worked as a clinical social worker at Morrison Child and Family Services in Portland, Oregon providing community and school-based mental health therapy to young people. Daniel currently works as an assistant teaching professor at the University of Washington Bothell’s School of Nursing and Health Studies and as clinical faculty at Prescott College’s Adventure and Nature-based Counseling programs. Daniel is a co-founder of The Adventure Therapy Collective, an international collaboration of scholars and practitioners who work to increase access to experiential therapies that can be delivered outdoors. Daniel currently volunteers on the board of the Association for Experiential Education’s Pacific Northwest Regional Council and the Therapeutic Adventure Professionals Group.
Daniel is an avid rock climber, snowboarder, paddler, cyclist, and mountaineer. When he isn’t working, you will find him somewhere in Mt. Hood National Forest or the Columbia River Gorge. Daniel received his BS in psychology at Portland State University in Oregon and both his PhD and MSW from Michigan State University in Lansing. At MSU, Daniel completed qualitative dissertation research exploring how adventure therapy techniques have been utilized to prevent behavioral health disorders in young people. Before doing his PhD, Daniel worked as a clinical social worker at Morrison Child and Family Services in Portland, Oregon providing community and school-based mental health therapy to young people. Daniel currently works as an assistant teaching professor at the University of Washington Bothell’s School of Nursing and Health Studies and as clinical faculty at Prescott College’s Adventure and Nature-based Counseling programs. Daniel is a co-founder of The Adventure Therapy Collective, an international collaboration of scholars and practitioners who work to increase access to experiential therapies that can be delivered outdoors. Daniel currently volunteers on the board of the Association for Experiential Education’s Pacific Northwest Regional Council and the Therapeutic Adventure Professionals Group.
Brian
Curl
Education Advisor Motivated by the belief that the education of children is the greatest of civil rights, Brian began his work with youth as a volunteer at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America during his time as an undergraduate at the University of Notre Dame. Brian continued his volunteerism after graduation as a high school youth minister for nearly seven years. It was during this time he realized the nature of this work was more profound and rewarding than the job paying the bills.
Brian returned to school, receiving his Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT). He has been an educator for 15 years, 14 of which have been with the Beaverton School District. Brian leveraged his MAT and Business and Marketing degree into a position teaching Business and Marketing at Beaverton High School in 2002. Currently Principal at Raleigh Park Elementary, Brian has also held positions as a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) at Scholls Heights Elementary and as an Assistant Principal at both Beaverton and Aloha High Schools.
Brian is grateful for the gift of having worked with children, adolescents and young adults of all ages and backgrounds. Humbled by this calling to serve, he is especially proud of the opportunity to work with students who are impacted by issues related to poverty, English language acquisition, learning disabilities and social-emotional health.
Brian returned to school, receiving his Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT). He has been an educator for 15 years, 14 of which have been with the Beaverton School District. Brian leveraged his MAT and Business and Marketing degree into a position teaching Business and Marketing at Beaverton High School in 2002. Currently Principal at Raleigh Park Elementary, Brian has also held positions as a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) at Scholls Heights Elementary and as an Assistant Principal at both Beaverton and Aloha High Schools.
Brian is grateful for the gift of having worked with children, adolescents and young adults of all ages and backgrounds. Humbled by this calling to serve, he is especially proud of the opportunity to work with students who are impacted by issues related to poverty, English language acquisition, learning disabilities and social-emotional health.
Frank
Baccellieri
Insurance Advisor Emily
Vanderipe
Moms' Support Group As a mom, I’ve tried to go it alone during times of personal struggle and it never goes as well as when I ask for help and make myself vulnerable to share.
I’m thankful for PBJWilderness4life because we see the great importance of not only helping kids get into an outdoor behavioral healthcare/wilderness therapy program but also we recognize the support we families need during the new and on going journey.
I facilitate our PBJ Wild Heart Moms Tribe in the Portland area. It is a safe place where moms can come and just be, without judgement. An hour or so of release, where our at the end, our problems haven’t necessarily changed but our energy feels stronger to get through the next moment. We also share information about local activities to help connect our kids with other kids on similar paths.
Connecting with other parents who are going through similar situations with their child(ren) in regards to mental health/addiction makes the struggle hopeful. Hearing others stories so similar to my own makes me feel comforted and safe.
I’m thankful to have such a wonderful group of moms whom I get to be around every other week and to help connect people and their kiddos.
My other PBJ role is to help introduce and bring “Wilderness Kids” (and their families) together and invite them to be a part of our Portland area PBJ Wild Hearts Meet-Ups.
Our Portland area PBJ Wild Hearts Moms Tribe meets every three weeks. Please join anytime—come as you are—you are always welcome. Email me for meet up details at emily.v.wilderness4life@pbjf.org.
If you’d like to connect with me to just talk, or join our Portland Area Moms Tribe, or to get more information on local Portland area weekly and monthly Wild Hearts Meet-Ups for our teens/young adults, I am here to help welcome you and get you connected with our other team leaders.
Thank you!
Emily
I’m thankful for PBJWilderness4life because we see the great importance of not only helping kids get into an outdoor behavioral healthcare/wilderness therapy program but also we recognize the support we families need during the new and on going journey.
I facilitate our PBJ Wild Heart Moms Tribe in the Portland area. It is a safe place where moms can come and just be, without judgement. An hour or so of release, where our at the end, our problems haven’t necessarily changed but our energy feels stronger to get through the next moment. We also share information about local activities to help connect our kids with other kids on similar paths.
Connecting with other parents who are going through similar situations with their child(ren) in regards to mental health/addiction makes the struggle hopeful. Hearing others stories so similar to my own makes me feel comforted and safe.
I’m thankful to have such a wonderful group of moms whom I get to be around every other week and to help connect people and their kiddos.
My other PBJ role is to help introduce and bring “Wilderness Kids” (and their families) together and invite them to be a part of our Portland area PBJ Wild Hearts Meet-Ups.
Our Portland area PBJ Wild Hearts Moms Tribe meets every three weeks. Please join anytime—come as you are—you are always welcome. Email me for meet up details at emily.v.wilderness4life@pbjf.org.
If you’d like to connect with me to just talk, or join our Portland Area Moms Tribe, or to get more information on local Portland area weekly and monthly Wild Hearts Meet-Ups for our teens/young adults, I am here to help welcome you and get you connected with our other team leaders.
Thank you!
Emily
Bret
Vanderipe
Dads' Support Group Bret feels it’s important to have a safe community of other Dads who have shared experiences. It’s important because earlier on during Brets journey with his son, he didn’t feel he had anyone with a similar situation to talk with and he felt he was going through this journey alone. Bret is grateful for PBJ who sees the importance of bringing wilderness families together to heal together. He enjoys his Dads group who meet every 2-3 weeks, sometimes at a coffee shop, or restaurant or around a bone fire. He feels a sense of relief after his groups and hopes the same for the other guys who come. He’s thankful for the opportunity to meet other Dads and continue to help build a community of supportive wilderness families.
Jake
Turner
Bookkeeper Lisa
McKinney
AdministrativeAssistant
Justine
Keith
Social Media Julie
Styner
Parent Support Sam
Balka
Field Coach Paige
Edwards
Field Coach Paige grew up in Northern California, where she developed a love for the outdoors at a young age. While attaining her Bachelors in Science at UC Davis, she began her guiding career teaching college students how to camp and backpack. Paige became a Wilderness Therapy guide shortly after and has been in the industry ever since. She has worked with adolescents, young adults, and adults in wilderness settings and residential settings.
Paige has extensive recreation guiding experience including skiing, rock climbing, white water rafting, and canyoneering. She believes that the outdoors is an incredible facilitator of healing as it provides opportunities to step into the unknown, build resilience, and develop supportive relationships. The wilderness has helped her immensely in her own recovery journey, and in turn she is dedicated to supporting others along their healing path.
Currently, Paige is in school for her Masters in Social Work and is enjoying broadening her knowledge and applying what she is learning to her work outdoors.
Paige has extensive recreation guiding experience including skiing, rock climbing, white water rafting, and canyoneering. She believes that the outdoors is an incredible facilitator of healing as it provides opportunities to step into the unknown, build resilience, and develop supportive relationships. The wilderness has helped her immensely in her own recovery journey, and in turn she is dedicated to supporting others along their healing path.
Currently, Paige is in school for her Masters in Social Work and is enjoying broadening her knowledge and applying what she is learning to her work outdoors.
Marissa
Swartz
Field Coach Marissa was lucky to receive the best of both worlds as a child. She was born in Michigan, but moved to Oregon at just about six years old. In Michigan, she and her family would catch fireflies every summer night, and in Oregon they would have the whole state as their playground, and "man is it a good playground".
She remembers the very first time they drove to Oregon from Michigan - she fell in love with Oregon the second they ended up driving through the Columbia River Gorge. Her little five year old self was in absolute awe of the fact that you can just be driving on the road and see stunning waterfalls like Multnomah Falls.
As an adult she now spends most weekends in the Columbia River Gorge searching for the best waterfalls! Growing up she has always had a more hands on approach to life and never felt that the typical college path was the right one for her. In high school, she broke the stereotypical gender norms and was the first female to get accepted into an apprenticeship for the Northwest Woodworking Studio
Going into her adult life she was set on becoming a carpenter and living out that dream. However, life had different plans for her. Just three days before her interview with the Carpenters Union she was told that she had a Bilateral break in her spine, which she later discovered was thinning discs and arthritis. At just 19 years old she had felt like her world was falling apart and lived in fear of disability for several years after that.
In 2021 she decided she couldn't live like that anymore and went back to physical therapy and in turn was able to reignite her love for the great outdoors. It first started out by just bringing friends along on trails and sharing her journeys with family back home in Michigan. Her grandmother pushed her to share my journey with the world and since then she has created her own social media platforms where she shares photography and clips from her hikes. From that she has found a community where she feels as though she can really thrive.
She eventually came to the realization that she wanted to help others be able to experience the true healing that she has personally received from nature.
She remembers the very first time they drove to Oregon from Michigan - she fell in love with Oregon the second they ended up driving through the Columbia River Gorge. Her little five year old self was in absolute awe of the fact that you can just be driving on the road and see stunning waterfalls like Multnomah Falls.
As an adult she now spends most weekends in the Columbia River Gorge searching for the best waterfalls! Growing up she has always had a more hands on approach to life and never felt that the typical college path was the right one for her. In high school, she broke the stereotypical gender norms and was the first female to get accepted into an apprenticeship for the Northwest Woodworking Studio
Going into her adult life she was set on becoming a carpenter and living out that dream. However, life had different plans for her. Just three days before her interview with the Carpenters Union she was told that she had a Bilateral break in her spine, which she later discovered was thinning discs and arthritis. At just 19 years old she had felt like her world was falling apart and lived in fear of disability for several years after that.
In 2021 she decided she couldn't live like that anymore and went back to physical therapy and in turn was able to reignite her love for the great outdoors. It first started out by just bringing friends along on trails and sharing her journeys with family back home in Michigan. Her grandmother pushed her to share my journey with the world and since then she has created her own social media platforms where she shares photography and clips from her hikes. From that she has found a community where she feels as though she can really thrive.
She eventually came to the realization that she wanted to help others be able to experience the true healing that she has personally received from nature.
Courtney
Johnson
Admin Asst I grew up in the midwest where the opportunity to see Hailey's Comet during a camping trip with my father led me to an appreciation and passion for the outdoors. I have been lucky to call the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Colorado home for over 20 years taking advantage of an average of 300 days of sunshine a year hiking, snowshoeing to a hut, paddling a lake or other adventures with my 9-year-old daughter and husband.
Since childhood, I have had a passion for giving back. I present to groups about hiking and breaking down the anxiety and barriers of getting outdoors with children. I also present to classrooms about Mesa Verde, Ancestral Puebloans and the book writing process. I am the Co-fundraising Chair and Restaurant Night Coordinator for my daughter's school PTCO, co-manager of my daughter's soccer team and volunteer for Erie Uplink.
I received my undergrad in media studies from the University of Iowa and my master's degree in education from the University of Phoenix. I am fortunate that I have been able to use my skills in various ways, from teaching special education to writing for a range of publications and websites. My husband and I built the first all-digital triathlon magazine from the ground up, and I am the author of the guidebook The Best Utah Children's Hikes. My second guidebook The Best Cortez and Mesa Verde Hikes will be released in the spring of 2024.
After suffering the great loss of my sister to addiction and multiple second-trimester miscarriages, I began to understand nature's healing power. As a grant writer, I am excited to join the Parker Bounds Johnson Foundation team. I hope that my desire to give back and my wide range of experience can help PBJF grow the Wilderness4Life program to reach youth in Washington, Oregon and beyond to find both hope and healing in the wilderness.
Since childhood, I have had a passion for giving back. I present to groups about hiking and breaking down the anxiety and barriers of getting outdoors with children. I also present to classrooms about Mesa Verde, Ancestral Puebloans and the book writing process. I am the Co-fundraising Chair and Restaurant Night Coordinator for my daughter's school PTCO, co-manager of my daughter's soccer team and volunteer for Erie Uplink.
I received my undergrad in media studies from the University of Iowa and my master's degree in education from the University of Phoenix. I am fortunate that I have been able to use my skills in various ways, from teaching special education to writing for a range of publications and websites. My husband and I built the first all-digital triathlon magazine from the ground up, and I am the author of the guidebook The Best Utah Children's Hikes. My second guidebook The Best Cortez and Mesa Verde Hikes will be released in the spring of 2024.
After suffering the great loss of my sister to addiction and multiple second-trimester miscarriages, I began to understand nature's healing power. As a grant writer, I am excited to join the Parker Bounds Johnson Foundation team. I hope that my desire to give back and my wide range of experience can help PBJF grow the Wilderness4Life program to reach youth in Washington, Oregon and beyond to find both hope and healing in the wilderness.
The Mood
Swings
Official Band The Mood Swings are PBJ’s Official Band with Jeff Ward, Adam Coberley, Lee Snow, Dave Bratton & Kim Wick
Wesley
Heart and SoulIf you or someone you care about are in crisis, please call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
CALL 9-8-8
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