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
PresidentExecutive Director
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."
Ashley Hope
James
Program DirectorWilderness4Life
“Some of Ashley’s earliest and best memories consist of sitting around a fire with family in the outdoors and taking every chance she could to either hike or create art. Ashley was taught lessons early on about how having fun meant diving into the trenches and getting dirty, while letting curiosity guide her towards remarkable adventures.
With a relentless love for exploration, Ashley has visited over 15 countries (and counting) and has lived in places like Maryland (where she’s from), Louisiana, Texas, Italy, Colorado and Arizona. For the last 10 years, she has focused her passion for serving others into the mission of several military non-profit organizations and government agencies across the US and abroad, including the USO, the Wounded Warrior Project and U.S. Army, using her Master’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Indiana University and experience as a Recreation Therapist to build and facilitate programs that promoted a better quality of life for many active duty soldiers, veterans, and family members struggling with complex behavioral health issues, through outdoor recreation and creative arts.
Ashley is a firm believer in the “power of the outdoors”, which came to fruition for her after reaching the summit of Mount Baker in September 2022; an endeavor that was dull of doubts. But, this accomplishment influenced her growth mindset in life: “Don’t believe all the stories you tell yourself. How you feel about your life, and the meaning of experiences in it, depends on where you put your focus. Our internal narrative is like a radio station — if you want to hear something different, you need to change the channel.” So she did.
Ashley hopes that sharing her love of the outdoors and art, paired with difficult but rewarding life experiences, will help give children the reason to choose life, and the understanding that they are so much more than the sum of their most difficult life experiences.
When not working, Ashley can be found getting lost on a hiking trail (or maybe she doesn’t want to be found), snowboarding, rock climbing, white water rafting, or kayaking around the local area of North Bend, where she and her wild 4 year old reside. She also spends her free time offering watercolor and acrylic painting classes to her local community.
Her passion for growth and empowerment has recently shifted gears from working WITH the military population, to working with youth, as discovered through her experience as a parent and as a creative arts therapist working with young adults and adolescents. What drew Ashley to PBJF was not just alone Parker’s story, but the statement he’d made throughout it: “wouldn’t it be tight if we could send just one kid a year to Wilderness?” One of Ashley’s favorite parables is the “Starfish Story”, whose moral is that everyone can make a difference - even if that difference just affects one person. Reading Parker’s story was simply the catalyst for Ashley to make all of the difference in even just one child’s life, and live up to Parker’s dream. As Program Director, Ashley feels incredibly motivated to lay the groundwork for PBJF families to explore their values and strengths while providing a safe environment for them to experience and grow into the highest versions of themselves. “
With a relentless love for exploration, Ashley has visited over 15 countries (and counting) and has lived in places like Maryland (where she’s from), Louisiana, Texas, Italy, Colorado and Arizona. For the last 10 years, she has focused her passion for serving others into the mission of several military non-profit organizations and government agencies across the US and abroad, including the USO, the Wounded Warrior Project and U.S. Army, using her Master’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Indiana University and experience as a Recreation Therapist to build and facilitate programs that promoted a better quality of life for many active duty soldiers, veterans, and family members struggling with complex behavioral health issues, through outdoor recreation and creative arts.
Ashley is a firm believer in the “power of the outdoors”, which came to fruition for her after reaching the summit of Mount Baker in September 2022; an endeavor that was dull of doubts. But, this accomplishment influenced her growth mindset in life: “Don’t believe all the stories you tell yourself. How you feel about your life, and the meaning of experiences in it, depends on where you put your focus. Our internal narrative is like a radio station — if you want to hear something different, you need to change the channel.” So she did.
Ashley hopes that sharing her love of the outdoors and art, paired with difficult but rewarding life experiences, will help give children the reason to choose life, and the understanding that they are so much more than the sum of their most difficult life experiences.
When not working, Ashley can be found getting lost on a hiking trail (or maybe she doesn’t want to be found), snowboarding, rock climbing, white water rafting, or kayaking around the local area of North Bend, where she and her wild 4 year old reside. She also spends her free time offering watercolor and acrylic painting classes to her local community.
Her passion for growth and empowerment has recently shifted gears from working WITH the military population, to working with youth, as discovered through her experience as a parent and as a creative arts therapist working with young adults and adolescents. What drew Ashley to PBJF was not just alone Parker’s story, but the statement he’d made throughout it: “wouldn’t it be tight if we could send just one kid a year to Wilderness?” One of Ashley’s favorite parables is the “Starfish Story”, whose moral is that everyone can make a difference - even if that difference just affects one person. Reading Parker’s story was simply the catalyst for Ashley to make all of the difference in even just one child’s life, and live up to Parker’s dream. As Program Director, Ashley feels incredibly motivated to lay the groundwork for PBJF families to explore their values and strengths while providing a safe environment for them to experience and grow into the highest versions of themselves. “
Taylor
Surby
Secretary Taylor Surby is a Oregon native and childhood friend of Parker. Taylor and Parker began their friendship in 1st grade at Sexton Mountain Elementary school in Beaverton.
Over the years they shared in many adventures, such as annual summer rafting trips, hikes, and hanging out with friends on Mt. Hood. Since graduating college, Taylor continues to volunteer for her college sorority Alpha Phi and works as a Corporate Recruiter.
She enjoys spending time with family, a good book, and making new friends. Taylor hopes that through the Parker Johnson Foundation we can provide young people with hope through the power of wilderness therapy programs and outdoor activity.
Over the years they shared in many adventures, such as annual summer rafting trips, hikes, and hanging out with friends on Mt. Hood. Since graduating college, Taylor continues to volunteer for her college sorority Alpha Phi and works as a Corporate Recruiter.
She enjoys spending time with family, a good book, and making new friends. Taylor hopes that through the Parker Johnson Foundation we can provide young people with hope through the power of wilderness therapy programs and outdoor activity.
Tyler
Holmer,
Ed.S, NCSP
TreasurerI 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.
Jake
Turner
Bookkeeper Ted
Davis
Donations As Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Benchmark Hospitality International a global hospitality company with 10K employees and $1B in revenues, Ted Davis is responsible for the company’s strategic sales and marketing initiatives. He has oversight of the company’s enterprise sales and marketing systems, revenue management, distribution, advertising and oversees the Global Sales Organization of 225 highly skilled and motivated managers.
For the past 25 years, Ted has held senior leadership roles with global brands such as Hilton, Wyndham, and Red Lion Hotels. Ted deeply values family, friendships and community.
Ted has always found his strength and spirit in the outdoors. Using the medium of nature to teach and mentor youth has been a life long passion.
For the past 25 years, Ted has held senior leadership roles with global brands such as Hilton, Wyndham, and Red Lion Hotels. Ted deeply values family, friendships and community.
Ted has always found his strength and spirit in the outdoors. Using the medium of nature to teach and mentor youth has been a life long passion.
Chase
Bittner
Clinical TeamDonations
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.
Daniel L.
Cavanaugh,
PhD, LCSW
Clinical TeamCommunity Outreach
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.
Ricky
Becker,
MSW, LCSW
Clinical Team 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.
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.
Courtney
Johnson
Grant Writer 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.
Jamie
Craig
Grant Writer Jamie first experienced the power of healing through nature in her role as an adventure-based mental health specialist at Wounded Warrior Project. This experience lit a fire in her to continue to influence and improve these efforts in her current position on WWP’s Warrior Experience program operations team. With a Master’s Degree in Military Psychology and previous work experience in multiple realms of the mental health field, Jamie hopes to bring her experience and passion together to advocate for the life-changing programs at PBJF through grant writing.
Jamie lives in Rhode Island and loves all things outdoors, especially any activity in or on the ocean. She was raised on the water and spent her childhood roaming mud flats and exploring the beach. Jamie has also been riding horses for most of her life, and enjoys pursuing Equine Therapy knowledge to further her impact in the equine mental health community. She loves adventure and collecting experiences, so she can often be found combining her hobbies in unique new ways - such as horseback archery or paddleboard yoga! Jamie has always found her most authentic sense of self outdoors and is excited to push for more kids finding their worth in similar ways.
Jamie lives in Rhode Island and loves all things outdoors, especially any activity in or on the ocean. She was raised on the water and spent her childhood roaming mud flats and exploring the beach. Jamie has also been riding horses for most of her life, and enjoys pursuing Equine Therapy knowledge to further her impact in the equine mental health community. She loves adventure and collecting experiences, so she can often be found combining her hobbies in unique new ways - such as horseback archery or paddleboard yoga! Jamie has always found her most authentic sense of self outdoors and is excited to push for more kids finding their worth in similar ways.
Tiffany
Gallego
Therapy Advisor Tiffany Gallego is the program director and a primary therapist at In Balance Transitional Living. In Balance Opened an Intensive Outpatient Program in 1997. From there Tiffany helped with the planning and opening of In Balance Ranch Academy in 2002, serving as a milieu manager and primary therapist at the ranch. She received her Bachelor's in Special Education from the University of Arizona and Master's in Social Work from Arizona State University.
In 2006, Tiffany helped to develop the In Balance Transitional Living program. She has more than 15 years experience working with addiction and mental health issues and has seen first hand the devastating impact it has on young people and their families. She has passion to be a part of the process that assists young people in finding their true power and purpose again and to connect to a community where they believe they belong. She is committed to impacting as much change as possible in
In 2006, Tiffany helped to develop the In Balance Transitional Living program. She has more than 15 years experience working with addiction and mental health issues and has seen first hand the devastating impact it has on young people and their families. She has passion to be a part of the process that assists young people in finding their true power and purpose again and to connect to a community where they believe they belong. She is committed to impacting as much change as possible in
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 Julie
Styner
Parent Support 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.
Nate
Berner-Tobin
Field Coach Much of Nate’s life has been focused on connecting with humans and connecting with nature. Nate believes deeply in the magic that happens when groups of people connect and learn in the wilderness.
When he was a teenager, he had the privilege to witness that magic first hand as he traveled by canoe or by foot with other teenagers in the Maine Wilderness. It all felt so simple yet so powerful to him. He chased that feeling that he felt in the woods and tried to understand it.
He went on to get his Bachelors in Adventure Education, focusing on Wilderness Therapy. He has spent over 1,000 nights working in the wilderness, constantly learning how to hold braver spaces for humans to step into new ways of being, ways in which they can be vulnerable and authentic.
Aside from his work, Nate enjoys playing soccer and tennis, practicing yoga, dancing, writing and potlucks.
When he was a teenager, he had the privilege to witness that magic first hand as he traveled by canoe or by foot with other teenagers in the Maine Wilderness. It all felt so simple yet so powerful to him. He chased that feeling that he felt in the woods and tried to understand it.
He went on to get his Bachelors in Adventure Education, focusing on Wilderness Therapy. He has spent over 1,000 nights working in the wilderness, constantly learning how to hold braver spaces for humans to step into new ways of being, ways in which they can be vulnerable and authentic.
Aside from his work, Nate enjoys playing soccer and tennis, practicing yoga, dancing, writing and potlucks.
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.
Leanne
Rollet
Field Coach Leanne grew up in Hawaii until she was 12, and has been in Washington ever since. Even with being raised with beaches, she loves the mountains and can't imagine not having them in her backyard. Leanne hikes, paddle boards, backpacks, camps, and is new to skiing. She loves trying new things. She enjoys reading, doing puzzles, and her 2 cats.
She has been an elementary school counselor for the last 10 years and recently became National Board Certified. Her passion is helping support others and always will be. Leanne has always been one who is empathic to the extreme. Having experienced her own tough life events, she strives to help others in any way she can.
This "helper" oriented spirit has led her to give back to youth both in her work as a School Counselor and as a Field Coach with PBJF.
She has been an elementary school counselor for the last 10 years and recently became National Board Certified. Her passion is helping support others and always will be. Leanne has always been one who is empathic to the extreme. Having experienced her own tough life events, she strives to help others in any way she can.
This "helper" oriented spirit has led her to give back to youth both in her work as a School Counselor and as a Field Coach with PBJF.
Sam
Anderson
Field Coach Sam grew up collecting really cool rocks and climbing trees in the Utah desert. Sam graduated from Pacific University with a BA in Psychology with minors in Outdoor Leadership & Art History. They are currently in the process of earning their MSW, which continues to nourish their understanding of systemic and individual healing.
Sam is passionate about approaching wellness from an anti-oppressive lens and understanding the ways in which our lived experiences affect our access to care. Sam believes that intimacy, connection, and joy are central to liberation; and hopes to use their skills and experience to support folks in reclaiming their autonomy to live supported and embodied lives. They are passionate about unlearning what it means to be “outdoorsy” and extending the healing magic of nature to all. Sam approaches collaboration through a balance of silliness and deep attunement.
In their free time, Sam can be found playing outside, reading, writing poetry, and spending time with their pup, Hoku The Dog.
Sam is passionate about approaching wellness from an anti-oppressive lens and understanding the ways in which our lived experiences affect our access to care. Sam believes that intimacy, connection, and joy are central to liberation; and hopes to use their skills and experience to support folks in reclaiming their autonomy to live supported and embodied lives. They are passionate about unlearning what it means to be “outdoorsy” and extending the healing magic of nature to all. Sam approaches collaboration through a balance of silliness and deep attunement.
In their free time, Sam can be found playing outside, reading, writing poetry, and spending time with their pup, Hoku The Dog.
Kyle
Wallace
Field Coach Kyle grew up in Toledo, WA with his older and younger brothers. He excelled in sports, academics, and having fun. Kyle was the first of his family to graduate from college while running track at Western Washington University. He exceeded in all that he ventured into and graduated with a BA +90 in Environmental Education and K-8 Teaching Residency.
Kyle met his wife at college and moved to North Bend to start a family and career. Within his home life, he has two kids, one fifteen year old girl and thirteen year old boy, with two dogs. He and his wife have been married for almost 20 years and has been teaching for over 15.
When he is not in the classroom, Kyle can be found coaching kids in a wide range of sports but mostly football, basketball, and track.
Kyle met his wife at college and moved to North Bend to start a family and career. Within his home life, he has two kids, one fifteen year old girl and thirteen year old boy, with two dogs. He and his wife have been married for almost 20 years and has been teaching for over 15.
When he is not in the classroom, Kyle can be found coaching kids in a wide range of sports but mostly football, basketball, and track.
Clara
Liberov
Field Coach In elementary school, Clara (she/they; BA sociology; MS counseling (in progress); ED.S (experiential adventure-based counseling degree in progress) walked a different route to school daily. Finding a new path each day caused lateness. One could measure less than a quarter mile of field between the back door of my family's home and the school's front door. Clara walked a different route each day, learning the berries, discerning grasses, and building worlds in the mossy woodchips. Later, Clara wrote stories, mapped the resources, and planned for the next expedition. Clara's excursions would eventually include other peers, with their own gifts, inspired to learn and share the land's wisdom. A community emerged through shared experience in spaces without paved roads or permanent structures.
Clara's inspiration: the community, students, and teachers. Such forces continue to invite Clara to inquire into the nature of connection and healing curiously. Clara is passionate about the myriad activities one can pursue in the outdoors and is especially inspired to invite individuals to share their knowledge with others, inviting all expertise. No matter the experience, Clara finds that foundations of facilitation promote wonder, encourage the discovery of inner wisdom, and evoke play. Clara's professional experiences span from youth and adult programming in multiple countries, indoor and outdoor contexts, with specializations like movement, ceramics, processing and building with natural materials, navigation and tracking, storytelling, photography, and backpacking. Clara found purposeful delight in shared experiences in the outdoors, participating, witnessing, and encountering personal transformations. Contributing to PBJF aligns with Clara's vision of providing integrative care to individuals, families, and the community.
Clara's inspiration: the community, students, and teachers. Such forces continue to invite Clara to inquire into the nature of connection and healing curiously. Clara is passionate about the myriad activities one can pursue in the outdoors and is especially inspired to invite individuals to share their knowledge with others, inviting all expertise. No matter the experience, Clara finds that foundations of facilitation promote wonder, encourage the discovery of inner wisdom, and evoke play. Clara's professional experiences span from youth and adult programming in multiple countries, indoor and outdoor contexts, with specializations like movement, ceramics, processing and building with natural materials, navigation and tracking, storytelling, photography, and backpacking. Clara found purposeful delight in shared experiences in the outdoors, participating, witnessing, and encountering personal transformations. Contributing to PBJF aligns with Clara's vision of providing integrative care to individuals, families, and the community.
Alicia
Belzer
Field Coach Ali (she/her) spent most of her childhood camping with family, riding bikes down big hills, and watching snails in her front yard. This blossomed into a devout love of nature and its' effects on the human spirit. Ali pursued a bachelor's in sociology with a minor in outdoor leadership. She went on to work in wilderness therapy as an adventure coordinator and guide. Now a graduate student in Adventure-based counseling, Ali prioritizes community-based adventure programming, advocating for everyone's equal right to a relationship with our natural world.
Ali is a rock climber, backpacker, skier, and all around bike-person. After years spent in the field, she prides herself on being just good enough in most outdoor skills to teach others, or at least learn alongside them. Ali joins Wilderness 4 Life in her counseling practicum, bringing therapeutic knowledge and interventions to her students as a field coach.
Ali is a rock climber, backpacker, skier, and all around bike-person. After years spent in the field, she prides herself on being just good enough in most outdoor skills to teach others, or at least learn alongside them. Ali joins Wilderness 4 Life in her counseling practicum, bringing therapeutic knowledge and interventions to her students as a 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.
Mason
Hicks
Field Coach Mason grew up in Maine. He was raised in a very rural area, spending lots of time rompin' round potato fields and looking for cool bugs.
He eventually made his way to the coast and started teaching environmental education to K-8th graders. This allowed him to still look for cool bugs all of the time. It also opened his world to the beauty of facilitating group learning experiences and sharing the joy of exploration and learning!
Sooner than later he found his way to Oregon. He moved to Oregon because of the copious public land access and incredible rock climbing, and because Bend is a very very good place to be.
While there, he discovered wilderness therapy, which truly has enriched him in every capacity. Working in Wilderness Therapy has brought him to this point. It was the most impactful professional and personal experience of his life thus far and he is forever grateful.
He eventually made his way to the coast and started teaching environmental education to K-8th graders. This allowed him to still look for cool bugs all of the time. It also opened his world to the beauty of facilitating group learning experiences and sharing the joy of exploration and learning!
Sooner than later he found his way to Oregon. He moved to Oregon because of the copious public land access and incredible rock climbing, and because Bend is a very very good place to be.
While there, he discovered wilderness therapy, which truly has enriched him in every capacity. Working in Wilderness Therapy has brought him to this point. It was the most impactful professional and personal experience of his life thus far and he is forever grateful.
Justine
Keith
Social Media Lisa
McKinney
Admin Assistant 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 SoulVolunteers
Sidney
Bounds
Connections with nature are deep and important for me, developing in childhood in the wooded ravine adjacent to my family home and in the Washington Cascade Mountains where I hiked and camped. I loved conservation camp in elementary school and biology and paleontology in high school.
I studied genetics, cell biology and seed plants in college, emerging with a biology degree from Stanford University. I later earned a chemical engineering degree from the University of Washington.
My professional life includes work in a basic research laboratory at Yale Medical School, in two small Seattle biotechnology companies and for Panlabs/MDS Pharma Services, a contract research company, in support of early-stage drug discovery.
I remain a natural world enthusiast!
I studied genetics, cell biology and seed plants in college, emerging with a biology degree from Stanford University. I later earned a chemical engineering degree from the University of Washington.
My professional life includes work in a basic research laboratory at Yale Medical School, in two small Seattle biotechnology companies and for Panlabs/MDS Pharma Services, a contract research company, in support of early-stage drug discovery.
I remain a natural world enthusiast!
Joe
Gilcrest
Hello! My name is Joe Gilcrest and I’m 2008 alumni of a wilderness program. About a year later I met Parker in Tucson, Arizona where I had the good fortune of becoming close friends with him. I had countless chances to witness Parker’s pure altruism and compassion for those around him. He was a true shirt-off-his-back kind of guy and tough as nails, with incredible artistic talent and one of the most unique, best senses of humor I’ve ever come across. Daily he is very missed, and it is no surprise how his amazing family and friends have taken his words and compassion and manifested it into PBJF.
I wholeheartedly stand by the mission of PBJF, and the effectiveness of wilderness therapy programs for adolescents experiencing behavioral and mental health crisis. The wilderness setting offers unique opportunities for introspection, challenge, camaraderie, and character building that are unmatched in the distracting urban setting. I’m forever grateful to have had that experience.
Getting out in the wilderness remains a passion of mine and in 2014 I hiked a continuous 1000 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail. I have also gained 7 years experience in the finish carpentry business, many as a foreman. I currently work as an EMT/Medical Assistant at an Immediate Care Clinic and volunteer as a Firefighter/EMT while attending school.
My fiancé and I live in the pacific north west and we’re so grateful for the opportunity PBJF has given us to be a part of their mission and family. I’m looking forward to what the foundation’s future holds as part of the solution for adolescents in crisis.
I wholeheartedly stand by the mission of PBJF, and the effectiveness of wilderness therapy programs for adolescents experiencing behavioral and mental health crisis. The wilderness setting offers unique opportunities for introspection, challenge, camaraderie, and character building that are unmatched in the distracting urban setting. I’m forever grateful to have had that experience.
Getting out in the wilderness remains a passion of mine and in 2014 I hiked a continuous 1000 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail. I have also gained 7 years experience in the finish carpentry business, many as a foreman. I currently work as an EMT/Medical Assistant at an Immediate Care Clinic and volunteer as a Firefighter/EMT while attending school.
My fiancé and I live in the pacific north west and we’re so grateful for the opportunity PBJF has given us to be a part of their mission and family. I’m looking forward to what the foundation’s future holds as part of the solution for adolescents in crisis.
Kim
Rutherford
Kat
Colson
As someone who spends so much of their time chasing seasons to fill weekends with backpacking, hiking, skiing, and running trails, the outdoors has always played such a vital role in my own health and well-being. Because of this, I could not feel more passionately about making the wilderness and its therapeutic qualities accessible to all, and in particular, young people experiencing adversity.
I am so excited to come on board as PBJF’s Social Media Chair running the Instagram and Facebook pages, as well as lending my time to whatever tasks and projects that might be helpful to the foundation. My hope is to meet and connect with as many amazing individuals as possible through our Social Media presence, and expand our reach to those who need it most.
When I'm not creating posts and content for PBJF, I am overseeing the day-to-day operations of my family's business. You might also find me running the Fanno Creek trails in Tigard, or snuggled up with a good book and my dog, Cedric.
Hailey
Aspinall
My name is Hailey Aspinall and like many, I have been personally touched by losing a loved one to mental illness. I am passionate about advocating for mental health care, particularly for those who have barriers advocating for themselves.
I received my degree in sociology and psychology from UCLA and am working toward becoming a mental health counselor. I live in Portland and work as a Psychiatric Technician at a residential psychiatric facility for children and adolescents. I have seen firsthand how wilderness therapy can benefit those who struggle with mental health issues and I wish that it was more accessible to kids, which is why I think that PBJ Foundation is so wonderful.
Though I never met Parker, I have gotten to know his wonderful parents and I am proud to work with them and this network of other caring individuals. I am excited to be involved with PBJ Foundation with its powerful mission to help people.
I received my degree in sociology and psychology from UCLA and am working toward becoming a mental health counselor. I live in Portland and work as a Psychiatric Technician at a residential psychiatric facility for children and adolescents. I have seen firsthand how wilderness therapy can benefit those who struggle with mental health issues and I wish that it was more accessible to kids, which is why I think that PBJ Foundation is so wonderful.
Though I never met Parker, I have gotten to know his wonderful parents and I am proud to work with them and this network of other caring individuals. I am excited to be involved with PBJ Foundation with its powerful mission to help people.
Karen
Rosen
Melanie
Carlson
My name is Melanie and I consider myself to be a lover and protector of nature. I enjoy the feeling I get when I help it to thrive. Simple things, watering the weeds, saving earthworms from puddles, moving the slugs to the compost pile, and even just appreciating the little universes in the moss and lichen on tree bark really bring me joy, peace and comfort. I also enjoy spending time taking care of and training my Quarter Horse, Reba. Horses are very sensitive and being able to speak their language is very rewarding.
I have had many great losses in my life, and have experienced more pain than most people my age. I have and continue to struggle, which is why I am so passionate about helping those in need.
Everyone needs to know that there is a life worth living on the other side of depression and other mental health challenges.
I have a service dog named Copper, and he helps me through every day as well as during crisis. I've been certified as a peer support specialist, and have a high school diploma.
I've also personally experienced the healing benefit of nature. I believe art, nature and whole body wellness (acupuncture, chiropractic care, yoga, myofascial release therapy, clean diet etc. combined with medication management) is key to defeating the horrors of feeling hopeless and helpless. I am excited to be part of something that is so desperately needed!
I have had many great losses in my life, and have experienced more pain than most people my age. I have and continue to struggle, which is why I am so passionate about helping those in need.
Everyone needs to know that there is a life worth living on the other side of depression and other mental health challenges.
I have a service dog named Copper, and he helps me through every day as well as during crisis. I've been certified as a peer support specialist, and have a high school diploma.
I've also personally experienced the healing benefit of nature. I believe art, nature and whole body wellness (acupuncture, chiropractic care, yoga, myofascial release therapy, clean diet etc. combined with medication management) is key to defeating the horrors of feeling hopeless and helpless. I am excited to be part of something that is so desperately needed!
Jo
Skinner Grant
Hi I’m Jo and I’m so excited to join the PBJ Foundation team as a volunteer! I went to wilderness therapy in 2018 and it saved my life. I found a new direction that could be anything I chose and was oriented towards growth instead of destruction. I developed a strong relationship with the wilderness itself and learned to be part of a team. Nature is a safe home for me where I find it easier to be the best version of myself and truly respect and connect with the world. When I am outdoors, I feel like I am part of something bigger than myself. This feeling is only made more powerful when I am also sharing it with people who understand wilderness and wilderness therapy.
I’m originally from Washington, DC but I go to college in Portland, OR and it can be challenging to maintain my wilderness roots. The online wilderness community connected me to the PBJ Foundation and I am so grateful that I found it. They are providing access to the connection that we find at wilderness and can easily lose back in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. PBJ Foundation also helped me get my Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification, which was an incredible experience and gift.
I have been given so much in order to be where I am today and I am so happy that I have the opportunity to connect, learn more, and give back.
I’m originally from Washington, DC but I go to college in Portland, OR and it can be challenging to maintain my wilderness roots. The online wilderness community connected me to the PBJ Foundation and I am so grateful that I found it. They are providing access to the connection that we find at wilderness and can easily lose back in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. PBJ Foundation also helped me get my Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification, which was an incredible experience and gift.
I have been given so much in order to be where I am today and I am so happy that I have the opportunity to connect, learn more, and give back.
Ben
Davidson
Hello! My name is Ben Davidson, and I am a rising senior at Santa Clara University majoring in psychology and philosophy. Last summer, I was lucky enough to visit two Wilderness Therapy programs in Bend. After getting my first look at Wilderness Therapy up close, having those one on one conversations with adolescent clients really inspired me. The trip taught me that Wilderness Therapy is an invaluable resource for my peers, one that is increasingly needed with mental health challenges becoming more prevalent nationwide and in the Northwest.
With aspirations of getting a degree in psychology, and one day perhaps working as a therapist, the experience left me with more questions than answers. How can I contribute to the mission that OBH programs live out? I was left with that nagging thought in my head, and a lack of answers. After many long talks with friends and family, I finally found a way. My mother decided to introduce me to Elizabeth Bounds, to see if I could somehow assist the Parker Bounds Johnson Foundation.
During my winter break, Liz and I quickly sketched out a plan. We realized that the PBJ Foundation was in need of media outreach and interview assistance. And so, we decided that I could use this upcoming summer to do just that. I was tasked with reaching out to as many Wilderness Therapy attendees and graduates as possible, including PBJF scholarship recipients.
Now that the time has come, I am dedicating my summer to this outreach project. I hope to contact as many adolescents as possible, then meeting to conduct interviews with them, their friends, families, and their support systems. I will turn these stories (with their consent, of course!) into written accounts, creating detailed biographies of their Wilderness experiences for PBJ media platforms. These writings, we are hoping, will make Wilderness4Life more nationally and locally visible, while also making Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare programs more well-known and accurately understood by the public.
While I never knew Parker, I have heard many stories about the lives he touched while he was with us. In fact, I recently discovered that my connection to Parker goes back many years. In 2009, Parker was referred to an OBH accredited program through the assistance of my mother and Educational Consultant, Ann Davidson. It took me many years to realize it, but I now understand that Parker, his family, and my own are so closely connected. This is a truly humbling discovery.
I’m so honored to live out the mission of Liz, Dan, Parker and countless others this summer. Thank you to the Parker Bounds Johnson Foundation for this opportunity of a lifetime.
With aspirations of getting a degree in psychology, and one day perhaps working as a therapist, the experience left me with more questions than answers. How can I contribute to the mission that OBH programs live out? I was left with that nagging thought in my head, and a lack of answers. After many long talks with friends and family, I finally found a way. My mother decided to introduce me to Elizabeth Bounds, to see if I could somehow assist the Parker Bounds Johnson Foundation.
During my winter break, Liz and I quickly sketched out a plan. We realized that the PBJ Foundation was in need of media outreach and interview assistance. And so, we decided that I could use this upcoming summer to do just that. I was tasked with reaching out to as many Wilderness Therapy attendees and graduates as possible, including PBJF scholarship recipients.
Now that the time has come, I am dedicating my summer to this outreach project. I hope to contact as many adolescents as possible, then meeting to conduct interviews with them, their friends, families, and their support systems. I will turn these stories (with their consent, of course!) into written accounts, creating detailed biographies of their Wilderness experiences for PBJ media platforms. These writings, we are hoping, will make Wilderness4Life more nationally and locally visible, while also making Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare programs more well-known and accurately understood by the public.
While I never knew Parker, I have heard many stories about the lives he touched while he was with us. In fact, I recently discovered that my connection to Parker goes back many years. In 2009, Parker was referred to an OBH accredited program through the assistance of my mother and Educational Consultant, Ann Davidson. It took me many years to realize it, but I now understand that Parker, his family, and my own are so closely connected. This is a truly humbling discovery.
I’m so honored to live out the mission of Liz, Dan, Parker and countless others this summer. Thank you to the Parker Bounds Johnson Foundation for this opportunity of a lifetime.
Ben
Sutherland
I am a student-athlete at Brown University studying for a double major in history and sociology. I came upon this wonderful foundation through my teammate and Parker’s cousin, Andrew Foerder. I have been fighting depression for some time and began writing about my experiences as a therapeutic exercise. I made the decision to publish some of these experiences in an attempt to encourage those in a similar situation to my own to seek help. Very quickly, I realized the distinct lack of discourse out there about mental health issues. This is a serious problem, particularly amongst young men who pride themselves on being tough and masculine. I struggled greatly with this and didn’t seek help until I was in dire straits as I was worried about being portrayed as soft or weak to my peers. I am determined to turn my negative experience into something positive.
As a result, I have made it my mission to try and destigmatize mental health issues and stimulate discourse through my writing.
As a result, I have made it my mission to try and destigmatize mental health issues and stimulate discourse through my writing.
Sabina
Rico
My goal with being a Key Volunteer for the Parker Bounds Johnson Foundation is bringing peace and light to others.
My purpose in this lifetime is to help others see a light they've lost hope in. I know first hand what it is to feels like to lose hope, especially when losing someone you love and feel is so near and dear to your heart. I suffer from many things they try to box me in. Parker has shown me to not allow that to dictate me as a soul.
I've learned that being outdoors and feeling the breeze hit my face, maybe even the rain, reminds me life isn't so bad. Maybe it's then in the moments I truly feel closest to my best friend Parker. You hear the term best friend, but it's more than a friendship, it a connection to the soul that one only feels once in a lifetime.
My purpose is to help others feel Parker's love and comfort, even the most bad ass, tough, kick-ass person can feel the weight of the world on their shoulders. They can feel overwhelmed with life's obstacles and drained with even just waking up.
My education background is everywhere. I've always struggled with that due to the fact that I get bored pretty quick! Plus I want to be so much In life. I currently work at Jiffylube and am training to be everything. I truly love working on cars, but I have a love for painting, and music. A lot of things I'm good at.
I hope this journey with PBJWilderness4Life helps me just as much as it'll help others.
My purpose in this lifetime is to help others see a light they've lost hope in. I know first hand what it is to feels like to lose hope, especially when losing someone you love and feel is so near and dear to your heart. I suffer from many things they try to box me in. Parker has shown me to not allow that to dictate me as a soul.
I've learned that being outdoors and feeling the breeze hit my face, maybe even the rain, reminds me life isn't so bad. Maybe it's then in the moments I truly feel closest to my best friend Parker. You hear the term best friend, but it's more than a friendship, it a connection to the soul that one only feels once in a lifetime.
My purpose is to help others feel Parker's love and comfort, even the most bad ass, tough, kick-ass person can feel the weight of the world on their shoulders. They can feel overwhelmed with life's obstacles and drained with even just waking up.
My education background is everywhere. I've always struggled with that due to the fact that I get bored pretty quick! Plus I want to be so much In life. I currently work at Jiffylube and am training to be everything. I truly love working on cars, but I have a love for painting, and music. A lot of things I'm good at.
I hope this journey with PBJWilderness4Life helps me just as much as it'll help others.
Jocelyn
Bramlett
I am Jocelyn Bramlett, former fiance and a best friend of Parker Johnson. When Parker and I met in 2011, we immediately knew we were on a spiritual journey with one another. Our favorite quote "We were written in the stars, my love. All that separated us was time, the time it took to read the map which was placed within our hearts to find our way back to one another." I find this quote ironic now. We found each other once, and we are finding each other again. I find Parker in my work, in my passion, in the fire of my soul.
I have studied Nursing for years, hitting many road blocks, but never stopping. Today I am 3 quarters from getting my R.N. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I have right now to work at Fairfax Behavioral Health Hospital. I do not know where the road will lead, but I am excited to see where it goes.
Being a part of the Parker Bounds Johnson Foundation is an honor and a dream come true. With the amazing web of people Parker weaved, we all have a piece to contribute to his cause. I am grateful for each of these people, and all those involved in carrying on Parkers legacy to love and heal others.
I have studied Nursing for years, hitting many road blocks, but never stopping. Today I am 3 quarters from getting my R.N. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I have right now to work at Fairfax Behavioral Health Hospital. I do not know where the road will lead, but I am excited to see where it goes.
Being a part of the Parker Bounds Johnson Foundation is an honor and a dream come true. With the amazing web of people Parker weaved, we all have a piece to contribute to his cause. I am grateful for each of these people, and all those involved in carrying on Parkers legacy to love and heal others.
Devin
Wells
I have a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from Western Oregon University. I have completed a practicum from Washington County Sheriffs Office in the Jail.
During college, I worked with mentally disabled adults ranging from high to low functioning for about 4 years. I am currently applying to enter the military and future plans are set on a career in Law Enforcement. I graduated from Southridge High School in 2009, where I played multiple sports. I played football with Parker. We met in middle school and we became life long friends. I am 26 years old. I have a strong desire toward service to others.
During college, I worked with mentally disabled adults ranging from high to low functioning for about 4 years. I am currently applying to enter the military and future plans are set on a career in Law Enforcement. I graduated from Southridge High School in 2009, where I played multiple sports. I played football with Parker. We met in middle school and we became life long friends. I am 26 years old. I have a strong desire toward service to others.
Michael
Wright
Communications I’m Michael Wright! I’m a 30 year old father, musician and overall content creator currently living in Austin Texas. But by day I am an ad review analyst with Accenture/Facebook. I’ve always loved the whole creative process from drawing in my earlier years to writing music later down the road, to eventually producing and engineering, videography, comedy, the whole works! If it involves creatives, I’m all for it! The arts has and will always be a way I can express myself. A safe space to be open to whatever thoughts I may be feeling at that time. A self release! I was a military brat growing up so I spent my childhood moving around different states and countries. In 8th grade my mother got stationed in Portland and I spent my high school years there. This is where I met Parker!
I remember Parker had transferred schools from Southridge to Beaverton my sophomore year if I’m not mistaken. We had Spanish class together and this is where we would begin our friendship. Parker was in many ways, one of the first real friends I had in a sense that he would actually go to bat for me. Most people talk a big talk but don’t perform when the time calls. But this was not the case for Parker. He was always a true friend in every sense of the word! We quickly became close and before I knew it I was at his house everyday after school eating nachos and laughing for hours at nothing, quoting Borat, helping fix the family cabin in Sun River on the occasion, and even found myself joining the Beaverton rugby team all on a whim when Park had invited me to watch one of his practices.
It is because of these things that I feel I got a true coming of age high schooler experience. Getting to travel with a group of people who at the time felt like family. Being able to feel included in a group, to which was always a struggle for me being that I had to move around so much as a child. I truly believe a huge part of the person I am today, I am either directly, or indirectly because of Parker. An example only one could hope to live up to one day! I am forever grateful for being able to share these experiences
And it’s because of this, I want to play a part in the PBJF. To show my gratitude and to be able to be a part of something that is bigger than me. Something that helps people in more ways than one. Something that my best friend believed in! I feel like me(and I’m sure many others) had a desire to want to help or do better for others in this life, but just don’t know how to. Or maybe don’t know where to start. And it’s because of this I am honored to be invited to be apart of something that makes a difference in peoples lives! That’s “tight”!
I remember Parker had transferred schools from Southridge to Beaverton my sophomore year if I’m not mistaken. We had Spanish class together and this is where we would begin our friendship. Parker was in many ways, one of the first real friends I had in a sense that he would actually go to bat for me. Most people talk a big talk but don’t perform when the time calls. But this was not the case for Parker. He was always a true friend in every sense of the word! We quickly became close and before I knew it I was at his house everyday after school eating nachos and laughing for hours at nothing, quoting Borat, helping fix the family cabin in Sun River on the occasion, and even found myself joining the Beaverton rugby team all on a whim when Park had invited me to watch one of his practices.
It is because of these things that I feel I got a true coming of age high schooler experience. Getting to travel with a group of people who at the time felt like family. Being able to feel included in a group, to which was always a struggle for me being that I had to move around so much as a child. I truly believe a huge part of the person I am today, I am either directly, or indirectly because of Parker. An example only one could hope to live up to one day! I am forever grateful for being able to share these experiences
And it’s because of this, I want to play a part in the PBJF. To show my gratitude and to be able to be a part of something that is bigger than me. Something that helps people in more ways than one. Something that my best friend believed in! I feel like me(and I’m sure many others) had a desire to want to help or do better for others in this life, but just don’t know how to. Or maybe don’t know where to start. And it’s because of this I am honored to be invited to be apart of something that makes a difference in peoples lives! That’s “tight”!
James
O'Rourke III
I am proud to serve my community and honor my friend's legacy by being a part of PBJWilderness4Life. The relationship between Parker and I began in 2010, where we instantly became friends living as roommates. I consider him a brother, and his family as mine. I am currently working as a Paralegal in a criminal defense law firm that mainly focuses on individuals needing legal assistance with DUII’s and drug addiction, but more importantly getting people the help they need and deserve outside of the courtroom. I see a lot of young people with drug and alcohol issues through this work, and am blessed to witness a small percentage make it through their legal issues as well as find a better path for their lives.
I am honored to bring whatever I have to offer to the Parker Bounds Johnson Foundation, because I know helping others was simply a huge part of Parker’s heart and he would do the same. Through personal experience with depression and addiction, I feel that I can communicate with other struggling youth and hopefully bring them ease and comfort during their difficult times and help them through
I am honored to bring whatever I have to offer to the Parker Bounds Johnson Foundation, because I know helping others was simply a huge part of Parker’s heart and he would do the same. Through personal experience with depression and addiction, I feel that I can communicate with other struggling youth and hopefully bring them ease and comfort during their difficult times and help them through
Alex
Colorito
I would like to serve in the Parker Bounds Johnson Foundation because Parker and I have been friends since 5th grade. We only grew closer as each year came along. Him becoming my best friend. I am the person I am today because of him: big-hearted, nonjudgemental and a loyal friend.
Parker is/was the most beautiful kind hearted person I've ever met. He deserves to be remembered and known for the person he was.
I also want to serve for Parker Bounds Johnson Foundation because I want to help prevent what could be the biggest decision anyone could make by commiting suicide. Life is so vaulable and everyone deserves to life a long happy life.
I went to Fir Grove Elementary, Highland Park Middle School, and Beaverton High School in Oregon. It was in middle and high school where I spent uncountable hours--beautiful hours--with Parker. I'm not even counting extracurricular activities that included football since 5th grade. I also went to a Prep school in North Bridgton, Maine where I played football and attended a "post graduate" year of school.
I played football, baseball basketball and soccer growing up. You can say I'm a sports lover. I enjoy going to movies and hanging with friends as well as taking care of animals. I once wanted to be a chef or a vet. But I am now enrolled into becoming a Carpenter for the Union.
I want to be apart of Parker Bounds Johnson Foundation because I feel like every single person in this world needs to realize that there is so much more to life than what you may be going through at the moment.
Parker is/was the most beautiful kind hearted person I've ever met. He deserves to be remembered and known for the person he was.
I also want to serve for Parker Bounds Johnson Foundation because I want to help prevent what could be the biggest decision anyone could make by commiting suicide. Life is so vaulable and everyone deserves to life a long happy life.
I went to Fir Grove Elementary, Highland Park Middle School, and Beaverton High School in Oregon. It was in middle and high school where I spent uncountable hours--beautiful hours--with Parker. I'm not even counting extracurricular activities that included football since 5th grade. I also went to a Prep school in North Bridgton, Maine where I played football and attended a "post graduate" year of school.
I played football, baseball basketball and soccer growing up. You can say I'm a sports lover. I enjoy going to movies and hanging with friends as well as taking care of animals. I once wanted to be a chef or a vet. But I am now enrolled into becoming a Carpenter for the Union.
I want to be apart of Parker Bounds Johnson Foundation because I feel like every single person in this world needs to realize that there is so much more to life than what you may be going through at the moment.
Steve
Rosen
Suzanne
Sylliaasen
Matt
Vanderipe
Christine and
Scott Gilfillan
Dan and
Stephanie Peters
Kathy
Graves
Preston
Derrick
Dominic
Paul
Kim and
Jeff Spathas
Mitch and
Victoria Koopman
Peter
Hausmann
Geri
Lee
Courtney
Hauser
Daniel
Hauser
Kim and
Glen Rutherford
Jeannie and
Jon Paul
Colleen
deCillia
Heather
Michet
Robin
Steers
Ruth
Johnson
Susie
Jahn
Kevin and
Connie Gilfillan
Janet
Hausmann
Rachel
Hausmann
If you or someone you care about are in crisis, please call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
CALL 9-8-8
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