Three Rivers' staff is experienced, professional, and highly effective. Just as three rivers (the Madison, Jefferson, and Gallatin) flow together to form the Missouri River, members of our staff hail from many sources. The majority have worked in other programs and bring their experience and learning to Three Rivers.

Senior Field Instructors and Field Instructors are the people who will spend 24 hours per day with your child. Meet these amazing people below.

Clinical Staff ~ Medical Staff ~ Direct Care Staff ~ Administrative Staff
Executive Staff
  • Executive staff have collectively over 100 years of experience in working with youth, families and education in various mental health settings.
  • Many have been directors in other outdoor behavioral health programs.
  • All are very active throughout the program in risk management, quality assurance, family work, day to day operations and have direct contact with the students.
Director of Program and Development and Co-Founder
Mark Parlett
    Mark has been working in the field of outdoor behavioral healthcare for the past thirteen years. Prior to this, Mark was the director of a wilderness therapy program that operated a year round, 60 day program in Montana. Mark strongly believes that the combination of quality staff, the outdoors and structure creates an environment that invites positive change. Mark experienced the power of that combination 25 years ago when he was a student in a wilderness program.
    "That decision my parents made affected the rest of my life. That experience and the fact that those staff believed in me shaped my life and the decisions I made thereafter. There is a seed of greatness within every child. The reward is in finding that seed, providing the right environment and watching that seed grow. The goal is long term positive change and wilderness therapy alone is not enough; it must include family.”
    Mark is dedicated to utilizing the power of wilderness to bring youth and families back together and create a path for a successful future. Mark also assists in the admission screening process and enjoys speaking with parents of prospective students.

Executive Director and Co-Founder
Marylis Filipovich, MSW, LCSW
Marylis_Filipovich_wilderness_treatment Marylis is a co-founder of Three Rivers Montana. She received her B.A. in Sociology and Music from the University of Minnesota Duluth and her Master of Social Work from the University of Utah. She and her husband are the parents of two adult children. She has 23 years experience working with families in a variety of settings, including private practice and as a therapist for a prominent youth wilderness program. Her passion for wilderness treatment came from witnessing the power of the wilderness to change lives.

Co-Founder
Robert Weimer
Robert_Weimer_Three_Rivers_Montana Bob, a co-founder of Three Rivers Montana, was raised in Hammond, Indiana. Bob has a B.S. in Management from Purdue University; an M.S. in Accounting from Arizona State University. Bob's management experience is extensive and diverse and includes roles as Vice President of Process Improvement, Vice President Finance and Chief Operating Officer at various for-profit organizations. Mr. Weimer is the father of three daughters. He was inspired to work in the wilderness treatment field by his youngest daughter, Jackie, who was killed in an accident in May, 2003. Bob is carrying on her work and her vision to make a positive difference in the lives of teens and their families.

Education Director and Administration
Holli Richardson Holli_Richardson_education
Holli grew up in Montana and has a B.S. from the University of Montana-Western in Secondary Education with majors in Social Studies and Art and a Masters in Elementary Education from Montana State University-Northern. She earned endorsements in Elementary Administration, Secondary Administration, and Superintendent from the University of Montana. She has 19 years teaching experience and three years experience as a principal. She is a self-employed artist. She and her husband have four adult children.

Director of Admissions
Kevin Murphy Kevin_Murphy_Wilderness_therapy
Kevin is a native Montanan who recently returned to the Big Sky state after living in Utah for six years. In Salt Lake City, he worked as a Front Line Counselor for a phone-based crisis call center servicing multiple mental health, employee assistance and substance abuse contracts. He graduated from Montana State University with a B.S. in Psychology and a B.S. in Sociology with a Criminal Justice emphasis. Before moving to Utah, Kevin worked with adolescents both in a structured school setting as well as in recreational and home settings where he served as a mentor and recreational Therapeutic Aide in Bozeman and the surrounding areas. He is very excited to be part of the Three Rivers Montana team, helping kids find themselves in the healing embrace of Mother Nature. Kevin enjoys spending as much time outdoors with his wife as possible, seeking adventures incorporating camping, hiking, fly fishing, disc golfing, rock climbing, skiing and taking photos of everything along the way.

Field Director Terry_Hollingsworth_adventure_education 
 Terry Hollingsworth 
Terry grew up in California's San Joaquin Valley.  As a teen he fell in love with mountains while camping in the Sierra Nevada.  Since then he has explored the mountains of Alaska, Nepal, Tibet, and Chile.  He has a BA in Geography from Humboldt State University and is a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School.  He lives with his wife, their four chickens, and an eighteen year old cat.

Executive Staff ~ Medical Staff ~ Direct Care Staff ~ Administrative Staff
Clinical Staff
  • Licensed masters level therapists
  • Licenses include: Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Addictions Counselors
  • Psychiatrist certified in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Licensed Ph.D. level psychologists conduct psychological evaluations in the field.
  • All have experience working with adolescents and families
  • Clinical staff have experience completing psychological, learning, and chemical dependency evaluations
Clinical Director Steve_Moore_wilderness_treatment
Steve Moore, M.Ed., LCPC
Steve has a B.A. from the University of Arkansas and an M.Ed. in School Counseling from Montana State University. He has ten years experience working with adolescents and their families, including work as a school counselor, a counselor in adolescent group homes, community aftercare for a wilderness program, and in wilderness treatment programs in Montana and Idaho. He has extensive experience running parenting workshops and facilitating team-building activities for kids, families and businesses. In addition, Steve has facilitated adventure-based counseling with graduate students at Montana State University. Steve loves the power of removing distractions in people's lives in order to support them in connecting with themselves and others in ways they have never experienced.

Therapist Will_Twombly_wilderness_addiction
Will Twombly, MFT, LAC
Will has a B.A. in Anthropology, earned an M.Ed. in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Oregon, and he is an Oregon Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. His career in adventure therapy includes leading wilderness expeditions in the Appalachian Mountains, serving as a Crew Leader and Operations Director for the New Hampshire Conservation Corps, and helping start-up two AmeriCorps programs. He facilitated intergenerational camps for indigenous communities in Alaska, spent a year managing a national service program in the Florida Everglades, and for the past nine years he worked as a Wilderness Guide and Wilderness Therapist for an Oregon based company. He has organized therapeutic tall ship voyages and has had the privilege of working with indigenous communities in the Pacific Northwest. Will has a lifelong passion for outdoor recreation and wilderness, and he strongly believes in using wilderness expeditions as a way to strengthen family relationships.

Therapist Jessi_Irvin_wilderness_addiction
Jessica Irvin, M.S., LCPC
Jessi grew up in the Paradise Valley, south of Livingston, with a few years foray to Cayman Islands during high school and beyond. She earned her Bachelors degree in Psychology from Florida State University and completed her Masters at Montana State University (MSU). Since graduating from MSU Jessi has worked in a variety of different settings in Bozeman in addition to maintaining a private practice. Jessi is committed to making a meaningful contribution and believes that by helping young people foster life skills that enable them to live more proactive and empowered lives they will, in turn, enrich themselves and their communities. Jessi lives with her husband and Abbey, the lab. She loves to snowboard, bike, travel, read and spend time with her beloved family and friends.

Therapist Evan_Rick_wilderness_therapy
Evan Rick, M.S.
Evan brings a great deal of experience, energy, adventurous spirit and thoughtful perspective to her work at Three Rivers. She was raised in Maryland, earned a B.A. from Scripps College in Claremont, CA, and completed her M.S. at Montana State University focusing on Mental Health Counseling. She has worked in a variety of wilderness and educational settings including as a High School math and drama teacher! She has worked with individual clients in a community mental health center and has run groups for children, adolescents and parents in a private practice. When Evan is not working, she enjoys hiking or skiing with her dog, Stegner, and feeding friends delicious meals inspired by her world travels.

Therapist Josh_Meyer_wilderness_behavior
Josh Meyer, M.S., LCPC
Josh Meyer has an M.S. in Health and Human Development specializing in Mental Health Counseling from Montana State University and is certified as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Although originally from Montana, he also earned a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Colorado State University. Josh is also certified as a Level 2 Ropes Course Facilitator and a Wilderness First Responder. Josh first worked at Three Rivers as a senior field instructor and therapy intern in 2004. Josh has over 10 years of experience as a wilderness educator, and is beginning his third year as an adjunct instructor at Montana State University. In addition to his work as a therapist at Three Rivers Montana, Josh is the owner of Innovative Adventures, LLC, a business that specializes in adventure-based teambuilding activities. Josh has worked with adolescents for the past 14 years in a variety of formats, ranging from therapeutic programs to summer camps to mentoring programs and youth groups. As a facilitator and therapist, Josh has spent the past 5 years integrating experientially based activities in a specialized psycho-educational therapeutic format. In his free time, Josh loves being outdoors. He enjoys technical rock climbing, whitewater rafting, cycling (road and mountain), trail running, backpacking and flyfishing. In addition to recreational activities, Josh is currently writing a book about the neurological, biological, educational and experiential links to learning. He is also currently applying to doctoral programs to increase, support and diversify his educational repertoire. Josh is a trained and practiced leader who runs creative individual and group challenge activities, as well as team-centered problem-solving initiatives.

Therapist Sally_Jo_Hand_struggling_teen
Sally Jo Hand, MDiv, MA, LCPC, ATR-BC
    Sally is an artist, mother, and creative (licensed) therapist who loves finding ways to help people increase their self-awareness and personal growth. Sally has a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art and Theology, and Master’s Degrees in Divinity and in Art Therapy. Sally’s professional background includes over 20 years experience working with adolescents, children, young adults, and families. She has been a licensed therapist since 2003 and is in addition a registered, board certified art therapist, and a certified equine assisted therapist.
   Sally grew up in Texas and Arizona where she fell in love with the outdoors, camping with her family and friends and riding horses with her sister and father. Her love for nature and the outdoors dovetails with her passion for art and creative expression. When she is not riding or playing with her thoroughbred, Joker, hiking or skiing with her family and friends, playing with her golden puppy, or painting, she might be found at her piano where she loves to play and compose music. Sally recently moved to Montana from Walla Walla, WA, where she had a thriving private therapy practice and art school.
   Sally has three grown sons. Her youngest, Andrew is a musician living in NYC, her middle son, Stephanos is a chemical engineer in Dubai, and her oldest, Lucian and his wife, Jurgita, are both laser physicists living in Bozeman.

Aftercare and Emotional Growth Counselor
Sheri Blackwood Sheri_Blackwood_aftercare_consultant , M.Ed, LCPC, LSC
Sheri joined the Three Rivers staff as the Aftercare consultant with the wilderness program. She enjoys maintaining contact with students and families after they leave Three Rivers and offering her support for the "wilderness beyond." Sheri earned her Master's Degree in School Counseling from Montana State University and worked several years as a high school counselor in the Minneapolis Public Schools. She currently conducts aftercare services for the wilderness program and serves as the Emotional Growth Counselor for the Jump Start Leadership Program. During her free time she loves to travel, spend time with friends, commune with nature, and share with her daughter the beauty of Montana. Any time spent outdoors is cherished time". 
Therapist Wendy_Bianchini_struggling_teens
Wendy Bianchini, M.S., LCPC
Wendy has a B.A. from the University of California and  an M.S. in Marriage and Family Counseling from Montana State University. She has worked extensively with struggling teens and their families in a variety of settings. She is also an adjunct professor at Montana State in the Health and Human Development Department and has a private counseling practice in Bozeman. She has extensive experience working with such issues as posttraumatic stress disorder, attachment, grief, oppositional/defiant behavior, and building healthy relationships.  She loves integrating her experience as a wilderness guide with her passion for working with families and youth as a backcountry therapist at Three Rivers. Wendy loves to ski, mountain bike, backpack, travel, and ride horses.

Consulting Psychiatrist/Psychiatric Field Evaluations Tim_Visscher_adolescest
Tim Visscher, MD
   Dr. Visscher was born in Denver and moved with his family to Bozeman when he was 4. He received his M.D. from Tufts University School of Medicine and served his internship and residencies in internal medicine at the University of Washington. Tim and his wife both returned to school in Massachusetts in 1996. He completed a residency in psychiatry and a fellowship in Child/Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center and is Board Certified in General Psychiatry and Child/Adolescent Psychiatry.
   Tim and his wife Tina, who is a psychotherapist, have been married 35 years and have two sons and a daughter. The family enjoys canoeing and Tim loves back country skiing and hiking. Tim said he’s excited about incorporating treatment into the outdoor setting. “The kid’s environment is such a huge part that determines the outcome… radically changing the environment and structuring the outdoor environment and the family piece (at Three Rivers) helps determine a better outcome.” Buddy, Tim’s border collie/Newfoundland cross, will hike with him when he visits Three Rivers groups and completes psychiatric evaluations.

Psychologist - Evaluations John_Platt_adolescent_counseling
John A. Platt, Ph.D.
John is a clinical psychologist who has had a private practice in Bozeman, Montana since 1985 and before that had extensive experience including work with adolescents in a treatment facility and as a staff psychologist with Montana State University's Student Health Services. He serves as a clinical supervisor for pre-doctoral interns at MSU's Counseling and Psycholgical Services. He is a long-time member of both the American Psychological Association and the Montana Psychological Association. John maintains a specialization in treatment and psychological assessment of children and adolescents, as well as working with individual adults and couples. John's role with Three Rivers is to provide quallity psychological and psycho-educational evaluation in the field. John is an avid gardener, hiker and skier, and enjoys spending family time with his wife, also a professional therapist, and two sons.

Psychologist - Evaluations James_Murphey_wilderness_counseling
James Murphey, Ph.D.
Jim is a Licensed Psychologist who earned his Ph.D. from Washington State University, and has lived in Bozeman since 1986. He worked at Montana State University for 12 years, providing psychotherapy and psychological evaluations for college students, training Master’s level and pre-Doctoral interns, and teaching psychiatric diagnosis in the Master’s program. He has had a full-time private practice for the past 10 years, specializing in psychological evaluations, as well as providing individual and couples psychotherapy and working with the Gallatin County Treatment (Drug) Court. Jim loves living in Montana and enjoying the outdoor recreational opportunities, including fly fishing, backpacking, cross-country skiing, biking, gardening and playing tennis with his wife. Jim has a daughter in college and another in high school, and has thus spent the last several years attending volleyball tournaments around Montana.

Clinical Consultant Todd_Corelli_counseling_clinical
Todd Corelli, PhD.
Todd received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Brigham Young University and then completed a one year residency in Pediatric Psychology at Michigan State University Medical School. He has extensive experience in working with children, adolescents, and families in both community-based treatment settings as well as a private practice. For the past eight years, Todd has worked as an independent consultant for educational consultants, therapeutic wilderness programs, and adolescent residential treatment centers across the country by administering psychological and educational evaluations with children and adolescents. His expertise is helping families and allied professionals find the most appropriate level of care or the most suitable academic environment for each particular student. He does this by employing a comprehensive battery of cognitive and psychological tests that clarify an individual’s psychological functioning as well as possible learning difficulties. Todd has been married for 17 years and has four awesome kids.

Clinical Intern Matt_Radlowski_outdoor_behavior 
 Matt Radlowski 
Matt grew up in upstate NY, and since 1999 he has traveled the west extensively. He has a BA in Adventure Education from Prescott College, and has five years experience as a field instructor with therapeutic wilderness programs; the last year and a half of which he spent in the field at Three Rivers Montana. Matt is currently attending graduate school at the University of Montana where he is working on his MSW degree. He has guided hiking trips in Grand Canyon National Park and the Mazatzal Mountains in Arizona; he has also guided climbing trips in Joshua Tree National Park, Lake Tahoe, City of Rocks, and Cochise Stronghold. He and his wife, Leigh, recently spent a month traveling and skiing in New Zealand. Matt is very proud of his skills as a backcountry chef, and his ability to make fire using five different primitive fire-making techniques. When he is not working on his internship at Three Rivers, Matt spends his time in Missoula, MT writing papers, studying, renovating his historic home, gardening with his wife, and playing Frisbee golf with his big black dog Lucky. His passions also include backcountry skiing, riding the trails of MT on his single speed mountain bike, and reading good books

Executive Staff ~ Clinical Staff ~ Direct Care Staff ~ Administrative Staff
 Medical Staff
Our skilled medical staff are well versed with medical protocol in an outdoor setting. They have extensive experience working with this population.

Medical Director Cathy_Waterman_adolescest
Cathy Waterman, MD
Dr. Waterman is a Family Practice Physician with Family Practice Associates of Bozeman, providing care to adults, adolescents, and children. She was raised near Helena, Montana and received her B.S. from Montana State University and her M.D. from Hahnemann University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. She completed a Family Medicine residency in Greeley, Colorado, provided outpatient care in urgent care and private family physician offices in Berlin, Maryland, and was a full time faculty member at Bryn Mawr Family Practice Residency Program.

Medical CoordinatorGlenn_Colclough_wilderness_therapy
Glenn Colclough, RN-BC
Glenn is a Registered Nurse who is Board Certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center in Medical-Surgical nursing. He moved to Montana in 1992 after graduating from Washington State University. Glenn’s extensive experience includes working for the U.S. Public Health Service in Browning, Montana, as a Medical-Surgical nurse at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital, as the Medical Liaison for the Montana State University Bio-Regions Program in Mongolia, and he owns Personalized Care Services, LLC, an in-home nursing services business. Compassion, experiential learning and outdoor adventure underlie Glenn’s core beliefs. On days off you may find him in nearby mountains or valleys hiking, archery hunting, fly fishing, exploring Montana geology or native medicinal plants.

Executive Staff ~ Clinical Staff ~ Medical Staff ~ Administrative Staff
Direct Care Staff
  • Staff are mature enough to make sound decisions and young enough to relate well with adolescents.
  • All have bachelors degrees; some have masters degrees
  • All are certified in first aid and CPR; most are certified Wilderness First Responders
  • All have experience working with adolescents.
  • All are skilled in wilderness and adventure activities
  • All are passionate about working with adolescents in an outdoor setting.
Team LeaderPJ_Isaacson_wilderness_therapy
PJ Isaacson
P.J. grew up in South Central Indiana. He fell in love with the outdoors in the hills of Southern Indiana while mountain biking, canoeing, hiking, spelunking... and yes- even skiing. Directly after college, P.J. moved to Colorado where he continued with these pursuits. Before coming to Three Rivers, he worked at several other wilderness therapy programs over a five year period . P.J. has a BA in Spanish from Indiana University, and a degree in Secondary Education from Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO. He is also a licensed EMT. When not at work, P.J. can usually be found skiing or being taunted by the local trout population.

Team Leader Ellie_Martin_adventure_therapy 
 Ellie Martin 
 Growing up in Colorado, Ellie developed a love of the outdoors from an early age. She has been moving north-northwest ever since and has called Montana home for the last two years. Ellie joined the Three Rivers community as the Base Camp Team Leader after having spent the last six years working in the field with adolescents and adults instructing for a variety of outdoor education and wilderness therapy programs including the National Outdoor Leadership School, Deer Hill Expeditions, and SUWS of Idaho. She feels strongly about the power of the environment to initiate personal reflection and a shift in perspective. She graduated from Colorado College with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and has been guiding others into the wilderness and sharing her knowledge of the earth. Other activities she enjoys include skiing, biking, running, and getting crafty.

Team Leader Rob_Terwilliger_adventure_therapy 
 Rob Terwilliger
 Rob currently has two Master's Degrees, one in Mental Health Counseling from Montana State University and one in Wildlife Management from Humboldt State University. He has been working with youth in the wilderness for over a decade, leading groups of students through the mountains of Alaska and Chile and throughout the Western United States. Rob is passionate about the power of nature and wilderness as a tool for personal growth and change. He enjoys backpacking, skiing and playing music with his wife Chelle, as well as tromping through the woods with his dog Cid.

Team Leader Todd_Merrill_wilderness_treatment 
 Todd Merrill 
 Todd comes from the Southeast and received his undergraduate degree from Appalachian State University in Outdoor Experiential Education, along with studies in Psychology. Since graduating Todd has worked with a variety of outdoor programs in areas across the US including: NC, VA, GA, UT, CO, OR, and now MT. Todd has ten years of experience working in the field as an instructor/trainer for therapeutic wilderness programs; as well as guiding, teaching, and training other outdoor professionals in a variety of settings. He has had the pleasure of guiding people through adventures such as: climbing, caving, backpacking, snowboarding, kayaking, rafting, and canoeing.

Team Leader Gregg_Treinish_wilderness_therapy 
 Gregg Treinish
 Gregg Treinish discovered his passion for the outdoors at the age of sixteen while on a backpacking trip in British Colombia. After earning a B.A in Sociology from the University of Colorado at Boulder, he has pursed that passion. Gregg has worked as a whitewater guide, a ski instructor, as a senior field instructor, and as a preschool teacher. In 2004, he completed the 2,174 mile Appalachian Trail. Most recently, Gregg and his partner Deia, became the first people to trek the length of the Andes mountains, south of the equator, a journey which lasted nearly two years and 7,800 miles. Gregg strongly believes in nature's ability to promote understanding, both of the world and of the self.

Field Specialist Steve_Hall_outdoor_therapy 
 Steve Hall 
 Steve grew up on the North Shore of Massachusetts and received his BA in Outdoor Education with a double major in Environmental Education and Adventure Education, from Johnson State College in Vermont. Steve comes to Three Rivers with experience at numerous other wilderness adventure and therapy programs where he has accrued over five hundred field days in the process. In his free time you can find Steve on the tennis court, at the ice rink, or hiking with his dog, Kaia, who also joins Steve when he works in the field.

Senior Field Instructor Drew_Taylor_wilderness_adventure 
 Drew Taylor
 Drew spent most of his formative years in the Athens, Georgia area. From an early age, Drew learned to respect and appreciate nature and its ability to teach and inspire people of all ages. At the University of Georgia, Drew continued his passion for the outdoors by obtaining a degree in fisheries management and aquaculture, which has allowed him to work on many challenging and exciting projects since his graduation. His travels out west during his younger years inspired him to finally make the move out to Montana, where he now spends the summers as a fishing guide. Last winter Drew worked for another well-known wilderness program that has given him a good foundation for working here at Three Rivers. Drew’s interests include hunting and fishing, archery, canoeing/rafting, playing guitar, reading, and occasionally drawing a picture.

Senior Field Instructor Kendra_Van_Abbema_outdoor_therapy 
 Kendra Van Abbema
 Kendra grew up in Montana and went on to earn a BA in Behavioral Health from Southwestern College in Phoenix, AZ. She has worked with youth in a variety of different environments, from being a middle school teacher in Hawaii to wilderness instructor positions with different programs in Montana, Colorado and Arizona. Kendra believes that a wilderness setting is an optimal place for learning and growing, and in her own life seeks out new territory to explore, learn and grow for herself.

Senior Field Instructor Brendan_Casey_outdoor_education 
 Brendan Casey 
 Bio coming soon.





Senior Field Instructor Joel_Black_wilderness_therapy 
 Joel Black
 Joel grew up in southern New Jersey and central Pennsylvania. While in high school one of his teachers introduced him to the outdoors and from then on he has been playing and working in the great outdoors all over the country. Joel has a B.S. in Recreation from Lock Haven University and has worked for numerous wilderness organizations since he graduated in 2001. In his time off he enjoys traveling, hiking, being on the water, seeing live music, catching up with friends, and sleeping.

Senior Field Instructor Ellie_Thomopson_adventure_education 
 Ellie Thompson 
 Ellie grew up on a dairy farm in upstate New York. She ‘visited’ Montana 5 years ago for a winter season, and has remained a resident of Bozeman ever since. Ellie graduated from Hamilton College in 2002 with a B.A. in Psychology. Throughout her college experience she had the opportunity to travel abroad in Nepal and study the natural environment and cultural diversity of the country. Before coming to Three Rivers, Ellie’s outdoor and teaching experience came from instructing National Outdoor Leadership School courses for 4 years, including rock climbing, backpacking, backcountry skiing, and horsepacking. Ellie discovered the power and beauty of the wilderness setting at an early age from her grandfather. Ellie spends many months of the year on skis, and spent last summer ski patrolling at Lake Ohau in New Zealand. Her main areas of interest are skiing, climbing, mountain biking, teaching, jumping in the river, and hanging out with her dog, Chica.

Senior Field Instructor Sarah_Gamble_outdoor_therapy 
 Sarah Gamble
 Sarah grew up in the foothills of North Carolina and spent her early years developing a love for the outdoors in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She attended college at The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, where she received a BA in English. Post college Sarah almost immediately began working for a wilderness therapy program in northeastern Georgia, where she stayed for two and a half years. Yearning for a new and different field area, Sarah found Three Rivers Montana and has been here ever since. Sarah believes strongly in the power of the wilderness to promote change in people’s lives. In her off weeks Sarah can be found cooking, reading, shooting hoops and generally having fun outdoors.

Senior Field Instructor Laura_Parsons_wilderness_adventure 
 Laura Parsons
 Laura grew up on Bainbridge Island, Washington, not far from downtown Seattle. She moved to Bozeman in the fall of 2000, to major in Psychology at Montana State University. This is where she discovered her enthusiasm for being outdoors. After receiving her B.A. and attempting several other professions, she began working in the wilderness therapy industry in Utah and eventually found an opportunity to join Three Rivers. She loves this line of work because of the value she finds in both people and nature. During her weeks out of the field Laura often spends her time hiking, snowboarding, attempting to fly-fish, cooking, and partially completing crossword puzzles.

Senior Field Instructor Amy_Mountain_Wilderness_therapy 
 Amy Mountain
 Bio coming soon.





Senior Field Instructor Bryce_Karlman_wilderness_adventure 
 Bryce Karlman
 Bryce grew up in Chicago, IL. His family moved west to San Diego, where Bryce resided until he left for college. Bryce attended Northern Arizona University, where he received a degree in Parks and Recreation Management with an emphasis on Outdoor Leadership. During his college years he had several personal trips in the Grand Canyon and surrounding area. Bryce is a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School, where he completed an 80-day expedition in Alaska. Bryce has a passion for the outdoors and enjoys teaching and helping others. In his spare time, Bryce can be found on the golf course, hiking trails, rivers, or the hockey rink.

Senior Base Camp Instructor Isaac_Brandt_wilderness_adventure 
 Isaac Brandt 
 Isaac grew up in the mountains of North Idaho, but hails most recently from Seattle. He attended Pacific Lutheran University, graduating in 2003 with honors in Psychology and German. His professional interests include adolescent adjustment disorders, family therapy and anxiety recovery. In his free time, you’ll find Isaac going on long runs, riding his touring bike up anything long and steep, walking his best friend’s dog Olive, or sitting at home sipping coffee and watching West Wing re-runs. Isaac believes deeply in the healing power of nature and human spirit, and loves his work.

Field Instructor Laura_Parsons_wilderness_therapy 
 Graham Stansbery
 Heralding from Colorado Springs, Colorado, Graham grew up playing in the foothills of the Rockies. He graduated from Whitman College in 2006 with a BA in Geology-Chemistry. Throughout school Graham intensified his love for wilderness and led multiple backpacking and climbing trips through the college outdoor program. Since graduation Graham has worked on a high-alpine trail crew, been a field instructor at another wilderenss therapy program, and worked for Three Rivers' Jump Start Leadership program. Graham is now enjoying the recreational opportunities of the Bozeman area and is excited to work with such a unique organization.

Field Instructor Laura_Parsons_wilderness_therapy 
 Debra Nelson
 Debra grew up in Seattle, Washington. After earning a Biology-Environmental Studies degree from Whitman College she actively pursued her love of the outdoors, climbing and hiking through Washington, Oregon and California. Debra has worked with a variety of outdoor programs for youth, most recently JumpStart Leadership and also with a Colorado based therapeutic program. In her free time, Debra enjoys exploring the vast landscape of the west, climbing, hiking, skiing and sleeping under the stars.

Field Instructor Eric_Whitmont_wilderness_therapy 
 Eric Whitmont 
 Eric grew up skiing, kayaking, and climbing in the mountains and rivers of southwest Montana. For two semesters while earning his BA in Spanish with a minor in Latin American Studies from the University of Montana, Eric lived and studied extensively in Mexico and Costa Rica. Back home in Montana he worked during college as a caregiver for adults with disabilities. For a semester, Eric earned academic credits at Windy Peak Outdoor Lab School in Jefferson County, Colorado teaching outdoor skills to youths and leadership skills to teenage counselors. Eric enjoys outdoor adventures, traveling, and learning in Montana and abroad.

Field Instructor Ryan_Barnes_outdoor_adventure 
 Ryan Barnes
 Ryan grew up in the small town of Mocksville, North Carolina, or as the locals call it, Davie County. While growing up, you could find him traversing and tromping through the woods near his home; which are the same woods Daniel Boone walked though in his younger years. He found this fascinating, and at a young age he found a deep respect for the miracles and wonders of Mother Nature. Ryan attended a small school in the mountains called Western Carolina University and received an undergraduate degree in Parks and Recreation Management and also attended Minnesota State University, Mankato and received his Masters in Experiential Education. He hiked the 2,174 mile Appalachian Trail, and with a good-luck pat on the back from his professor, received graduate credit for his "Walk in the Woods". Ryan tries to mix his love of the wilds of Montana and the want to help and educate teens into the campfires and sunsets at Three Rivers Montana. In his personal time, Ryan might be found talking on the phone with friends and family, watching TV, eating cheeseburgers, hiking, fishing, hunting, or just doing what he does best - sleeping.

Field Instructor Anna_Rudolphi_outdoor_adventure 
 Anna Rudolphi
 Anna is a native of central Illinois, where both her family and her favorite sports team still reside. She graduated from the University of Illinois with a BS in Recreation, Sports and Tourism. Anna then high-tailed it it to the Rocky Mountain West where she has remained a devout student of recreation - namely skiing, hiking, biking and fishing. Anna is also competitive runner, a triathelete in the making and a huge believer of the uplifting power of time spent outdoors. She is excited to be field instructor at Three Rivers, and enjoys helping students adapt to their new wilderness home.

Field Instructor Melissa_Joecks_outdoor_therapy 
 Melissa Joecks
 Melissa spent many happy days exploring around the family dairy farm she grew up on in Ohio. She has continued exploring throughout her life, whether in a variety of outdoor adventures, in her jobs or life in general. She has a masters in counseling with a passion for working with youth and she truly loves the outdoors. Working at Three Rivers provides an awesome opportunity to combine these. Melissa believes the wilderness setting and therapy are an empowering, inspiring combination and is excited to help youth explore and grow as well as do these things herself. Melissa enjoys exploring with her husband Michael and finding the little joys while having big or small adventures. When she begins to miss the farm and dairy cows, she has only to look around and catch the whiff of familiarity in the aromatic remains of their brethren while wandering the mountains.

Field Instructor Andrew_Legere_wilderness_therapy 
 Andrew Legere
 Andy learned his love of the outdoors at a young age from his parents who took him hiking, and from playing in the woods around his house. He took his first backpacking trip in the Presidential Mountains of New Hampshire during high school, and fell in love with it. He grew up on the southern coast of Maine where he enjoyed life guarding at the beach in the summertime, and ski instructing in the mountains in the winter. He moved out West where he continued with ski instruction, exploring the mountains, learning new skills like rock climbing, fly fishing, tracking, and wildlife photography. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Montana State University in Bozeman, the place he now calls home. Andy enjoys walking his Mexican street dog, playing soccer, traveling, learning, exploring and sharing his experiences with friends.

Field Instructor Martin_Knight_troubled_teens 
 Martin Knight
 Martin has made Montana home for the past 8 years. Martin earned a Bachelors of Science in Geography from Montana State University. In recent years, he has worked in a variety of outdoor environments, including working for Americorps, experiences with the National Outdoor Leadership School, to working with local adventure scout groups. Martin is an EMT and has been involved as a ski patroller for the past 5 years. In his free time you will find him pursuing the perfect ski adventure and spending time with his dog, Madison, who also joins him in the field.

Field Instructor Gabriel_Villegas_outdoor_therapy 
 Gabriel Villegas
 Gabriel grew up in the best part of California, on the central coast just an hour away from beautiful Big Sur and far enough away from Los Angeles. He graduated Cum Laude from Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo with a major in Social Sciences and minors in Economics and Psychology. During that time he worked with Americorps, tended to an organic farm, studied in Mexico City and was the Environmental Student Liaison to the university administration. After graduation he left for Europe where he worked and traveled for 6 months. Upon returning to California he worked as a Health Educator in middle and high schools. After this brief stint he left for West Africa where he served for two years in the Peace Corps where his goal, while building a mud hut and eating delicious mangoes, was to empower the locals. So the next logical step was to go to Montana. He enjoys most everything for a period of time but what has stuck is writing, traveling, cycling, wandering, eating, hiking and most sports. He hopes to get into whitewater kayaking and archery while here in Montana. He believes that we have the greatest power there is...choice. And with that we have the ability to decide what shape we want our lives to take.

Field Instructor Leah_Brandt_wilderness_therapy 
 Leah Brandt
 Leah grew up in North Central Idaho, although her home-base since then has been Eugene, Oregon where she studied at the U of O and graduated with a double major in Spanish Literature and Ethnic Studies with an emphasis on Chicano,-a, Latino,-a Studies. She worked as an interpreter and case-worker for a therapeutic program with survivors of political violence mostly struggling with PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder. Leah's preferred mode of travel is by bicycle. She loves speaking Spanish, reading, playing the piano and playing ultimate frisbee in her free time. She has a passion for working with people in a therapeutic environment and believes that nature holds a sacred space for that process.

Field Instructor Danielle_Meloney_outdoor_therapy 
 Danielle Meloney
 Danielle is a Colorado native. She received her BA in Educational Studies from Colgate University. Upon graduation, she moved to Jackson, WY where she worked for three years as the program director of InterConnections 21 – a non-profit program dedicated to educating high school students about global issues and finding ways to get them involved. In 2007 Danielle organized and led a student trip to Ecuador where she and students worked on sustainability projects in Yunguilla – a cloud-forest community situated at an elevation of 11,000 feet in the Andes. She has also organized and prepared students for participation in several conferences including the annual Teton County model UN Conference, (Jackson, WY) and the annual UN Student Conference on Human Rights (New York, NY). She now lives in Bozeman and is enjoying mountain biking and hiking in the beautiful surrounding mountains.

Field Instructor Cassie_Wertz_wilderness_adventure 
 Cassie Wertz
 Cassie was raised in a small town in the mountains of Montana. For the past four years she called Missoula home while attending the University of Montana. In the spring of 2008 she graduated with a BA in Psychology and Environmental Studies. Cassie enjoys the beauty of nature and all it has to offer. When not working she can be found thoroughly enjoying life with friends, family, and her dog Synergy.

Field Instructor David_Gifford_wilderness_therapy 
 David Gifford
 David was born and grew up in northwest Minnesota. He spent many nights camping as a youth in Boy Scouts where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He enjoys many outdoor pursuits such as hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and skiing. David recently spent four months studying and traveling in South Africa, an experience he truly enjoyed. He also enjoys working with kids and has spent several summers doing so. David studied Natural Science at Saint John’s University in Minnesota.

Field Instructor Chad_Schreiner_wilderness_adventure 
 Chad Schreiner
 After growing up in the Black Hills of South Dakota Chad moved to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where he spent four years in the army. He now lives in Bozeman, Montana, where he enjoys mountain biking, skiing, walking with his dog Kiowa, and outdoor adventures of all kinds.

Field Instructor Taylor_Henson_adventure_education 
 Taylor Hensen
 Taylor was born and raised in southwest Montana. His love of the outdoors stemmed from hunting and fishing at an early age. After high school, Taylor came to Bozeman for college where he graduated with a B.S. in Psychology from Montana State University, while throwing the javelin for the track team. He traveled all over the country and couldn’t find any other place he’d rather be. Taylor makes Bozeman his home where he spends most of the fall with a rifle or bow in hand. During his free time you can find him fly-fishing, hunting, skiing, long-boarding, floating the river, or eating at Wendy’s. Taylor enjoys working with the students, and thanks to Three Rivers, he finally loves his job.

Field Instructor Jerry_Huber_wilderness_education 
 Jerry Huber
 Jerry recently moved to Montana from St. Louis, MO. He graduated from Alaska Pacific University in Anchorage, AK. He plans on getting a Masters Degree in Social Work in his goal to become a therapist. Jerry has a love of the outdoors and helping people. He is also an accomplished marathoner and ultra-marathoner. He participated in the Patriots day celebration in Massachusetts in 2006 running in the Boston Marathon. Jerry’s favorite quote is “Live simply, so that others may simply live.”

Logistics Coordinator Jonathan_Hopkins_outdoor_adventure 
 Jonathan Hopkins
 Jonathan grew up in Great Falls, Montana. After high school, he joined the United States Navy and spent time aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Carl Vinson. He later returned to his home state and attended Montana State University and graduated with a Masters degree in Public Administration. Jonathan has always been an MSU Bobcat given that everyone in his immediate family has graduated from this university. While attending college, Jonathan worked for United Airlines in Belgrade, Montana. While working there, he was able to travel all over the world. An avid baseball fan, Jonathan has visited 20 of the 30 Major League Baseball stadiums. On his spare time he enjoys snowboarding, hiking, laughing, and spending time with his family and wonderful girlfriend. He is also a volunteer firefighter for Central Valley Fire District and deeply enjoys working with kids by sharing in the wilderness experience. Jonathan believes in Abraham Lincoln's motto, "Whatever you do, be a good one!"

Executive Staff ~ Clinical Staff ~ Medical Staff ~ Direct Care Staff
 Administrative Staff
These individuals play a key role in supporting the overall mission of the program and have years of professional business experience working in this unique environment.

Administrative Assistant/Parent Liaison Patti_Villalobos_outdoor_therapy
Patti Villalobos
Patti grew up in Montana and studied Nursing and Business at Montana State University – Northern. Before joining Three Rivers, Patti served as a Director of Operations for the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, managing day-to-day operations and finances for their Montana and Cody, Wyoming offices. Patti has 20 years of experience in assisting business with operational and financial needs, as well as serving in Administration for County Law Enforcement. She has extensive experience in working with people. Patti is excited to be a part of Three Rivers and share in the work with families. When not in the office or talking with parents, she is out enjoying Montana with her son.

Computer Support Tom_Beausoleil_wilderness_therapy 
 Tom Beausoleil 
 Tom is a native Montanan from Anaconda, about 100 miles west of the Three Rivers campus. He has called Bozeman home for more than 30 years. Tom and his wife Helen (a mandolin maker) enjoy the outdoors all year long, skiing, hiking and floating the Madison River. Tom graduated from both the University of Montana and Montana State University. His first experience with a computer was in 1972 and he knew there was no future in it. Tom and Helen share their home with the Berry sisters, Huckleberry, Raspberry and Blackberry, three little kittens that are gradually training their humans as to how the kitties might best be treated.
Land Use Coordinator
Garrett Munson Garrett_Munson_wilderness_at_risk_youth
Garrett hails from the midwest (Wilmette, Illinois), but has been a Montanan for the last ten years.  He received his B.A. from The College of Wooster in 1993, and has seven years of experience working with at-risk youth and wilderness therapy approaches, which culminated in a field director position for a prominent wilderness program.  Garrett's areas of expertise are safety, wilderness risk management and staff development and training.  He has been on the Three Rivers Board of Directors since its inception, and brings to us a wide array of skills that enhance our program and the level at which we serve our youth and families.  Garrett is a licensed guide through the Montana Board of Outfitters, a Wilderness First Responder, and an active board member and supporter of numerous non-profit groups (Fishing Outfitters Assoc. of Montana, Prickly Pear Land Trust, Big Blackfoot Chapter of Trout Unlimited).  While Garrett loves just about anything to do with being outdoors, his favorite place to be is in the bow of a driftboat, floating down the Yellowstone River, during the Mother's Day caddis hatch.

Administrative/Clinical Assistant Mindy_Swiontek_outdoor_behavior
Mindy Swiontek
Mindy is an administrative assistant with Three Rivers Montana. Mindy grew up in West Central Wisconsin, but attended school in Northern Minnesota obtaining her Associates of Arts degree. She moved to Bozeman, Montana in 2004 to attend Montana State University – Bozeman. Mindy is currently working towards a major in Sociology and a minor in Psychology and Women Studies. Mindy has worked for Hazelden Treatment Center in Center City, Minnesota being involved with fund raising. She has also worked with less fortunate children while attending college in Northern Minnesota. Some of her hobbies include: hiking, reading, gardening, and camping.

Campus Caretaker Rod_Walters_adolescent
Rodney Walters
Rod grew up in Great Falls, Montana. He is passionate about working with kids and strives to make a true difference in their lives. He has experience working with adolescents in a variety of settings including teaching English and Art to inner-city teens in a college preparatory boarding school, teaching middle school students and serving as a wilderness program instructor. He earned his B.A. in English/Education with University Honors baccalaureate at Montana State University. Rod is a skilled outdoorsman who enjoys studying esoteric literature, reading Shakespeare, writing poetry, sculpting, painting, gardening, hunting, canoeing and skiing.


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