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PDFOutback staff members are highly trained and dedicated individuals. All staff members have successfully completed the industry-leading Outback Training Program. Each staff member has passed an extensive background check. Outback also maintains a two-on-one practice, never allowing a student and staff member to be alone together. Your child's safety is our utmost concern. In order to ensure their safety, staff members have been trained in first aid, CPR, and outdoor living skills. Additionally, the staff participates in weekly service training.
Andrew Powell, MBA
Executive Director
- MBA, University of Utah
- BA, Gordon College
Experience
- Six years at Outback with over 300 days on the trail (Two full years)
- Country Director, Scojo Foundation El Salvador (Now VisionSpring)
- Adventure Challenge Curriculum Director, Youth Services Agency, PA
- Peace Corps, El Salvador 2001-2003
- Adventure Challenge Facilitator, Seeds of Peace Conflict Resolution Camp
- Wilderness First Responder
Neal Christensen, Ph.D.
Clinical Director and Clinical Field Therapist
- Licensed Psychologist – Counseling Psychology
- Ph.D., University of Kansas
- M.S., University of Kansas
Experience:
- Dwight D. Eisenhower VA- APA accredited internship (foci-psychological assessment, and chemical dependency and PTSD therapy), Leavenworth, KS
- Marillac Center for Children-residential treatment therapist, substance abuse counselor, and Mental Health Technician II, Overland Park, KS
- Counseling and Psychological Services-outpatient therapist, Lawrence, KS
- Center for Psychoeducational Services-psychological and academic assessment technician, Lawrence, KS
- Primary investigator on effectiveness study of wilderness therapy sponsored by Outback
- Program Director Adams Campus Challenge Course, Lawrence, KS
- Parent Seminar facilitator
- Wilderness First Responder, Wilderness Medical Institute
Tim Lowe, Ph.D.
Clinical Field Therapist
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
- Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor
- AAMFT Approved Supervisor
- Ph.D., Psychology, Brigham Young University
- M.S., Marriage and Family Therapy, Loma Linda University
Experience:
- Primary Therapist, Heritage School, Provo, UT
- Primary Therapist, La Hacienda, Redlands, CA
- Private Practice, Mesa, AZ
- Clinical Supervisor, Anasazi Foundation
- Faculty Member, Brigham Young University
- Principle investor on effectiveness study of wilderness therapy sponsored by Anasazi
- “The Choice” Presenter
Ryan Anderson, Ph.D.
Clinical Field Therapist
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
- Ph.D., Medical Family Therapy, East Carolina University
- M.S. Marriage and Family Therapy , Brigham Young University
Experience:
- Medical Family Therapy, Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center, Durham, NC
- Medical Family Therapy, Inpatient Psych Unit, NC, Pitt County memorial Hospital, Greenville
- Teacher, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
- Teacher, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC
- Marriage and Family Therapy Intern, Brigham Young University Comprehensive Clinic
Tracy Schrunk, LCSW
Field Therapist
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- MSW, Lady of the Lake University
- B.A. in Psychology with Honors, University of Iowa
Experience:
- Over 16 years clinical experience with adolescents and young adults
- Executive Director and Clinical Director, Fulshear Ranch Academy, Needville, TX
- Clinical Director, Ascent Wilderness Program, Naples, ID
- Primary Therapist, Logan River Academy, Logan, UT
- Primary Therapist, Vista, UT
- Life Coach, young adults and women, currently
Arwynn Harris Jensen, BA
Admissions Director
- BA, Northwestern College
- Wilderness First Responder, WMI
- PCS (Crisis Intervention) certified
- QPR (suicide prevention) certified
Experience:
- Five years of work experience in therapeutic settings
- Admissions Counselor, Oakley School
- Asst. Director of Experiential Education, Oakley School
- Year and a half as field staff/ senior staff, Second Nature Wilderness Program
McKay Deveraux
Program Director
- AS, Psychology
Experience:
- Heritage Boarding Schools, UT
- With Outback since 2002 and worked as a Transporter, Field Staff, Field Manager, Field Director.
- Wilderness First Responder certified
- PCS (Crisis Intervention) Instructor certified
- QPR (suicide prevention) certified
- 8+ years with the US military
- Currently working towards a Masters in Social Work.
Jeannine Thalman
Office Manager
- Program Support
- Office Management
- Manager, Client Service Support at Franklin Covey Co.
- Office Manager at Word Perfect Corp.