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Admissions 800.817.1899
Staff
Rick Meeves, Ph.D.
Neal Christensen, Ph.D.
Tim Lowe, Ph.D.
Sandy Smith, LCSW
Ryan Anderson, Ph.D.
Andrew Powell
Jeannine Thalman
Outback 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.
Rick Meeves, Ph.D.
Executive Director
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
- Primary Therapist, Second Nature Wilderness Program, Duchesne UT
- Clinical Director, Aspen Ranch, Loa, UT
- Primary Therapist, Aspen Achievement Academy, Loa, UT
- Private practice and therapist, Family Services, Provo, UT
Neal Christensen, Ph.D.
Clinical Director
- Clinical Field Therapist, Outback
- Ph.D., University of Kansas
- M.S., University of Kansas
- Primary investigator on effectiveness study of wilderness therapy sponsored by Outback
- Marillac Center for Children-residential treatment therapist, Overland Park, KS
- Counseling and Psychological Services-outpatient therapist, Lawrence, KS
- Leavenworth’s Veteran’s Affairs-Neuropsychological assessment technician, Leavenworth, KS
- Center for Psychoeducational Services-Psychological and academic assessment technician, Lawrence, KS
Tim Lowe, Ph.D.
Clinical Field Therapist
- Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
- AAMFT Approved Supervisor
- "The Choice" Presenter
- Clinical Supervisor, Anasazi Foundation
- Faculty Member, Brigham Young University
- Primary Therapist, Heritage School, Provo, UT
- Primary Therapist, La Hacienda, Redlands, CA
- Private Practice, Mesa, AZ
Sandy Smith, LCSW
Clinical Field Therapist
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Ut, NV.
- Clinical Case Manager, Therapeutic Family Care Program, Las Vegas, NV.
- Adolescent Sex Offender Therapist, Dept. of Corrections, Southwest Utah Youth Center
- Outpatient Therapist, Division of Child & Family Services, State of Nevada
- Adolescent Sex Offender Unit Supervisor, Specialized Adolescent Treatment Program, Las Vegas, NV.
- Teaching Parent Relief, Adolescent Psychiatric Group Home, Las Vegas, NV.
- Mental Health Tech III, Adult Mental Heath Psychiatric Services, State of Nevada
- Private Practice, Las Vegas, NV.
Ryan Anderson, Ph.D.
Clinical Field Therapist
- M.S. Marriage and Family Therapy
- Ph.D – Medical Family Therapy (East Carolina University)
- Medical Family Therapy, Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Medical Family Therapy, Inpatient Psych Unit, NC
- Teacher, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina Univ.
- Marriage and Family Therapy, Brigham Young University Comprehensive Clinic
Andrew Powell
Field Director
- Field Management
- Staff Training
- Staff Scheduling
- BA, Gordon College
- Over 5 years experience in adventure challenge/recreational therapy field, including over 300 days on the trail (2 years) at Outback
- Peace Corps, El Salvador
Jeannine Thalman
Office Manager
- Program Support
- Office Management
- Manager, Client Service Support at Franklin Covey Co.
- Office Manager at Word Perfect Corp.