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Admissions 800.817.1899
PDFStaff
Rick Meeves, Ph.D.
Neal Christensen, Ph.D.
Tim Lowe, Ph.D.
Sandy Smith, LCSW
Ryan Anderson, Ph.D.
Andrew Powell, MBA
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
- Ph.D., Marriage and Family Therapy, BYU
- M.S., Marriage and Family Therapy, University of Nebraska
- Founded Outback Therapeutic Expeditions in 2001
Experience:
- 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 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
Sandy Smith, LCSW
Clinical Field Therapist
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker, UT, NV
- M.S.W., University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Experience:
- Private Practice, Las Vegas, NV (ongoing)
- Adolescent Sex Offender Therapist, Dept. of Corrections, Southwest Utah Youth Center
- Intensive Outpatient Therapist, Division of Child & Family Services, State of Nevada
- Clinical Case Manager, Therapeutic Family Care Program, Las Vegas, NV
- 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
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
Andrew Powell, MBA
Program Director
- MBA, University of Utah
- BA, Gordon College
Outback responsibilities:
- Field Management
- Program Development, Marketing, and Promotion
- Staff Training and Development
- Parent Seminar
Experience
- Five 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
Arwynn Harris Jensen, BA
Admissions Director
- BA, Northwestern College
- Wilderness First Responder, WMI
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
Jeannine Thalman
Office Manager
- Program Support
- Office Management
- Manager, Client Service Support at Franklin Covey Co.
- Office Manager at Word Perfect Corp.