Born at Camp Le Juene N.C. and reared in Mid-Western Indiana, my parents moved my brother and I to the country getting us out of the city…and for that, I could not be more grateful! Learning to hunt, fish and camp along the banks of the Tippecanoe and Wabash Rivers set a foundation for a love of the wilderness which would eventually be rekindled later in life. Growing up in a small farming community, I participated in baseball, football, golf, cross-country and the swim team. These sports taught me the importance of teamwork as well as perseverance in individual sports.

Upon graduating from high school in 1988, I enlisted into the U.S. Army, serving in Europe where I attended the Non-Commissioned Officer’s Academy. Our unit was deployed into the Middle East during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. I served as a telecommunication security operator for the Commanding General in charge of ground operations. My next assignment was serving with a Mechanized Infantry unit lead by Rangers “Lead the Way!” I then deployed for a year tour in Korea with the 2nd Infantry Division. In 1996 I completed my eight-year obligation to the Army from Ft. Gordon, GA.

After spending a number of years in the welding trade, I enrolled into college and received my B.A. in Psychology from the University of South Florida, then began teaching in Central Florida in 2007.  In 2012, I received my M.A. in Clinical Mental Health and served our community through the university’s counseling center and as a veteran’s advisor/counselor for the VA. I completed my internship in a dual-diagnosis treatment center for addictions and mental illness.  Upon graduation, I utilized my degree in a teaching capacity, working with neuro-divergent students in the Exceptional Student Education program in local high school and middle schools.

It was in 2016 that a colleague mentioned the term “Wilderness Therapy.” As the journey of life continued, it was several years before I could no longer ignore the inevitable pull of the call of the wild, and the need to live an authentic life. My focus shifted back to therapy. In the great outdoors. Initially, I lived alongside clients as a field instructor and discovered that the outdoor environment was a treasure trove of tools for me as an instructor and a human. Yet still, I yearned to put my degree to work as a therapist.

The opportunity to pack my bags and trek across the country to southern Idaho came, and I ardently answered the call! Working directly with the field leadership, clinical staff, administration, and clients, I experienced a cohesive network of healers and guides, the likes with whom I had never had the opportunity to work with. Joining the amazing team here at blueFire as a Milieu Therapist has been the most exciting opportunity of my lifetime.