Clinical Team

Steve Sawyer is a licensed psychotherapist filled with passion and knowledge surrounding the intervention and change process. His experience comes from over a decade of intervention with tough-to-reach client populations in therapy settings ranging from residential, community-based, outpatient and wilderness therapy. Steve currently serves on the board of The National Association of Therapeutic Wilderness Camping (NATWC).

Steve is trained in several unique therapeutic models including somatic trigger release, multiple levels of brainspotting, traumatic memory reprocessing, and HeartMath. Through his experience he has authored two books, co-founded Wisconsins only wilderness therapy program, New Vision Wilderness, and works as a core therapeutic training development staff with the Institute of HeartMath. He was an author in the innovative and comprehensive HeartMath Interventions Establishing a New Baseline for Sustained Behavioral Change therapist training Module that revolutionizes modern therapy interventions through an emotional physiology approach.

Steves largest project has been the development of NVWs Trauma Informed Care model in the wilderness setting that has challenged the entire wilderness therapy industry on making healthier interventions with their clients. Steve’s trainings are recognized nationwide for cutting-edge therapeutic techniques and inspiration.

Jacob Thomason, MA, LPC is the Family Therapist at New Vision Wilderness Therapy in Medford, WI.  He has held multiple roles during his tenure at NVW including Clinical Director, Lead Therapist, and Family Services Director. Jacob is passionate about clinical work and is currently dedicated to providing direct care to our students’ parents/caregivers.     

 Jacob graduated from College in 2010 with a master’s in clinical psychology.  He has a special interest in work with trauma, adoptions and relinquishment, substance abuse, and complex family systems. He is certified in Brainspotting and trained in HeartMath and Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga.  

 In his spare time, Jacob loves being outdoors with his wife and two daughters.  His favorite activity is fishing and he is happy to partake in this pastime with companions or on his own.  Jacob values connected relationships and is an active member of his community.  Jacob and his family spend significant time visiting extended family and friends.

Nicole Prescott, LPC, LCPC, is the Clinical Director at New Vision Wilderness Therapy.  She has worked with children and adolescents in a variety of settings including wilderness therapy programs, residential treatment centers, community mental health agencies, and private practice. After her years as a Lead Therapist for NVW, she naturally grew to the role of Clinical Director, now support all the therapists within the program.

Nicole earned a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology specializing in Child and Adolescent Therapy from University in IL.  She holds certifications in Equine Assisted Therapy, Brainspotting, and Grief Recovery from the Grief Recovery Institute.  She is also training in EMDR.

Nicole has always been passionate about incorporating nature into her work.  She especially appreciates both the elements of challenge and solace that the outdoors provide.  When away from her work, Nicole can be found reading books, taking hikes, or enjoying the company of good friends.

Joanne Coddington, EdD, LCMHCS, LPC, LCAS is a Primary Wilderness Therapist at New Vision
Wilderness in Medford, WI.

Joanne is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor (North Carolina), Licensed Professional Counselor (Wisconsin), and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (North Carolina). She completed a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a master’s degree in Professional Counseling, and a doctoral degree in Community Care and Counseling with a Traumatology Cognate. Joanne has a passion for treating trauma and is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.

Prior to joining New Vision Wilderness Joanne has worked with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families dealing with a variety of issues including substance use and addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, abuse, parenting, couples counseling, and military issues in both military and private practice settings.

Joanne is a military veteran and Wisconsin native. She has an appreciation for the outdoors and enjoys hiking, kayaking, fishing, snowmobiling, and camping. Her other interests include spending time with her family, reading, traveling, gardening, CrossFit, and yoga.

Tara McGovern-Ortiz, MA, LPC is a Therapist at New Vision Wilderness Therapy. She has spent the last decade working with children, adolescents and adults in inpatient and outpatient settings, wilderness therapy programs, equine facilitated therapy centers, and private practice.

Tara received her Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling with an emphasis in Transpersonal Wilderness Therapy in CO.  She has an eclectic background in therapeutic modalities including mindfulness, nature-based and family systems approaches; as well as animal facilitated, adventure and somatic therapies. Tara is passionate about working outside incorporating strengths based, culturally competent and trauma sensitive practices into her work with clients.

In her spare time you will often find Tara outside again on trails and near waters. She also enjoys cooking, reading, yoga, and traveling to visit friends and family.

Jonathan is a primary wilderness therapist licensed in Wisconsin with 25 plus years of professional work experience. He has worked with a variety of ages and dynamics (teens, adults, families) to address stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, and depression. Jonathan believes in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, often tailoring dialog and treatment plans to meet the unique and specific needs of a client. He is eager to validate the courage it takes for families to seek out support and pursue a more fulfilling and healthy life in relationships.