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

 Jacob graduated from Wheaton 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 throughout WI and MN.

Nicole Prescott, LPC, LCPC, is a Lead Wilderness Therapist 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.

Nicole earned a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology specializing in Child and Adolescent Therapy from Lewis University in Romeoville, 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 from Northcentral University, a master’s
degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University, and a doctoral degree in Community
Care and Counseling with a Traumatology Cognate also from Liberty University. 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.