Emily is an Iowa native that now calls the Northwoods of Wisconsin home. As an undergraduate, Emily double majored in Exercise Science and Human Performance and Fitness, then went on to pursue her Masters in Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation. Emily fell in love with working outside during graduate school while managing a challenge course and climbing tower at Horn Field Campus. Emily’s graduate course work also led her on a variety of other adventures including backpacking a section of the Ozark Trail in Missouri and sea kayaking in the Apostle Islands. After working as a Recreation Therapist in an inpatient psychiatric unit, Emily knew she needed to get back outside. Wilderness therapy was the perfect fit combining the population of students she loved serving and being outside. Emily is a certified therapeutic recreation specialist and is passionate about incorporating this skill set into her time with students in the woods and educating students through experiential activities. In her free time, Emily enjoys reading, paddling, traveling and spending time with family, friends and her dog Diesel.

Morgan received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from Missouri State University and began her career in various residential treatment centers. After several years working as a direct care staff, Morgan transitioned to an admissions position in 2015, where she has since served in roles such as Coordinator, Associate Director, and Admissions Director. In early 2022 Morgan transitioned from residential admissions to a full-time focus on wilderness therapy admissions, joining the Deschutes team in early 2023.

Morgan enjoys reading and spending time with her husband and family outside of work. You can often find her outdoors with her two dogs, Dottie and Kit, in tow. Morgan is also passionate about coaching gymnastics, which she does part-time with a local competitive team. As a coach, mentor, and role model to young gymnasts, Morgan hopes to co-own a gymnastics studio where she can further develop young athletes’ character in addition to their athletic abilities.

Barbara comes to Deschutes Wilderness Therapy with a wealth of experience in the digital entertainment marketing space, where she worked for nationally recognized brands including SPIN, Billboard, and the Hollywood Reporter. It was in those roles that she developed a deep understanding of building trusting relationships and creative marketing strategies.

Barbara’s introduction to wilderness therapy was the result of a personal family journey and she brings with her a commitment to serve families who are struggling with a variety of challenges.  Barbara committed to making an intentional career shift to a role that was service-oriented and mission-based. Her warm, compassionate,  empathetic nature and dedication to building awareness and access to wilderness therapy as a treatment option have led her to this role.

Barbara is married with a young adult son and lives in Brooklyn, NY. She is passionate about exercise and is a member of a local boxing gym. Music is integral to her life and she enjoys listening to a wide range of genres and discovering new artists. Despite her urban setting she loves to spend time outdoors exploring the local parks and beaches as well as the cultural offerings of her native NYC.

Favorite quote: “We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us”. Joseph Campbell