Scout
W1 Group Canine
Born in the heart of Wisconsin and trained by our dedicated staff, Scout has a calm demeanor and a goofy spirit that instantly brightens our days. Scout has a remarkable ability to connect with students helping them to stay regulated and find comfort in his presence. Whether he’s offering a paw to hold or a…
Charles “Cal” Wacker
Field Instructor
Cal is a veteran wilderness field instructor who joined the New Vision team in January of 2023. Inspired by positive feedback from colleagues in the industry, Cal made a last minute detour through Medford, WI during a cross country road trip, walked into the office, got a one-on-one meeting with the program director, and applied…
Jonathan Stone, LCSW
Primary Wilderness Therapist
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…
Tara McGovern-Ortiz, MA, LPC
Primary Wilderness Therapist
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…
Rebecca Wratkowski, BS
Field Instructor
Rebecca’s deep bond with nature grew from family trips to YMCA camp, the Boundary Waters, and National Parks. This love, paired with her passion for helping students, led her to New Vision Wilderness. In her role, she empowers students, unlocking their potential and fostering growth, finding immense satisfaction. With dual majors in Biochemistry and Environmental…
Joanne Coddington, EdD, LCMHCS, LPC, LCAS
Primary Wilderness Therapist
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…
Ryan Treuthardt, B.S.
Field Instructor
Ryan is a born and raised Wisconsinite with a myriad of interests who loves engaging the kids in their own hobbies and learning alongside them. Before joining New Vision, Ryan fueled a strong interest in game development. Whether it was hosting ‘Humans vs Zombies’ tag in the park or composing music with friends for indie…
Eric Simon
Field Mentor
Eric works at NVW because he is passionate about empathy and the outdoors. Nothing excites him more than transparent, authentic, and compassionate communication—and all of that while living in the forest! Eric finds purpose and meaning in supporting others in their healing journey and always sees the best in every person. He revels in those…
Jacob Thomason, MA, LPC
Family Therapist
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. …
Nicole Prescott, LPC, LCPC
Clinical Director
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…