Brandon Olson

Brandon’s combined passion for service and for the outdoors has been a driving force throughout his career. After graduating with a degree in Outdoor and Environmental Education from Johnson State College in Vermont, Brandon joined the Peace Corp, where he spent 2 years training young service guides in environmental education at a nature reserve in Nicaragua.

Upon his return to the U.S., Brandon spent time teaching and leading expeditions for an alternative school in New Hampshire. His passion working with young people in the outdoors led him to the mountains of Colorado, where he worked as the Program Director at San Juan Wilderness Therapy for 4 years.

In 2010, Brandon moved back to New England to be closer to family. Brandon expanded his experience serving at-risk populations by working as a Probation and Parole Officer for 5 years, followed by 2 years working at the Vermont Department of Health, where he managed State and Federal grants for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Programs. He subsequently became the Program Director at Central Vermont Addiction Medicine, an Opioid Treatment Program serving more than 500 people. His experience working with at-risk populations, his extensive knowledge of substance abuse and recovery, and his passion for the outdoors ultimately led to his desire to return to wilderness therapy. His capacity to lead, teach, and manage both people and systems are perfectly suited to his role managing the operations of a wilderness treatment program.

On a personal level, Brandon continues to deepen his own love of outdoor experiences through rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, skiing, and camping. In addition, he has a love for competitive obstacle course racing (OCR), and has competed twice in the OCR World Championships. Brandon lives in Dahlonega with his wife, 9-year-old step-son, and 2 dogs, all of whom are excitedly awaiting the arrival of a new baby in June 2021.