Brian Daniels, PsyD, MS is the Clinical Director at Northwoods Wilderness Therapy.  He has worked with students and families in crisis, in both residential and wilderness therapy settings, since 2005.

Dr. Daniels earned a master’s degree in Child Development from Erikson Institute in Chicago, IL and a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology.  He holds certifications in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, and EMDR.  Dr. Daniels is a frequent presenter at clinical conferences and has published research articles.

Dr. Daniels practices from an integrative perspective with foundations in psychodynamic, developmental, and humanistic theories.  His professional interests include wilderness and experiential therapy, subjective experiences and phenomological research, LGBTQIA+ affirming practice, strengths-based practice, and trauma informed modalities.

In his free time Dr. Daniels enjoys attending concerts and cultural events, mountain biking, and hiking with his dog Ruby.  As a native Midwesterner and sports enthusiast, he also enjoys rooting for the Cleveland Indians, Cleveland Browns, and Indiana Hoosiers.

Nicole Prescott, LCPC, is a Lead Wilderness Therapist at Northwoods 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.

Jacob Thomason, MA, LPC is the Family Services Director at Northwoods Wilderness Therapy.  His primary focus is supporting caregivers and siblings of students enrolled at Northwoods.   

Jacob graduated from Wheaton College with a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology.  He has served in various wilderness therapy roles including Clinical Director at Northwoods Wilderness Therapy.  Jacob has a special interest in work with family systems and is dedicated to expanding family support programming at Northwoods. 

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 Wisconsin and Minnesota.  

Jacob Smyth, MS is a Primary Wilderness Therapist at Northwoods Wilderness Therapy.  Jacob has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Northwest Christian University and a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University.  He has prior experience working in residential treatment with adolescents presenting with complex challenges such as suicidal ideation, self-harm, and substance use.   

Jacob approaches engagement with students from a strong relational framework.  He strives to help students understand their emerging autonomy as adolescents and partners with them to foster empowerment around healthy decision making.  He has training in TCTSY and Brainspotting.    

Jacob has a lifelong love of the outdoors and enjoys using nature as the backdrop for his healing work at Northwoods.  His favorite activities include geocaching, hiking, camping, and rafting.   When not in the wilderness with students, Jacob can be found spending time near lakes and beaches with his wife.  He is deeply committed to building relationships with his community and spends time volunteering at local youth development organizations.

Sarah Cupp, MSW is a Primary Wilderness Therapist at Northwoods Wilderness Therapy.  She is an Iowa native who now calls Wisconsin home.   

Sarah graduated with a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Iowa.  Afterward, she worked as a crisis counselor for individuals, adolescents, and families.  Sarah became adept at partnering with clients to find common ground and deescalate difficult situations.  She worked at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics where she received specialized training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).  Sarah led a variety of DBT groups for adolescents and adults.  She also has training in TCTSY and Brainspotting.  

Sarah’s happy place is the Boundary Waters of Northern Minnesota and Canada.  She has experienced firsthand the healing rhythm of the outdoors while there.  Pairing nature and therapy together excites Sarah as she helps teens to better understand themselves and the challenges they face.  The outdoors provides a rich environment for her to support students in making healthy changes in their lives.  Away from work, Sarah enjoys spending time with friends and family, yoga, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, cooking, volunteering, and a good nap.