Field Team

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 for a field staff position. Cal began his wilderness therapy career in 2011 and has worked with some of the top programs in the country, including 4 different programs prior to New Vision. After taking a brief break to attend divinity school, he returned to his passion of nature and now focuses on helping struggling youth. Originally a professional archaeologist, Cal discovered that wilderness was a natural outgrowth of that background and he now gets to practice “living history” with students and provide context as to why their experiences in nature are so impactful. He is a certified Wilderness First Responder and brings job and experience to the field. “Go back far enough and your human ancestors had to live like this. They had to be GOOD at this. That’s the latent potential you are just as capable as living up to, when we strip away the distractions. You’re far more competent and awesome then you believe yourself to be.”

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 Science, Rebecca gained a teaching license. Her 9-year teaching journey prioritized every student’s learning potential, specifically in south Minneapolis where she worked for 8 years.

Beyond her student dedication, Rebecca enjoys friends, canoeing, crafting, camping, and learning new skills. Rebecca’s diverse journey, tied to nature and growth, adds value to New Vision Wilderness. Her commitment shines in student transformations and her vibrant personal life.

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 projects, Ryan enjoys finding ways to spur fun and exploration in the kids and people he is with. Ryan believes that play is not only fun but is essential for expression and growth. Strongly curious about the way we interact with each other and ourselves, Ryan shifted his career path from Information Technology to earning a degree in Psychology at University. It was there that his desire for people and the outdoors crossed paths, facilitating a diverse student population as a trip leader in the University Recreation Department on just about any outdoor recreation you can think of. Outside of work, Ryan continues to find connections to his passions and outdoors such as practicing orienteering, 3D Printing useful (and useless) gadgets, running, biking, air-softing, and making delicious food and drinks with friends and family. 

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 moments when a student moves through difficult emotions to find greater clarity and acceptance of themselves.

Quick to be quirky and play, he acknowledges that hard work can also be done with a smile. Eric graduated in 2013 with a BS in Conservation and Environmental Science. Since then, he has worked with such groups as the Urban Ecology Center, 4-H, Freedom Project Washington, Center for Nonviolent Communication, Facing Homelessness, Foundation for Intentional Communities, and public-school districts. He has extensive training in Nonviolent Communication and Trauma-informed facilitation.

Always one for a walk in any weather, Eric has hiked and backpacked around the U.S.A. and Europe. With a vast knowledge of plants and fungi, you can often find Eric poking around behind bushes and under logs, always on his quest to learn and connect with the natural world. Eric has immense gratitude for everyone and everything that has supported his life journey, and he is excited to leverage his experience and skills to contribute to your path of healing!