Rice has worked with youth in many different capacities over the past decades, including working as a licensed elementary teacher, high school teacher, archery instructor, soccer coach, and leader of a home-schooling cooperative. Rice is able to quickly convey unconditional positive regard when first meeting clients, and help bring out the best in them through doing activities they enjoy and … Read More
Rebecca Lovaas, MFT
Rebecca discovered her passion for cultivating confidence, trust, and connection in others through immersive outdoor experiences during her many years as an educator. Her formal training as a wilderness guide, combined with a master’s degree in environmental education and Marriage and Family Therapy, informs and inspires the work she does at Trailhead. Rebecca tailors activities to each individual, incorporating arts … Read More
Brian Jones
Brian has 20+ years of experience as an outdoor guide and educator with recent training completed in Somatic Soul-Based Trauma. He enjoys meeting clients of all ages where they are at in their journey and helping them to become the best versions of themselves along the way. Brian focuses on helping clients gain skills and learn about themselves through nature … Read More
Jess Krueger, BS
Jess brings a person-centered approach to working with kids through adults. Jess is an affirming mentor who values building a therapeutic relationship centered on trust and connection. With clients, Jess loves to utilize nature, arts and crafts, movement, and community resources. Jess has completed extensive coursework in the therapeutic use of the creative arts and foundational training in trauma sensitve … Read More
Bill Townsley, BS
Bill has over 20 years of experience working with youth and families, and works as an organic farmer on the side. Bill connects well with kids and their parents–even when those families are struggling the most. Clients with Bill report feeling heard, respected, and seen as complete and whole people. [Individual Mentoring, Parent Mentoring]
Mike Bagesse
Mike has spearheaded initiatives in environmental & projects-based learning programs as a public high school and elementary school teacher for the last 10 years. His passion for mentoring is rooted in a deep appreciation and understanding that the natural world and ecological process are fundamental to who we are as individuals. He believes we can discover and nurture our most … Read More
Drew Shonka, BA
Throughout life, working with people has been Drew’s passion. From coaching to crisis intervention, with teaching and service along the way. Activities that he enjoys include photography, making art, playing guitar, hiking, canoeing, skating, and skiing. Most favored are any activities that involve problem-solving and creativity. For the past three years, Drew has led groups of high school and college … Read More
Mark Sandberg, LCSW
I am a relationship-focused therapist with a reverence for hearing others’ stories; utilizing skills and resources to help them achieve their goals. My favorite activities include time spent outdoors year-round, playing games, music and reading. I enjoy being a resource for parents struggling to understand and connect with their child. I am certified as a Positive Discipline Educator (parenting), CBT … Read More
Erin Miess, APSW
Erin Miess is an Advanced Practice Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working with children, youth, adults and families in different roles. Erin has worked in direct practice, supervisory positions and has helped implement system-level changes. She uses a trauma-informed and strength-based approach in her work. Erin has experience using a variety of individual treatment modalities, including Cognitive … Read More
Jason Thimmesch
In addition to being an organic farmer, Jason has spent many years as a counselor, job coach, and environmental educator. Jason has worked with both adults and youth in a variety of settings, from serving teachers, family, and youth in Chicago’s underserved communities, to helping at-risk youth manifest a vision of growing and selling produce at the farmer’s market in … Read More