Our Team
Our team of trained Therapists and Mentors work with CCS clients in Richland, Sauk, Columbia, Vernon and Dane counties. Please complete a referral and we will work propose one of our Therapists or Mentors who we think would be the best fit.
Therapists
Catherine Lewis, OTR/L [She/Her]
Rooted in occupational therapy framework, sessions with Catherine are often centered around “doing”: Catherine assists clients to engage in activities that are important to them, allowing opportunities for curiosity, self-discovery, self-efficacy, and use of skills in the moment. Catherine strives to meet clients where they are, empower each client with education and skills, recognize individuals’ strengths and progress, and help clients connect with their deeper selves. She enjoys working with individuals experiencing chronic pain and/or sleep disturbances; addressing goals related to executive functioning/cognitive skills, emotional regulation, social skills, sensory needs, and interoception; and incorporating holistic aspects of wellness into mental health treatment. Sessions are client-driven and often incorporate nature, movement, art, and mindfulness. Catherine has additional training in yoga and biofeedback. [Individual Therapy; Individual Mentoring; Parent Mentoring]
Max Toepfer, OTR/L
Max believes how we spend our time and what we do each day has a significant impact on our overall well being. As an occupational therapist, Max is passionate about helping clients build their self-esteem, independence, and happiness through meaningful participation in activities that are important to them. Pairing his calm, yet fun-loving demeanor with evidence-based practices, Max uses a client-centered focus to help clients achieve a variety of goals ranging from fostering executive function and emotional regulation skills, identifying strategies to manage symptoms of depression and anxiety, and maximizing successful participation in the community. Max enjoys being in nature, playing sports, cooking, and watching the Packers!
Tracy Weishan, MS, ATR [She/Her]
Tracy is a compassionate, enthusiastic art therapist who brings 10+ years of experience in using the artmaking process to work towards whole-being wellness and the healthy processing of challenging emotions. She has worked with forensic psychiatric patients, adjudicated youth, school-aged children, older adults, and individuals receiving end-of-life care. She values a trusting and open atmosphere that fosters conversation as well as self-expression, an environment she sees as crucial to achieving therapeutic goals. She uses person-centered therapy and trauma-informed care to address the needs of clients with ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, and mood disorders. Her favorite mediums include collage, jewelry-making, origami, found objects, coloring, and painting. She is working towards becoming a licensed professional counselor. [Individual Therapy, Individual Mentoring, Parent Mentoring]
Emanuel Rivera, MS, LPC-IT
Emanuel specializes in empowering clients to discover and develop their own confidence, motivation, and purpose using evidence-based clinical skills. His experience living, working, and leading diverse groups in wilderness settings, combined with his passion for philosophy, art, and literature lends unique perspective to his practice. Emanuel has worked as a wilderness ranger for the Forest Service, a mobile mental health crisis responder, a Wilderness Therapy staff leader, and an office-based psychotherapist. He is confident working with adults and children with ADHD, ASD, Depression, Anxiety, Somatic themes, Existential themes, Personality Disorders, Addiction, and/or Trauma. Emanuel is able to provide Parent Support, individual psycho-education and skill development. In addition to outdoor activities, Emanuel also enjoys fantasy worldbuilding and playing with his 2-year old son. [Individual Therapy, Individual Mentoring]
Megan Schroeder, APSW
Megan has over 10 years of experience in the mental health field assisting her patients/clients in both the clinical and educational settings. She has worked with youth and adults in individual and group settings who struggle with various mental health challenges; anxiety, medical trauma/chronic illness, body image concerns and life transitions. Megan’s approach with her clients is rooted in evidence based research, trauma informed care and is person-centered. Through a collaborative process her clients will explore their current strengths, struggles, develop goals and healthy coping strategies, and cultivate self-compassion in order to cultivate growth and healing. Megan is inspired by the healing power of nature and specializes in applying eco therapy techniques to address clients mental health and wellbeing. Megan is committed to affirming the experiences of all individuals within the BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities.
Fede Escobar-Merodio, APSW [He/Him]
Fede’s collaborative, client centered and strength-based approach is informed by theories and models such as: Motivational Interviewing, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Polyvagal Theory, Internal Family Systems, Collaborative Proactive Solutions and Adventure Therapy. Through outdoor activities, mindfulness and play, Fede works with clients to develop flexibility, adaptability, frustration tolerance and problem solving skills. Fede lays emphasis on building a therapeutic relationship that is based on safety, trust and connection, laying the foundations for self-regulation, as well as engaging parents and caretakers as active participants of treatment, whose expertise in their child/teen is essential for the client’s therapeutic success. Fede can provide these services in English or Spanish. [Individual Therapy, Family Therapy, Individual Mentoring, Parent Mentoring].
Nicole Olson, MS, OTR/L
Nicole is a licensed occupational therapist who believes in connecting with individuals through meaningful activity. Nicole believes that supporting a person through exploration of their personal motivation and volition leads to empowerment, independence, and personal growth. She enjoys increasing accessibility of therapeutic techniques by helping people apply them to their daily lives. Nicole uses a trauma-informed, person-centered approach and enjoys incorporating mindfulness, movement, and creativity into sessions. She enjoys working with people of all ages addressing executive function, emotional/physical regulation, social skills, interoceptive awareness and sensory needs. Nicole has a love for animals, hiking, and nature. She has additional training in biofeedback and DBT-informed skills instruction.
Shannon Stolarick, MSW, LCSW [she/her]
Shannon Stolarick is enthusiastic about providing adventure-based therapy to individuals and families. Shannon has extensive involvement as a facilitator of group and individual growth in nontraditional outdoor settings like ropes courses and climbing towers. Shannon utilizes experiential learning techniques to help clients improve their self-concept, learn to trust themselves and others, and become effective communicators. She enjoys paddling, hiking, and cross-country skiing. [Family Therapy, Individual Therapy, Individual Mentoring, Parent Mentoring]
KYLE EGERDAL, MS, LPC [he/him]
Kyle is a relationship-focused therapist who works primarily in interpersonal process. He is also experienced in internal family systems, couples therapy, CBT, and parent management training. He is a qualified provider of TF-CBT and EMDR. He has pedaled bicycles more than a third of the way around the world and is intimately familiar with the empowerment and connection to others the outdoors can bring. Kyle has worked at a day treatment center for adolescents where he not only conducted group therapy but joined clients in adventurous, therapeutic activities such as art or escape rooms. He has also worked at a community mental health clinic serving people of all ages, genders, races, sexualities, and abilities, practicing his belief that all humans are worthy of love and unconditional positive regard no matter their histories or identities. [Family Therapy, Individual Therapy, Individual Mentoring, Parent Mentoring]
Sara Harris, MS, LCSW [She/Her]
Sara is a licensed clinical social worker who has a diverse professional background working with children, adults, and families. Sara uses her advanced training in Exposure and Response Prevention, as well as components of CBT, DBT, and IFS to support her clients in all aspects of their lives. While using a strength-based, self-compassionate, and trauma-informed lens, she is excited to be able to share her outdoor passions, such as hiking, biking, skiing, kayaking, and creating earth-friendly arts and crafts with children and their families. [Individual Therapy, Family Therapy, Individual Mentoring]
Jade Hudson, LMFT, MS [She/Her]
Jade holds a masters in both Marriage and Family Therapy and Therapeutic Recreation. She has experience working with people who have disabilities, such as individuals with Autism and Down Syndrome, as well as clients who have a variety of gender, sexual and relational orientations. Through her experience and interests, Jade has developed a passion for using expressive arts and adventure-based therapies to support clients in their journeys to obtaining their highest quality of life. [Family Therapy, Individual Therapy, Individual Mentoring, Parent Mentoring]
Nicole Steldt, LCSW [She/Her]
Nicole has over 15 years of social work experience with children, teenagers, adults and the aging population. Nicole has practiced in a wide diversity of settings, which includes the nursing home, community mental health, VA, inpatient psychiatric hospital for adults and aging population, and integrated care in family medicine. Nicole is an advocate and passionate about helping children and adults gain self-esteem and confidence. Nicole provides individual therapy and uses a variety of treatment modalities to empower children and adults, helping them gain skills to meet their goals. The treatment modalities include trauma informed, strength based, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused, and grounding. [Individual Therapy, Parent Mentoring, Individual Mentoring]
DANIELLE PENARANDA, LCSW
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Danielle assists youth and adults struggling with chronic mental health illnesses and recovery from past trauma. Danielle guides her clients toward growth, understanding, and healing with a person-centered and trauma-informed approach. She is inspired by the knowledge that though we may not be able to control the world we were brought into or some of the circumstances we have encountered, we have the capacity for resilience, recovery, and positive change. She has a passion for meeting clients in their environment to help guide them to the future they envision. Danielle embraces Adventure-Based Therapy to empower, strengthen, and enhance the lives of her clients and their connection to the world around them.
Olivia Tryggestad, MSW, APSW [She/Her]
Olivia has her APSW and has a background working with children, families, and adults with disabilities. Olivia has also gained experience with and enjoys working with parents and providing support within the home environment. Olivia uses a trauma informed, strength based approach when working with individuals and families. She enjoys partnering with youth and families to help them reach their goals. Olivia has stregths in building a positive, support, and safe space for clients within the therapeutic relationship. Olivia’s work is based off of trauma informed interventions, and uses trauma informed CBT, IFS, ACT, play therapy, and somatic work to guide her practice. (Individual Mentoring, Individual Therapy, Parent Mentoring
Chris Ruder, LMFT
I started Trailhead to pursue my passion for Adventure Therapy and In-Home Family Therapy after working in wilderness therapy in Alaska. As a family therapist, I help individuals and families to better connect with each other and also with their own selves. In individual sessions, I use a mix of talk and experiential activities including canoeing, carpentry, exercise, board games, and outdoor play. I’m skilled at working with therapy-resistant youth and family therapy. I am trained in Marriage and Family Therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy. Due to my on-going responsibilities as Executive Director at Trailhead, I am not accepting new clients.
Janine Bussa, DAT, LPC, ATR-BC [she, her]
Dr. Janine Bussa is a licensed professional counselor and board-certified art therapist who has been delivering person-centered therapy and art therapy in community, outpatient and inpatient settings for over 15 years. Her areas of expertise include working with people experiencing chronic mental illness, substance abuse disorders, grief, and trauma. She believes that bringing a person’s losses into focus can illuminate how grief plays a role in their mental health. She enjoys using creative-based therapy to augment a person’s therapeutic experience and promote growth for the client. Prior to joining the Trailhead team, Janine worked in community mental health in Seattle before working at a state forensic psychiatric hospital treating adults and adjudicated youth. Janine also supports the next generation of art therapists by teaching at Edgewood College in the graduate art therapy program. In her spare time, she loves gardening, reading and coaching youth soccer. [Individual Therapy, Family Therapy, Parent Mentoring]
Bazile Booth, LCSW [She/Her]
Bazile is a licensed clinical social worker, with a breadth of background experience providing mental health services in both urban and rural settings, ranging from outpatient clinics to court-based treatment programs. Her post-graduate training specialties include grief and loss recovery and gender-affirming care. The opportunity to work with clients in-home, outdoors, and in the community has invigorated her practice. Bazile (pronounced “basil”) takes a holistic approach to mental and emotional wellness, incorporating mindfulness, trauma awareness, internal family systems, and other modalities into her process. Raised in Colorado, Bazile participated in outdoor education programs as a youth, and finding Trailhead has felt like a return to what she has always believed, the power of connecting with nature as a healing force. (Individual and Family Therapy).
Greg Seehusen, LPC [He/Him]
Greg is experienced in facilitating adventure therapy through a trauma-informed lens, which incorporates elements of challenge, freedom, and enjoyment as integral parts of growth and learning. Greg has worked mainly with youth but enjoys working with individuals across the lifespan. Greg completed a master’s degree in counseling after a twenty-year engineering career, motivated by his personal experiences with grief and loss and his life of sobriety. Greg spends his free time hiking, backpacking, and enjoying anything outdoors. Greg’s work with clients has utilized outdoor skills, archery, woodworking and ceramics projects, sports, board games, juggling, and other experiential activities through which clients work toward their therapeutic goals. [Individual Therapy, Individual Mentoring, Parent Mentoring]
Mark Sandberg, MSW, LCSW [he/him]
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 for Insomnia Clinician and I have specialized training or interests in ADHD, Mindful Self-Compassion, Motivational Interviewing, Interpersonal Neurobiology, and the mind-body connection. [Family Therapy, Individual Therapy, Individual Mentoring, Parent Mentoring]
Jeana LeJeune, MS, LPC, CSW CERTIFIED AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER CLINICAL SPECIALIST [SHE/HER]
Jeana LeJeune is a licensed professional counselor and certified social worker who has been delivering person-centered therapy in the community for 18+ years. Jeana is a clinical supervisor for Trailhead and is currently not taking new cases. Her areas of expertise include Autism Spectrum Disorder, Neurotypical clients, high-risk juveniles, women and teens with high-risk pregnancies, adoption, infertility, grief and loss, and trauma history. Jeana uses solution-focused therapy, CBT, play therapy, and evidence-based trauma informed practices. Jeana is person-centered and enjoys meeting clients where they are at, while helping them identify where they wish to go next. She enjoys serving individuals across the lifespan including children, teens, young adults, adults, and family systems. [Individual Therapy, Individual Mentoring, Parent Mentoring]
Tracey Benton, LCSW
Tracey Benton is a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of social work experience with children, teens, and adults. Tracey has practiced in a variety of settings including emergency room, psychiatric in-patient hospital, residential treatment and private practice. However, she currently enjoys the versatility of supporting kids and families in their own environments; helping with various types of issues such as developmental trauma, anxiety, depression and relationship conflict. She especially enjoys work with girls and women. Her work is influenced by Bessel van Der Kolk, Trauma-Focused CBT, PCIT, and Play Therapy techniques. Tracey also uses Positive Parenting Solutions workbooks and videos to support her parenting education program.
Erin Miess, MSW, 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 Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solutions-Focused Therapy. She is also a skilled family therapist. Erin helps individuals and families make meaningful and sustainable changes that improve their mental health and overall wellbeing. Erin believes that engagement with people is the key to helping them heal from trauma. Erin is working towards becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Mentors
Joe Ludovice
Working as a mentor and peer support specialist since 2020, Joe draws from both personal and professional experience to provide compassionate, empathetic, and person centered support. By joining clients in exploring new interests and activities both in the community and out in nature, Joe uses a strength based approach to build confidence and self-esteem in a safe space. He is always willing to explore any new interests or activities with clients and enjoys spending time outside hiking, fishing, and finding new ways to enjoy what the world around him has to offer. Joe has experience in mental health and recovery support with both adults and teens. By providing unconditional positive regard and fostering self empowerment, he works to build trust and expand on his client’s ability to build positive relationships and practice self care. Joe is currently in his final year with Viterbo University’s social work program and has completed his associates degree in Human Services from Western Technical College. [Individual Mentoring]
Neal Sawyer
Neal has worked as a teacher, tutor, led a youth immersive summer abroad program to Guatemala, and served in the Peace Corps in Guatemala. Neal relates to others through listening, humor, music, and spending time outdoors. He has a growth mindset and believes cultivating positive relationships involves learning from individuals and understanding what influences their experience. Neal welcomes the opportunity to work with Spanish speaking families. Neal can often be found canoeing, playing cards and games, shooting hoops, studying jazz piano and making friends with new folks he meets. In his time away from Trailhead, Neal manages an organic farm and cattle herd, and has a knack for building loyal customers. [Individual Mentoring]
Stephanie Dunn, COTA [She/Her]
Stephanie comes to Trailhead after working as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant at a state psychiatric hospital for over 15 years. Her calm presence and fun demeanor have been effective in engaging a wide range of clients, from children and adolescents to adult men involved in the forensic mental health system. Stephanie’s background in occupational therapy drives her client-centered approach of using meaningful activities to promote well-being in all areas of life. She loves to teach new skills, recognize personal strengths, and celebrate small victories with all clients. Stephanie believes in the benefits of positive psychology principles and engagement in one’s environment to improve life satisfaction and empower clients in their recovery. Some of her favorite interventions involve experiencing the beauty of nature, arts & crafts, mindfulness practices, and laughter. [Individual Mentoring]
Joe Orso
Joe focuses on compassionate listening and natural wonder in his work at Trailhead. He brings an eclectic set of skills and experiences, including journalism, prisoner support, farmwork and carpentry. With a belief in the power of mutually-transformative relationships, Joe has a gentle approach, and encourages the cultivation of inner-motivation and meaning- making. He enjoys hiking, playing sports, chatting around a fire, doing carpentry and tapping maple trees, and believes that deep listening and sharing stories can be profoundly healing. Joe is open to serving many different populations across the lifespan.
Madison Hergenrader
Madison believes in the power of outdoor experiences and connection to nature as a path towards healing and personal growth. Madison received a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies with a focus in Leadership and Communication. Madison has lived, worked, and played in diverse landscapes across the country which have transformed her understanding of what it means to live in congruence with ourselves and our community. Madison brings a background of outdoor environmental education, wilderness therapy, adventure-based trip guiding, and youth and adult recreation. Madison has a calm and patient approach that empowers clients to step into their growth zone. Madison provides person-centered skills development using a trauma-informed approach with an emphasis on collaboration, safety, and choice. Madison is an LGBTQ+ affirming and social justice-oriented provider. Madison loves riding bikes, sharing a meal with friends, bird-watching, gardening, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and skiing! [Individual Mentoring, Service Facilitation]
Jessie Ferraro
Jessie has experience working with children and families at a forest school in Wisconsin and also through a nutrition and agriculture program with Peace Corps Nepal. Jessie enjoys connecting with clients on an authentic level, and her calm and centered presence aids in creating a therapeutic space for clients to be themselves. Jessie uses a person centered approach when helping clients with emotional regulation, interpersonal and individual skill development. She utilizes creative interventions in sessions such as cooking over a fire, foraging, hiking, meditation, art and music (guitar or singing). Her intention at Trailhead is to help clients cultivate deep connections to themselves that empower them to embark on their healing journey with confidence. [Individual Mentoring]
Justys Grenier
Justys has a warm and gentle approach with youth. He is a patient listener and a steady presence. He enjoys spending time outside year-round, and shares this joy and appreciation for nature with his clients by doing activities such as hiking, fishing, canoeing, tracking, and biking. His background is in experiential education with behavioral at risk youth in a wilderness setting. Justys teaches tools for communication and self-advocacy, positive decision-making, and strengthening interpersonal relationships. He uses an outdoor activity based approach to support client’s growth by walking with them along the edges of their comfort zones. [Individual Mentoring]
Drew Shonka
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 students in hurricane/disaster relief and poverty abatement in Puerto Rico, Texas, North Carolina, and Mississippi. [Individual Mentoring]
Cait Wilkinson, BS [She/Her]
Cait brings a calm and compassionate approach to every session she has with those she works with, which includes both adults and children. She has been working in various roles with people experiencing an array of diagnoses and symptoms since 2012. Her experience includes providing in-home, community-based and nature-based interventions. Cait believes that physical activity plays an important role in both mental and physical health. She loves to encourage clients to try new things, and fosters curiosity and independence. Her patient and calm approach allows clients to be themselves and feel supported. Cait has previously been an assistant youth hockey coach, and also taught Learn to Skate in her hometown. When she’s not working, kayaking, playing hockey, yoga and meditation are some of her favorite activities. [Individual Mentoring, Parent Mentoring, Service Facilitation]
Rebecca Lovaas, BA, MS [she/her]
I discovered my passion for cultivating confidence, trust, and connection in others through immersive outdoor experiences during my many years as an educator. My formal training as a wilderness guide, combined with a master’s degree in environmental education, informs and inspires the work I do at Trailhead. I tailor activities to each individual, incorporating arts and crafts, outdoor adventure, play, and everyday living skills. With this approach, I strive to help clients discover their passions, foster healthy habits and develop a positive vision for their future. I am currently pursuing my masters degree in relational therapy and look forward to bringing a deeper understanding of relationships and family dynamics into my work. I am a certified yoga instructor and enjoy sharing the benefits of mindfulness with my clients. [Individual Mentoring, Parent Mentoring]
Justin VerMeer [he/him]
Justin has ten years of experience in experiential education and service-learning. Justin is currently studying his master’s in Social Work, and his mentoring approach is informed by IFS and IPNB therapies. He is an enthusiastic listener and finds great joy in creating a safe space for clients to share, explore, and be heard. He works with clients in activity-based therapeutic mentoring outdoors, in all seasons. He believes that experiences moving through nature can foster deep connection and learning and leverages these experiences to help clients reach their goals. [Individual Mentoring]
Jess Krueger, BA [she/they]
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 yoga. She also has had a long career as a community doula and is versed in support for new families. [Individual Mentoring, Parent Mentoring]
Mike Bagesse [he/him]
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 authentic selves advocating for personal growth and participating in ethical care of the planet. His focus is on cultivating connection and inspiration through the relationships we are all capable of discovering and maintaining by learning from organic rhythms found within us and all around us. Mike is passionate about hiking, camping, kayaking, canoeing, playing guitar, native plants, organic food production, biking/cycling, running, swimming, gardening, meditation, and general holistic health strategies. He is an avid reader and is eager to share from his extensive library. [Individual Mentoring]
Bill Townsley, BS [he/him]
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]
Brian Jones [he/him]
Brian has been an outdoor educator and guide for over 20 years. He also has worked in a mental health care pharmacy and has facilitated youth groups. He specializes in authentic listening, modeling healthy boundaries and meeting people where they are. Brian believes that spending time in nature provides connection and builds important life skills. Some of his favorite activities include fishing, hiking, canoeing and playing various sports. [Individual Mentoring]
Heather Hoene, BS [she/her]
Heather has a bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology, and is currently amidst pursuing her higher education towards becoming an LPC, at Viterbo University. She has 5 years of experience in play-based Autism services, including ESDM and ABA-play based approaches, and has over 5 years of experience providing adventure-based mentoring. Heather specializes in working with parents, and children ages 6-18. Areas of specialty include: Autism, ADHD, sensory-based regulation, dual diagnosis, amongst others. She is inspired by the modalities from the Whole-Brain Child, Beyond Behaviors, IFS, PDA, and the works of Ross Green and Bessel van Der Kolk. Heather is enthusiastic, compassionate and holds a strong belief in the benefits of exploring the outdoor world, to connect with oneself and others. She is keen on planting seeds in the importance of individuality, self-concept, relationships, communication, and building the understanding in how the brain and heart connect. (Individual Mentoring, Parent Mentoring)
Jason Thimmesch [he/him]
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 Dubuque, Iowa. Jason is patient and encourages the balance of hard work, rest, humor, and emotional connection. [Individual Mentoring]
Rice Spann, BA [he/him]
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 feel proud of. Rice is able to connect with youth through community based and outdoor based activities. [Individual Mentoring]
Service Facilitators
Ashley Kiehnau
Ashley is a CCS Service Facilitator in Richland County. She uses a client centered and community wrap-around approach to her work with clients and facilitation of CCS teams. Before joining Trailhead Ashley worked with human rights and refugee NGO’s in Fort McCoy, Kenya, and DC. Ashley is excited to bring her skills as a client advocate, listener, and supporter to her work as a Service Facilitator in CCS.