Our staff is comprised of professionals with the experience, maturity, qualifications and enthusiasm necessary to create a nurturing learning atmosphere for our students.

Santiam Crossings therapists are mature and experienced master’s level clinicians that specialize in working with adolescents and families. Our teachers demonstrate the enthusiasm and expertise necessary to get our students excited about learning, are certified and have success working with non-traditional learners. Our youth counselors hold bachelor's degrees, preferably in psychology, social work, or a related field, and have experience working with adolescents.

Kirsen brings to Santiam Crossing a wealth of experience in working with at-risk youth. Her expertise spans from supervision, counseling, to diversity and leadership training. She has worked in the wilderness therapy arena, in a residential treatment center, and with the YMCA. Kirsen holds a bachelor’s degree from Scipps College in American studies and studio art and a master’s in psychology/counseling with a concentration in sexual orientation from Goddard College. In her spare time Kirsen enjoys playing ball with her dog, Norman, hiking, mountain biking, running, cooking, and painting.

Dan is responsible for ensuring an effective integration of our academic, adventure education, therapeutic programming and day-to-day operations. Dan comes to us from Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs where he held the role of Extended Expeditions Field Supervisor. In this role, he was instrumental in enhancing and strengthening the program structure and curriculum and in training and managing the staff. Dan appreciates the opportunity to work with adolescents and is motivated by their energy level and their capacity to learn. Dan enjoys surfing, reading, traveling, mountain biking, primitive skills training, and sewing. He also holds a Wilderness First Responder.

The strong clinical foundation of Santiam Crossing School and the emphasis on creating a holistic solution that includes the child's family as an active participant is what attracted David to our school. David has worked with adolescents for nearly 15 years in a variety of settings including hospital and residential facilities, an experiential day school, therapeutic wilderness programs, and an emotional growth boarding school. David received his master's degree in Social Work from the University of New England and has an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies. He also is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. In addition, he too is a parent and has both a son and a daughter. David comes to us from Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs where he held the position of Coordinating Therapist for three years, a role that involves frequent communication and counseling with parents.

Before joining the Catherine Freer team in 2000, Kevin worked with adolescents and families for 10 years in many arenas including tutoring and mentoring in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood, adolescent service trips to Nicaragua, and working as a family therapist in Seattle. Kevin worked as an expedition therapist for two years before taking his current position as a clinical director. He received his MSW from the University of Washington. His clinical areas of interest include group therapy, family systems, and adolescent rites-of-passage. Outside of work, Kevin enjoys rock climbing, mountaineering and running, and spending time with his wife and newborn son.

Maria comes to Santiam Crossing from Marion County Children’s Behavioral Health in Salem where she provided outpatient services to clients ages 4-18. There she conducted mental health assessments, provided individual and family therapy, and ran therapy groups. Maria has a wealth of experience working with adolescents in a variety of settings from Salem Hospital Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, North Salem High School, Catholic Community Services, to the Boys and Girls Club. She also has experience using rafting and rock climbing to teach adolescents life skills. She holds a Masters of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from George Fox University and a Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Education, and Developmental Psychology from Eastern Washington University where she graduated Magna cum Laude. As preparation for her role at Santiam Crossing, Maria took part in a Catherine Freer wilderness therapy expedition. Her position at Santiam Crossing is her “dream job” and she says she feels fortunate to be part of our team.

Mara has been working with youth for more than 10 years. She has a BS in Therapeutic Recreation and a Masters in Social Work. Mara enjoys the potential and possibilities in young adults and likes "all that is held within them and all that lies ahead." In her spare time she enjoys mountain biking, climbing, being quite in nature and reading a good book. Another one of Mara's free time enjoyments is western African dance and drumming.

Jeniveve has dedicated her professional life to serving the wide range of mental health needs of children. Her work allows her to teach adolescents skills to overcome abuse and trauma issues, improve relationships with their families, and to perform better in school. Before joining the Santiam Crossing team, she worked as a clinical counselor for Lincoln County Health and Human Services. Here she was responsible for providing mental health assessments, individual and family counseling sessions, psychiatric medication referrals, and case management services. Jeniveve is a certified Reconnection Youth Instructor. She received her master’s of social work degree from Portland State University and completed her undergraduate studies at Denison University.

Kimberly has worked with Teach for America and has taught summer programs to students through this program. She has also worked in the public school system in Baltimore, Maryland. The focus in her classroom was on engaging students in activities that motivate and inspire them to respect themselves, each other, and the natural world. She holds a Master's of Art degree in Teaching from John Hopkins University and graduated Summa cum Laude from Towson University with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Biology. She was an AmeriCorps Education Grant recipient and received the Compton N. Crook Award for Outstanding Junior Biology Major. Kimberly has significant experience backpacking, whitewater rafting, and leading mountain bike trips.

Tamera has taught at Ashland High School’s Wilderness Charter School and at Saint Mary’s School in Medford. She has also worked as an education and volunteer coordinator for the San Francisco Parks and Recreation Department. Tamara graduated Cum Laud from San Francisco State University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology. She receive her Masters of Arts for Teaching from Southern Oregon University. Her areas of specialty include science, environmental studies, visual/performing arts, and dance. In her spare time she enjoys just about any type of outdoor adventure.

Jason has a diverse work background with a common theme of working with young adults. He has taught in public schools, worked as a special education assistant for a behavior support program, as a counselor at a sex-offender treatment program, and as a camp instructor and challenge course facilitator. He is working on completing his Master of Arts for Teacher degree from Concordia University. His endorsement areas are in Secondary Integrated Science and Basic Math. He completed his undergraduate studies at Southern Oregon University and received a degree in Environmental Studies. He is a member of the Association for Experimental Education, the National Science Teachers Association, and the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics. In his spare time Jason enjoys fly fishing and ultra marathon running.