Daryn started her work with therapeutic programs in 2006 after six years in the United States Navy and a year of independent humanitarian work in Zimbabwe. Since then, Daryn co-founded and co-ran Canterbury Academy, a learning differences day school in Seattle. She then served as a team leader at Aspiro Wilderness Program, program director at Aloft Transitions for young adults, and Admissions Director at a Discovery Ranch for Girls. Daryn worked as an Educational and Therapeutic Consultant for eight years, helping families find solutions. Daryn’s knowledge of wilderness therapy and experience in other therapeutic environments allows her to connect quickly with parents and provide a sense of calmness to the process. Daryn graduated from Seattle University, a social justice institution, with a bachelor’s degree in cultural anthropology, followed by graduate work in counseling psychology at Prescott College. She is committed to creating an environment for our clients and families where people of all backgrounds and identities feel respected, honored, and safe. Daryn has a passion for creating equity and inclusion for people with medical needs. She spends her free time with her husband, two young sons, and their dog rock climbing, skiing, whitewater kayaking, canoeing, cycling, reading, and traveling.

Mark is the Admissions Coordinator at Deschutes Wilderness Therapy (DWT) since March of 2021. He started in admissions after being a field instructor for our program. He came out of the woods and went into admissions to pursue a career in the industry he loves. Before coming to DWT, he was a field instructor at the wilderness therapy program Pacific Quest, on the Big Island of Hawaii, which has a horticulture therapy model. He ended up at Pacific Quest right after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a BA in Philosophy.

The outdoors has always been an integral part of Mark’s life. His hobbies include backpacking, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, climbing, and on any given day you can find him running copious miles through Bend. His connection to the outdoors and his desire to help others create healthy change has brought him home to working in wilderness therapy.