Lori Vallelunga, PhD
Dr. Lori Vallelunga is a licensed clinical psychologist with more than a quarter-century of clinical and program administration experience. She comes to Deschutes Wilderness Therapy with an adventurous spirit and a passion to help others become their best selves. As Clinical Director of the Adolescent Program, Dr. Vallelunga’s skills in team building, staff communication, and support as…
Read MoreBarbara Lang
Barbara comes to Deschutes Wilderness Therapy with a wealth of experience in the digital entertainment marketing space, where she worked for nationally recognized brands including SPIN, Billboard, and the Hollywood Reporter. It was in those roles that she developed a deep understanding of building trusting relationships and creative marketing strategies. Barbara’s introduction to wilderness therapy…
Read MoreBianca Milia
As the Experiential Education Director at Deschutes Wilderness Therapy, Bianca oversees the parts of our program that provide our students with experiences that foster a connection to themselves and others. Bianca manages our canine program, mastery, academics, graduations, family therapy days, adventure therapy, and other individualized opportunities for our students to receive the most out…
Read MoreRyan Scott
Ryan has been a part of the Deschutes Wilderness Therapy community since April 2020. Prior to arriving in Bend, Ryan spent five years in youth mentorship roles across the country including positions at summer camps, residential treatment centers, before and after school programs, and more. Ryan cites the work he does at Deschutes as the…
Read MoreMax McCarty
Max grew up in Pittsburgh, PA where he found a love for the outdoors hiking the local State Parks. After completing his Bachelor in outdoor recreation education, Max went on to guide in North Carolina and New Zealand as well as volunteered for disaster relief in the Virgin Islands. After working with foster children and…
Read MoreJames Nippert MA, LMFT
James Nippert started working with adolescents and their families in wilderness therapy in 2004 and has been passionate about wilderness therapy ever since that time. James’ personal approach to therapy focuses on the need for both the adolescent and the family to heal together. James received his Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from…
Read MoreMatt Potako
Matt hails from the woody western suburbs of Philadelphia, PA where he always preferred to play outside. He developed an early love for the ocean, growing up sailing, surfing and kiteboarding. While studying Hydrogeology and Music Technology at Penn State, Matt fell in love with the mountains and land-based activities such as hiking, skiing and mountain biking.…
Read MoreAimée Seaborne
As the Medical Coordinator and Safety Officer at Deschutes Wilderness Therapy, Aimée oversees the medical and risk management systems. Coming from Winchester, England, Aimée graduated with a Bachelor of Science from The University of Lincoln in the UK. She was president of the Women’s Football (Soccer) Team and a competition cheerleader! Originally coming to the…
Read MoreAJ Frithiof, LCSW
AJ Frithiof (pronounced Fritch-off) is the clinical director of the young adult program at Deschutes Wilderness Therapy and is a licensed clinical social worker in the State of Oregon and the State of Utah. She began working in wilderness therapy in 2004 and has since worked in a variety of clinical and programming positions throughout wilderness and…
Read MoreXela Goodman LCSW
After receiving a B.A. dual degree in Education and History, Xela served in the Peace Corps for nearly three years in South Africa. It was during this pivotal time when she fully understood her passion for being of service to others. Upon returning to the States, Xela started her work in wilderness therapy as a field instructor, where…
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