Allison Twidwell
Allie grew up in Missoula, Montana where her love for the outdoors began. She went to college in Portland, OR at Lewis & Clark College, where she worked as an Adventure Expeditions Guide for many summers. After college, Allie joined the Deschutes Wilderness Therapy team as a Wilderness Field Guide for about three years. Now…
Read MoreSavanna DeLuca, M.A., LPC
Savanna joins the Deschutes Wilderness team in 2022 excited to engage with family systems work. She brings a warm and collaborative approach to her work with clients and believes that every person has a valuable perspective and qualities that contribute to a cohesive family system. It is her goal to help families see and appreciate these…
Read MoreLori 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 MoreTamara Mathiesen
Tamara Moved to Bend in 1995. She has two teenage children who keep her hustling. Tamara received her degree in Education and Psychology from Western Oregon University. Tamara taught Kindergarten and 4th grade before finding her way to Deschutes Wilderness therapy. Tamara is an advocate for creature comforts. Tamara likes warm fires and delicious foods.
Read MoreBianca Milia
Ryan 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 MoreLaura Murphy, MA, MC, LPCA
Laura Murphy received her Masters in Counseling from the University of Oregon in 2020, a Fine Arts degree in dance, and has been working in a variety of therapeutic capacities since 2013. Before joining the clinical team at Deschutes Wilderness Therapy Laura worked in community mental health counseling children and families in crisis and teaching…
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