James Nippert MA, LMFT
Primary Therapist, Adolescent
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…
Matt Potako
Operations Director
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.…
Kayla Davenport, MS, LPC
Wilderness Therapist
Kayla comes to First Light with a passion for wilderness therapy and family programming. She received her BS in Psychology and MS in Community Counseling from University of North Georgia (then North Georgia College and State University). She completed her practicum and internship at an all-girls boarding school and stayed there for 3 years. For…
Jean Coyle
Field Director
Jean began her career in the outdoors when she was attending Loyola University Maryland by leading outdoor trips for incoming freshman as well as fellow students. During this time, she began volunteering with Outward Bound and working with the Police Youth Program. It was then, that she realized that she wanted to find ways to…
Jacob Thomason
Family Services Director
Jacob Thomason, MA, LPC is the Family Services Director at Northwoods Wilderness Therapy. His primary focus is supporting caregivers and siblings of students enrolled at Northwoods. Jacob graduated from Wheaton College with a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. He has served in various wilderness therapy roles including Clinical Director at Northwoods Wilderness Therapy. Jacob has a special interest in…
Isaac Dana
Field Instructor
Isaac grew up Western New York and discovered a passion for outdoor experiences through his local Boy Scout troop. Isaac graduated from Sterling College of Vermont where he gained a passion for a community centered experiential approach to education. His experiences as an Outdoor Education major led him from the varied New England landscape surrounding…
John McMillion MA
Admissions Director
John McMillon, MS, is the Admissions Director at First Light Wilderness Therapy in Clayton, Georgia. His primary focus is developing relationships within the therapeutic community and ensuring that referral partners understand which individuals are clinically appropriate for our program. McMillon graduated from Georgia Southwestern College and received a Master of Science in Counseling and Human…
Lauren “Ren” Clarson, B.S.
Wilderness Field Instructor
Lauren is a native Minnesotan whose deep love and appreciation for nature came from volunteering at the nature center down the street from her childhood home. During her time at the nature center, Lauren managed the animal outreach programs and worked as a naturalist to educate children about their environment and outdoor skills. These experiences led…
Emily Hartke, B.S.
Field Specialist
Emily is an Illinois native that has always had a love for the outdoors. She graduated from the University of St. Francis with a degree in Recreation and Sport Management with a concentration in Outdoor Recreation and a minor in Leadership Studies. However, Emily’s love for the outside world started way before her college years.…
Maddie, B.A.
Wilderness Field Instructor
Maddie feels most alive when she is connecting with others, learning through literature, and laughing. Maddie’s passion for learning, and desire to empower young people drove her to study Secondary Education, English, and History at Grand Valley State University. Maddie has worked with adolescents in a variety of settings for the last 7 years, including…