Leadership Team, Uintas

Duchesne, UT

Jody St. Joseph, B.S. Program Director

Fax: (435) 738-2046
Office: (435) 738-2040
Email: jody@snwp.com

Jody graduated from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale with a B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation and a minor in Psychology.  She worked with the Touch of Nature Environmental Center while in school where her interest in Experiential Education and Therapeutic Recreation in the outdoors grew.  She became Wilderness First Responder Certified in 2000.

After leaving Illinois Jody moved to Salt Lake City to do her internship at Camp Kostopulos Dream Foundation.  From there she moved to South Lake Tahoe, CA where she studied to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).  In August of 2002 she obtained this national certification.   Soon after she found Second Nature.

In January of ‘03 Jody was hired on as a Field Instructor at Second Nature Uintas.  She worked in the field for the next year and a half to learn and grow with the company.  In September of ’04 she moved down to St. George, UT  to help with the start-up of our Second Nature Entrada program.  Jody served as the Field Director at Entrada for the next few years.  In April of ’08 Jody rejoined our Second Nature Uintas program as Program Director.  In her free time Jody enjoys running, yoga, traveling, and snowboarding.

Devan Glissmeyer, Ph.D.

Phone: 801.201.8194
Fax: (435) 738-2046
Email: devan@snwp.com

Devan began his studies at the University of Utah where he received a B.S. in Psychology.  He attended Ball State University in Indiana and received a Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology.  He returned to Utah and completed his Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy at Brigham Young University. Devan’s doctoral studies focused on family systems and adolescent development and treatment.  His doctoral research focused on the influence of parental and peer relationships on maladaptive behaviors (e.g. substance abuse, oppositional defiance and depression).  He began working with adolescents during graduate school, as a front-line residential staff member.  It was during this work that he began to focus singularly on adolescent development and treatment.  He has also been a college instructor, teaching psychology and communication courses.

Devan is a primary therapist at Second Nature's original wilderness program (Second Nature Uintas).  He manages the longest running group at Second Nature (founded in 1998).  In addition to his role as co-founder and partner, Devan works with boys showing high levels of opposition or are having core struggles in basic social functioning.  The three main profile of students he works with include social skill deficencies (and accompanying isolation and computer game abuse / addiction), habitual deception and substance abuse.  Students with social skill deficits often struggle to maintain friends and have regularly found themselves isolated and chronically struggling with peers.  These boys are often found on ‘the spectrum’ and have non-verbal learning disabilities, traits of Asperger’s disorder or a full diagnosis of Aspergers.  These boys need the emotional safety of regulated social interactions, while being given compassion and patience at the highest levels.  Ultimately, they need improved competence, especially in social interactions.  The boys described in the habitually deceptive group often get to the point that they are “lying when they don’t need to” (e.g. when it doesn’t seem to make sense or provide them even a short-term reward).  They have become so adept at lying that the habit seems to be part of their personality. Devan enjoys the challenge of the chess game that these students present. Substance abuse happens concurrently with other problems, and becomes an important treatment issue depending on the depth and breadth of the problem.  Most often, substance abuse is clearly a secondary problem that is symptomatic of underlying issues.  

Born in Pennsylvania and raised in Kansas City, Devan has resided in Utah since 1985.  Married since 1990 with three sons, Devan appreciates any time he is able to share with his family.  He enjoys coaching his son's basketball teams and spending time on the lake with his family during the summer.  He loves tennis and also enjoys skiing in the inspiring mountains of Utah. He loves the beauty of his ‘office’ at second nature, especially when he has a camera from which to journal his wilderness travels.

Brad M. Reedy, Ph.D., L.M.F.T.

Phone: (801) 201 8196
Fax: (435) 738-2046
Email: brad@snwp.com

Brad began his studies at Brigham Young University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Family Science.  Next, he attended Loma Linda University where he received an M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy.  He returned to B.Y.U. and completed his Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy. Brad’s clinical experience includes working with sexually abused children, domestically violent offenders, and adults/adolescents with substance abuse and children suffering with grief and loss.

Research and clinical interests include treatment with sexual abuse victims, family trauma and associated processes, chemical dependence, personality disorders, sexual perpetrators, and developmental psychology.  Brad works with a variety of populations that often include students with dual diagnoses and gifted intelligence.

Brad currently sits on the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs Board and the Utah Board of the Department of Child and Family Services.

In the public sector, Brad worked with young victims of physical and sexual abuse at Loma Linda University Hospital, domestic violence victims and perpetrators at Riverside Family Service Agency, and sexual perpetrators at Center for Family Development.  In private practice, Brad has also worked with individuals and families with eating disorders and other addictions.  Brad worked as a field therapist and Clinical Director with Aspen Achievement Academy and Aspen Ranch.

Born and raised in Orange County, California, the middle of three boys, Brad was raised by his mother.  He grew up surfing, listening to Bob Dylan, and causing his mom a great deal of grief.  Brad is married and has four children.  He enjoys golf, wakeboarding, and is a passionate triathlete.  He is an avid fan of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Angels and can be easily engaged in a debate on any sports-related topic.

Steve DeBois, Ph.D., Clinical Director

Fax: (801) 606-7516
Cell: 801-541-9861
Email: steved@snwp.com

Steve is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience treating adolescents. He received a B.A. in Psychology from the University of California at Santa Cruz, and completed his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of Tulsa. He has conducted research examining school readiness in preschoolers, evaluation of intervention programs for adolescents, and the outcomes of DUI prevention.

Steve’s clinical experiences includes work in a variety of outpatient and residential programs with children and adolescents. He completed a doctoral internship at Primary Children’s Medical Center in Salt Lake City, and worked for Youth Care residential program prior to coming to Second Nature. Steve’s background includes psychological testing and diagnostic formulation as well as individual, family, and group therapy. He typically uses a combination of cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, and systems theory interventions in his therapy. He is skilled at working with complex students who require flexible and creative interventions.

An avid outdoorsman, Steve is a natural fit for Second Nature. When he’s not hiking or skiing, Steve appreciates art, music, and cooking. Originally from New Mexico, he takes brief vacations from Utah in search of “real enchiladas” whenever possible.

Ben Pearson, MSW, LCSW, Asst. Clinical Director

Phone: 801 824 3402
Fax: 435 738 2046
Email: benp@snwp.com

Ben was raised in the Black Hills of South Dakota.  In his own teenage years, he resisted the idea of therapy, resented the outdoors, and struggled with academic and social challenges.  His therapeutic experience started as a wilderness instructor in the fall of 1997. During his time in Arizona, he developed a love for the changing power of the outdoors and developed an affinity for primitive living skills.  Ben came to Second Nature in the winter of 2000 and developed from a wilderness intern to a sophisticated therapeutic facilitator of complex treatment plans.  He lived with students in the field and witnessed their daily struggles and successes.  After seeing adolescents become more confident, open, and prepared to face their challenges, Ben interrupted his career with Second Nature to further his formal education.

While at Idaho State University, Ben focused much of his studies on sexual abuse and family systems. During his graduate studies, he worked with individual and families in rural mental health facilities in Washington State. In 2003, Ben received a Masters of Social Work from Eastern Washington University with a clinical focus on adolescents and families.  He returned to Second Nature and combined his clinical training with his field experience.  He now uses the wilderness and small group dynamics to help create an environment where adolescents can develop practical emotional and social problem solving skills. Ben helps each family explore and understand complex issues such as addiction, personal responsibility, emotional awareness, and healthy development. Ben is passionate about helping students sustain changes after leaving the wilderness.  He is active in helping professionals, aftercare programs, and families collaborate to better provide strong support to boys leaving wilderness. He has presented on these topics at several professional conferences on a regional and national level.

Ben enjoys wakeboarding, snowboarding, and just completed his first year of triathlon training and competition.  He keeps busy with home remodeling projects, playing games with his four beautiful children, and supporting his wife's successful photography business.

Judy Wilkerson, Office Manager

Phone:

 (435) 738-2040
Fax: (435) 738-2046
Email: JudyW@snwp.com

Judy is right at home here in the area as she was born and raised in the neighboring rural community of Fruitland.  She married and moved to the Salt lake Valley where she continued her education and her husband finished his. Judy and her husband Mike have four children two boys and two girls. She was fortunate to be able to spend her time at home as a "stay at home mom" while their children were young.  She kept herself busy keeping up with the demands of her very active children and working with her husband's business.   Their business allowed them the unique opportunity of moving back to the area in 1999, and built their dream home.

Judy has always been active in civic and community affairs. 

Prior to her work at Second Nature Uintas Judy held positions as manager at two small businesses doing all forms of office work as well as overseeing personnel. She came to work at Second Nature in 2005. She loves people, has good people sense and a natural ability to lend a sympathetic, empathetic ear to those in need. She has experience dealing with her own children and their friends and can quite naturally understand situations from a parent's point of view.  

Shannon Neal, Field Director

Phone: (435) 738-2040
Fax: (435) 738-2046
Email: ShannonN@snwp.com

Shannon studied Science and Education at the University of Texas at San Antonio. It was during her college years that her interest in all things outdoors began to expand. She worked for the Outdoor Pursuits program at UTSA leading ocean kayaking, backpacking, and river canoeing trips. She was then promoted to Program Coordinator at UTSA Campus Rec, where she planned trips, managed staff, and ran various outdoor related clinics.

During college Shannon found Second Nature Uintas. It was after working there for a summer that she decided she had found the place to combine her passion for teaching, children, and the outdoors. She went back after graduation in the winter of 2007. During the few years she worked in the field, became certified as a Wilderness First Responder and a Senior Field Instructor. Shannon then moved into the Assistant Field Director position. She was in charge of recruitment, hiring, and training of new staff, as well as scheduling, management, and program development. Now as the Field Director at Second Nature Uintas her main focus is overseeing all field operations, and working directly with staff on their development as field instructors. Shannon is certified in Crisis Intervention training and teaches this to our staff multiple times a year.

Shannon grew up in Texas and has been relentlessly exploring the outdoors since she was old enough to walk. She has fallen in love with Utah and can always find something to do in her free time. She is always up for a challenge and has found that she loves to climb, ski, hike and run. No matter which adventure she is on, you will always find McKinley, her German Shepherd, nearby. She also likes yoga, cooking, reading, and taking naps outside.

Jon Doebler, Asst. Field Director/Recruiter

Phone: (435) 738-2040
Fax: (435) 738-2046
Email: JonD@snwp.com

Jon graduated from Concordia College Moorhead MN with a B.A. in Exercise Science and Economics. He moved to Minneapolis Minnesota to start his professional career with Wells Fargo and Later worked at Epicor Software Corporation in the sales and marketing department. During the same time he got hired as a 'paid-on-call' firefighter with the St. Louis Park Fire Department which proved to be an exciting and wonderful learning experience. He attended Hennepin Technical College for the Fire Department to student firefighting and EMT courses.

In February '08 Jon was hired on as a field instructor for Second Nature Uintas. He worked in the field absorbing and learning this new trade and 2 years later was promoted to a temporary Assistant Field Director for the summer. After the summer he worked in Transition camp to continue to grow and learn other aspects of the company. In January '11 he transitioned back into the field as a mentor level field staff to help groom and teach newer field staff. Jon has recently moved back into the Assistant Field Director position and will continue to develop and train our Field Instructors.  Jon is a certified Wilderness First Responder.  He is also one of our de-escalation training instructors.

Jon has always been involved in athletics he played football, basketball, and track in high school and played football in college. He is now a very talented 'arm chair quarterback' and is a Minnesota Viking Faithful. SKOL Vikings! His passions are now snowboarding, hiking, camping, traveling, road biking, and mountain biking.

Jeanne Henry, RN, Medical Coordinator/Nurse

Phone: (435) 738-2040
Fax: (435) 738-2046
Email: JHenry@snwp.com

Jeanne received her Registered Nursing Degree from Richmond Community College in North Carolina. She has worked in several hospital settings including Medical/Surgical, Step-Down Units, Hospice and Long-term Care. She has been the RN night supervisor in several of those settings providing nursing care and supervision for many patients.  She recently moved to Duchesne, Utah to be a traveling nurse on the west coast. She found that traveling did not bring the rewards of nursing that she was looking for and began looking for a nursing setting closer to home that was not in the hospitals.  She and the Second Nature Wilderness Program in Duchesne found each other in January of 2011. Jeanne also is a Certified Red Cross CPR instructor and a Certified Wilderness First Responder.  Prior to becoming an RN, Jeanne was a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, Licensed in North Carolina, working at Richmond County School System, providing therapy to 15 schools. She also worked in Long-term Care and Home Health settings, providing therapy to a variety of clients.

Jeanne grew up in Oregon and has lived in Maine, Louisiana, Texas, Colorado and North Carolina. She and her husband, Ed, love the outdoors including hiking and camping. While in North Carolina, they did volunteer work for the RED CROSS, receiving the Governor's Appreciation Award for their participation in a North Carolina Disaster.  Jeanne and Ed have a blended family of six children and 5 grandchildren with the youngest child and grandchild planning to join them in Duchesne this summer.  Jeanne's hobbies include raising American Eskimo Dogs, woodworking, gardening, hiking, reading, and traveling.

Tom Crist, Logistics Coordinator

Tom grew up in Utah with the mountains literally in his back yard. He and his wife Shahara live in Orem, Utah and have five wonderful children. After several years of work in residential treatment Tom joined Second Nature in 1999.  He managed the transport department for a few years before becoming a logistics coordinator in 2008.  Tom enjoys the fast pace and challenge that Second Nature manifests.  In his position he is able to see first hand the positive growth and changes that take place in our students and their families. Tom spends his free time following his children’s various events including basketball, soccer, football, baseball as well as piano and dance recitals.  He loves to play basketball, weight train, travel, read, and any opportunity to sneak away for a date with his wife.

Allison Conover, Parent Coordinator

Allison grew up in the Midwest and became passionate about spending time outdoors while taking field science courses and working out west in the summers during college. She pursued a BS at the University of Dayton in Environmental Biology. After finishing her degree, she quickly relocated to Southern California to run a climbing program for underprivileged kids in the San Bernadino Mountains. Other work experience includes teaching sixth grade science at an experiential education center and administrative time there as well. She came Utah in spring of 2003 to work as a field instructor at Second Nature Uintas. She spent several years doing so. After her time in the field, Allison moved on to Willow Creek School and focused on staff training and development. She returned to Uintas in the fall of 2008 as a Logistics Coordinator. During this time, she particularly enjoyed supporting families as their sons and daughters arrived at Second Nature. In her free time, Allison enjoys climbing, backcountry skiing, trail running, yoga and traveling. She is a proud mother to a wonderful Shepherd, Tenaya. She also spends time at home in the garden and raising chickens.