Pam Parsons, MA, LMFT
Clinical Director & Therapist

A veteran in the field of wilderness therapy, Pam has helped hundreds of young people and families address and heal from emotional and behavioral issues. The students and parents who work with Pam note her warmth, easygoing manner, authenticity, and candor. Pam earned a BA in English Literature from Tulane University and an MA in Transpersonal Psychology from John F. Kennedy University. more...

Emily Demong, LCSW
Assistant Clinical Director

Emily has worked with adolescents and families in wilderness settings for over a decade as a therapist, field instructor, trainer, logistics coordinator, emergency responder, and field director. Emily earned a BA from Bates College and a Master’s of Social Work from the University of Utah. Emily’s diverse training includes yoga, psychodynamic theory, and adolescent development. more...

Joanna Bettmann, PhD, LCSW
Research Director

Dr. Bettmann has worked in the wilderness therapy field since 1994 as a director, researcher, therapist, and field instructor. Dr. Bettmann earned a BA from Dartmouth College and a PhD from Smith College School for Social Work. Her dissertation research focused on attachment relationships of adolescents in a leading wilderness therapy program. As Open Sky’s Research Director, Dr. Bettmann oversees student outcome studies and provides on-going feedback on evidence-based clinical treatments. more...

Gregory Martin, MA
Clinical Therapist

Gregory’s wilderness guide experience extends beyond 13 years. He has worked extensively with at-risk youth, young adults in crisis, people suffering from the disease of addiction and those in critical life transitions. He received a Masters degree in transpersonal counseling psychology from Naropa University and has operated a private practice for the last nine years. Gregory has spent many days “on the mountain” himself and is a long time student of the Diamond Heart spiritual school. more...

Ruben Jimenez, LCSW
Clinical Therapist

Ruben has five years of working with individual teenagers and adults with chemical dependency problems. He has specific training in motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy for relapse prevention, and twelve step methodology. His experience includes working in research at the VA hospital dual diagnosis program in San Diego. more...

Heather Menzie
Clinical Intern

Heather has joined Open Sky for a clinical internship. She has found Open Sky to be congruent with her values in its holistic approach to develop wellness and strengthen relationships. Her heart is open to offering her experience, to learning from the healers at Open Sky, and to holding sacred and safe space for students to explore the wilderness within themselves. more...