Kyle Stansbury

Q: Why do you work in wilderness therapy?
A: Wilderness therapy combines two of my greatest passions: working with others during difficult times in their lives and being surrounded by the natural world.

Q: What do you believe our students need?
A: Someone to understand and hear what is truly going on in their lives. I also believe that our students benefit from having authentic and meaningful experiences, which living with a small group of people in a wilderness setting naturally provide.

Q: Why do you think the wilderness works?
A: Sitting quietly on a ridge watching the sun slowly disappear for the day or being personally responsible for making the fire that cooks your dinner has a profound way of simplifying our often complicated and cluttered lives.

Q: What are your unique gifts, experiences that help our students?
A: I have spent hundreds of nights sleeping on the ground while on personal trips and at work in a variety of wilderness settings. In addition to being very comfortable outside, I truly believe in my work, because of that I am able to bring a sincere passion to work with me every week. I have had experiences in my past similar to those experiences of my students, which provide me with a great degree of understanding.

Q: What do you do for fun?
A: I enjoy being far away from traffic jams and long lines at the grocery store. Ideally, waist deep in snow with good friends a couple hours away from a trail head. I also love to cook and take photos.

Q: Who has been your greatest inspiration, and why?
A: My parents come to mind, for many reasons. My father is a humble, kind, hard working, and intelligent man. From him I have learned how to be a man with integrity and honor. My mother is a relentlessly loving and understanding woman who has always been my greatest supporter. From her I have learned sensitivity and understanding.

Q: What is a defining moment in your life that has led you to where you are today?
A: Several years ago, I found myself living in a large city working two jobs to pay for a house. Unknowingly I had headed down a path that was for me the wrong direction. I found myself wondering how could I ever get out of the rut I was in. Leaving just about everything behind - financially, emotionally, and materially - was the hardest decision I have ever made. It was also the most fantastic and liberating moment in my life, and one that brought me to where I am today.

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