Marie Krueger, MS
Family Wellness Counselor & Family Quest Coordinator
A farm girl at heart, Marie was raised on a dairy farm in rural Wisconsin, where she developed core values that centered on honesty, hard work, and a simple way of being and relating. In 1999, Marie earned her BA in Psychology and in 2001 her MS in Applied Psychology from University of Wisconsin-Stout. During her college years, Marie worked with adolescents in residential treatment, taught undergraduate research courses and implemented clinical assessments and program evaluations for various community organizations.
Marie’s commitment to philanthropy inspired her to provide a year of volunteer service as an AmeriCorps Promise Fellow. Her time was dedicated to expanding educational programming and clinical resources for at-risk youth in Denver, CO. In 2001, Marie was hired as the program director for Byrne Urban Scholars – a non-profit that partnered with schools, volunteer mentors, and families to help ensure that the highest risk youth in Denver graduated from high school. Over the next four years, Marie managed a caseload of students and families, facilitated educational workshops, and provided research outcomes needed for program and fund development. Marie has extensive experience in cross-cultural interventions, and has developed a style that places much emphasis on understanding family systems and cultural expectations.
In 2008, inspired by the integrative mission of Open Sky, Marie moved to Durango to begin her work as a field guide. As a senior guide, Marie has completed over 250 days working with adolescent and young adults in the field. Marie is known for her warm smile, and ability to develop meaningful, and trusting relationships with both students and staff. Additionally, Marie has been involved with Open Sky’s family service program in her work with family quests, and family reunions and graduation. Marie believes strongly in the importance of family involvement in the healing process, and is committed to help family members explore their relationships with oneself, each other, and their child, as it relates to the wilderness experience.
Marie loves living in the Southwest, and spends much of her time exploring the various mountain ranges and canyons within the region. In 2009, Marie thru-hiked 500 miles on the Colorado Trail and discovered a deep renewal from her 33 days spent in the wilderness. Since 2005, Marie has been committed to her yoga and meditation practice, and enjoys sharing her experiences with others. Finally, Marie loves the challenges of being a life-long learner. In January 2010, Marie returned to school to attain additional credits in counseling psychology, and aspires to incorporate equestrian therapy into her career.
