David Martin
Senior Field Guide
Joined Open Sky: May 2009
In Wilderness Therapy since: 2001
Interview with David
December 2009
1) Why do you work in Wilderness Therapy?
I work in wilderness therapy because I genuinely like the work. It provides access to two of my favorite things in this world, people and the great outdoors. Also, it's unconventional work and I think it suites me in many ways, and I like the way I feel at the end of a good work week.
2) Why do you think Wilderness Therapy works?
Wilderness therapy works because it strips all outside distractions and ultimately over time students are confronted with themselves; which, a lot of times is a hard place to be. Ultimately, wilderness in itself becomes the master therapist, strengthening and softening at the same time.
3) What do you think our students need?
I think the bulk of students needs are just a place for them to be appreciated and validated for who they are and the issues and circumstances they are currently in. Also, I think the neutral angle that guides and therapist come from giving sincere, open insight, and feedback is invaluable. Students have to have a feeling of safety and trust ultimately to open up emotionally to themselves and the group, in order for the program to work as intended. I think Open Sky provides that for it's students.
4) If you could meet any person (living or dead) who would it be and why?
If I could meet one person it would have to be John Wooden. The integrity and wisdom that he lived his life by are staggering. The amount of peoples lives that he has helped shaped and influenced are immeasurable. There will never be anyone like him again, truly the last of his kind.
5) What are a few of the defining moments in your life and why?
Struggling in life as an adolescent was certainly a defining moment or chapter in my life. I learned how fear and a cloudy perception on life can greatly change one's life for the worst if gone unchecked. Meeting Charlotte my fiance was certainly a defining moment in my life. The amount of love and patience that she has for me is numbing. That has consequently provided a stable, grounding force in my life that is extremely healthy for me as a person.
6) Who has been your greatest inspiration and why?
My Father has been my greatest inspiration in my life. His basic teachings and thoughts on life have no doubt shaped who I am today. He was an old school guy: clear intent, determination, willing to work for what you want and keeping your personal integrity above all are some of the things I have taken from my father.
7) What are your unique gifts and/or experiences that help our students?
I have a unique ability to connect with students and create a safe and trustful relationship relatively quickly, which is helpful considering there isn't much time we have with our students. I think the long and short of it is, I have a big, patient heart and a ton of unique life experience that I bring to the table.
Professional Experience
Taos Drapery
Owner
San Juan Youthworks, Monte Vista, CO
Senior Field Guide
Second Nature Wilderness Program
Senior Field Guide
National Outdoor Leadership School, Lander, WY
Field Instructor
Education
AA Liberal Arts
Saddleback College, Mission Viejo, CA
New Mexico Filmmakers Intensive Certificate
College of Santa Fe, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Professional Photography
Brooks Institute of Professional Photography, San Juan Capistrano, CA
Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
