Wellness & Medical Team
Open Sky's wellness & medical team is led by a Registered Nurse and an EMT field medic, directly consulting with our on-staff Naturopathic Doctor and MD . Open Sky is the only holistic wilderness therapy program in the industry devoting an entire department to both day-to-day medical care and overall health and wellness. Our naturopathic doctor is state-licensed and has a four-year, graduate-level education in the same basic sciences as MD’s, followed by additional training in holistic and non-toxic approaches to healing with a strong emphasis on disease prevention and optimizing health.
Patrick Kearney, MD
Medical Director
Dr. Patrick Kearney joined Open Sky in 2011 as its Medical Director. He studied at the University of Michigan, where he received his undergraduate, Medical School and residency training. Dr. Kearney has been in Durango since 1986 where he was initially in solo practice, is a founding partner of Durango Family Medicine, and is a member and Past President of the medical staff at Mercy Regional Medical Center.
Mark Braunstein, DO, ABPN
Psychiatrist
Dr. Braunstein is board certified in general psychiatry and board eligible in child and adolescent psychiatry. He completed residency in general psychiatry at The University of New Mexico and finished a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine. He specializes in the treatment of ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and substance abuse in children, adolescents and adults. In his spare time, he enjoys kayaking, rafting, skiing, snowboarding and mostly being with his family.
Barbara Ormond, RN
Health Director
Barbara Ormond is a licensed Registered Nurse with a passion for the wilderness and working with adolescents and young adults. She has had many years experience as an RN, yoga teacher, and massage therapist, and has previous guiding experience with Open Sky.
Jade Wimberley, ND
Consulting Naturopath
Dr. Wimberley is a licensed naturopathic doctor with a BA from Denison University and a doctorate from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine. Her passion for the wilderness, naturopathic medicine and working with adolescents and young adults makes for a perfect fit. Dr. Wimberley brings to Open Sky vast and varied work and personal experiences. In addition to being in recovery, she has operated a private practice, served as regional sales and marketing director for an environmental risk assessment company, been a sales representative for medicinal plant products and a co-owner of a local natural foods store.
Adam Merce, EMT
Field Medic
Adam has worked in the wilderness therapy field since 1997 as field guide, field trainer, field medic, logistical support staff, and emergency responder. Adam is certified as an emergency medical technician, nursing assistant, and first aid/CPR instructor.
Heather Shook, BA
Medical Team Assistant
Heather began working at Open Sky as Office Assistant and is excited to continue her contribution as part of the Wellness and Medical Team. Having grown up spending most of her free time exploring the riparian landscapes that make up the Delta, she is a firm believer in the healing powers of nature and is honored to be part of an organization that provides an alternative perspective for youth growing up in a technology-driven culture.
