Aaron Fernandes BA
Executive Director

In addition to holding a degree in psychology from Brown University, Aaron brings extensive leadership and management experience in outdoor education and wilderness therapy. Aaron founded Open Sky with a vision of excellence and sustainability on all fronts: delivering treatment services with long- term benefits for students and families, supporting the passions and growth of employees, and engaging in environmentally and socially responsible business practices. more...

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...

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...

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...

Nicola Kettle ND
Wellness Director

Dr. Kettle is a licensed naturopathic physician with a BA from Brown University and an ND from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Kettle is dedicated to addressing each person as a whole, believing that the key to health is discovering the obstacles to wellness and learning how to overcome them. In her role as Wellness Director at Open Sky she combines her enthusiasm for introducing people to natural medicine, the benefits of whole foods, and the healing power of nature. more...

Lauren Lollini MA LPC
Admissions & Outreach Director

As a former wilderness field therapist, Lauren was inspired by the magic of the wilderness and the successes of her students. This love of working with teens evolved into a passion for working with the whole family system. As a sales and marketing professional, Lauren used her ability to listen to her customers and determine their specific needs to help them on several levels, with services, training, and inventive ideas. more...

Danny Frazer BA
Operations Director

Danny has over 10 years of experience and 700 field days in wilderness therapy and outdoor education. Danny is highly skilled in personnel management, program delivery, and emergency response, as well as staff selection, development, and training. more...