Driven by Compassion: The Vital Role of Open Sky’s Intake Specialists
Open Sky intake specialists welcome new students to Open Sky and guide them through the arrival process until they join their teams in the field. In this blog post, Intake Director Rick Crawford discusses the crucial role intake specialists play at Open Sky. Interested in joining the Open Sky team as an intake specialist? We’re […]
Supporting Young Adults Navigating Gender and Sexual Identity
One of the most important components of wilderness therapy treatment is creating an emotionally safe, open, and accepting space for students to truly be themselves—away from the pressures of school, society, and even family. This safe space is especially important for students exploring their gender identity, questioning their sexuality, or struggling with issues related to […]
Academics at Open Sky
Students at Open Sky have the opportunity to earn 3.5 high school credits in six academic areas. In the following article, Education Director Dr. Melia Snyder describes the philosophy of Open Sky’s academic program, the ways it intertwines with the organization’s clinical approach, and the types of credits available. Melia has a Ph.D. in counseling […]
Full Circle: A Conversation with Sam Verutti, Clinical Therapist for Adolescent Boys
Meet Sam Verutti, MSW, clinical therapist for adolescent boys at Open Sky Wilderness Therapy. Sam’s clinical approach is enriched by his childhood immersed in the outdoors, his experience as a wilderness therapy student, and over three years working as an Open Sky field guide. His journey has come full circle since earning his Master’s of […]
Treating Emerging Cluster B Personality Disorders in Wilderness Therapy
People with personality disorders historically have been misunderstood and pathologized as having character faults. In reality, it’s not that one has a “broken” personality, as the name might suggest. Rather, this diagnosis typically results from childhood coping strategies that eventually become entrenched behavioral and emotional patterns if not otherwise interrupted. Individuals who don’t believe their […]
Opening Doors and Building Connection: A Conversation with Therapist Nick Lenderking-Brill
Get to know Nick Lenderking-Brill, therapist for adolescent boys! Nick began his time at Open Sky Wilderness Therapy as a Family Services intern while pursuing his Master’s degree at Naropa University. With family services, guiding, intake, operations, and clinical experience, Nick’s depth of knowledge and expertise is a huge asset in his work with students […]
Clinical Team Attends Training: How to Talk About Cannabis Use in the Age of Legalization
Open Sky Clinical and Family Services staff recently attended the training: “How to Talk about Cannabis Use in the Age of Legalization.” Attendees walked away from the training up to date on the latest research on cannabis use. They were educated on the risks associated with use amongst a clinical population or for those with […]
A Natural Fit: Wilderness Therapy and Adolescent Girls Therapist, Kim Kelley, M.Ed., LPC
Q: Why do you choose to work in wilderness therapy? A: In the early 90’s when I was in graduate training, I had never heard the term “wilderness therapy” before. It was at that time that my younger brother experienced wilderness therapy as a student. He expressed that the experience changed his life. I and […]
Self-Harm & Suicidal Ideation in Adolescent Boys
Misconceptions In our society, boys and men often grow up without being taught the skills necessary to manage emotions. They are sent the message that it’s best they don’t talk about their feelings. Therefore, when a young man is struggling internally and feels he can’t discuss his emotions openly, self-harm can become a means of […]
