SUWS Staff

Kathy Rex, CTRS – Executive Director

“My love of the outdoors and love of working with teenagers – the invincible, full-of-life beings that they are but are not always aware of their bigger purpose; belief in the profound change work that happens in simple existence. That’s why I’m here doing what I do.”  Click here for complete bio.

Jared Tonks – Clinical Director

 

My goal is that students and their families learn to communicate a vision of the relationships they want to build, and work to achieve that relationship.

Click here for complete bio.

Mark Ellis, LCSW – Therapist

I earned my Masters in Social Work at Boise State University after receiving my Bachelors at BYU-Provo, and Associates at BYU Idaho. My focus is with the adolescent male group. Click here for complete bio.

Alyson Daniel, LMSW – Therapist

My experiences in this industry have varied greatly from urban to wilderness settings. I was employed at SUWS of the Carolinas 5/2011-9/2011 as a Therapist/Field Supervisor and made the transition out west to SUWS of Idaho where I continue to work with adolescents as their individual therapist. Click here for complete bio.

Maite Biain, LMSW – Therapist

I received my Bachelor of Arts in English Literature in 2007, and my Masters of Social Work in 2009, both from Boise State University. I work with adolescent groups at SUWS. Click here for complete bio.

Millie Anderson – Admissions Director

My experience with the Aspen programs began in January of 1995. Throughout the years with Aspen, I have gained tremendous insight on the benefits of outdoor treatment and appreciate the roles each of us play in making this program function at such a high level. Click here for complete bio.

Loree Zeif – Marketing Director/Admissions Counselor

I have had the pleasure of working with teens and families via schools and the court system over 25 years. My experience with Aspen programs began at a therapeutic boarding school, where I was a therapist for 6 years. Began with SUWS in January 2013. Click here for complete bio.

Joseba Zatica – Admissions Coordinator

I have always wanted to “give back,” and at SUWS I get the opportunity to do that in a big way by helping families reconnect. I have the privilege of helping parents in many ways including facilitating letters to and from the field. Click here for complete bio.

Michael Justis – Field Director

My desire to make a difference is what led me to this profession.  My goal as Field Director is to ensure that the instructors have the skills to provide each student a positive empowering experience while here at SUWS. Click here for complete bio.

David Sparks, M.Ed. – Academic Advisor

David Sparks has a master’s degree in Education Leadership through Boise State University and is the Assistant Principal, Translator, and Educator for the Idaho State School for the Deaf and Blind. He has worked with SUWS as a Wilderness Instructor, Program Supervisor, and now Academic Advisor. David reviews all student curriculums and awards High School credits in accordance to proposed requirements obtained from Deputy Superintendent of Education for the State of Idaho. The proposal set forth states one (1) credit hour will consist of sixty (60) actual classroom hours. Therefore, the number of credits issued to a SUWS student depends on the length of stay in the program. A transcript of credits will be provided upon graduation.

Johnny Urrutia – Equine Specialist

Johnny U is a certified equine specialist through EAGALA, a model of equine-assisted psychotherapy services which focuses on growth and learning. Participants interact with a horse/horses in guided activities led in tandem effort by the equine specialist and a mental health specialist. He has partnered with the SUWS Adolescent and Youth Program to provide this service to their students, ages 11-17.Click here for complete bio.

Dr. Thomas Pryor, M.D. – Consulting Physician

Dr. Pryor is a well-respected Board Certified Physician who obtained his M.D through the Oklahoma University College of Medicine. From 1996-1997 Dr. Pryor held a fellowship in surgery at St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City and served as an Emergency Room Physician from 1994-1997. He has extensive knowledge and experience in rural medicine, having been on yearly medical missions in third world countries since 1993. Dr. Pryor moved to Idaho in 1997 and started his own practice in 2000. He has helped to shape the laws and regulations used to govern Idaho Outdoor Programs by working with state agencies to decide what medical procedures and protocols should be formulated to ensure student’s safety in a rural setting. Dr. Pryor’s guiding hand helped SUWS become the first licensed wilderness program in Idaho in 2003. He continues a close relationship with Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to uphold the highest standard of integrity and medical treatment for SUWS students.

Ilene Thompson – Human Resources/Office Manager

My career in this industry started more than 40 years ago, with my experience as a mother and grandmother. I have over 27 years at SUWS, currently in charge of office operations and human resources. Click here for complete bio.

Cindy Scott – Finance Manager

I have the privilege of supporting families in the financial aspect of SUWS. I also get to interact with parents and offer support to the office by fielding phone calls as well. Click here for complete bio.

 

Cheryl Bishop – Office Assistant

I began my career with SUWS in July of 2000. As a member of the office administrative team, I manage and maintain the Parent Extranet. Click here for complete bio.

 

Pat Lockwood – Logistics Manager

My goals always include improving the overall SUWS experience for students and their families. Much of my time is spent with the students upon Intake. Click here for complete bio.

 

Chris & Sandy Christensen – Transportation

We have been working as a transport team since our beginning at SUWS. We thoroughly enjoy meeting and working with the students coming in to the program. We log many miles a month, and provide a lot of support to both students and our SUWS staff and love being a part of it all. Click here for complete bio.

Rachel Hoskovek – Logistics Assistant

With four children of her own, one would think Rachel would have her fill of picking up after folks. Part of her role at SUWS, though, is just that—cooking and cleaning. A member of the logistics team, Rachel’s main responsibility is facility maintenance, and she works hard to keep us looking good. Click here for complete bio.

Click here for a list of our Field Instructors.