Clinical Team
Ryan Coley, LCSW
Clinical Director & Therapist
Men/Women 14-25
- Masters in Clinical Social Work from the University of Utah
- Bachelors Degree from Huntington University.
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Utah
- Trained/experienced in substance abuse, adults with addiction, group therapy, and motivational interviewing.
Also specializes in: Depression / Anxiety / Chemical Dependency Mood Disorder / Substance Abuse / Attachment Issues / Self-Harm / Identity Issues
Ryan’s clinical focus since 2010 is in working with our students and has been a member of the Aspiro Family of Programs since 2009. Over the last four years Ryan has commanded an integral role in the design and creation of Aspiro‘s chemical use/abuse Experiential Adventure based clinical wilderness treatment model. Ryan’s primary objective has been to establish long-term successful family interventions, stabilization, and diagnostic assessments all while meeting each student where they are in the therapeutic process.
Carl Smoot, PhD
Associate Clinical Director
Research & Program Evaluation
- Ph.D. Psychology
- M.A. Philosophy
- B.A. Philosophy/B.S. Psychology, Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude
- Licensed Psychologist
- Clinical focus on Psychological Evaluation, Supervision, Developmental Disorders, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Group Therapy
Carl began working in mental health in 1990 and soon thereafter entered a Ph.D. program in Psychology at the University of Utah. After completing his degree, he supervised three school-based mental health programs around the island of O’ahu. Carl moved back to Salt Lake City because of his love of the outdoors and opportunities to work in wilderness programs completing psychological evaluations. He has an in-depth knowledge of learning and developmental disorders, as well the ways they interact with mental health and other adjustment problems. At Aspiro since 2012, Carl runs a weekly supervision meeting, mentors field guides, consults on difficult cases, and completes psychological evaluations.
Away from work, Carl enjoys fly fishing and duck hunting. He has been married for twenty years to Dr. Tracine Smoot. Together they have three children and one grandchild.
Jamie Kaczmarek, LCSW
Clinical Wilderness Therapist
Vantage Point boys/girls 13-17
- Master’s in Social Work from the University of Utah
- Licensed Clinical social Worker in the State of Utah
- Bachelors in Psychology and Outdoor Recreation from Indiana University
- Clinical emphasis in Autism Spectrum Disorders encompassing Cognitive, Solution focused, Collaborative Problem solving, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapies.
Gillan Smith, PhD
Clinical Wilderness Therapist
Adolescent/Young Adult Males 13-28
- Masters of Science in Counseling and Guidance from Brigham Young University
- Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Brigham Young University
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Utah
- Clinically focused on family systems therapy, developmental stages of adolescence, substance abuse and recovery
Also specializes in: Autism Spectrum Disorders / Non-Verbal Learning Disorders / Mood Disorders Adoption Issues / PTSD Divorce Conflict / ADHD / Anxiety / Trauma Resolution / Depression / ODD
Gillan brings more than 28 years of counseling experience working with families and adolescents in a wide variety of clinical settings. His clinical experiences include Wilderness Therapist at Aspen Achievement Academy, private practice in Salt Lake City, Program Director for Turnabout Day Treatment, Clinical Supervisor for Norton Sound Behavioral Health in Nome, Alaska, Adjunct Professor in the Clinical Psychology Department at the University of Alaska, Clinical Director for Outback Therapeutic Expeditions and most recently the Dean of Advising at Carlbrook School in Virginia.
Caitlin Galt, LCMHC
Clinical Wilderness Therapist
Vantage Point men/women 17-25
- Graduate Degree in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology W/emphasis in wilderness therapy from Naropa University
- Bachelors of Fine Arts from the Art Institute of Chicago
- Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in the State of Utah
- Clinical emphasis in Autism Spectrum Disorders encompassing Cognitive, Collaborative Problem Sound Mind/Body Practice therapies.
Also specializes in: Autism Spectrum Disorders / NLD / Family Systems / Anxiety / Identity Issues / Mood Disorders / Trauma / Addictive Behaviors / ADHD
Caitlin received her BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago focusing on Art therapy, sculpture, and painting. In 2008, she merged her love of art therapy and the outdoors by earning her graduate degree in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology, with an emphasis in Wilderness Therapy from Naropa University in Colorado.
Jessica Williamson, LCSW
Clinical Wilderness Therapist
Young Women 13-25
- Masters in Social work from Brigham Young University
- Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Brigham Young University.
- Trained/experienced in CBT, family systems therapy, solution focused therapy, treatment of substance abuse and sexual addiction.
Also specializes in: Body Image / Trauma / Female Identity & Empowerment / Family Systems / PTSD / Attachment / Adoption / Depression / Anxiety
Jessica Williamson joined Aspiro in 2009 as a trail guide and gained the unique understanding of the field experience that is part of Wilderness Adventure Therapy. By working in the field with students, and using the experiential learning model, Jessica saw the positive impact that Aspiro had on students and their families. After she earned her Masters, she returned to Aspiro as a clinician and began working with families and students, with a primary goal being to help them develop and strengthen healthy relationships.
Jason Capel, LCSW
Clinical Wilderness Therapist
Females 13-28, Males 13-18
- Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Physiology from the University of Utah
- Master in Social Work from the University of Utah
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Utah
- Experienced in working with females who have mood, body image and eating issues
Brandon Johnson, LCSW
Clinical Wilderness Therapist
- Masters in Social Work from the University of Utah
- Bachelor’s of Science in Behavioral Sciences from Utah Valley University
- Licensed Certified Social Worker in the State of Utah
- Clinical emphasis in Substance Use Disorders and Forensic Social Work
- Trained/experienced in Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Motivational Interviewing
Ryon Smith, LCSW
Clinical Wilderness Therapist
- Masters in Social Work from Arizona State University
- Licensed Certified Social Worker in the State of Utah
- Bachelors of Science in Parks and Recreation Management from Northern Arizona University
- Clinically trained/emphasizes Positive Psychology, Family Systems, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, development of Emotional Regulation
Also specializes in: Anxiety / Depression / ADHD / Self-Esteem / Identity Development / Substance Abuse / Oppositional Behavior / Autism-Spectrum
Ryon has been a part of the Aspiro team since 2012. Starting with Aspiro as a field guide, he has been an integral part of developing culture, implementing therapeutic interventions and facilitating adventure in our adolescent boys groups. As a clinician, his unique field perspective lends itself well to his treatment approach which emphasizes concrete interventions, expanding comfort zones, coping skills, self-efficacy, and self-reflection. Ryon has a passion for demystifying oppositional behavior in adolescents. He trains staff and professionals on the underlying factors that contribute to maladaptive behavior which helps to suggest the most appropriate interventions. Ryon was born and raised in southern Arizona. After a brief collegiate tennis career, he moved north and worked as a ski school supervisor in northern Arizona where he discovered his passion for the marriage of therapy and recreation. Currently living in Salt Lake City, Ryon enjoys the colder months by snow-skiing, snowboarding and ice-fishing. When the sun is out, he enjoys tennis, golf, and cheering for Utah’s own professional soccer team, Real Salt Lake.
Sarah Cetlin
Clinical Wilderness Therapist
- Master in Social Work from New York University
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Utah
- Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Communication and Women’s Studies from University of Connecticut
- Clinically trained/emphasizes: CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Gestalt.
Specializes in: anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, strengths-based perspective, the mind/body connection, sexual abuse, and crisis intervention.
Sarah began her work with adolescents in 2011 at a holistic healing and career counseling center for homeless youth in New York City. While there, she developed her skills in strengths-based therapeutic technique as she experienced the impact on the student’s ability to feel empowered, confident, and gain self-efficacy. Most recently Sarah worked in NYC at Mount Sinai hospital helping patients and their families manage mental health complexities related to chronic health issues, had a private clinical practice and taught yoga. She utilizes yoga as a tool for therapy by providing holistic methods to reduce psychological and behavioral symptoms. Sarah believes that strengthening the mind/body connection in conjunction with cognitive behavioral and relational therapeutic tactics encourages students to be present in their experiences and challenges in the wilderness.
Craving healing from outdoor recreation and nature herself, Sarah moved from NYC to Utah in 2016. She has been diving into her love for the outdoors and enjoys snowboarding, snow shoeing, hiking, camping, rock climbing, and biking. She also loves to travel, yoga, photography and to spend time with her family.
Brandon Andrus, LCSW
Brandon Andrus, LCSW
- Master of Social Work, University of Utah
- Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, University of Utah
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Utah
- Clinical experience focused on Family Systems and Solution Focused approach to addressing Anxiety, Depression, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Brandon’s experience began in 2002 working with adjudicated teens in a residential treatment setting with an emphasis on outdoor recreation. Since that beginning he has found opportunities to work in programs that utilize an outdoor experiential approach to offer youth new and healthy strategies to cope with the struggles they face. Some of Brandon’s experience includes working as a Therapist and Program Director at a therapeutic boarding school that supported latency-aged youth struggling with anxiety, depression, and issues with attachment. He has also worked as a transitional coach for families having a child returning home after receiving wilderness or residential treatment. Most recently Brandon’s work has focused on helping adolescents struggling with executive functioning and social struggles including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Non-verbal Learning Disorder, and ADHD.
Brandon enjoys spending his free time in the outdoors with his wife and two little boys. Together they enjoy traveling, biking, camping, hiking, fishing, and boating. Above all, he loves being a father, even when it means trading epic adventures in far-away lands for laying on the living room floor building massive toy train tracks with his sons.
Grace Larson, MSW, CSW
Clinical Wilderness Therapist
- Masters in social work from University of Kentucky
- Licensed as a Certified Social Worker in the state of Utah
- Bachelors degree in psychology and neuroscience from the University of Illinois at Champaign – Urbana
- Trained/experienced in Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Solution Focused therapy, Trauma Systems therapy and motivational interviewing
Mark Widmer, PhD
Independent Research Director
Dr. Mark Widmer is a tenured professor of therapeutic recreation at Brigham Young University. He has conducted research in the area of Wilderness and Adventure Therapy for 18 years. He is a licensed recreational therapist who conducts and published research in refereed journals. He has several ongoing research projects with leading therapeutic outdoor programs.
Leadership Team
Brian Church
President, Founding Partner
Dr. Rick Meeves
CEO
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
- PhD, Marriage and Family Therapy, Brigham Young University
- BS, University of Nebraska
- Practicing therapist since 1997
- Vice President and National Director of Clinical Quality, CRC Health Group
- Founder, Outback Therapeutic Expeditions (2001)
- Primary Therapist, Second Nature Wilderness Programs
- Clinical Director, Aspen Achievement Academy and Aspen Ranch
Josh Watson, LCSW
CMO
- Masters in Social Work from the University of Georgia
- Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Business Administration from Gardner-Webb University
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Utah
- Trained/experienced in CBT, Family Systems therapy, Adlerian therapy, Strengths-based therapy, Crisis and Risk Assessment
Ryan Coley, LCSW
Clinical Director & Therapist
Men/Women 14-25
- Masters in Clinical Social Work from the University of Utah
- Bachelors Degree from Huntington University.
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Utah
- Trained/experienced in substance abuse, adults with addiction, group therapy, and motivational interviewing.
Also specializes in: Depression / Anxiety / Chemical Dependency Mood Disorder / Substance Abuse / Attachment Issues / Self-Harm / Identity Issues
Ryan’s clinical focus since 2010 is in working with our students and has been a member of the Aspiro Family of Programs since 2009. Over the last four years Ryan has commanded an integral role in the design and creation of Aspiro‘s chemical use/abuse Experiential Adventure based clinical wilderness treatment model. Ryan’s primary objective has been to establish long-term successful family interventions, stabilization, and diagnostic assessments all while meeting each student where they are in the therapeutic process.
Carl Smoot, PhD
Associate Clinical Director
Research & Program Evaluation
- Ph.D. Psychology
- M.A. Philosophy
- B.A. Philosophy/B.S. Psychology, Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude
- Licensed Psychologist
- Clinical focus on Psychological Evaluation, Supervision, Developmental Disorders, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Group Therapy
Carl began working in mental health in 1990 and soon thereafter entered a Ph.D. program in Psychology at the University of Utah. After completing his degree, he supervised three school-based mental health programs around the island of O’ahu. Carl moved back to Salt Lake City because of his love of the outdoors and opportunities to work in wilderness programs completing psychological evaluations. He has an in-depth knowledge of learning and developmental disorders, as well the ways they interact with mental health and other adjustment problems. At Aspiro since 2012, Carl runs a weekly supervision meeting, mentors field guides, consults on difficult cases, and completes psychological evaluations.
Away from work, Carl enjoys fly fishing and duck hunting. He has been married for twenty years to Dr. Tracine Smoot. Together they have three children and one grandchild.
Admissions Team
Josh Watson, LCSW
CMO
- Masters in Social Work from the University of Georgia
- Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Business Administration from Gardner-Webb University
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Utah
- Trained/experienced in CBT, Family Systems therapy, Adlerian therapy, Strengths-based therapy, Crisis and Risk Assessment
Shannon Weaver
Associate Director of Marketing & Outreach
Shannon brings over 20 years of experience to Aspiro working with families and students as a counselor, therapist, and teacher. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has worked as a therapist in a number of settings, including county mental health, substance abuse clinics, residential treatment centers, and private practice. As a therapist she has been rewarded by seeing people heal, discovering their strengths, finding confidence, and building positive relationships. Shannon also is a certified teacher and has recently spent 6 years in China with her family teaching English and doing private practice therapy. She is passionate about helping students and families and has a very caring approach that is informed by her years as a clinician. Shannon enjoys working in admissions and assisting families as they begin their powerful experience in Wilderness Adventure Therapy. She is able to compassionately guide families through their questions and concerns while providing comfort during the process. Shannon loves the beautiful landscape and outdoor opportunities that Utah has to offer, and she especially enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and 2 children.
Jolene McGuire
Associate Director of Admissions
Jolene Williams comes to Aspiro with close to 20 years of experience in the wilderness programming and education fields. Parents have come to appreciate Jolene’s professional problem solving and communication skills, as well as her insight and compassion. She has mastered the art and skill of conducting a complex orchestra of details involved in helping young people along their paths to improvement. Jolene is a born and raised Southern Idaho native. Growing up on her families’ cattle ranch, a love of the outdoors was fostered. When she is not managing the admissions process at Aspiro, she enjoys hiking, biking, running, and yoga. She is the mother of two young daughters that keep her active in sports and school related functions as well.
Ryan Schaffer
Admissions Counselor
Ryan has been at Aspiro since April 2015; first as a field guide and now an admissions counselor. His passion for education and development shows in his diverse experience as a teacher, administrator, and house coach at a therapeutic boarding school. Ryan grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago and received his degree in speech communications at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He has spent the majority of his adult life abroad teaching in Mexico, France, South Korea, and most recently lived in Münster, Germany for seven years as a business English teacher and an associate English professor at the Münster University of Applied Sciences. If he’s not outside climbing, hiking, snowboarding, or disc golfing, he’s most likely reading, writing, or dabbling in music.
Ally Jackson
Intake and Family Support Coordinator
Ally came to Aspiro with four years of experience working primarily in admissions in this industry. She has her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Utah Valley University. Ally has been a Court Appointed Special Advocate for abused and neglected children for four years. Ally is passionate about helping families find help and hope during their time of crisis. She loves working in admissions because she understands the importance of each family finding the right fit for their child, and being able to offer her support and guidance. She loves being able to connect and build relationships with families. Ally values her relationships with others and loves being around people. When not working, you can find Ally spending time with her husband and their dog, a goldendoodle, usually exploring all the beauty Utah has to offer!
Field Management Team
Ellwood Crowell
Logistics Director
Coming soon!
Kevin Owen
Field Director
Robert Owen
Associate Field Operations Manager
Tyler Carroll
Field Operations Manager
Tyler felt the call of the Mountains back in his home state of Alabama. After graduating with his Bachelors in psychology and minor in Sociology in 2007 he entered the guiding world of wilderness therapy and by Christmas Day 2008 began his first week on trail with Aspiro as lead guide. Since those early days, Tyler has been an important part of 6 years of growth and positive change within Aspiro. With this extensive experience his role as Risk Management Specialist and now Operations Manager is critical in the continued development of the program. Since taking on this role; Tyler has streamlined our incident tracking system, creating a database which gives us the ability to develop a greater understanding of safety and risk mitigation than ever before. Along with incident tracking, Tyler is on the ground, visiting groups in the field providing real time risk assessment and training opportunities. Tyler is Aspiro’s primary trainer for Crisis Intervention and Driver Safety. In his free time Tyler can be found pet-sitting other peoples dogs and enjoying the Beauty of Utah. Tyler also enjoys downhill mountain biking, motorcycles, dirt bikes, and fishing.
Joe Nagle
Adventure Facilitation Trainer
Stephanie Meyer
Adventure Facilitation Trainer
Adventure Facilitation Trainer
Addison Odum
Project Development and Coordination
Sam Kapacinskas
Staff Development Coordinator
Scott Shaffer
Professional Development Coordinator
Dr. Dale Christensen
Medical Director
- MD, University of Utah
- BS, Zoology Cum Laude from BYU
- Emergency Medicine Residency, Maricopa Medical Center, Phoenix AZ
- Emergency Physician, Utah Valley Regional Medical Center, Level II Trauma Center (15 years)
Family Services Team
Jessica Williamson, LCSW
Clinical Wilderness Therapist
Young Women 13-25
- Masters in Social work from Brigham Young University
- Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Brigham Young University.
- Trained/experienced in CBT, family systems therapy, solution focused therapy, treatment of substance abuse and sexual addiction.
Also specializes in: Body Image / Trauma / Female Identity & Empowerment / Family Systems / PTSD / Attachment / Adoption / Depression / Anxiety
Jessica Williamson joined Aspiro in 2009 as a trail guide and gained the unique understanding of the field experience that is part of Wilderness Adventure Therapy. By working in the field with students, and using the experiential learning model, Jessica saw the positive impact that Aspiro had on students and their families. After she earned her Masters, she returned to Aspiro as a clinician and began working with families and students, with a primary goal being to help them develop and strengthen healthy relationships.

