Management Team
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Kathy Rex, CTRS - Executive Director
Kathy graduated from Brigham Young University in 1989 with a degree in recreation therapy and is nationally licensed as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. She has certifications as a Ropes Course Facilitator and Wilderness First Responder. After spending five years as a recreation therapist at a CPC hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, Kathy fell in love with the powerful magic of desert therapy and moved to southern Idaho. She began working for SUWS in 1984 to 1994 as a Field Supervisor/Therapist, has worked in every capacity at SUWS, and has been serving as Executive Director since 2002.
Jeffery Derry, MA, NCC - Clinical Director
Jeff is a native of Colorado and began his clinical career working with adolescents in the San Luis Valley using experiential/wilderness approaches while working on his master’s degree. Now with seven years’ post-master experience, he has developed a successful reputation for outstanding clinical skills, excellent service, and solid wilderness and transitioning skills while working with adolescents and families in Colorado. In addition, Jeff supplied counseling services and training for families, individuals, and corporations through his private practice. Completing both his bachelor and master’s degrees in Colorado, he previously worked as a Treatment Coordinator, Case Manager and Group Facilitator for the Lathrop Park Experiential Program (Youthtrack Corp) and the San Luis Valley Youthtrack; a Crisis Response Clinician for Spanish Peaks Mental Health; and a Treatment Coordinator and Clinician for over five years with the Griffith Centers for Children Programs at the Colorado Springs and Larkspur campuses. As noted, he also ran a successful private practice in Colorado Springs. All of us at SUWS Adolescent and Youth Programs were excited to lure him farther west to head up the clinical team.
Vince Schmidt - Admissions Director
Vince received his master’s degree in counseling from Eastern Michigan University in 1995. He began as a primary therapist at Hidden Lake Academy in 1995, managing a peer group and providing both individual and group therapy. He then joined Academy at Swift River as one of its founding therapists and over the years worked his way up to being one of the program’s clinical managers. In the last few years Vince found a passion for admissions, eventually becoming the admissions director at a therapeutic boarding school before being recruited to SUWS.
In his twelve years in the profession, Vince has often worked with SUWS graduates and has seen the fruits of the program firsthand. He brings keen clinical and educational understanding and a strong sense of service to the Director of Admissions position.
Cliff Stockton - Program Director
Cliff came to SUWS in March of 1998 with an extensive background in developing safe outdoor activities for families and students for the juvenile detention facilities in Montana. He has served in several capacities including Field Supervisor, Field Director, and is currently SUWS Program Director. In the outdoor therapeutic industry, Cliff has the reputation as a leading authority on wilderness safety. His personal integrity and beliefs drive him to maintain communication with other programs throughout the US so he and they can be the most up-to-date on safety issues and possible hazards that can affect staff and students. Cliff leads the Seasonal Safety Committee at SUWS to ensure that student's needs are met in all seasons.
Cliff has a bachelor's degree in sociology from Montana State University. He has been a member of the National Ski Patrol, volunteers for the local Gooding County Search and Rescue and teaches high ropes to the local interagency SWAT team and Search and Rescue. He also teaches a yearly Wilderness First Responder Course at the University of Columbia in Missouri. Cliff teaches this same course to all of the SUWS Head Instructors, debriefs any incidents or close calls and is a reference for other programs in the industry as well as Aspen Education Group. He enjoys sailing, kayaking, and skiing. Cliff has a goal of someday living with his wife on a boat in the Caribbean.
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.
Pat Lockwood - Logistics Manager
Pat has been with SUWS since February of 1993. As the Operations Director, Pat is responsible for overseeing the maintenance and physical operation of the program. Pat comes to SUWS with a B/S degree in Ag Business/Animal Science from the University of Idaho. Prior to SUWS, he worked as a supervisor for several agricultural businesses in the Magic Valley. He also owns and operates a successful ranch operation. Pat has had continuing education in accounting, farm record keeping, finances, banking industry options, futures, computer operation, and general educational information necessary for business. He was recognized as the SUWS Employee of the year in 2005 and the Aspen Education Group Employee of the Month in January of 2005. Pat is the perfect mix of a hard-working rancher with the mind of a businessman and the compassion of a family man!
Ilene Thompson - Office Manager
Ilene is truly a SUWS pioneer (she more commonly uses the term “fossil”). She has been a part of SUWS almost since its inception, joining the program with her husband in 1984 as one of its first wilderness instructors. Field operations were directed out of their home in SUWS’s early days, with husband Dennis as field director and Ilene and her mother eventually managing office operations out of their home in Hagerman, Idaho. The Thompsons’ five children manned the commissary, prepared field rations, and son Matthew facilitated the program’s move to computers and improved technology. Ilene is currently Office Manager and Operations Director for SUWS and an essential member of the management team. She maintains a steady presence of calm and reason. She is amazingly efficient and was instrumental in drafting many of the policies and procedures that resulted in SUWS becoming the first program of its kind to be licensed by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. The claim to fame she loves most at SUWS, however, is not her attention to detail and drive for excellence. It is her role as SUWS’s “Grandma Lene,” with always an ear to listen and a treat to share, that she prizes most. It also just happens to be her favorite role away from the office.
Instructor of the Month - February 2008
Tom Nollette
Program Supervisor Quote
“As a wilderness field instructor, Tom Nollette has set remarkable standards of accountability and integrity for his peers. Tom takes these high standards into the field and challenges students to seek out new behaviors to support their desired outcome. Tom has established himself as a leader and model for the community at large. Tom has offered the SUWS community support on many fronts; as well, Tom as been successful in his own personal growth, accepting support from the SUWS community. We are lucky to have Tom as a member of our desert family-thank you Tom and Congratulations as Instructor of the Month!!”
Field Supervisor Quote
"Tom applies his rigorous self-standards to his instructing in a way that provides respect for the kids while showing them that much is expected of them both at SUWS and beyond. Tom has found a way to bridge the relationship gap with students in a way that is supportive and kind. He also has demonstrated growth as an instructor and his confidence are well-earned.”
Instructor of the Month - January 2008
Dennis Wittmann
Program Supervisor Quote
“It is not often the honor of Instructor of the Month comes twice in an instructor’s journey. When this does happen it gives opportunity for all of us to consider how we value commitment, how struggles often lead to success and how flexibility keeps us moving forward as a community. It is with great privilege that we get to honor Dennis as IOTM. Dennis has a distinct grace that allows him to work well with many departments. He has worked through many of the challenges placed before him in this desert and he continues to be an asset to the SUWS community at large. Dennis is celebrating “52” weeks in these Bennett Hills – one full year!! Congratulations and Thank You to Dennis Wittmann.”
Field Supervisor Quote
“Dennis has come a long ways as an instructor as he originally started out holding boundaries limits and rules effectively. I have seen a progress really towards becoming more clinically and therapeutically focused towards the students. He sets a great example of how to both build rapport and build a therapeutic relationship while challenging his student both physically and mentally as well. His presence in the desert is very powerful and helps his peers and keeps the kids in the desert safe. A job well done!”
Jeff Derry
Jeff Derry, Clinical Director, was recognized as the SUWS Employee of the 4th Quarter, 2008. Jeff was hired in 2006 and was chosen for his assigned position as a direct result of his clinical expertise and experience in leadership. Jeff has been instrumental in building a strong team that provides direct and highly professional care for our students and for nudging SUWS into the future with confidence and clinical savvy. Congratulations Jeff!
Employee of the Year
Cheryl Bishop
Cheryl Bishop, Office Assistant, was recognized as the SUWS Employee of the Year, 2008. Cheryl was hired in 2000 and has been with SUWS for over 7 years. One of her primary responsibilities is updating Parent Check-In, where parents of SUWS students are able to see weekly photos and progress reports of their child. Cheryl consistently goes above and beyond her call of duty, is a very special lady, and is dedicated to her “SUWS family.” Congratulations Cheryl!
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