The Echo Springs faculty works with about twenty students.

We bring over 250 years of experience, working with youth in educational settings.

Our team:

John Winton: Director

John is an engaging and devoted leader who has dedicated his professional career to helping young adults find their way in the world through wilderness therapy. John studied therapeutic recreation in college before spending many years as a wilderness guide and lead instructor. Eventually, John and a business partner created Breakwater Expeditions, a company that offers therapeutic wilderness expeditions to young adults and their parents. John is proud to be the director of Echo Springs where he tirelessly inspires the faculty and interacts with the students on a regular basis. John is also a talented musician and passionate athlete.

At Echo Springs

John is the big kahuna on campus, but that doesn’t mean you won’t see him leading student trips and attending group therapy sessions with Echo Springs students. John is a hands-on kind of guy and is passionate about meeting every student and understanding their story. John oversees the entire staff and all the students at Echo Springs. He also keeps in close contact with parents and works closely with his senior staff to constantly refine programming and the goals of the organization.

John considers himself to be a conductor who helps bring out the best in the incredibly talented Echo Springs staff and faculty. His long career working with at-risk youth and his experience in running a successful wilderness expedition company have given him the perspective and tools he needs to inject new energy into Echo Springs and to maintain its reputation as the leading young adult transitional program in the country.

“Echo Springs has such a strong foundation in quality programming. The real-life experience of our faculty members is absolutely unmatched, and our students really get the full benefit of their hard-earned wisdom. This team represents a ton of energy, a ton of care, and a ton of experience. Echo Springs is already at an amazing level, but I’m really excited to see just how much farther we can go.”

Background/Experience

John earned his Bachelors of Science in Therapeutic Recreation from Radford University in Virginia. Since 1995, he has been working closely with at-risk teens and adults, first as a wilderness guide and then as a lead instructor. Along the way, he started to realize the integral role parents could play if they also participated in the transitional process. Eventually, John teamed up with Lars Hall to found Breakwater Expeditions, a company that offered wilderness excursions for teens, families, and school groups. One of Breakwater’s clients was Echo Springs. When Doug Kim-Brown decided it was time to hand over the reins of Echo Springs, he contacted John, and the rest is history.

Interests

John is a consummate athlete who loves climbing, wild surfing, biking, tennis, golf, basketball, soccer and more. If it’s a sport, John has probably played it at some time. He also comes from an artistic family and enjoys photography and building his own furniture.

Fun Facts

John plays the guitar, mandolin, and banjo.

 

Chris Ankney: Director of Operations

Chris is incredibly passionate about working with young adults. He brings a lot of humor and wisdom to his role as Director of Operations. His multifaceted background includes educational degrees in sustainable business and political science, a stint in the Marines, and a number of years as a wilderness therapy guide. He is also a passionate traveler who has explored many parts of the world, and a serious mountain biker and runner.

At Echo Springs

As Director of Operations, Chris Ankney’s job is to make sure all of the faculty members at Echo Springs have the tools they need to excel as they work with their students. Chris is the man behind the curtain, keeping everything running. He handles the company’s financials and works with co-owner John Winton to develop the company’s goals. He and John also continually update the programming to keep it fresh and relevant to Echo Springs students

“Every day I am blown away by our faculty here at Echo Springs. We have such a unique collection of personalities and backgrounds and such an incredible well of real world experience. I love how much each staff member believes in what we are doing, and I know this makes all the difference to our students. Watching our students grow into confident adults who look forward to their future is incredibly satisfying to me.”

Background/Experience

Chris brings an eclectic lifetime of experience to Echo Springs, which gives him a unique perspective. He earned his MBA with an emphasis in sustainable business from Marylhurst University and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Montana State University. Chris served with the United States Marine Corps but eventually heeded a desire to “get paid to be outside.” Chris became a wilderness therapy guide and discovered that he had a natural ability to work with young people. Chris has also worked as a rainforest guide in Costa Rica and at a fitness-related internet startup company. (We said his background was eclectic!)

Interests

Chris’s passion for adventure has led him all around the world and onto the starting line of some crazy difficult races. Chris has traveled to more countries than he can count, including Peru, Panama, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, and more. When he isn’t packing his bags, you can often find him running trails, mountain biking, or training for his next half Iron Man.

Fun Facts

Chris also participates in ultra-running races. The longest race he’s ever run is 100k (over 62 miles!).

 

Chelsea Dickinson: Director of Admissions, Marketing, and Business Devlopment

Chelsea believes in the power of authentic connection, innovative thinking, and supportive relationships. In her role as the Director of Business Development and Admissions, her focus is to fully support the young adults, families, and professionals who are seeking the unique solutions that Echo provides. Chelsea weaves together her extensive experience in business development, leadership, and life coaching to help faculty, students, and families to navigate each unique journey to a thriving adulthood.

Background/Experience

Chelsea’s schooling has been an equal mix of social work and business administration. Certified as a Family Life Coach in 2009, she continues to enjoy her work as a certified parent and trauma healing coach. Chelsea began her experience in the adolescent and young adult behavioral health industry in 2002. Her past roles have ranged from program admission to the director of development for a national financial company specializing in funding mental health services.  Over her career, she has traveled throughout the United States, evaluating therapeutic programs, and building a network of like-minded professionals. Her inspiration is fueled by the learning of innovative and effective ways young people can heal, families can reunite, and the incredible professionals who make this possible.

“There are so many people, including me, who have found purpose in each day through recovering from adversity. My hope lies not in those who do not suffer, but in the aftermath of what is possible for those who strive to overcome their suffering. At Echo Springs, I’m surrounded by colleagues who feel the same. We have chosen to work towards a brighter future for as many of these young people as possible. What’s not to love!”

Chelsea is the proud mother of three young adults. Her passion for supporting teens and young adults is rooted in her experiences as a mother, former foster parent, and family member to those facing and overcoming mental health challenges, learning differences, and addiction. Her professional and personal experiences work together to bring an authentic approach to developing relationships that support and inspire lasting change.

Interests

Chelsea is game for anything related to outdoor fun, making memories, and eating good food. She has a knack for creating fairy gardens, making funny faces, painting rocks, long bike rides, and having impromptu dancing parties- anywhere and anytime. She believes nature is medicine and can be found playing outside, no matter the seasons. Her favorite activities include kayaking, mountain biking, snow skiing, and good old-fashioned snow sledding.

Fun Facts

Chelsea is a CrossFit fan, which surprised her as she never considered herself an athlete growing up. She is also a proud 5th generation Idahoan.

Joshua Raybell, M.A., LCPC, CDC II: Clinical Director

Joshua joined Echo Springs as Clinical Director after more than two decades of work in the mental health and addiction recovery field. A Coeur d’Alene native, he began his career in 2003 at Kootenai Health’s Youth Residential Program and went on to serve in a wide range of roles across youth and adult psychiatric care, inpatient addiction treatment, and outpatient services.

Joshua holds two master’s degrees from Whitworth University—one in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and another in Marriage and Family Therapy. He is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), a Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor (CDC II), and is Level 1 certified in the Gottman Method for couples therapy. His additional training includes Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).

Joshua joined Echo Springs as Clinical Director after more than two decades of work in the mental health and addiction recovery field. A Coeur d’Alene native, he began his career in 2003 at Kootenai Health’s Youth Residential Program and went on to serve in a wide range of roles across youth and adult psychiatric care, inpatient addiction treatment, and outpatient services.

He holds two master’s degrees from Whitworth University—one in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and another in Marriage and Family Therapy. Joshua is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), a Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor (CDC II), and is Level 1 certified in the Gottman Method for couples therapy. His additional training includes Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).

Joshua has worked closely with members of the Echo Springs team for many years, supporting young adults who have accessed more acute care. His therapeutic work is rooted in a deep understanding of neurodiversity, attachment, and human development, and he brings a systems lens to both individual and family work. He believes in addressing the underlying patterns and root causes that often drive addictive or self-defeating behaviors, and values the role of nurturing community in helping young adults move toward healthy independence.

In addition to providing clinical leadership, Joshua works directly with participants and families to support sustainable, long-term growth. He was drawn to Echo Springs for its values, heart, and commitment to meaningful work—something he says he’s admired for years.

Joshua lives in Coeur d’Alene with his wife and two children. He’s an avid pickleball player, cold water enthusiast, and has ridden his bike to work every single day for years—a streak we expect to continue on his CDA days.

 

Dan Tadlock, LCSW: Family Therapist

Dan Tadlock serves as the Family Therapist at Echo Springs, where he supports young adults and their families as they navigate change, strengthen communication, and build a foundation for lasting connection. With over two decades of experience in clinical and leadership roles, Dan brings both warmth and structure to the family systems work at Echo Springs, helping each member of the family feel seen, supported, and understood.

Dan holds a master’s degree in Social Work and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Supervisor. Over the course of his career, he has served as a therapist, Clinical Director, and co-director of a residential program for high school–aged boys. Dan is trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, Neurofeedback, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Adlerian Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. His approach is integrative and trauma-informed, rooted in collaboration and an unwavering belief in each family’s capacity to grow and heal.

“Families are dynamic, resilient, and capable of powerful change. My job is to help clear the path so they can move toward each other with honesty, understanding, and hope.”

At Echo Springs, Dan works closely with families throughout the program, providing individual, family, and group therapy. He helps guide families through the often-complex dynamics of change and reconnection bringing curiosity, steadiness, and a relational focus to the process. He also offers consultation and mentorship to the broader clinical team.

Dan is known throughout the field for his thoughtful contributions to therapeutic programming. He has served multiple terms as both president and vice president of the NATSAP Rocky Mountain Regional Board and has presented at national conferences, including the Wilderness Therapy Symposium and the National NATSAP Conference. Dan is proud to be part of a team that values integrity, humor, and relationship-driven care. For him, the most meaningful moments come when families find new ways to understand each other and move forward with clarity and compassion.

Outside of Echo Springs, Dan is a proud father of four boys, a longtime youth sports coach, and a lifelong animal lover. He enjoys hiking, paddling, being near water, and spending time with his family—including the many pets they’ve welcomed over the years (even a llama once!).

 

Tyson Flower, FNP-C: Medication Manager

Tyson is an Idaho native with a passion for helping students afflicted by mental health challenges.  He found this passion for mental health during his undergraduate studies at Idaho State University, which resulted in changing his degree to psychology.  He later graduated from Union University in Tennessee with a nursing degree.  Following graduation, he worked for St. Luke’s Medical Center in Boise caring for patients with heart conditions.  He then graduated with a Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Northwest Nazarene University.

At Echo Springs

“I am excited to work with Echo Springs because they have created a unique and important program. Helping young adults to find direction for their future and develop life skills is an awesome thing to be part of and I appreciate that Echo Springs empowers the students to utilize their individual talents and personalities to aid in that direction for their future.” Tyson believes in providing a team approach to treatment, involving students, providers, families, and other care providers when applicable.

Background/Experience

Tyson has a calm demeanor and compassionate nature which provides a warm and accepting atmosphere.  He looks at each new student with a fresh outlook, takes the time to listen, and addresses their medication management concerns.

Interests

In his free time, Tyson enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, riding dirt bikes, golfing, snowboarding, woodworking, and pretty much anything that involves being outside.

 

Dave Frost: Program Manager
Dave grew up on the East Coast and has been in the Pacific Northwest since 2008.  Dave began his career in wilderness therapy as a wilderness guide and for many years, he has worked with young people and their families through Adventure-based programming. Dave joined Echo Springs in July of 2018 and is thrilled to work alongside our young adults, supporting their growth as they navigate through life’s opportunities.

At Echo Springs

Dave teaches our Enneagram Class, Health & Nutrition, and worked his way up to Program Manager after being a Student Adviser here at Echo Springs.

For Dave, working with his students and their families is a privilege and an opportunity to build lasting relationships. He is grateful for every relationship and experience he is able to create. He particularly enjoys teaching the Enneagram and Health & Nutrition class, and witnessing his students’ self awareness, knowledge and confidence expand.

Dave enjoys connecting with the youth to teach them about honesty, courage and respect, through patience, compassion and tough love.

I love the opportunity to connect with people, to provide opportunities for students to ‘see themselves’ and to learn alongside these incredibly unique individual’s how to navigate life moment to moment.  Whether it be on a trail, in a classroom, or in conversation, I have the chance to be my best self, and to be an example of respect, compassion, humility, patience, resilience, generosity, honesty, wisdom and love.  I’ve been given the opportunity to reflect back to others their frustrations, their issues, their needs, their wants, and ultimately their own guidance, when they start to hear their own voice reflecting their true self – I love that.”

Background/experience

Dave grew up on the East Coast and has been in the Pacific Northwest since 2008. He began his career in wilderness therapy at Redcliff Ascent as a wilderness guide in 2005.  Since 2007 Dave has been focused on connecting with the youth and their families through Adventure-based programming. In addition to his work at Echo Springs, Dave is pursuing a Masters degree in Counseling.

Interests

Dave is a proud father of 3 young children who help him remember to stay present and to enjoy the gift of every moment.  Dave loves to cook, ski, mountain bike, build and create.

Fun Facts

Dave is a fraternal twin and while in High School, he had the distinction of being awarded the “Best Dancer Superlative”.

Tucker Sweeney: Program Manager

Tucker Sweeney serves as one of the Phase Two Program Managers at Echo Springs, where he works closely with young adults as they take critical steps toward independence, accountability, and personal growth. With a calm, grounded presence and a deep understanding of transitional challenges, Tucker is committed to helping students and parents build the confidence and life skills they need to move forward with purpose.

Tucker has lived in Idaho, in a family deeply involved in therapeutic education, Tucker developed a strong awareness from an early age of the emotional and developmental struggles many young people face. He earned his bachelors degree and K–12 teaching credential from Boise State University and an associates degree and Wilderness Technical Certificate from North Idaho College, with a focus on alternative education environments and individualized support for at-risk youth. Tucker is also a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) specializing in trauma therapy under the teaching curriculum of Peter Levine.

Tucker’s approach emphasizes consistency, meaningful relationships, and personal
responsibility. In Phase Two, he helps students apply the foundational work they’ve done in
earlier stages of the Echo Springs program to real-world situations—supporting them as they
make healthy decisions, take ownership of their lives, and prepare for what’s next, whether it’s
college, work, or independent living.

“Seeing a student take charge of their own growth—owning their choices and
believing in their future—that’s why I do this work.”

Tucker is proud to be part of a small, tight-knit team that truly gets to know each student as an
individual. His greatest reward is watching students discover a sense of direction and pride in
who they’re becoming. Tucker has proudly worked with Echo Springs since 2015.

Outside of Echo Springs, Tucker enjoys an active lifestyle and loves spending time with his two
daughters hiking, biking, climbing, and skiing. He is also the author of Two Steps Forward, One
Step Back, a memoir about his experience managing a digestive disease through the Specific
Carbohydrate Diet (SCD).

Fun Facts

Tucker has written a book entitled, Two Steps Forward, One Step Back, about a special diet that he used to help him manage a digestive disease. The book has been purchased by readers all around the world.

Moriah Candler: Program Manager

Moriah brings her experience coaching and mentoring to empower the young adults of Echo Springs to envision and work toward their goals. She is a collaborator who builds inclusive spaces where young adults can innovate and challenge themselves to create their own future.

At Echo Springs

Moriah moved to this area and joined Echo Springs in the fall of 2024 as the Program Manager of Phase II and Phase Out. She enjoys building relationships with the students and families of Echo Springs as they journey together. She is committed to her own learning and growth and brings those experiences into her work. She aims to provide consistency and structure in a warm and joyful environment.

Background/Experience

Moriah completed a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration with a goal of creating a youth horsemanship program. After graduation, she was given the opportunity to build a year-round horsemanship program. The program focused on building student’s physical and emotional regulation, coordination, and confidence through their horsemanship journey. She worked with students ages 2 to 75 through individual and group lessons, summer internships, volunteering, and an accredited PE class for a local high school. She spent 7 years running this program and celebrating students as they overcame challenges and learned to be better leaders and communicators with their horses and those around them.

Moriah spent the next 7 years of her career with Big Brothers Big Sisters. She was the Program Director for their mentoring programs, leading out in child safety, volunteer screening, and mentor and family coaching. She oversaw the creation of the innovative Career Mentoring Exploration program, which connected high school students with mentors at local businesses in architecture, finance, or technology and culminated in students having the opportunity for paid internships, scholarships, and even a visit with US Senator Patty Murray!

Interests

Moriah enjoys spending time with friends and family. You’ll find her playing tabletop board games, enjoying a good cup of tea and conversation, or staying active with yoga, hiking with her dogs, and riding her horse. She also likes exploring new places, traveling, and reading.

Fun Fact

In addition to her horse, Moriah has a miniature horse named Mr. Chocolate Chip who is trained to pull a cart and will do just about anything for a treat.
Serena Sprungl: Academic & Vocational Director

Serena draws on her experiences as a formally trained historical researcher and writer, a teacher and mentor, and a community organizer to reignite a love of learning in her students. As an academic advisor at Echo Springs, Serena is responsible for helping students achieve their educational goals. As a teacher and tutor, she has a unique gift for presenting information in new and interesting ways to help students grasp difficult concepts and make big leaps in their learning journeys. Serena is passionate about making academics enjoyable and meaningful for teens and young adults.

At Echo Springs

Serena’s goal in working with students is to facilitate their own educational journey. At Echo Springs, Serena serves primarily as a tutor to help our students succeed as they take on new educational challenges, whether that is to earn their GED or complete a degree program at North Idaho College. Serena is dedicated to meeting each student where they are and helping them learn at their own pace. Serena’s own love of learning and her passion for teaching shine through, inspiring her students to see education as fun and rewarding.

“Echo Springs is a place where young people have the opportunity to access a variety of tools and guides to help them decide who they want to be in the world. It’s a place where possibilities bloom.”

Background/experience

Serena was born and raised in Boundary County and earned her associate’s degree at North Idaho College, where many of our students attend. She graduated magna cum laude from Western Washington University and then went on to earn a master’s degree in History at Yale University. While at Yale, Serena especially enjoyed mentoring students who, like herself, were from socioeconomic groups underrepresented in academia. As a Yale graduate teaching fellow, Serena discovered her passion for making education accessible and relevant to a diverse audience.

Serena has lived in Washington State, Connecticut, and Texas and, most recently, has worked as a substitute teacher in Boundary County schools. Serena understands that each student faces their own unique educational challenges, and she looks forward to helping them break through limiting assumptions in order to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom.

Interests

In her free time, Serena enjoys running, reading, music, and spending time with her daughter, Josy.

 

 

Michelle Loutzenhiser: Mentor

Michelle brings a broad experience in program development and treatment planning to Echo Springs.  Her previous experience includes working with children with severe autism and other developmental challenges.

At Echo Springs

As a lifelong resident of Sandpoint, Idaho, Michelle is proud to put her skills to work, helping mentor and coach young adults so close to her hometown. Michelle believes each student can successfully adapt to any situation they face in the future if they have trusting relationships and the right level of support and encouragement. She works individually to help our students identify their day-to-day struggles and then takes the time to co-create a path forward. 

I love the sense of community Echo Springs brings to our students and staff.”

Proudest Moments

Michelle says her proudest moments at Echo are when, “I can truly reflect on where our students started, even before coming to Echo, and where they are now. What a joy to help students take the next step towards independence.”  

Interests

In her personal time, Michelle loves watching classic films and sharing them with others. 

 

Matt Donahue
Matt Donahue: Mentor

Since 2002, Matt has dedicated himself to direct care bringing a high level of professional strength and experience to our weekend programming. He is excited to work at Echo springs and values the opportunity to share his experience, strength, and hope with young people. 

At Echo Springs

Matt quickly captures the hearts of many students with his patient and calm demeanor.  He most enjoys connecting students with their passions and modeling a sober and joyful life. One of his favorite experiences at Echo Springs was accompanying a group of students to Alaska during a summer expedition trip.  He loved seeing the group work well as a team and he felt proud to be a part of it. 

Weekends at Phase Two are filled with music, time for meaningful talks, and you may even meet Bunny, Matt’s beloved dog. Matt skillfully coordinates our weekend activities by weaving his many talents and passion for working with young adults into Echo Springs programming. 

Matt’s multitalented resume ranges from filmmaker and professional musician to a professional snowboarder (to name just a few).

Background/experience

Matt attended Mount Hood College and the Art Institute of Portland where he studied music, Spanish, French, multimedia production, and computer science.  

Interests

Matt resides in Sandpoint, Idaho. In his spare time, he can be found playing music, enjoying the outdoors, spending time with friends, family, and Bunny.  

April Simpson: Mentor

April grew up in Park Ridge Illinois where she developed a belief in the power of human connection.  This led April to study psychology and communications at the University of Wisconsin where she earned her Bachelor’s degree.  She quickly learned city life wasn’t for her and during a truck camping trip she fell in love with the mountains of North Idaho.

Throughout her professional life, April has enjoyed working with all kinds of people.  She especially enjoyed teaching young people to ski and snowboard which lead her to be interested in working with the young adults at Echo Springs. April has a deep appreciation for the meaningful conversations she has with staff and students.  She enjoys being able to connect these conversations with specific, individual goals, and actions.  As a Student Advisor, she is inspired all over again every time a student is able to accomplish something he or she didn’t think they could.  Her goal is to help each young adult find the courage to expand their growing edge.

 Fun Fact

Many are impressed to know April has learned to barefoot water ski, which comes with great excitement, huge falls, and entertainment for all who are lucky enough to see her in action.  

Wayne Schulze: Mentor

Wayne is is a lifelong resident of North Idaho where he nourishes his love for wild places with his favorite outdoor activities: hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and exploring the backwoods. His past experience as a youth sports coach led him to a career working with young adults.

At Echo Springs

Wayne is is a lifelong resident of North Idaho where he nourishes his love for wild places with his favorite outdoor activities: hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and exploring the backwoods. His past experience as a youth sports coach led him to a career working with young adults.

“I find meeting and working with the young adults very satisfying. From building initial rapport through witnessing their growth and positive changes. There’s a lot of emotional struggle going on at this age and I just try to be there daily for each student when they need a little support or someone to talk to. When you see how the students work through their struggles and make positive changes it’s very heartwarming and I feel honored to be a small part of the work here at Echo.”

Background/experience

Wayne’s drive for helping young adults springs from his enjoyment and long history of coaching youth sports. Once he began working in the industry he fell in love as he finds the work so satisfying. When a former student once referred to Wayne as ‘the dad I never had’ it made the work very real for him and he takes that influence very seriously while striving to be a strong support for each student.

Fun Facts

Wayne grew up in a strong, close-knit, third-generation Idaho ranching family. Everyday farm life included helping his parents and grandparents with all the chores you’d expect on a small cattle ranch. Growing up on a working farm instilled in Wayne respect for the land and a strong work ethic. 

Wayne is a collector of Hot Wheels, stamps, and sports cards. Among his favorite sports cards are Terry Bradshaw, Brett Farve, and Derek Jeter rookie cards. Wayne’s Hot Wheels collection includes a new in box first edition VW bus.

 

Kristie Rickter: Administrative Assistant

Kristie has an amazing ability to stay calm and collected in our busy office. We appreciate her caring nature and bright smile. Kristie has spent most of her professional career working with at-risk youth, including many years serving as the manager of two floors at a therapeutic boarding school. Her experience, organizational skills, and compassion make her a great asset to our staff. Kristie is also a great mom who loves spending time with her two children.

At Echo Springs

A program like Echo Springs has a lot of moving pieces, and Kristie is the person who makes sure all of those pieces are flowing. Chances are, if you call Echo Springs, you’ll hear her pleasant, caring voice answer you on the other end. Kristie is an excellent administrative assistant who is somehow always calm and delightful despite the whirlwind of activity around her. She keeps every student’s information up to date, makes travel arrangements, answers calls, tracks referrals, makes sure students have minutes on their phones and so, so, so much more!

“I consider what we do here at Echo Springs to be extremely important, because we need more young adults in the world with character, discipline, and direction. I take a lot of pride in watching our students progress and make healthy choices on their own. Nothing is better than knowing that our students are on the path to productive lives.”

Background/experience

Kristie grew up in Lake Arrowhead, California and received her Associate’s Degree from San Bernardino Community College. She then spent over ten years working at a transitional boarding school, first as an assistant team manager and then as a team manager. This experience allowed Kristie to deeply connect with the students in her charge and gave her great insight that comes in handy at Echo Springs. Kristie joined Echo Springs in 2014 so that she could continue working with youth in transition while spending more time with her young family.

Interests

Kristie describes herself as a “Total Mom,” and takes great joy in raising her two young children.

Fun Facts

Kristie was once a professional figure skater. Though her job and her kids keep her plenty busy, Kristie finds time every once in a while to lace up her skates and get out on the ice.

 

 

“Your patience, support, and persistence, have influenced my growth significantly. I can now lead a happy, healthy life because of what you did and do.”