his Master’s degree in 1997.  Shawn has been a licensed marriage and
family therapist since 1999, and has worked as a substance abuse counselor
at a residential substance abuse treatment program for adolescents, as a
clinical psychotherapist and marital and family therapist and director of
chemical dependency services at a dual-diagnosis residential treatment
facility for at-risk adolescents, as the clinical director at one of the
oldest and most respected wilderness therapy programs in the country, as
the first therapist for the Cherry Gulch program, then the administrator
of a dual diagnosis residential treatment center, and finally returning
again to Cherry Gulch as a therapist.
Shawn and his wife reside in rural Idaho, and are raising 10 children of
their own.  He enjoys ranching and gardening with his family, as well as
many other outdoor activities.   Having been born and raised in the
beautiful state of Maine, Shawn has always recognized the unique influence
which country living and interaction with the natural world have in
effecting emotional and behavioral changes in people’s lives.  He is adept
at utilizing the metaphors and experiences that arise from interactions
with other people, animals, and the natural world to optimize children’s
experiential learning and values development.  Shawn also believes
strongly in utilizing peer-centered techniques in adolescent and young
adult counseling, and has extensive experience in using the peer group to
bring about dramatic adjustments in attitude and behavior.
Shawn’s love of children and families, and his appreciation for what the
natural world can teach us about ourselves, coupled with his extensive
counseling and management experience, make a powerful combination for
effecting change in the lives of struggling children and families here at
Cherry Gulch.