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Field Staff Philosophy |
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Aspiro guides believe they
have the greatest job on the planet. They
get paid to do what they would do during
their time off from a regular job!
Due to the high adventure nature
of our therapeutic program, field staff
must possess a profound love for the
outdoors, a demonstrated expertise in many
unique areas, and a great desire to help
guide students through this life-changing
experience. Studies are showing how
experiences that build self-efficacy can
shape students into confident young men and
women. Since we provide these experiences
over and over in a short period of time, we
must have quality staff members that are up
to the task. Our guides love what they do,
and this passion is essential to our
success. |
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The Field Leadership
Team |
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Mike Escalante - Program Director
 As a teenager, Michael
spent his summers adventure guiding in
Yellowstone and Teton National parks in
Wyoming. In 2003 Mike
discovered Wilderness Therapy, and began
working as a guide for one of the original
wilderness therapy companies in Arizona.
Michael has since worked for three other
youth therapy companies in various
capacities before joining the Aspiro team in
April of 2006.
During his
undergraduate studies, Michael directed a
few international service projects, that
included leading a group of a dozen students
to Guatemala to build houses for widowed
mothers. Michael received his B.A. in
English with an emphasis in rhetorical
writing from Brigham Young University.
Having a variety of
previous work and volunteer experience in
marketing, instructional design, management
and guiding, Michael brings valuable
experience and leadership to the Aspiro
Field Operations. Michael enjoys good
literature, rock climbing, cycling, and
music. Mike is a wilderness first
responder
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Jodi Escalante
-
Assistant Field Director
Jodi comes from a very active family and
began camping and playing sports at a young
age. A talented athlete, Jodi played a
variety of high school sports. During
her undergraduate studies, Jodi became
interested in psychology and at-risk-youth
therapy and treatment. She worked for
two youth therapy programs starting in 2005 before
joining the Aspiro team in April of 2006. Before her role as field director, Jodi was a
talented lead guide and field leader.
Jodi received her B.S.
in Psychology from Utah Valley State
College. She enjoys traveling, arts,
sewing, sports, triathlons, and rock
climbing. Photography has also been a
major portion of Jodi's life. Michael
and Jodi enjoy reading and exercising
together. She is a Wilderness First
Responder.
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Kevin H
- Assistant Field Director
A
long time resident of the state of New
Hampshire, came to Utah to quench his
insatiable thirst for adventure and
exploration. Little did he know, he
would not only discover the best terrestrial
cornucopia of amazingness ever, but also a
vast expanse of himself he never new
existed. Since 2006 he has
spent the majority of his time helping
others discover these things as well while
working in other wilderness programs. Kevin
loves rock climbing, mountain biking,
hiking, aquatics, music, food, culture,
green, sharing and learning. Kevin
joined the Aspiro in March of 2007 and is
a Wilderness First Responder. |
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Dan L -
Assistant
Field Director
"I
grew up in Alaska and had the good fortune
of seeing some very remote and very
beautiful places in my childhood. In
Alaska, there was only time and money to do
just what was necessary to be happy and
healthy and no more. There were no stop
lights, there was no rush hour traffic, and
the nearest McDonalds was a 4-5 hour drive
away. I knew more about Moose than I knew
about Disney movies, and I could find my way
out of a remote mountain valley easier than
I could find my way out of a grocery store.
I believe in the power of simplifying life-
of making life about relationships and the
transforming force called love. I began my
career in engineering and in research, but
found a much better fit in coaching and
quickly became a full-time ski coach. After
many years of using coaching as a tool to
grow and heal adolescent minds, I decided to
call it what it is, and joined the therapy
industry. I continue to love introducing
young people to the joy of mountain sports
and outdoor living."
Credentials:
Currently working on a Business
Administration degree. Certified
Professional Ski Instructor, Certified
Professional Snowboard Instructor,
Accredited Children's Educator, Wilderness
First Responder, Wilderness First Aid, CPR,
PCS, CPI
Relevant Training History:
I have worked in the industry
since the spring of 2006, with many years of coaching
experience before that. I have lived in the
wilderness for long periods of time in
previous jobs and have been a high level
athlete and coach in several of the
adventure activities that we participate in.
Hobbies/ Interests:
Rock
Climbing, Skiing, Playing the Guitar and
working in the wilderness
Words
of Wisdom: "Society is no more
than the unending compounding of unnecessary
necessities" - Mark Twain
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