Steve has provided behavioral health services and therapy for over 30 years.  As Program Director of the children’s department at a community mental health center in Kansas, he developed and implemented therapeutic group programming for children and adolescents who experienced behavioral and emotional challenges. He instituted a highly structured treatment group for children in need of extra support, developed adventure based programming using natural or environmental features, and founded a backcountry program to provide therapeutic outdoor experiences for children and adolescents with behavioral and emotional disturbances. Through these programs, Steve witnessed the power of nature in promoting the behavioral and emotional health of individuals. It became clear that a connection with the earth is an integral part of an individual’s wellbeing and ability to thrive. 

In search of an opportunity to further experience these connections between the earth and individuals, Steve moved to Utah in 2006 and began work as a therapist for young adults receiving treatment in wilderness programs. Drawing on his work experiences in Kansas, Steve also implemented a highly structured wilderness intervention program for youth in a residential treatment center, and developed a program for the youth to experience adventure based activities in the Utah mountains, canyons, and waterways. In addition, he formulated and led a wellness program integrating physical fitness activities with mental and emotional health therapies. In 2015, Steve joined the Legacy clinical team where he enjoys working with a program that taps into the things that wilderness can offer in the way of healing and self actualization.

Steve earned a Bachelor of Arts from Southwest Baptist University and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Kansas. His treatment modalities include Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Experiential Therapy. For group therapy sessions, Steve often uses initiatives, games, and other activities that promote engagement and reflection. A longtime therapist, supervisor, and youth worker, Steve has broad experience helping young males grow and develop as responsible men with positive futures.