Hunter Powell, PhD, Executive Director

Dr. Hunter Powell has a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership. His experiences in education services expand over 20 years. Hunter has served in a variety of educational and management services at the secondary and collegiate levels.

During his tenure in teaching, Dr. Powell was twice awarded “Outstanding Educator of the Year” and “Who’s Who Among Educators.” His experiences include teaching, coaching, admission speaker, counseling at-risk students, supervisor of high ropes and rock-climbing courses. His past management experience includes residential director, supervision of summer programs, director of summer experiential activities, and leadership development at the collegiate level and management of aquatic facilities.

Dr. Powell holds a National Incident Management System, an Emergency Program Manager certificate. He is a graduate of Outward Bound and military training in high-adventure settings. Prior to his work in education, he spent several years in the military with the Marine Corps and Army National Guard.

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Michael Beswick, LCSW, BCD, Clinical Director

Michael Beswick, LCSW, Board Certified Diplomat, has been with Alldredge Academy since its inception and has gained a national reputation as a Family Workshop Facilitator, presenter and advocate for change within the therapeutic community. He is listed in the Cambridge Registry of Who’s Who in America and directly oversees the development and implementation of the clinical model at Alldredge Wilderness Journey.

It is Mike’s belief that many of the problems that our youth of today face are connected to a breakdown in the basic family structure, coupled with a society that favors style over substance. The workshops and treatment philosophy at Alldredge have been developed to help the entire family system heal.

Mike came to Alldredge Wilderness Journey because of his dissatisfaction with “traditional therapy” and has devoted a great deal of thought to what works in therapy and to finding better ways to help teens and their families heal. He has extensive training in psychodrama, family systems, adolescent development, substance abuse, and the integration of spirituality with emotional growth. Mike brings warmth, compassion, humor and great depth to his work with students and their families. Click here to read an article Mike has written regarding Wilderness Therapy and why many efforts to intervene with adolescents prove unsuccessful.

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Carole Giunta, Ph.D, Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Giunta specializes in psychological assessments and consultation. She has considerable expertise in the use of evaluation techniques to more fully understand an individual’s functioning. Dr. Giunta has expanded her practice to include associates whose areas of interest and expertise include psychoeducational and personality assessment as well as therapy. Alldredge is fortunate to have Dr. Giunta and her associates provide testing services as their practice has a broad range of interests.

Dr. Giunta and her team are committed to helping individuals better understand and advocate for themselves. They provide thorough and useful evaluations with a short turnaround time. Results are provided in an understandable and useful format to the student, families, and involved professionals.

Click here for more information regarding psychological testing services. For more information on Dr. Carole Giunta and Associates, visit their website at www.giunta-associates.com.

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James Orth, Ph.D, ABPP, Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Orth is Board Certified in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology and brings more than 20 years’ post-doctoral experience serving children, adolescents, and their families. He has evaluated hundreds of teenagers with complex combinations of difficulties, with an emphasis upon clarifying diagnoses, identifying strengths and supports, developing recommendations for treatment, and enhancing development with goals for making enduring positive changes. He has particular professional interests in multiproblem youth and issues of attachment and has published articles regarding regulatory problems in children, psychotherapy, and doctor-patient relationships.

Dr. Orth has experience administering batteries of psychological tests to youth with a broad range of abilities and backgrounds. A combined psychoeducational and personality assessment battery provides measures of many factors related to a teenager's academic success and social and emotional well-being. Such a comprehensive battery typically provides greater depth and breadth in clarifying how a teenager functions. Test results may be a springboard for specific recommendations to help overcome difficulties and to harness a teenager's strengths in new ways.

Click here for more information regarding psychological testing services. For more information on Dr. Carole Giunta and Associates, visit their website at www.giunta-associates.com.

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Hiro Kondo, MA, LPC, ALPC, Therapist

Hiro Kondo received his BS in Social Work and MS in Rehabilitation Counseling from West Virginia University. Hiro has worked professionally with adolescents since 1986 in residential as well as foster-care settings.

Hiro started his career as a teacher/counselor in 1986 and has been working as a therapist since 1988. Hiro has a LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) since 1989 and an ALPS (Approved Licensed Professional Supervisor) since 2003.

Hiro has an extensive martial arts background in Judo, which began in 1962. A student of Zen teaching as a part of Judo training, Hiro has taught Judo throughout his life.

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Ginger Conley, MA AT, Therapist

Ginger Conley earned her BS in Psychology from Fairmont State University, as well as an MA in Art Therapy with a specialization in Counseling from Seton Hill University.

During her undergraduate and graduate years of study, Ginger worked with adolescents in residential, educational and psychiatric settings. In addition, Ginger provided art therapy services for a youth crisis shelter, before joining the Alldredge team.

A native of West Virginia, Ginger feels fortunate to combine her love for the natural beauty of her home state with the passion for her career. Ginger is working on her licenses as a Professional Licensed Counselor.

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Donna M. Sines, MA, Therapist

Donna has recently rejoined the Alldredge Wilderness Journey team as a therapist. She earned a BA from Davis and Elkins College in Elkins WV, as a double major in Psychology & Human Services and History. She also holds a Master’s of Art in Counseling from Marshall University Graduate College and is working toward earning licensure in West Virginia.

In her Master’s internships, Donna worked with youth in a variety of settings with the public school system and another residential setting. Having experience in specialized foster care and with the American Red Cross as a case worker in Europe expanded her perspective. She is a native West Virginian and enjoys the opportunity to continue her mission of working with adolescents in this natural setting.

Donna is the mother of four children; a daughter and son who are grown and on their own and two adolescent boys at home. She enjoys hiking, biking, camping, and long walks with friends, family, and her dogs.

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Nick Hunt, MA, MSW, Therapist

Nicholas Hunt recently joined Alldredge Wilderness Journey, relocating from Virginia. After growing up in Iowa, Nick received his BA in English from Duke University in Durham, NC. He earned a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin, where he served as a Dean’s Ambassador for the School of Social Work.

Nick began working with children six years ago at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, a specialized camp for children with life-threatening illnesses. While at the University of Texas, Nick served his field experience at the Del Valle Alternative Education Program in Austin, counseling suspended children and adolescents. Most recently, Nick worked as a field therapist for Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Expeditions in Oregon and Blackwater Outdoor Experiences in Virginia.

In his free time, Nick likes hiking with his dog Nobis, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

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Nicole Siri, MA, AT, Therapist

Nicole Siri is an art therapist with a Master's Degree from Seton Hill University. A native of Oregon, Nicole earned her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Portland State University.

Nicole has been worked with children and adolescents in various settings for over ten years. Prior to joining the Alldredge team, she facilitated art therapy and art expression groups for students in the Pittsburgh Public School system. Nicole is currently working toward her national art therapy registration and her license as a professional counselor in the states of West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

An avid rock climber and runner, Nicole is thrilled to be living in one of West Virginia's most beautiful wilderness areas.

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John J. Grago, MA, Admissions Director

John Grago is the Admissions Director at Alldredge Wilderness Journey. Prior to coming to Alldredge, John was a Director of Long-Term Care, providing and organizing services for individuals with developmental and psychiatric disorders. John has also sponsored youth as a volunteer for the state Mountaineer Challenge Academy.

Before joining the Admissions team, John worked as an intern, mentor, Academic Campus director, and Village counselor. He is currently fulfilling a life-long mission to work and empower individuals to find meaning in their lives while increasing their abilities to live life free from unnecessary pain and addictions.

John is a graduate of West Virginia University with a BA in Psychology. John also holds an MA in Counseling from Marshall University.

John is married and has two beautiful girls, whom he adores. John enjoys outdoor activities such as whitewater rafting, mountain biking, jet-skiing, and landscaping.

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Lindy Cyr, RN, BSN, Director of Medical Services

Lindy Cyr is a Registered Nurse with a background in medical surgical nursing, orthopedics, telemetry, progressive trauma, brain injury, and correctional nursing. She has spent time working with abused and drug and alcohol addicted adolescents in a residential treatment facility. She began her career as a combat medic in the Army at the age of 19.

Lindy is telemetry certified, trauma certified, TCI certified, ACLS certified, and CPR certified. She is currently attending South University to obtain a Master's Degree in Nursing Education. She has been an RN since 2001.

A native of Pittsburgh, PA, Lindy moved to Davis in 2006. Davis is like heaven on earth to Lindy, as she loves the outdoors and enjoys camping, hiking, swimming, running, and HASH events. Lindy is also currently on a female 24-hour mountain-bike team.

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LaVerne Kurowski, RN, School Nurse

LaVerne is a Registered Nurse with Alldredge Wilderness Journey. Prior to coming to Alldredge, she worked as Clinical Care Coordinator for a long-term care facility. She also has experience in medical surgical, home health, and pediatrics.

After raising her two sons, LaVerne decided to pursue a career in nursing, a profession she had dreamed of since high school. The journey was a difficult one as a non-traditional student, but culminated with joy when she and her son graduated in the same year.

A native of Pittsburgh, PA, LaVerne moved to Canaan Valley, WV ten years ago along with her husband of 35 years. she not only loves the solace and peace of the mountains but is an avid mountain biker and outdoor person. She also loves to hike, snowshoe and golf.

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Pat O'Brien, BA, Director of Journeys and Liaison between Mountain Village and Wilderness programs

Pat O’Brien graduated from Fairmont State College in 1997 with a BA in Art. He worked with special-needs clients during his college years and continued his work in this field for another 14 years until coming to Alldredge in 1999 to assist in the design and construction of the Village.

Pat has conducted research and work focused on ancient and primitive cultures, including traveling to South America to study cultures there, and has served as an archeological consultant on other anthropological projects. Pat cherishes his opportunity to reconnect human beings with the teachings and wisdom of ancient cultures.

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Michael Mazzolini, MA, Director of Academic Programming

Michael Mazzolini has a long and varied background in education, having served as a director of a private elementary school and as the director of the English as a Second Language program at Davis & Elkins College for more than two decades. In addition, he has been an adjunct professor of English at Fairmont State College.

Mike has a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from Ohio University and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Oakland University. He has also continued post-graduate study at West Virginia University.

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Jim Browning, BS, Director of Wilderness Programs

Jim Browning has been with Alldredge Wilderness Journey since shortly after its opening, first as the facilitator of the Village’s “Rites of Passages”. Jim has worked as a Counselor, Director of the Village, Director of the Wilderness, Operations Director, and Assistant Executive Director. Jim has been instrumental in developing the search-and-rescue curriculum and was the first certified instructor. Jim and his wife operated and owned an adventure sports company for 20 years, working with kids and families providing whitewater rafting, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, rock-climbing, and caving experiences in the Davis, WV area.

Jim has served in the US Army with the Infantry. He was a Scoutmaster and facilitated high-adventure camps for scouts in GA. He is certified as a non-violent crisis intervention instructor and Search and Rescue Tech 3 instructor. He earned an ACA whitewater rafting instructor trainer certificate, ACA open canoe instructor, and ACA swift water rescue certificate. He graduated from Davis and Elkins College and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Human Services.

Jim and his wife share four grown children and two beautiful grandchildren. They love to canoe, work on their farm, and travel in their RV to visit their grandchildren.

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