Youth Homes

After attending college in Sante Fe, New Mexico, Michael worked in wilderness therapy, traveled abroad, and spent much time living in the outdoors. During this time he developed extensive wilderness backpacking skills, as well as designed and programmed wilderness trips. After working five years in the wilderness therapy field, he saw and felt the need for a non-profit wilderness therapy program. Michael co-founded InnerRoads in 2001. Michael is a Licensed Professional Counselor.  He continues to offer InnerRoads excellent leadership, applying his experience of working almost 900 days in the field, as well as his Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Montana. Michael cares deeply about InnerRoads and his family. He loves spending time with his wife and his son.

Mary Jo Barrett, LCSW Parent Group Therapist

Mary Jo has over 20 years experience working with teens and their families as a social worker and counselor. Mary Jo has a private practice in Missoula and InnerRoads is honored to have her as the parent group therapist since 2002. InnerRoads has gained much insight and perspective from Mary Jo's experiences.

 
Eric Kress, M.D. Expedition Doctor

Dr. Kress received his medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine and is certified by the American Board of Family Practice. Dr. Kress practices family medicine in Missoula, MT. Dr. Kress's commitment to the youth is unparallelled.  He enjoys cycling, soccer, tennis, hunting fishing, and watching his son play hockey.

Amy Schaer, Program Manager

Amy grew up on a family farm in Illinois, graduated from Butler University in 2002, and joined our program in 2008. She brings to the Program Manager position a diverse range of skills and experiences. She has worked both abroad and locally in youth programming, public outreach, fundraising, and in both office and backcountry settings (including two years as a field staff with InnerRoads!). Her compassion, insight, organizational skills, and commitment to the families we serve is extraordinary.

Working with youth in both outdoor education and as a trail crew leader, along with her personal enthusiasm for the outdoors, has made Katharine a great addition to our staff. Katharine is a high energy and positive person which makes it easy for youth to connect with her. Katharine encourages students to learn through exploration and discovery. Katharine's love for adventure and travel has kept her busy exploring other countries, continually giving her new insight and perspective.

As a teacher, trail leader, and explorer, Clint has traveled and lived in many different places and communities. Clint brings 6 years of teaching in the classroom before entering the wilderness therapy field. Now Clint uses the outdoors as his classroom to help develop youth's curiosity for the natural world. His youthful spirit and great sense of humor creates a unique connection with the teens. Clint's love for the wilderness has kept him busy exploring Montana's rivers and forests. 

Curt Tweedy, Lead Wilderness Field Staff

Curt comes to InnerRoads with several years experience in the wilderness therapy field. He is currently working on his Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Montana. Curt loves to play outdoors, doing anything adventurous or challenging. He is an extraordinary role model to the students he works with. The youth gravitate towards his enthusiasm for life and positive attitude. Curt is an asset to the program.


Scott Fetter, Lead Wilderness Field Staff

InnerRoads is greatly honored to have Scott join our staff team. Scott brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team. He has worked in the wilderness therapy field for seven years. Scott’s never ending patience and compassion drives his thoughtful work with the students. He is very talented in primitive skills, as well as wilderness medicine. Scott grew up in Montana, has a love for the outdoors and is truly at home in the wilderness.

Cara Webb, Wilderness Field Staff

Cara comes to InnerRoads with having worked several years at a therapeutic boarding school in Montana. Cara's experience working with youth as a trail crew leader and youth care worker serves her well in the field. Cara's compassion and unconditional care for the youth is obvious to all those around her. While not in the backcountry, Cara likes staying active and exploring the outdoors with her dog, including backpacking, mountain biking, and snowshoeing.

Joe Cleinmark, Wilderness Field Staff

Working with youth in both outdoor education and as a trail crew leader and supervisor, has made Joe a great addition to our staff. Joe spent several years working with the Montana Conservation Corps, providing a service and trail work experience to many young people across the country. Youth find themselves wanting to be around Joe, not only for his excellent baking and cooking skills, but his kindness, laughter, and thoughtfulness are contagious.