Denise Forbregd, Director

Denise brings to the leadership of ASCENT more than 19 years of experience in working with children and their families. For the past 9 years, she has worked at ASCENT and was promoted from a wilderness instructor to a night staff supervisor, base camp supervisor, program manager, and now Director. She earned a B.A. degree in physical education and used the skills acquired in college to do volunteer work as a mentor with students in the community. Denise was also responsible for the development of a community-based sports program that increased participants’ self-image and esteem. In addition, Denise has done extensive work with the adjudicated adolescent population; creating specialized programming for adolescent girls.

John P. Schrom, LMFT, Clinical Director

John is the Clinical Director for ASCENT and has worked professionally with adolescents and their families for over 25 years. He earned an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Science degree from California State University Northridge. Licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist since 1993, Mr. Schrom has worked in private practice and residential treatment settings. John has provided direct casework services, supervision, training, and program development. In addition, Mr. Schrom specializes in working with adolescent sex offenders - providing specialized group treatment, working with young offenders and providing program assessment. Most recently Mr. Schrom was the Executive Director for Kids First, a non-profit organization located in Hamilton, Montana.

Jeff Schroeder, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Schroeder conducts the psychological testing and in depth assessments for the ASCENT program, and participates in treatment planning, intervention strategies, and follow-up recommendations for future placements. Dr. Schroeder has been involved with helping teens and their families change unproductive patterns for over twenty-five years: at the University of Texas Counseling Center, with the Texas Youth Commission, as a pioneer in comprehensive family violence treatment, with the Indian Health Service, as regional Chief Psychologist with Idaho Health and Welfare, while teaching in the Idaho State University Graduate School, in an innovative school-based Community Mental Health Program, and through fourteen years of private practice.

Lynne Urfer-Lovrin, RN, Director of Nursing

Lynne graduated from the University of Connecticut, School of Nursing and has 25 years of public health and psychiatric nursing experience working professionally with adolescents and families. She has been instrumental in developing education and treatment programs for families in crisis. Eleven years ago she came to Ascent as one of the original nurses and has helped to develop a program that is dedicated to safety in our outdoor setting. Prior to her nursing career, Lynne was an expedition leader for backpacking and canoe trips for adolescents and remains active in outdoor recreation.



Dan Tadlock, LMSW, Clinician

Since the year 2000, Dan has worked professionally with struggling adolescents. His goals are to assist students realize their potential, their strengths and obtain their dreams by setting achievable goals. His experience includes working at the Idaho Child Welfare Research and Training Center, with children in a residential treatment center, working as an experiential ropes instructor facilitating family and youth groups, and guiding troubled teens on therapeutic wilderness experiences. He has also coached high school soccer and swimming. Dan received his Master's of Social Work from Eastern Washington University and holds an undergraduate degree in Sociology from Brigham Young University.

Kristina Russell, Phase Manager

Kristina has been with the ASCENT team for six years. Kristina is currently working on a BS degree in Criminal Justice. After working for a year enrolling students at the commissary, Kristina recognized her desire to work more closely with the kids. She began work in camp as a counselor and her supervisor soon recognized her natural skills and abilities in helping our students with their behavioral problems. Kristina currently works as a Phase Manager, directing her team and assisting the children meet the challenges presented to them at ASCENT.



Ted Brauer, Phase Manager

Ted Brauer is currently a Phase Manager with ASCENT. Ted has worked with troubled youth for the past ten years. What he enjoys most about it is seeing the end result change of behavior; even the slightest change is good. Ted's experience comes from life itself and a lot of on the job training. He started working night watch then moved to the site kitchen watching a couple of students and helping with the upkeep of the kitchen. Ted then moved to a regular counselor and now is a Phase Manager.

Erik Nelson, Chief Course Instructor

Erik Nelson has been an ASCENT course instructor for the past three years. As an ASCENT course instructor, Erik enjoys several great aspects of his job. His favorite is helping to create an environment where young adults start to see what things are really imoportant to them. And as they gain confidence and the tools to achieve them, his own perspective broadens. Each course group teaches him something valuable in turn, which further helps him through the continuing process of life. Both as a teacher at work, and in his own life as a friend, brother, son, husband and father.

Chris Ankney, Chief Course Instructor

Chris Ankney is the Chief Wilderness Counselor in the Course Department. He has been working in the outdoor industry for the past 9 years. Chris is currently in his fourth year at ASCENT. He focuses on preparing the students for the variety of challenges they will encouter in the wilderness and facilitates the learning process when they are encountered. Chris is most rewarded by watching the students hike into the woods timid and unsure and walking out confident, secure and successful. His education background includes a BA in Political Science from Montana State University.