STAFF

Chris Ankney, Interim Executive Director

Chris grew up playing outside and looking for adventure in the foothills of eastern Montana. He has a B.A. Political Science from MSU and education in electronic engineering.

Since leaving Montana Chris’ sense of adventure has taken him all over the western U.S. and various parts of the world including golfing and surfing in Australia, big mountain climbing in Peru and Canada, and was a tree climb guide in Costa Rica. He has worked and studied electronics/technology, owned and operated a small business, and has been working in the outdoor industry for the past 10 years, (5 years of employment at Ascent.)

His interests include: climbing, biking, skiing, traveling, flying, running, sailing, and just discovered –snorkeling. He is uniquely qualified to lead this very talented team of professionals within the Ascent treatment team.

Favorite Quote: “Faith is the knowing that when you step off the edge of all- that one of two things will happen. You will land safely on a ledge or you will sprout wings and fly.”
- Unknown Source
 

Ramon Palacios, LSAC, Program Director

Ramon has been working with treatment programs since 1994. He has worked within the judicial system, psychiatric hospitals and wilderness settings with children, adolescents, adults (and their families). His behavioral health experience includes inpatient and outpatient care. Ramon has personal recovery from substance abuse and draws from his own personal 12-Step experience as well as his professional skill set. Ramon believes that helping the student is only one part of the puzzle. The whole family must be part of the solution.

Favorite Activities: Spending time with family, (Wife Susan and their five children and three grandchildren) camping, hiking, and utilizing primitive wilderness skills.
 

Dan Kemp, Director of Admissions

Since 1991 Dan has dedicated himself to working with adolescents and families in a variety of treatment settings. Dan has worked in residential treatment centers, therapeutic boarding schools, and wilderness programs. Upon earning a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Utah in both Psychology and Sociology with a Teaching minor, Dan committed himself to truly assisting children and families in crisis. His work ethic and commitment to families has earned him an excellent reputation in the therapeutic community.

Dan strives to connect with and learn from each family he meets. Dan’s belief is, balance allows for success.

Dan is the father of two beautiful girls and enjoys extensive world travel and spending as much time as possible encouraging his girls to reach for the edge of adventure. His hobbies include all outdoor activities including skiing, surfing and wakeboarding to hiking, mountain biking and attempting to “golf”. Dan will even be caught at the occasional ballet recital.

 

Claudia Peterson, Admissions

A key component of Ascent's Admissions Department since 2005, Claudia has worked in the private education setting for more than ten years and has a vast knowledge of how therapeutic, at-risk intervention programs operate. She was employed in the Special Education aspect of public schooling for 10 years and also owned a cleaning business. Born in Snoqualmie, Washington, she has been married for more than 30 years and raised six children. She and her husband thoroughly enjoy their twelve grandchildren.

Claudia's favorite past times are gardening, sewing, decorating and spending time with her family.

Favorite Quote: "I did the best I could at the time."
 

James H. Powell, Ph.D., Clinical Director

Dr. Powell has been a licensed California clinician for 28 years and has more than thirty years experience working with adolescents and their families. In addition to a private practice, Dr Powell has served as: Clinical Director for an Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Center, Clinical Director for two private residential personal growth programs, and also as an Administrator for a residential personal growth program.

Dr. Powell has been happily married for 25 years. He is the father of three children; ages twenty, eighteen, and sixteen. In his free time, he enjoys his involvement as a youth sports coach in football, baseball, and basketball. Yes, Jim Powell has a sport for every season….
 

Jolene Hannah, Clinical Coordinator

Jolene brings more than a decade of experience as a medical assistant to Ascent, where she has worked since March 2006. After completing a medical assistant course with the United States Air Force, Jolene worked as medical assistant for the Air Force as well as for an orthopedic office for 10 years. She has also been employed as a receptionist for a physical therapy/sports medicine clinic for two years as well as for two urgent care centers in North Idaho. Happily married with two children, Jolene is currently working towards a nursing or counseling degree at North Idaho College.

Jolene's favorite activities include horseback riding, reading and "hauling my children to whatever they happen to be going to."

Favorite Quote: You must do thing you think you cannot do." - Eleanor Roosevelt
 

Rachel M. Webster, Clinical Therapist

After earning her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in 1993, Rachel has been working as a therapist and consultant in a range of various settings and has been employed by Ascent since March 2007.

More than anything, she especially enjoys working with teens and their families.

Wanting to broaden her career, Rachel decided to return to the University of Michigan’s School of Social Work, where she received her Master’s degree in Social Work in 1996.

Her favorite past times are watching basketball, canoeing, listening to music and playing cards.

A native of Ann Arbor, Mich., Rachel has been married to her husband, Russ, for almost nine years. They have two daughters, three dogs and five cats.

Favorite quote: “What the teacher is is more important than what he teaches.”— Karl Menninger

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.
 

Marlene Stanley, LPN, Nurse

Marlene joined Ascent’s nursing department in 2005. She graduated from Northwest Missouri State College. She has 25 years experience as a nurse in a variety of settings such as community hospitals, staff nurse, managing OP services, and a school nurse at several therapeutic boarding schools. In addition to working for the community ambulance as an EMT, she also has training in pharmacology and IV therapy. Marlene has also had the privilege of motherhood for the last 34 years!

Marlene enjoys spending time with her family enjoying the mountain lakes of northern Idaho, photography, cooking, horseback riding, and gardening.

Quote:
“In 3 words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on”
 

Erik Nelson, Chief Instructor, Experiential Learning

A course instructor for Ascent since 2001, Erik has worked for six years as a Park Ranger, in sales, and as a little league umpire. Born in Del Rio, Texas, he attended Ricks College and North Idaho College, is a husband and a dad. He is also a member of the Sandpoint Skatepark Committee.

Erik's favorite pastimes are skiing and skateboarding with his family.

Favorite Quote: "It's just a matter of doing it; it will feel better when it stops hurting..."
 

Daniel Kratz, B.S. Economics and Finance
Family Resources Coordinator

Daniel was born and raised in Sweden. He moved to Hawaii where he graduated from Hawaii Pacific University with degrees in economics and finance.

A former lieutenant in the Swedish Army, Daniel went on to coordinate humanitarian efforts in South America, and later began working in the behavioral field at therapeutic schools. Through his work with therapeutic boarding schools, he has also escorted teens to programs and treatment facilities. Daniel joined Ascent’s team in 2006 and has since been a course chief instructor and phase manager before taking on the parent coordinator position. His wide array of multicultural experiences and extensive professional knowledge make Daniel exceptionally well suited for creating and administering family workshops as well as supporting families with after-care planning.

Always a searcher for new experiences and personal growth, Daniel has raced in Ironman and Xterra triathlons, rock climbs, mountain bikes, backcountry skis and snowboards. He regularly returns to the north shore of Oahu to surf his former “home break”, Sunset beach. His extensive world travels has brought him to more than 20 countries and he has lived on four continents.

Favorite Quote:
“Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in a world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it.
Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.”
-Adidas
 

Laurie Mires, Administrative Assistant

After working for three years at Rocky Mountain Academy, Laurie came to ASCENT in 2005 as an administrative assistant since 2006 where she coordinates the daily operating procedures from handling phone lines to telecommunications. A "jackette" of all trades, Laurie has been a medical clerk, typesetter, telephone equipment installer as well as a meter reader.

Born in San Pedro, California, Laurie's favorite pastimes include camping, motorcycling, knitting, crocheting and cross-stitching.

Favorite Quote: "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you."
 

Dena Cook, Food Service Manager

Compiling nearly two decades of planning, preparing and cooking three wholesome meals per day for Ascent students and staff, Dena has been coming up with scores of unique recipes since she began working for the program's food service department in 1989. Born just down the road from Ascent in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, Dena has been one of the mainstays of the kitchen staff almost since its inception, where she has been doing her magic in the oven on a regular, daily basis.

When she's not cooking up a storm at home or at Ascent, Dena enjoys horseback riding and painting.


Daniel C. Sears, Assistant Kitchen Manager

With 40 years in the food service industry--including two restaurants he owned for eight years--Daniel brings extensive cooking abilities for preparing nutritious meals to students attending Ascent's wilderness program. Born in San Francisco, California, Daniel was a business major at Shasta College and has received numerous certifications throughout the years in the food industry, including several from the U.S. Food Service. He has been with Ascent since 2006.

His favorite past times are skiing, auto repair, computers and fishing.

Favorite Quote: "No matter the task whether it be large or small, it's better to do it right or don't do it at all."
 

Eric Bender, Experiential Counselor

A member of the Ascent team since 2005, Eric brings a background ranging from coaching, social work and construction to the Experiential Learning staff. Born in Walsh, Colorado, Eric holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science as well as a Liberal Arts degree.


His favorite past times are hunting and kayaking.

Favorite Quote: "Only those who risk going too far can possibly know how far they can go."
 

Kristina Russell, Basecamp Phase Manager

A member of the Ascent team since 1999, Kristina began working in the Commissary before moving over to the program's basecamp. Kristina has also worked for an escort service responsible for transporting students. She is a certified dental assistant and has completed education in Criminal Justice. Born in Creston, British Columbia, her favorite pastime is being a mom.


Favorite Quote" "Live, love, laugh."

 

Edna Neely, Camp Lead

Born in Fairview, Montana, Edna has been part of the Ascent team since 1998. Edna raised both her children and her grandchildren.

Her favorite past times include hunting, fishing, gold-panning, swimming and being in the great outdoors.

Favorite Quote: "Every action has a reaction."

Frank G. Davis, Night Staff Supervisor

An employee of Ascent since 1996, Frank has worked as a juvenile detention officer as well as college security officer. A black belt in both Karate and Tae Kwon-Do, Frank has also holds diplomas in police training, cabinet making, certified welding and TV/VCR repair.

Born in Somerville, New Jersey, Frank's favorite past times are riding motorcycles and martial arts.

Favorite Quote: "If it’s man made it, I can fix it."

Dallas Bell, Night Staff

Dallas was born in Trail, Missouri and has been part of the night staff team since 2006. He has previously worked as a welder, truck driver, fork lift and sawmill operator, logger and a mechanic.
His favorite past times are hunting, fishing, horses and enjoying the mountains and the forests,

Denise Raan, Night Staff

A native of Libby, Montana, Denise has been part of Ascent's night staff since 2005. She has worked as a cook, a meat cutter, a caregiver, a landscaper and a ceramics teacher.
Along with visiting her grandchildren, Denise's favorite past times are camping and fishing.

Favorite Quote: "I don't have to outrun the bear; I just have to outrun you."

Randy Raan, Night Staff

A member of Ascent's night staff since 2005, Randy has previously worked as a heavy equipment mechanic, a truck driver, a logger and in the mining industry. Born in Stanley, North Dakota, Randy's favorite past times are fishing and camping.

Favorite Quote: "Unless you have lived a perfect life, be careful of the stones you throw."

Catherine L. Shaw, Night Staff Team Lead

A long-term, dedicated employee of Ascent, Catherine has been caring for the needs of students on the night shift since 1993. Born in Decator, Illinois, she has worked with the public most of her life. She enjoys reading, beading, jewelry-making, quilting and spending time with her grandchildren.

Favorite Quote: "If you think you're too small to do big things, do small things in a big way."




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