Who We Are
Benjamin Wahl
Vick Schoettle
Michele White
Sally Kidder Davis
Kerry Billingham
Christy Alexander
Emily Gassert
Justine O’Donnell
Dan Rafferty
Kris Cavanaugh
Chris Rahm
Seattle
Benjamin Wahl, MSW
Program Director
Ben has worked with children, adolescents and young adults for over ten years as the director of an outdoor education program and as a staff member in wilderness therapy programs and residential treatment centers. Under the supervision of Ryther Child Center's CEO, Lee Grogg, Ben founded the Collaborative Coaching Program in 2004. Two years later, Ben founded the Ryther Outdoor Leadership Program (now Aspiring Youth). Ben holds a BA from Wesleyan University and an MSW from the University of Washington. In his free time Ben enjoys telemark skiing, rock climbing, gardening and other outdoor pursuits.
Vick Schoettle, MSW
Parent Coach
Vicki is the parent of three wonderful grown children. Having served in a variety of educational and mental health organizations, Vicki has a wealth of resources in the greater Seattle area. Among her many experiences, Vicki has been a parent-teen mediator for the Peace Council and as a committee chair on the Seattle PTA. Vicki has maintained a private practice as a parent coach for several years and has been with the Collaborative Coaching Program since 2004. Vicki holds an MSW from UCLA. She is also an accomplished gardener.
Michele White, MA
Parent Coach
Michele is the mother of three adolescents. She has worked in the community as a parent mentor and advocate for families in distress while completing a masters degree in Mental Health Counseling from Seattle University. Michele has worked in public mental health as a clinician, specializing in the treatment of at-risk youth and their families. She has facilitated and developed the curriculum for the Parent Growth Groups which she is passionate about. Currently, Michele has a private practice on Capitol Hill where she is a parent coach and a psychotherapist practicing with teens, families and adults. In her free time, Michele loves to spend time outdoors with her family.
Sally Kidder Davis, M.Ed., CPC
Parent Coach
Sally Kidder Davis has been advocating for parents and families for over 30 years. She has been a university health educator, an executive director of two non-profit organizations, and a consultant for a large corporation. She is a founding member of the Bainbridge Coalition for Youth and Parents and Imagine Bainbridge, two organizations promoting a positive environment and relevant opportunities for teens. Currently, Sally has a private practice on Bainbridge Island and is co-owner of Life’s a Poodle, a company dedicated to promoting the success and dignity of children who learn differently.
Kerry Billingham, MA, LMHC
Program Mentor
Kerry Billingham has worked with clients in the Collaborative Coaching Program since 2006. With background as a lead clinician in a residential treatment center, Kerry brings strong clinical skills to her work in our program. Kerry holds a Master's degree from Northeastern University. When she is not racing sailboats, Kerry enjoys a variety of outdoor pursuits.
Christy Alexander, MS, LMHC
Program Mentor
Christy Alexander received a BS in Psychology and a BA in Swedish from the University of Washington in 2002. In 2006 she graduated with her Masters in Counseling Psychology from Western Washington University and began working at Seattle Children's Home, a residential treatment facility for adolescents. Now, she works as a mental health therapist for Sound Mental Health providing counseling for adults in the criminal justice system. Her passion for working with adolescents led to her involvement with the collaborative coaching program. In her spare time Christy practices yoga and enjoys hiking, traveling, dancing, running and art.
Emily Gassert, MA, LMHC
Program Mentor
Emily brings a myriad of skills to her work as a Program Mentor. As a treatment coordinator at a renowned residential treatment center, Emily has gained extensive experience working with adolescents with a wide range of needs. Emily has worked with clients in the Collaborative Coaching Program since 2005. Emily holds her Master's degree from Argosy University. In her free time Emily enjoys playing soccer and rock climbing, as well as making art.
Justine O’Donnell, PsyD
Program Mentor
Justine has worked with teenagers and middle school children for six years both as a counselor and as a field instructor in the therapeutic wilderness setting. Justine has also worked with an educational consulting firm in Portland, OR, helping place students with behavioral, emotional and learning difficulties in specialized academic settings to support their specific needs. She additionally worked at college counseling centers for four years, both at Lewis & Clark College and California Polytechnic State University. Justine holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from Pacific University and received a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Montana. In her free time Justine enjoys surfing, yoga, writing, reading, and cooking, amongst other activities.
Dan Rafferty, MA (candidate)
Dan has worked with adolescents since 2003. He started as a field instructor in a wilderness therapy program in Idaho and eventually became a primary supervisor for the therapeutic outcomes for adolescents and their families. Dan has worked with clients in the Collaborative Coaching Program since 2008. Dan uses humor, experiential activities and goal oriented sessions to establish direction for the students he mentors. Dan is currently completing his Master’s degree in psychology at Antioch University. Dan is an avid rock climber and quiz bowl champ.
Portland
Kris Cavanaugh, LPC, CADCI
Kris has over fifteen years experience working with adolescents and families in various setting including school, residential and outpatient programs. The focus of her clinical work as a Licensed Professional Counselor is helping kids and families maximize their strengths as they work through difficult situations. Kris has three children of her own and stays connected to the Portland community by working with local schools community agencies.
Chris Rahm, M.A. CADC I
Program Mentor
Chris has been working with youth for more than 10 years. Before joining our team he has worked as a Field Therapist and Coordinating Therapist for Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs, middle school counselor, in private practice, and at a residential treatment facility. "I love the wilderness and I love kids. I feel working with teenagers I can really make a difference in their life," he states. Chris received his MA in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology from John F. Kennedy University. Chris enjoys spending time with his wife, painting, camping, hiking, and currently is learning how to work with wood and build furniture.