Current Job Opportunities

• Female Field Instructor Postion Available

  For more information, email Nick Watson. No phone calls please.
  »Download Job Description (PDF 120KB)

Staff Listing
Monarch Founders  |  Our Elders  |  Clinical Staff  |  Education Staff
Field Staff  |  Administrative Staff

• Founder / Executive Director : David Ventimiglia

  
  Dave is the Founder and Executive Director of The Monarch Center for Family Healing. Prior to founding The Monarch Center in 1996, and for the past 17 years, Dave has worked as a therapist, Residential Director, Unit Supervisor, field instructor and child care counselor at various treatment and detention centers throughout Colorado. He graduated from Bowdoin College with a degree in History and also from the Gestalt Institute of the Rockies with an emphasis on Gestalt Studies. He is married to the co-founder of The Monarch Center, Lori, and is the father of three children.
  
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• Founder / Project Coordinator : Lori Ventimiglia

  
  Over 10 years ago, Lori and Dave began building what is now the Monarch Center. While Lori's involvement at that time was extensive, the couple has since had three children and Lori's primary focus has become raising them. She values raising their children in the small mountain town of Georgetown, where the children benefit from the abundance of outdoor activities and where they can learn first hand the meaning of "community." In recent years, upon learning that the local elementary school was going to be closed, Lori organized a group of community members and created a charter school, which serves preschool to sixth grade. All of their children now attend that school.
  
  Lori enjoys a "behind the scenes" role at Monarch. Sharing in decision making, creating promotional material and networking within the industry are among some of Lori's more recent contributions to Monarch. Prior to the development of Monarch, Lori worked with at-risk adolescents in the residential treatment setting. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology at Colorado State University.
  
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Our "elders" have - and continue to - act, and serve, as our friends, mentors, closest advisors and truly as the elders of our organization by providing wisdom, experience, maturity and guidance as we make decisions, develop community and work with families. Although not involved in the day to day operations, they work extensively with the families that are participating here, as well as facilitate special groups and activities. We are extremely proud and honored to have them working and playing side by side with us.

 

• Elder & Clinical Supervisior : Duey Freeman, MS, LPC

  
  Director of the Gestalt Institute of the Rockies, Freeman is a psychotherapist, teacher, and consultant. He has extensive training and experience in Gestalt therapy, family therapy, bioenergetics and therapy with children. After working as a teacher and principal for 12 years, he entered private practice and joined the Gestalt Institute of the Rockies in 1982. Freeman coordinates the Gestalt program and the Family/Child Programs at Naropa University, teaching classes in Gestalt therapy, Human development, therapy with children and adolescents, and family therapy, as well as consulting with schools and outdoor programs throughout the state. He continues to include equine assistance in his work with both children and adults.
  
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• Elder & Family Therapist : Victoria Story, MS

  
  Victoria has 34 years experience in the practice of psychotherapy with individuals, groups and families. She received her MS from the University of Southern California, and has had post graduate training in Gestalt and Reichian therapy. Victoria has been a director of an addictions residential treatment program and worked with varied populations; inpatient and outpatient and wilderness situations. Presently she is adjunct faculty at Naropa University and Training Director at the Gestalt Institute of the Rockies. Victoria specializes in contact in the present moment with humor and awareness.
  
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• Elder & Family Therapist : Duane F. Mullner, MA, TH, LPC

  
  Duane works from a pioneer mentality at his personal business for the past 30 years as a licensed psychotherapist, educator, consultant, and life coach. He is Co-Director of the Gestalt Institute of the Rockies and Adjunct Professor at Naropa University. Duane's work with foster parents and traumatized and abused children is recognized nationally. His specialty work with grief and loss invites change and transformation.
  
  Duane's impassioned commitment is to value people's strengths, be a companion in their struggles and explore the many possibilities of a fully inhabited life.
  
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• Elder & Family Therapist : Annette Lubchenco Donaghy, MA, LPC

  
  Annette is a licensed psychotherapist and has practiced in the Denver-Boulder area for the past 22 years. She has an undergraduate degree from Colorado College, and a Master’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado. She has worked as a family therapist for Colorado Outward Bound, with families with pediatric chronic illnesses, and as a therapist for a variety of eating disorder, alcohol and drug treatment programs.
  
  Annette has studied Gestalt, Reichian and other body-centered models for psychotherapy. In her practice she also utilizes her training in Dr. Peter Levine’s biological/psychological model for the resolution of trauma, her studies of the Enneagram system of personalities, and her interest in spirituality as it pertains to psychotherapy. Annette lives in the mountains with her husband. They are passionate kayakers, hikers, skiers, and love to read and travel.
  
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• Clinical Director : Martha McClure, MA

  
  A transplant from Canada, Martha completed her Masters in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology at Naropa University in Boulder as well as her Gestalt training at the Gestalt Institute of the Rockies in Golden, Colorado. She's appreciative of working in an agency that looks at the system which surrounds an adolescent rather than focusing wholly on the child within that system. Martha enjoys applying an ideology of therapy which brings attention to the obvious as it presents itself in the moment.
  
  Other aspects of Martha's life include her passion for dogs, paddling, backpacking, and quiet.
  
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• Field Therapist : Henry Drake, MA

  
  Henry graduated from Naropa University in May of 2006 with a degree in Counseling Psychology. He also graduated from the Gestalt Institute of the Rockies in August of 2006 as a Certified Gestalt Therapist. Throughout his educational experiences, Henry focused on Adolescent and Family Therapy with an emphasis on a systems theory approach. As an intern at Access Counseling, on the Family team, Henry primarily worked with adolescents and their families in order to help heal the rifts that had occurred between parents and their children. It started to become clear that adolescents are often times labeled as "the problem" when, in reality, they are simply acting out the symptoms of a larger family dynamic that is not able to sustain contactful relationships nor hold appropriate boundaries.
  
  Before getting a degree as a counselor, Henry worked as a schoolteacher and as a camp counselor. The Monarch Center is a wonderful opportunity to combine the passions of helping adolescents to continue their development and growth, with the beauty and magic of the outdoors.
  
  In his free time, Henry enjoys all kinds of skiing from telemark, to cross-country, to overnight hut trips in the Colorado backcountry. Being outdoors with his yellow lab, Gaia, brings life into perspective and reminds him that the simple pleasures and moments of the day are what add up to create a lifetime of fond and warm memories.
  
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• Field Therapist : Ryan Post, MA

  
  Ryan received his Masters from Naropa University's Wilderness Therapy program and is currently studying at the Gestalt Institute of the Rockies. Since 1997 he has instructed throughout the United States for numerous Outward Bound schools. Ryan values Gestalt therapy as a perspective and practice, which encourages human beings to savor the power of relationship. He also sees nature and animals as having an increasingly important role within the bustling and technology filled world we live in today, and which provides the 'solid ground' for individuals and families to take risks and make change.
  
  In his personal time Ryan can be found bicycling over the high passes of Colorado.
  
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• Field Therapist : Joshua Nacht, MA

  
  Joshua Nacht completed his Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado in 2007. He trained at the Gestalt Institute of the Rockies and is a Certified Gestalt Therapist. Joshua enjoys working with people to expand, explore and integrate life experiences. He believes that being in touch with one's truth leads to living a more whole and sustainable life. Prior to working at Monarch Joshua led adolescents on wilderness trips for many summers and currently works with groups of young adults around substance use issues at Boulder County Public Health.
  
  Joshua's passions include riding bicycles throughout Colorado, backcountry skiing, and being with family. Joshua and his wife have an 18-month-old son and are due for another munchkin coming the autumn of 2008. Being a parent has given Joshua an entirely new appreciation for human development, attachment, presence and the intensity of parenting. He now knows how an afternoon spent finding bugs can be the most special time he has ever had.
  
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• Program / Education Director : Carrie Daily

  
  Carrie began her work at The Monarch Center as a Field Instructor in the Fall of 2005. She has been working in the outdoor education field over the last ten years in a variety of recreational, educational and therapeutic programs across the country. Before making Colorado her permanent residence, Carrie received her Masters in Education from Antioch New England Graduate School in Keene, New Hampshire.
  
  She is thrilled to be able to combine her passion for outdoor education and her dedication to self-growth and transformation by stepping into the position as Education Director. She is committed to the continued development of academically challenging curriculum, which deepens students understanding of their connection with the environment, their immediate and extended communities as well as their own creativity. Through Monarch's strong belief in holistic education, which includes thematic curriculum and service learning projects, students begin to understand that education is truly a journey that unfolds in every moment. She believes strongly that academic success can only be achieved if students approach life with curiosity and passion.
  
  Currently, Carrie is a student at the Gestalt Institute of the Rockies in Golden, CO. When Carrie is not at Monarch she can be found traveling to exotic lands, exploring mountains and paddling oceans, doing yoga or lounging at home with a good book.
  
  Email Carrie
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• Education Coordinator : Brad Kahland

  
  Born and raised in the Ozarks, Brad has called Arkansas, Arizona, California, and New Mexico home at different times. Living at the Grand Canyon as a Park Ranger gifted him his favorite sunsets, and work as a sea kayak guide/instructor furthered Brad's love affair with water. Guiding adventure tours in Mexico and Alaska brought incredibly diverse people into his life and fed his interest in psychology, especially psychology in relationship with Nature. A relationship with Nature is of foundational importance in his life. Monarch allows Brad to help introduce a relationship with Nature as a powerful support to young people seeking emotional balance in their lives
  
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• Field Director : Nick Watson

  
  Nick joined The Monarch Center in 2003 and is currently the Field Director. He is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and performance of the field program and is dedicated to the safety and well being of the Field Instructors and students. Nick is a graduate of the Recreation Management program at the University of Vermont. He is an experienced mountaineer, mountain biker, paddler, and backcountry traveler. Nick served four years as a U.S. Army Ranger and is a graduate of Airborne School, Ranger School, S.E.R.E. Survival School, Non Commissioned Officer Primary Leadership Development Course, Combat Lifesaver, and Field Sanitation. He has worked for the National Park Service as a Park Ranger and a Biological Technician. Nick has spent the last several years working as a Field Instructor for youth wilderness therapy programs and was the Experiential Education Director for a youth residential treatment center. Nick is committed to the development of youth through enlightening wilderness experiences.
  
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• Logistics Coordinator : Zach Weinzetl

  
  A Montana native, Zach has always had a deep connection and appreciation for the wilderness and environment. Zach enjoys rock climbing, kayaking, fly fishing, backpacking, and horseback riding. Living in Boulder, Colorado for the past four years Zach has had the opportunity to experience beautiful Colorado as well as complete his B.A. in Contemplative Psychology from Naropa University, concentrating in Health and Healing and Transpersonal Psychology. Zach's experience at Naropa University gave him the insight to merge his own personal wilderness experience with his passion of psychology. In effect, Zach's awareness was brought to the importance of connecting mind and body, specifically in the area of rock climbing and the natural reaction of somatic release initiated by taking a contemplative approach to engaging with the environment. Zach and his girlfriend currently live outside of Boulder with four horses, several rabbits, and a Jack Russell Terrier.
  
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• Field Instructor : Jonathan Schmidt

  
  Born and raised in Colorado, Jonathan is still very much looking to explore, grow, and seeking to share healing lessons he's received through time outdoors.
  
  He grew-up near Winter Park, CO. In 2006 he graduated from Trinity Western University in BC, Canada, where he studied Communications & Theology. In BC he spent as much time as possible in the mountains, or on the coast. The last two summers he worked at Beyond Malibu Camp, guiding teens and adults on week long mountaineering trips, above the remote Princess Louisa Inlet in the Coast Range of BC.
  
  In time off he looks forward to some pure uninterrupted down-time, traveling, reading, volunteering, developing his photography, mountaineering / backcountry skiing / snowboarding, and generally seeking to learn.
  
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• Field Instructor : David Clark, M.Div

  
  David Clark is an experienced therapeutic wilderness guide, having spent, in his estimation, more time in the past 3 years "sleeping in a sleeping bag than in a bed", working with youth and adults in wilderness. David was an Episcopal priest for 17 years working with youth and designing and leading wilderness programs. He now follows a "Buddhist path" and believes that "mindfulness practice" is a great tool to help young people overcome emotional and addiction challenges.
  
  David has done graduate study in Adventure Therapy at Prescott College and Wilderness Therapy at Naropa University, Boulder, Colorado. He is certified in Wilderness Leadership by Wilderness Education Association. He sees working with youth through the lens of Rites of Passage work and is passionate about mentoring young people through the process of the "initiation journey" from adolescence to young men and women as adults.
  
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• Field Instructor : Daniel Nilsson

  
  Daniel has seven years experience guiding youth in the wilderness. He first discovered the transformational qualities of the wilds when he went on a 21-day backpacking trip as a teenager and it changed his life. He is honored to work for an organization where students can experience the fun, freedom and healing of the wilderness. Daniel brings youthful enthusiasm and goofiness to his work, which encourages openness, humor and individuality. He has a Subaru named Steve, which he has a very close relationship with. Together they travel around looking for epic adventures and visiting friends and family.
  
  Daniel loves riding bikes, climbing rocks, petting dogs, eating chocolate and cooking delightful food. In the fall of 2008 Daniel will start at St John's College in Santa Fe and will study many subjects. On his free time he will work on perfecting the recipe for the ultimate chocolate cake.
  
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• Field Instructor : John Hoener

  
  John has completed three NOLS classes where he learned outdoor skills in backcountry skiing, mountaineering and canyoneering. In each class John enrolled for the adventure but new environmental values represented his personal achievement. John's changing values in 2006 lead him to study place-based teaching and environmental field science at the Teton Science School, Jackson Hole, Wyoming. John is currently enrolled in Prescott College's graduate program where he is studying greater educational emphasis in the experiential setting of wilderness therapy.
  
  John enjoys backpacking in the canyons of southern Utah and reflecting on the Anasazi culture. "How do we accurately view their lives and how will future societies judge us? How have these canyons changed over the past 1,000 years and how will our earth change in the future?"
  
  John's other interests include photography, skiing, and long day hikes with his wife, friends, and dog. John is thrilled again to be working with students in a wilderness setting.
  
  "As we are liberated from our own fears, our presence automatically liberates others." - Nelson Mandela
  
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• Office Manager : Megan Henry

  
  Megan Henry, office manager for Monarch Center, is shown in this photograph taken from Guanella Pass above Georgetown, pointing to the Monarch offices. Drawn by the passion and dedication of the employees of Monarch Center, Megan is proud to be a part of this awesome team. Born in the midwest, she re-located to Clear Creek County in the 1970's and calls Georgetown home. When not in the office, you will find her working on her 1870's home with husband, Frank, Daisy the dog, and Baxter the cat.
  
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• Accountant : Pamela Elsner

  
  Pamela is The Monarch Center’s accountant. She has been working for The Monarch Center for Family Healing for five years. She lives in Leadville, the nation’s highest town at 10,200'. Happily, computers seem to work as efficiently there as at lower levels.
  
  Pamela grew up in New Hampshire, graduated from St. Lawrence University in upstate New York with a degree in philosophy, and has lived in Colorado most of her life. She has two grown daughters and a brand new grandson.
  
  When Pamela is not crunching numbers for The Monarch Center, she enjoys running, climbing Colorado’s 14,000' peaks, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, and stirring up the cultural scene in the Arkansas Valley.
  
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• Alumni Coordinator : Lorie Federman

  
  Lorie was born and raised in Kansas City, got her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education at the University of Kansas, and her Montessori teaching certificate in Portland, Oregon. She spent the next 20 years teaching preschool, raising two children, and volunteering in many capacities for several different organizations, including her children's schools and various support communities.
  
  Lorie was introduced to Monarch when her daughter attended in the summer of 2006. Her firm belief in hands-on learning, alternative education, and the power of nature in healing fit in perfectly with the philosophy of Monarch. She got a big dose of Gestalt Wilderness therapy when she attended a ten-day adult backpacking trip with Dave, Duey, Duane, and eight others beginning and ending at Esalen Institute in September of that same year. There she confirmed the power of the body in tapping inner resources, in addition to the magic of baring one's soul to a group as another pathway to healing.
  
  As the Alumni Coordinator for Monarch, Lorie looks forward to re-connecting with other families and helping to form a lasting Monarch community, so that none of us will ever have to feel alone. She has lived in Fort Collins, Colorado for the past twenty years.
  
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• Director of Community Relations : Chris Malanga

  
  Chris completed his Masters in Contemplative Psychotherapy at Naropa University in December of 2007. Chris came to Naropa University with a rich background in sales and marketing. During Chris' pursuit of his degree he maintained a position as the Sales and Marketing director for a local radio program. After graduation Chris quickly realized that his passion for marketing was still alive within him. In the Fall of 2007 Chris was hired to begin the Community Relations program for the Monarch Center. The Community Relations position allows Chris to remain firmly entrenched in the therapeutic field while satisfying his passion for marketing. Chris is also a therapist in the town of Boulder, working for a Boulder based therapeutic program. Chris is also working to develop a private practice in the town of Lyons.
  
  In Chris' free time he enjoys playing a wide range of sports. Chris' favorite sport is basketball, which he attempts to play several times a week. He also enjoys doing yoga, playing tennis, and snowboarding.
  
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Our entire staff looks forward to meeting your family. We hope that you will take advantage of everything that The Monarch Center for Family Healing has to offer you in making a lasting and lifelong change in your child.