Our Team

  • Founder and Executive Director

  • I have long dreamed of creating an outdoor program- a dream that began with my very first summer camp experience. Each year, I eagerly awaited my return to camp, eventually becoming a counselor myself. The friendships, outdoor adventures, lessons learned, and cherished memories from those summers have stayed with me throughout my life. I have always wanted others to have the opportunity to experience that same sense of connection, growth, and joy.

    After college, I stepped away from traditional summer camp and into the professional world. Even so, my passion for working with children and for the camp environment continued to guide my path. I went on to work in two residential therapeutic outdoor programs and a farm-based therapeutic boarding school. Through these roles, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact that time outdoors can have on mental and physical health- not only for me, but for the children and adolescents I served.

    At the same time, I saw the challenges families face when adequate resources and supports are unavailable, particularly within the neurodivergent community. The lack of accessible, affirming programs often leaves students and families feeling unsupported and disconnected.

    Creating a program for neurodivergent students that integrates outdoor experiences, experiential learning, and meaningful adventures felt like a natural next step. Trailhead CFS is rooted in empowerment-supporting students in discovering their strengths while partnering with families to build sustainable, affirming support systems.

  • I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina. My professional background includes work as a residential staff member in two therapeutic outdoor programs, a case manager in both medical and state agency settings, a therapist at a psychiatric residential treatment facility, and a farm-based therapeutic boarding school.

    In addition to my work in educational and therapeutic settings, I am the owner and operator of Trailside Counseling, a private practice serving individuals and families.

  • I love spending quality time with friends and family and feel most at home when I’m outdoors. Camping, kayaking, hiking, and scenic mountain drives are some of my favorite ways to recharge. At home, I enjoy playing with my dogs, Ranger and Harper, and my bunnies, Sophie and Boudreaux- and you’ll often find me with the music turned up.

    I’m a proud and dedicated fan of the Winthrop University Eagles and have recently added the East Tennessee State University Buccaneers to my list of favorites, as my daughter, Alleigh, is a student there.

  • Academic Director and Teacher

  • I was born and raised in Boulder, Colorado. My father is a high school geology teacher and my mother is a librarian, so from a young age I have loved the outdoors and learning! I grew up white water rafting the largest rivers in the west, and camping, hiking, and skiing all over the Colorado Rocky Mountains and Utah deserts. I grew up going to YMCA Camp Orkila on Orcas Island, Washington, and developed a fond love for the rainy Pacific Northwest, eventually heading up there to go to Western Washington University for my undergrad.

    Following college I moved to New Orleans, Louisiana to be close to my Mom’s family and started my teaching career teaching in inner-city New Orleans. I met my partner in Louisiana—Collin—and we moved to Austin, Texas while he completed his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Living in the deep south, I always yearned for the mountains again, so we found ourselves drawn to the Upstate for the best of both worlds—southern living and outdoor pursuits!

    I applied to Western Carolina University for Graduate School and then spent a summer as an Adventure Trip Leader at YMCA Camp Greenville before starting school (I LOVE Camp Greenville)! Collin and I love living in Greenville and enjoy the endless restaurants and outdoor adventures. We have three crazy cats to keep us company (Charlie, Jazz, and Molly), and never have a dull moment!

  • I earned a double major in Economics and Environmental Studies with a minor in Energy Policy from Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington. I love thinking about sustainability from a three-tiered approach—doing things beneficial for the environment, while still stimulating the economy and social structures.

    After my undergrad, I moved to New Orleans and completed an Americorps year with City Year where I was co-teaching in inner-city New Orleans. While I didn’t plan on falling in love with teaching, I did, so I completed an alternative certification with Teach NOLA for Special Education and Elementary Education. I’ve taught for 5 years in special education classrooms and elementary science classrooms.

    I am currently getting my Masters in Science in Experiential and Outdoor Education at Western Carolina University (graduating May 2025). I found Trailhead in my search for the perfect partner for my thesis and fell in love with the school and the students!

  • If I’m not outside puttering in my garden or going on hikes, I’m probably reading the latest fantasy series, watching college football, or watching Formula One. My Mom went to Louisiana State University and my Dad went to the University of Colorado, so you can probably find me cheering on one of those two schools in football (usually LSU since my Louisiana-born partner also loves it dearly). Some other things I love, are narwhals (the unicorn of the sea), rain (or snow), and watching Gilmore Girls. My favorite book series include Throne of Glass, Harry Potter, and Percy Jackson!

  • Administrative and Student Success Coordinator

  • I am a dedicated professional with extensive experience in special education, behavioral health, and operations management. I am passionate about supporting students with diverse learning and support needs and helping at-risk youth overcome challenges. My background includes strong skills in behavior modification, case management, and team leadership, which allow me to support students effectively while fostering collaborative, high-functioning teams.

  • I have worked in a variety of settings with children and teenagers, including psychiatric residential treatment facilities, in-home support services, and within a school district. These experiences have allowed me to learn and implement effective, supportive techniques that set students up for success. I am also a dedicated advocate for students with special needs and am committed to ensuring they receive the support and opportunities they deserve.

  • I love spending time with my dog, Niam, and being outdoors. Biking and staying active are some of my favorite ways to unwind. I enjoy trying different foods, exploring new places, and going on new adventures. Most of all, I value time spent with family and friends.

Harper

Ranger

Niam

Krewe

Consultants

Deanna Parish, PhD

Deanna Parish has been serving students with disabilities for over 25 years. As a classroom teacher, she worked with students with intellectual disabilities, specializing in students with extensive support needs. Deanna has also served as a lead teacher, working with other teachers of students with low incidence disabilities. Her passion for teacher training was ignited through serving as a cooperating teacher for pre-service teacher candidates and as a coach for in-service special education teachers. Deanna has moved on to work in special education administration, spending time as both a coordinator and as a director of special services. In her current role as program director of the Academic Alliance of South Carolina, Deanna works in collaboration with other state technical assistance agencies to promote the implementation of evidence-based practices in SC. These experiences have led to opportunities to increase outcomes for students with disabilities and their families through the development of teacher leaders and support for quality instruction within special education programs. Deanna has worked with state-level leaders on alternate assessment development and instructional support.

Dr. Matthew Fisher, Psychiatrist

Dr. Matthew Fisher completed his General Psychiatry residency at the University of Texas-Galveston and a Child/Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at University of South Carolina. He serves as the Medical leader of Springbrook’s Psychiatric Residential and Outpatient Treatment Program (specializing in treating Autism Spectrum Disorders) and is an authority in minimal medical management of ASD and ASD with comorbidities. Dr. Fisher speaks at Autism Conferences on Medical Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Medication Management for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Myths and Misconceptions in Autism, Autism and Co-Morbid Conditions, and helping siblings and other children understand Autism.