Team Leaders

  • Founder and Executive Director

  • I have always dreamed of starting an outdoor program, a dream that began during my first summer camp experience. Each year, I eagerly anticipated returning to camp, and I eventually became a counselor there. The fresh experiences, friendships, outdoor adventures, lessons, and cherished memories have remained with me over the years. I have always wished for others to have similar opportunities.

    After college, I left the summer camp life and entered the professional world. Nevertheless, my passion for camp life and working with children guided me to roles in two residential therapeutic outdoor programs and a farm-based therapeutic boarding school. I have observed the positive effects of the outdoors on both my mental and physical health, as well as on the children and teenagers I have worked with. I have also noted the negative impact that a lack of resources and support can have on individuals and their families, especially within the neurodiverse community.

    Therefore, it seemed natural to create a program for neurodiverse students that combines outdoor activities, experiential learning, and new adventures, all focused on empowering the students and their families.

  • I obtained both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Social Work from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. My professional experience includes roles as a residential staff member at two outdoor programs, a case manager in medical and state agency settings, a therapist at a psychiatric residential facility, and at a farm-based therapeutic boarding school. Additionally, I own and operate Trailside Counseling, a private practice.

  • I absolutely love spending quality time with friends and family. When it comes to outdoor activities, I thrive on camping, kayaking, hiking, and embarking on scenic drives through the mountains. Playing with my dog, Harper, and bunny, Sophie, and cranking up the music, are some of my all-time favorite pastimes. I'm a dedicated fan of the Winthrop University eagles and have recently become a supporter of the East Tennessee University Bucs, as my daughter, Alleigh, is a student there! Diving into the world of plants and their healing powers has become my latest adventure!

  • 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!

  • Academic Assistant

  • Francisco is a dedicated professional with extensive experience in special education, behavioral health, and operations management. He is passionate about supporting students with special needs and helping at-risk youth overcome challenges. In addition, Francisco is skilled in behavior modification, case management, and team leadership.

  • Francisco has worked in a variety of settings with children and teenagers, including psychiatric residential treatment facilities, in-home support services, and within a school district. His experience has allowed him the opportunity to learn effective and supportive techniques to set students up for success. Francisco is also an advocate for special needs students.

  • Exercise and healthy life choices are two of Francisco’s hobbies. He also enjoys going on overlander adventures with friends!

  • Director of Family and Community Support

  • I recently moved back home to South Carolina after nearly 20 years in Canada, and I don’t miss the winters one bit. Before becoming a psychotherapist, I had a fulfilling career as a biologist, working as a zookeeper and in cancer research. As the father to two amazing young men with neurodivergence, I am passionate about working with neurodivergent youth and their families, dedicated to helping them navigate their unique challenges and thrive.

  • Josh Rinz is a highly regarded therapist and neurodivergence clinical specialist, renowned for his expertise in therapy and parenting for families and individuals who are neurodivergent.

    With a Bachelor of Sciences in Biology from the University of North Carolina and a MA in Psychotherapy from Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario, Canada, Josh brings a unique blend of scientific knowledge and clinical insight to his practice.

    As a clinical specialist in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Josh has dedicated his career to supporting individuals on the autism spectrum, those with ADHD, and people with special needs. His passion for this field is deeply personal, as he is also the parent of two young adults who are neurodivergent. Considered one of Ontario's leading experts in this area, Josh offers specialized support for parents seeking guidance in navigating the challenges and celebrating the strengths of individuals who are neurodivergent.

    Drawing from his background in zookeeping and biological sciences, Josh seamlessly integrates Animal Assisted Therapies, horticultural therapies, and an understanding of neurobiology into his work, tailoring solutions to the unique needs of each individual and family. His practical, solution-focused approach has earned him recognition, with families from around the world attending his workshops and groups.

    Josh firmly believes in the inherent potential of every individual to lead a fulfilling life, and he finds great joy in empowering parents to support their children who are neurodivergent.

  • I love gardening, making quilts and spending time with my family and dogs. I am a big-sci-fi fan and love attending local conventions. I am always on the hunt for the region's best brunch spots!

Board of Directors

Stacie Simpson, Board Chair

Kai Northcutt, Vice Board Chair

Dr. Ali Pedrick, Member at Large

Nancy Davis, Member at Large

Dr. Chris Moylan, Member at Large

Sergio Montes, Member at Large

Joseph Brown, Member at Large

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.  

Fund Development Committee

  • The Fund Development Committee evaluates and implements potential funding opportunities to support both general operations and special projects/purposes for TCFS. Plans and hosts in-person and virtual fundraising events. Identifies potential grant opportunities and writes grant applications. Develops annual fundraising plan/calendar to include a variety of donor engagement opportunities.

    Committee members have experience in fundraising, grant writing, events planning, or similar.

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Community Engagement Committee

  • The Community Engagement Committee assesses, builds, and maintains strategic relationships within the community. Committee members present to community organizations about the mission and programs of TCFS.

    Committee members have experience in education, recreation, managing collaborations, public speaking, partnership management, or similar.

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Marketing/Communications Committee

  • The Marketing and Communications Commitee develops and distributes marketing and communications materials on behalf of TCFS, to include website, social media, print media, and brand identity. Takes an active role in the promotion of the school and its mission, teacher recruitment, student recruitment, and community involvement/partnership. Directly supports the Fund Development Committee, as requested.

    Committee members have experience in written communications, social media management, graphic design, or similar.

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