Sarah Mack Ends Her 16 Year Tenure

Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs announces that Director of Business Development Sarah Mack is leaving the organization.

"After sixteen incredible years, it is time for me to pursue other interests. I can truly say that I don't know of another work environment that could have pushed me to grow personally and professionally as much as I have here. I am so thankful to have been mentored by some of the most respected and creative people in the industry," explains Mack.

During her tenure at Catherine Freer, Mack created the Oregon Transition Homes program and directed it for 12 years. She was also instrumental in developing Santiam Crossing School, a therapeutic boarding school that combines treatment, academic credit recovery, family reunification and a wilderness-education and professional development program. Moreover, she helped grow Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs and facilitated the company's accreditation by the Joint Commission of Accredited Healthcare Organizations.

"Sarah has been the 'face of Freer' for so many years and such an integral part of our organization. We are truly going to miss her and are so proud of her for having the courage to branch out on her own. She is planning to focus her efforts on growing her parent coaching practice," explained Robert Cooley, Ph.D., founder of Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs.

Mack has also been actively involved in the industry. She had been a member of numerous committees for the National Association of Schools and Programs (NATSAP) and acted as a conference co-chair on many occasions for the association.

Julia Andrick is assuming Mack's duties as referral development and marketing director. She will also take over as the full-time admissions director for Santiam Crossing School, a job she has been sharing with Mack. Andrick has worked at Catherine Freer for nearly six years and prior to that managed marketing communications for CEDU Family of Services. Natala Larson, who has been the admissions director for Catherine Freer for seven years will remain in that role and take on some added responsibilities that once belonged to Mack.

Catherine Freer is an adolescent treatment program specializing in wilderness therapy. Troubled teens take part in a backpacking and adventure expedition that combines outdoor living, physical activity and extensive psychotherapy. Outcome research indicates that 83 percent of teens report they are "doing better" after their wilderness therapy experience.

Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs serves approximately 300 adolescents annually. The employee owned and operated company was founded in 1988 and is licensed by the State of Oregon as both a substance abuse and mental health treatment program. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHCO) accredits the program. The company also operates Santiam Crossing, an outdoor therapeutic school.