Trails Carolina Welcomes Jason McKeown

Graham Shannonhouse, Executive Director for TRAILS Carolina is pleased to announce that Jason McKeown has joined the program as Family Therapist and Parent Educator. He is responsible for the continued development of the TRAILS Family Institute-a comprehensive family experience that will include trainings, workshops, and ongoing treatment for graduates. "Jason is a talented individual with much experience in working with youth and their families," she says. "His vision of family as an integral part of the therapeutic experiences both mirrors and complements the TRAILS' philosophy by moving away from an 'identified patient' model and focusing on treating and repairing damaged family relationships."

Jason brings to TRAILS an extensive background in working with adolescents and their families. After receiving his Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy/Child and Family Studies from the University of Southern Mississippi, Jason went on to a career of counseling families and couples for the Clinic for Family Therapy; working with PACE-a program specializing in helping adjudicated youth reconnect with their families; counseling addicts in residential treatment centers; and providing individual and family therapy for therapeutic wilderness programs. He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Parent Educator.

"As evidenced by his resume," says Shannonhouse," Jason has long been an advocate for parent and guardian education." "I have always believed that as teens struggle, so do the ones that love and care for them, "Jason explains. "Treatment can and should include more than helping individual teens with their issues-educating parents allows them to lead by example. I am excited to be a part of an organization that fosters, encourages and provides that platform by helping families understand their part and practice new skills right along with their child."

And from the feedback families have provided, parents agree that Jason is enhancing their TRAILS experience. "Jason is an excellent facilitator and wonderful teacher," enthuses parent Lou Anne Adams whose daughter graduated from TRAILS. "He is able to relate to parents and you can tell he has an excellent rapport with the kids."

Jason's high degree of expertise, knowledge, experience and innate kindness make him a valuable addition to our team," says Shannonhouse. "His contributions will continue to confirm TRAILS' commitment to the whole child approach to wilderness."

Jason may be reached at 828-808-3906