Elements Wilderness Therapy program is pleased to announce that Tara Stireman, LCSW has accepted the role of Associate Clinical Director, joining ranks with Neal Christensen, Ph.D. in managing the Elements Clinical Department. As Associate Clinical Director, Tara will support the clinical department in an executive decision-making role, while Neal will continue to provide individual development and supervision to each clinician as the Clinical Director. Tara now serves as an integral part of the Elements Senior Management Team and is also working closely with the Admissions Department in its duty to thoroughly vet each incoming client. Both clinicians cite this new leadership approach as a more consistent way to support the forward direction of the program while continuing their high level of dedication to their individual client caseloads. 

Elements Wilderness Program’s Ownership and Management teams expressed enthusiasm about Tara’s promotion. “Tara has always been a consistent source of strength and inspiration for all of us on the Elements clinical team,” said Dr. Christensen. “I am happy to now formally join efforts with her in managing all the clinical aspects of the program. I couldn’t ask for a more professional and capable person to share this responsibility with me.” 

Tara carries the distinction of being among Elements’ first employees. Already a seasoned wilderness therapy veteran when Elements Wilderness Program was founded in 2008, Tara served as one of the first group leads while finishing her clinical hours towards licensure. In the intervening 12 years, she has since gone on to anchor a key group in Elements’ program, while developing its clinical approach in critical ways such as writing the Seven Challenges journals for internet and electronic overuse. “From the start, Elements and our approach to working with students and families has been a natural fit for me,” said Tara. “I love the active, skills-based model and the focus on training our field mentors. I am excited for the opportunity to grow professionally while being able to continue to work alongside such a skilled group of clinicians here at Elements.” Tara formally assumed these responsibilities in late November.

About Elements Wilderness

Since 2008, Elements Wilderness has been providing a specialized therapeutic intervention for adolescent boys aged 13-17.  We at Elements envision a world in which everyone has the skills and support necessary to live a full and healthy life.  Through innovative therapeutic and psychiatric intervention, a comprehensive outdoor living experience complete with expeditionary backpacking and adventure programming, a robust family program involving the family at every step, and evidence-based substance abuse treatment, we strive to provide our clients with intervention, treatment, and assessment.  Elements is licensed and supervised by the State of Utah Department of Human Services and accredited through the Outdoor Behavioral Health Council and the Association for Experiential Education.