Evoke Therapy Programs is pleased to announce that Katelyn BeVard, program director at Evoke Entrada, has been elected to the position of vice-chair of the Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Council (OBH), an organization dedicated to advancing the field of wilderness therapy through best practices, effective treatment, and evidence-based research. She begins her new duties this month. Further, becoming vice-chair means that in two years, BeVard will step into the position of chairwoman of the group.

When BeVard became program director at Evoke in 2017, she also stepped into the role of liaison between Evoke and the OBH. “After I attended my first OBH meeting I had two thoughts,” says BeVard, “One: I can’t wait to keep these conversations going and to keep learning from these humans. And two: We need more women in this room.”

Since 2017, BeVard has held other positions on the OBH Council Executive Committee, participated in many accreditation reviews, and chaired multiple committees. She was also part of the first all-female executive team, realizing her goal of role modeling for other women that there is a seat at the table for them while also fulfilling her initial hope of working to better wilderness programs with more women by her side.

“I care deeply about the work OBH programs are doing and I’m honored to be elected to a position that will allow me to be on the front lines of the Council’s work. Being part of that all-female executive committee was one of the most empowering and powerful experiences I’ve had in this field,” says BeVard. “I definitely have some big shoes to fill, but I’m excited and ready for this challenge.”

Rick Heizer, executive director and owner of Evoke Therapy Programs, is extremely supportive of BeVard’s new role. “Katelyn is a natural leader and able to work with all sorts of individuals on a team through creating a collaborative and supportive environment,” says Heizer. “Now more than ever the Council is needed to further the advancement of our field. Katelyn was elected to this position because she is seen as someone who can do that, and lead the Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare field into our next era.”
 
 

About Evoke Therapy Programs
Evoke Therapy Programs provides both outdoor-based therapeutic programs for adolescents, young adults, and families and Intensive therapy programs for individuals, families, and couples. Evoke is accredited by the AEE/OBH and is a NATSAP Research Designated Program. Evoke’s outdoor programs are based in Bend, Oregon and in Saint George, Utah. Evoke’s Intensive Therapy programs are in northern Utah.