Wingate Wilderness Therapy program is thrilled to announce exciting growth on the Admissions and Clinical teams.  

Lacey Ely joins with a wealth of industry knowledge and experience spanning wilderness and residential treatment.  Her energy and desire to impact real change in people’s lives is welcomed on the Wingate team.  Her first stop in the industry as a wilderness field guide led her to realize her desire to work in a field that offers such hope and change. Although her time in residential was profound, Lacey never forgot the power of wilderness therapy and wanted to take her skillset back to her wilderness roots. In early 2020 Lacey moved to northern Georgia where she joined a team and developed a new wilderness program. In addition to program development, Lacey supported many roles ranging from admissions, staff recruiter and field staff. With experience in multiple settings working with both adolescents and young adults, Lacey brings an in-depth understanding of not only what kind of support parents and students need but also an ability to support her team. Lacey has developed relationships with professionals across the field that allow her to best serve the students and families she works with.

Kathy Ruiz, LCSW, RYT comes to Wingate with extensive experience in experiential learning and therapy, starting her career over a decade ago working as a wilderness therapy field instructor and subsequently as a backpacking instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). Kathy additionally has experience in criminal justice, long-term residential treatment, and hospital social work. Kathy has a deep love and respect for the desert and the way extended time in the wilderness can create unparalleled space for someone to tune into their inner voice and discover their authentic self.  Kathy specializes in experiential therapy, cognitive theories, strengths-based approaches, and interpersonal therapy. 

Kathy spends her personal time mountain biking, canyoneering, backcountry skiing, and overlanding with her partner and two dogs.

About WinGate Wilderness Therapy

WinGate is a therapeutic wilderness program located in southern Utah, in the Grand Staircase National Monument. The program provides personalized treatment for teens, ages 14-17; and young adults, ages 18 and over. WinGate passionately provides the best clinical service and highest quality of care in treating those who are struggling and need support. WinGate specializes in treating a range of issues, including (but not limited to): depression, anxiety, trauma, attachment, failure to launch, substance abuse, and mal-coping mechanisms. WinGate believes that establishing a respectful, and caring relationship with clients, allows for dynamic and lasting growth.