Sophia Buie, staff member at New Vision Wilderness Therapy – Deschutes will be riding her bicycle from San Diego to New Orleans in honor of her brother Stuart, who she lost to mental health issues in September. The ride commences on February 1st, 2020 and will cover over 2000 miles in 23 days. Sophia’s goal is to raise funds for Sky’s the Limit Foundation.
Donations can be made at: Cycle For Stu
Sky’s the Limit works to transform the lives of youth in crisis and their families by providing access to wilderness therapy programs, coaching services to guide families in transition, and outreach to educate the community on the benefits of wilderness therapy.
Sophia and Stuart were more than brother and sister, they were best friends that bonded over a shared love for music. They often performed together at church and weddings. Stuart went onto become an accomplished jazz pianist at the University of Chicago. Despite Stuart's success with music, “You never know how people are. Mental health needs to be more of a conversation, or the people suffering will always feel alone. I am riding to raise awareness and funds because all families should have access to treatment.”
Sophia spent a semester in Yosemite, studying outdoor leadership and the humanities. The experience left a lasting impression of the role of wilderness in healing. While contemplating continuing education for counseling after college, Sophia decided she wanted more clinical exposure. Wilderness therapy offered the perfect marriage of backcountry and therapeutic experiences. Sophia has worked at New Vision for just over 3 years now and in the next year, she plans on returning to school to acquire her masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
“Channeling her grief into generosity, Sophia is an inspiration to us all, a warm light on the path ahead”, Janae Sporrer Field Director New Vision Wilderness shared.
About New Vision Wilderness
New Vision Wilderness (NVW) programs are innovative wilderness therapy programs for clients who require an immediate intervention and intensive mental health treatment. Our programs specialize in treating struggles associated with adoption, developmental trauma, anxiety, depression, and addiction. We serve preteens, teens, young adults, and their parents in three U.S. locations: the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin, the majestic Cascade mountain range of Central Oregon, and the lush Nantahala National Forest of North Carolina.