Blog

By McLean Eames, Experiential Education Supervisor Recently, a group of the young adult students traveled 60 miles South, over the Kilauea volcano, to the district of Ka’u to join the community and help with a big service project at Punalu’u Beach. Punalu’u means “diving spring” in Hawaiian, and the place gets its name from the …

By Haley Brink, Therapist It’s not easy to be away from the ones you love during the holidays, there’s no way around that.  This year marked the first Thanksgiving that I have spent away from my immediate family since my husband and I moved to the Big Island this past Spring. That’s part of being …

By Yvette Slagle, Outreach Assistant Pacific Quest wilderness therapy program is pleased to announce the hiring of Wendy McKoy, RN to the wellness team.  Wendy’s role with Pacific Quest will allow her to collaborate on a team of mental health and wellness professionals providing life-changing experiences for troubled youth from around the world. Providing the …

By Matt Armstrong, Recruitment Manager We are pleased to announce the completion of yet another successful hiring seminar, held amidst the beauty of Marin County, California. This three-day event was created for those interested in the Field Instructor position and allowed them to experience various aspects of life at Pacific Quest. Twenty participants from all …

By Katie Kasenchak, Therapist One of my favorite parts of working at Pacific Quest is having the opportunity to share meals with our students. Not only do I enjoy taking a moment to appreciate what our students have cultivated and nurtured in the garden and prepared in the camp kitchen with new found skill and …

By Travis Slagle, Horticulture Therapy Director In the past three weeks I had the opportunity to attend the annual conference for the American Horticultural Therapy Association, and co-present with Hilary Moses at the Wilderness Therapy Symposium sponsored by the Outdoor Behavioral Health Care Industry Council.  Both organizations are dedicated to developing research and professional development …

By Yvette Slagle, Outreach Assistant Pacific Quest wilderness therapy program is pleased to partner with Jen Murphy, M.Ed., LPC.  Jen will offer Parent Coaching Services for families in need of individualized parent support, coaching and counseling.  Pacific Quest recognizes the importance of family systems and dynamics in successfully treating adolescent and young adult clients.  Parents …

By Yvette Slagle, Outreach Assistant Pacific Quest is pleased to announce the promotion of Hilary Moses as the new Clinical Director. Hilary is an LCSW with over 13 years of experience working with adolescents and families in a variety of settings. She earned her MSW from Bryn Mawr, Graduate School of Social Work and Social …

By Yvette Slagle, Outreach Assistant Pacific Quest was recently featured on LA Talk Radio with Lon Woodbury focusing on “Parent Choices for Struggling Teens”.   Pacific Quest’s Land Supervisor Travis Slagle and Dr. Katie Kasenchak were guests on the show and highlighted some of the key aspects that set Pacific Quest apart from other wilderness therapy …

By Yvette Slagle, Outreach Assistant Pacific Quest is pleased to announce the movement of the young adult program to a brand new ocean front location at historical Reeds Bay.  Several years ago, Pacific Quest was asked by a number of families and referring professionals to consider serving the needs of struggling young adults. Noted for …