Brian is a seeker, a giver, and a lover of life.  He has spent 10 of the last 14 years based in Durango where he has been forging ever deepening relationships to the San Juan mountains and the Utah desert.  He is endlessly curious about exploring the brain, mind, body connection, and loves to share the gifts that embodiment through yoga, meditation, and climbing have given him.

Brian aims to focus his life energy on learning, teaching, and guiding his fellow humans on the path of  maturation which entails connection to authentic self, wholesome community, and mother earth.

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Brian is a Fort Lewis alum, graduating with a business degree in 2013.  During his time in college, Brian found connection and elation that money can’t buy through hiking, climbing, and backcountry skiing.  He decided the traditional business route wasn’t for him, but that there was also something missing from a life dedicated solely to personal adventure.

Wilderness Therapy proved to be the perfect nexus of passions and opportunities for his growth. It offered the beautiful outdoors that Brian had always loved and catapulted him into learning and understanding the universal psychological and emotional themes that make us all tick.  Brian spent 2 years and 3 months at Outback treatment in Utah, and 4 years and 4 months at Open Sky in Durango totalling well over 1,000 field days and becoming the most senior guide in the field at both programs.

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Brian has been dedicated to the inward journey for 5 years, Completing his 200 hour & 300 hour yoga teacher training both in India.  He has completed a 10 day silent meditation course, and keeps consistent daily practice.

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He is an avid rock climber, and will be taking his 10 day AMGA rock guide course in June. He has been a WFR since 2013.

Brian believes that a whole-hearted and connected life is available to all who have access to the skills and tools.  He believes that all need the vital skills of mindfulness, emotional regulation, and empowered connection.  He is grateful for the LifeWays platform in its effort to offer these skills and tools to more young people.

Millie is a Registered Nurse certified by the National Nurses Association. She has been practicing medicine and working in the field of health care for nearly a decade. She received her undergraduate degree from Northern Michigan University where she fell in love with snowboarding and started her own therapeutic journey. Post college – Millie obtained substantial experience working in an outdoor setting as both a medic and field guide for Open Sky Wilderness Therapy.

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Millie is an avid user of the backcountry and has varied pursuits including climbing, backpacking, yoga, gardening, cooking, and crocheting. She is passionate about providing and studying alternative and human centered addiction and mental health treatment. Millie is hoping to pursue her Nurse Practitioner License with a concentration in Psychology.

“Dr. Heidi McMillan is a board-certified pediatrician and member of the American Academy of Pediatrics whose passion is bringing quality care to where there is a need.  She received her undergraduate degree from Georgetown University and completed both her medical degree and her pediatric residency training at Pennsylvania State University. Dr. McMillan served in a physician shortage area in rural Utah as a National Health Service Corps Scholar from 2005 to 2011 prior to joining Pediatric Partners of the Southwest where she practiced both primary care and hospital medicine.  In addition to general pediatrics, Dr. McMillan is interested in developmental/behavioral pediatrics and increasing access to care” (Child Wellness Center, 2022) ​

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She is excited to support the LifeWays program. Dr. Heidi provides physicals, prescriptions for medications, and medical consultation for students and their families. She is also embedded within the Durango School District and the HUB therapeutic program which has significant crossover with LifeWays’ program partner, La Plata Youth Services.