Contact us Monday through Friday 8:00am CST to 4:00pm CST at 715-327-4402

Nathanial Snow

Nathanial Snow

Transport Driver

Favorite PassageWay Elements

Relaxation | Service | Spirit

“I have a laid-back personality. I like to be of use to the world and I have a spirit that is not easily crushed.”

    

QUOTE

“To me, hope means that there is someone who is faster, smarter, and stronger than me, who wants me to succeed.”

DETAILS

  • Education: Brigham Young University – Applied Technology, 2022
  • With Northwest Passage since 2022
 

Justin Stariha

Justin Stariha

Treatment Interventionist

Favorite PassageWay Elements

Nature | Relationships| Spirit

“I live out the PassageWay by keeping an open ear and mind, free spirit, and allowing nature to sooth the soul. I believe it is important to understand that we are all mirrors, shining as a positive beacon for those lost in the dark.  The beauty of it is that it works in reverse, and the positive rays reflect back and recharge your attitude and spirit. To me, the PassageWay is opening damaged minds to the wonder of the great outdoors and teaching the residents the healing powers that can be found within it.  Through Nature Photography and Experiential Therapy, I am able to open doors and reconnect them with something that is inherently part of all of us.”

 

PROFILE

Justin has been transforming the lives of youth at Passage through outdoor education for nearly two decades. He has led the charge in innovative therapeutic outdoor recreation and restoration at Riverside – from shoreline restoration projects to wilderness ventures – he has been there through it all. These days he guides the boys on therapeutic nature photography adventures that expose the beauty of both nature and themselves; reveling ordinary miracles, every single day. Justin has devoted himself to our mission of restoring hope to the residents at Riverside. Using his greatest gifts, a kind heart and open ears, he is able to channel his inner Dr. Seuss and help to bring our “lost boys” back from the brink. He strives to open doors for our boys, many they didn’t know were there. His spirit and zest for life overflow and lift all those he connects with; finding hope and healing in the ordinary, Justin is Passage.

“When you’re young at heart and honest, the kids feel that realness and they bond quickly. It allows me to open doors to Hope and lead our kids down the path to Healing.”

DETAILS

  • Specialty: Outdoor Education, Fishing, Canoeing, Hiking
  • Education: Wilderness Training
  • With Northwest Passage since 1999
 

Jared Stewart

Jared Stewart

Youth Development Specialist

Favorite PassageWay Elements

Nature | Recreation | Exercise

“I like being active out in nature to help me stay physically and mentally fit.”

    

QUOTE

“Hope is wanting a certain outcome and doing what I can to make it happen.”

DETAILS

  • Education: WITC AA – Mechanical Design
  • With Northwest Passage since 2021
 

Larry Strenke

Larry Strenke

Weekend Supervisor

Favorite PassageWay Elements

Nature | Relaxation | Exercise

“I like using outdoors (nature) as a way of relaxing and exercising. Nothing will ever replace the outdoors as a form of relaxation.”

    

QUOTE

“Hope means that no matter what happens today, tomorrow will be a new opportunity.”

DETAILS

  • With Northwest Passage since 2020
 

Xander Waters

Xander Waters

Youth Development Specialist

Favorite PassageWay Elements

Nature | Recreation | Relaxation | Nutrition | Exercise | Relationships | Service | Spirit

Coming Soon…

            

QUOTE

Coming Soon…

DETAILS

  • Education:
  • With Northwest Passage since 2019
 

Brittany Williams

Brittany Williams

Education Coordinator

Favorite PassageWay Elements

Nature | Recreation | Relaxation | Nutrition | Exercise | Relationships | Service | Spirit

Coming Soon…

            

PROFILE

Brit is passionate about education and presenting curriculum so that her students can understand and relate to what they are learning. She is motivated to bring creative lesson plans to the classroom that are differentiated for a variety of learners. One way in which she does this is by incorporating a blend of hands-on learning, experiential learning, and inquiry based projects into the school curriculum. Brit believes in building a solid foundation for students to build upon, which includes reading and math interventions based off of formal and informal assessments. Brit’s goals for the classroom include improving student confidence, increasing student growth in math and reading skills, implementing technology to expand learning opportunities and to provide students with real life experiences paired with their in-class education. Brit is licensed in Wisconsin to teach Biology and Special Education (cross categorical with EBD emphasis).

DETAILS

  • Specialty: Special Education, Curriculum Design, Science
  • Education: BS, Biology
  • With Northwest Passage since 2012
 

Steve Wright

Steve Wright

Transport Driver

Favorite PassageWay Elements

Nature | Recreation | Relaxation | Nutrition | Exercise | Relationships | Service | Spirit

Coming Soon…

            

QUOTE

Coming Soon…

DETAILS

  • Education:
  • With Northwest Passage since 2021
 

Kira Yanko, MA, LPC, ICS

Kira Yanko, MA, LPC, ICS

Program Director

Favorite PassageWay Elements

Recreation | Relaxation | Relationships

“The most important “things” in my life are my people, my relationships. They give me fuel, comfort, joy, and a feeling of home wherever I am. They truly are my driving purpose. And they also give me stress!!! So it is imperative to me that I fill as much time with fun and laughter, and balance this with time to unwind, self-reflect, and relax.”

    

QUOTE

“Hope is the ability to discover beauty in the face of adversity and to see even a spark of light when surrounded by darkness. It is the cornerstone of resiliency and a necessary asset if one is to trust in the unspoken promises of tomorrow.”

DETAILS

  • Education: Villanova: BA Psychology – 2004; Boston University School of Medicine: MA Mental Health & Behavioral Medicine -2006
  • With Northwest Passage since 2020
 

Lauren Zakowitz

Lauren Zakowitz

Youth Development Specialist

Favorite PassageWay Elements

Nature | Recreation | Service

“Nature provides a place where there are no expectations, recreation provides a way to release negativity, and service allows a way to gain gratitude.”

    

QUOTE

“Hope is when we can see the brightness the future holds and believe it is achievable.”

DETAILS

  • Education: Walden University – BS Psychology; 2019
  • With Northwest Passage since 2022
 

Trent Zenzen

Trent Zenzen

Youth Development Specialist

Favorite PassageWay Elements

Exercise | Relationships | Service

“These elements focus on helping and bettering the kids.”

    

QUOTE

“Hope means giving new opportunities and a better meaning to life.”

DETAILS

  • Education: Barron High School – 2021
  • With Northwest Passage since 2022
 

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