Meet Our Team

Bill Brown — Director of Family Services — Partner

Bill is a master's level trained psychotherapist who turned in the office chair and fluorescent lights for more illuminating environments. He has worked with young adults, adolescents and their families for over fifteen years in clinical, field and coaching capacities. He served as a Field Director at a prominent wilderness therapy program in Utah where he was an integral part of daily operation and program efficacy. As a program administrator in community mental health, he brought non-traditional treatment methodologies — including wilderness experience — into the continuum of care with great success. Bill is married with two children and is happiest exploring the woods around his home with his family and black dog. 

Katherine Nelson — Therapeutic Case Manager

Kat is an adaptable social worker with a background serving diverse populations in varied settings from an inpatient hospital environment to residential and community-based care. Having worked in aging and mental health, Kat recognizes the life-long impacts and importance of providing support for young adults during their transition to independence. She brings a holistic perspective to developing strength-based and solution-focused partnerships with her clients. Kat came to Vermont as a young adult and attended the Community College of Vermont and the University of Vermont where she received her Bachelors in Psychology. She received her Masters in Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley where she focused on Health and Wellness across the Lifespan. Kat returned to Vermont after grad school to be closer to nature and to fully enjoy the dynamic seasons in the Green Mountains. Kat enjoys all things sci-fi and fantasy and loves learning about mythology, history, and science. She has practiced meditation and yoga for 18 years and is trained in traditional Chinese medicine and shiatsu massage. Kat enjoys art & crafts in all their forms from singing to knitting and is an avid lover of the outdoors and the mountainside.

Phoenix Crockett — Therapeutic Case Manager

Phoenix Crockett was born in northern Maine and lives in Williston, Vermont. He studied psychology and human development at UVM before completing a Master of Teaching degree, also at UVM. He worked as a 7th grade teacher, pre-k director, and family wellness coach for various organizations before landing at Arete Transitions. In his down time he rescues pets and wildlife and plays the harp.

Katy Ireland — Activities Manager

Katy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Outdoor Education and is currently enrolled and working towards her Masters In Social Work. She is interested in building community and positive peer culture and the effects it has on the young adults’ path to independence. Her professional experience includes 2 years as a mentor at Confluence Behavioral Health, a decade of work at experiential outdoor and educational programs, traditional rehab programs and environmental youth camps. Katy is trained as a Wilderness First Responder. Katy has lived in 20 separate states. Katy changes her hair color monthly and is a fan of Pokemon, Jurassic Park and Harry Potter.

Foster Post — Director of Operations — Partner

Foster brings fifteen years of experience working with adolescents and young adults in both clinical and adventure-based programs to his role at Arete. His work includes six years at a preeminent wilderness program where he worked in direct care roles and to develop programming effecting positive peer cultures among clients. As a consultant Foster transferred these skills to residential programs seeking to improve their program's outcomes by strengthening and improving their direct care staff teams. Foster has led wilderness backpacking, kayaking and camping excursions with adolescents and adults. A native Vermonter Foster grew up exploring local wild places where he learned an appreciation for the restorative powers of nature.  

Zac Beyers — Residential Counselor

Zac Beyers comes to Arete with 17 years of experience in therapeutic programming ranging from Master Wilderness Instructor to running an Independent Living program for young adults. When he is not working with human beings he enjoys exploring the mountains and waterways with his wife of 15 years and two daughters. He also has close ties and lineage to the North East and is a student of the folklore of Appalachia. He takes a value neutral and strength based approach and focuses his time and energy on developing goals for life and the skills necessary to see those goals to completion.

Olivia Therrien — Admissions Director

Olivia is a graduate of Boston University School of Social Work with an Macro-focused MSW in 2021. Olivia’s ten plus years of experience working in the human services, mental health, and non-profit administration field and has worked across many setting. In her role as the Admissions Director, Olivia takes a strength based, participant-centered approach when working with young adults and their families. Olivia lives in New Hampshire with her husband and young son. In her free time, Olivia enjoys camping, exploring new food, and spending time with her family in the outdoors camping the Lakes Region and White Mountains.

Myesha Dean — Life Skills Instructor

Myesha is a passionate mental health professional. Prior to working at Arete, she was a Head Field instructor in a Wilderness therapy program in Utah, a family support specialist in New Mexico working with adults and children, and most recently a Program Coordinator and Certified Recovery Coach at a therapeutic farm community in Southern Vermont. Myesha has experienced first hand the power of a healing community and is deeply committed to supporting young adults in their pursuit of wellness and life fulfillment. Spending time in nature, traveling, reading, and dancing bring Myesha the most joy when she's not at work.

For over a decade Patrick has worked in the outdoor recreation economy with several leading adventure-tourism businesses, resorts and outdoor brands. His experience has taken him to Alaska, Chile, Utah and Vermont where he guided or facilitated the outdoor experience for clients from all walks of life. He has a deep appreciation for the transformative effects of the outdoor experience and wilderness as well as the benefits of therapeutic interventions. He brings business management, finance, sales and marketing experience to the operation of Arete. Patrick lives with his wife in the Mad River Valley of Vermont where they enjoy four seasons of outdoor recreation opportunities.

Sean Montgomery - Health and Wellness Counselor

Sean is a highly accomplished individual who brings a diverse range of experiences to his work. Having graduated from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania, he holds a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, with dual minors in Social Work and Forensics. Sean's educational background reflects his commitment to understanding and navigating complex social issues. Beyond his professional achievements, Sean's passion for health and fitness is apparent. He has earned a Personal Trainer Certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). By combining his knowledge of criminal justice and social work with his fitness expertise, Sean approaches his work holistically, striving to improve the lives of others both mentally and physically. Overall, Sean's multifaceted background, combined with his expertise in high-stress situations, commitment to health and fitness, and passion for exploration, make him a well-rounded individual who approaches life and work with enthusiasm and dedication.

Audrey Peavey — Director of Outreach

Audrey has always had a heart for young people and at an early age knew she wanted to pursue a career in Social Work. Audrey brings extensive experience in the mental health field over the past 19 years in various admissions and outreach positions nationwide. Audrey earned a BA from the University of Maine School of Social Work. Service oriented, Audrey has been active on numerous association boards and committees throughout her career and currently sits on the board of Evolving Women, a service oriented, educational and mentoring group for women in the mental health field. Originally from Maine and a New Englander at heart, Audrey resides in Naples, FL between her busy travel schedule.