Wilderness Programs For Youth
How Seeds Got Started
The founder of Seeds, Dean Reynolds, spent the beginning of his career in the field in secular wilderness programs for youth. While Dean saw the transformation happening as kids would progress through 10 weeks in the wild, he felt there was still something missing. Some of the kids came from Christian backgrounds and Dean was eager to engage with them on questions of faith.
When Dean approached the leadership to get permission to include a faith-based approach he was strictly forbidden to mention anything about Jesus. The interesting thing was that almost anything else was ok. Shamanism? No problem. Jesus Christ was banned!
While this bothered Dean, he didn’t really know what he could do about it. As he was praying about the situation one day he felt the Lord impress upon him that maybe he was supposed to pursue Christian Wilderness Therapy. Soon thereafter, the idea of Seeds was born. It has been a long road, but many other people have now joined with Dean in the journey to launch Seeds, validating this call.
Our core values
1. Glorify God – We believe in honoring Jesus Christ as Lord in all things.
2. Church (Vibrant Community) – We believe in the Body of Christ. In the field, this looks like vulnerable and authentic community. At home, this looks like being active in the local church and discipleship.
3. Restoration – We believe Jesus deeply loves each individual and has a healthy and wonderful plan for their life, no matter their current circumstance. This motivates our restoration work with each participant through counseling and discipleship.
4. Family – We believe in the family structure as intended by God and work toward wholeness for each individual and their family members.
5. Wilderness and Experiential Discipleship – We believe in the best and safest wilderness retreat practices, which encourage restoration and healing.
6. Staff Development – We believe Seeds’ staff are our most valuable resource for each student and family outside of Jesus Christ. Intentional development and formation equips our staff for excellence now and for future Kingdom impact.
7. Revival and Multiplication – We believe, through the Holy Spirit, that revival should be carried into the home environment and community by each person we disciple.
Meet the Team
Dean Reynolds
Executive Director
Dean Reynolds
Executive Director
With over 10 years of working with youth at risk in wilderness settings, I am a firm believer in the power of restoration in an individual’s life through wilderness counseling. When a person is away from the distractions of everyday life, he/she can move inward and begin the work of healing. This renewal process is possible when the individual allows the purpose and hope of God to replace negative coping patterns. With this mindset, I started Seeds Wilderness Therapy, where individuals will meet with God to renew and restore their lives and be productive members of their family.
Brittani Bair MA MDiv LMFT ADDC
Clinical Director/Field Therapist
Brittani Bair MA MDiv LMFT ADDC
Clinical Director/Field Therapist
Brittani is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 7 years of experience in residential treatment for adolescents and 15 years of experience in local church youth ministry. She is a graduate of the University of Louisville, Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond, and Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
With a total of 12 years as a therapist and as an AAMFT candidate, Brittani brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her work with Seeds. She loves working with teenagers and their families, and in her free time, she enjoys spending time with her own family, engaging in theological discussions over coffee, being outdoors, and cuddling with small dogs.
Katelyn Bartley
Field Instructor
Katelyn Bartley
Field Instructor
Katelyn brings a wealth of experience in the mental health field and a deep passion for working with children and teens. Her love for God’s creation makes her a perfect fit for Seeds Wilderness Therapy.
Katelyn has completed her Masters in Macro Social Work and gained valuable experience in community engagement, family-based mental health therapy, and trauma-informed care. She continues to disciple teens in her community through sports, Bible studies, and therapy provision, while also appreciating the beauty of nature as a testament to God’s greatness and love.
Kathryn Pechman
Executive Assistant
Kathryn Pechman
Executive Assistant
Kathryn is the glue that holds our organization together, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. As Dean’s assistant, she is dedicated to keeping him organized and on track.
With 12 years of experience in administration, Kathryn brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. She also serves as the Administrative Assistant at Cedar Creek Church. Her commitment to excellence and her organizational skills are invaluable to our team.
Jessey Rankin
Office Manager/Parent Coordinator
Jessey Rankin
Office Manager/Parent Coordinator
Jessey is our dedicated Office Manager and Parent Coordinator, bringing 16 years of diverse experience in logistics, office management, and a variety of administrative roles. Her expertise spans organization, marketing, and personable skills, making her an invaluable asset to our team.
Jessey holds a BS in Biology from Arizona State University and is a strong follower of Christ. Her commitment to her faith and her extensive professional background ensure that she provides exceptional support to both our staff and the families we serve.
Blake Griffin
Field Instructor
Blake Griffin
Field Instructor
Blake Griffin is a devoted child of God and the eldest of four brothers. As a social work student, he is passionate about adventure and serving Christ. Blake enjoys rock climbing, skiing, fly fishing, and hiking with his family, all while embracing God’s creation.
Blake seeks to be part of a loving and supportive community, both professionally and personally. He aims to share his love of Christ and live according to God’s will.
Blake has interned with ACHERU, World Relief, and the Denver Rescue Mission, gaining experience with refugees, the homeless, and Ugandan children with disabilities. His four-month study abroad in Mukono, Uganda, included living with a host family, studying at Uganda Christian University, and interning at a children’s rehabilitation unit. These experiences deepened his understanding of himself and God’s character.
Support the Local Church
We believe in the role of the local church! Our vision is for students to return to their communities and to be plugged into a church where they can continue to grow, serve, and thrive. We also want to be a resource for pastors, youth pastors and ministry leaders to facilitate opportunities for great communication between teens and their parents and to help families both get ahead of the problem escalation curve as well as respond biblically to interventions that are not working. The church is the first line of defense and recovery and we are a resource to help along the way.