Meet the Staff at Ozark Trails Academy
Dr. Tracy Dockler
Clinical Director
DSW, LCSW, BCD – EMDR Certified
Tracy Dockler is a certified and licensed social worker with over 25 years of experience in the clinical treatment of adolescents and their families. She is a Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (BCD), which demonstrates an advanced-practice status with a high level of clinical competency. Tracy holds certifications in social work and as a behavioral health consultant. Currently, she is also receiving training in NMT to complete brain mapping and increased knowledge of developmental trauma and the impact on the brain. Academically, Tracy has a Bachelor and a Masters in Social Work, and she is in the research portion of her doctorate in social work with a research interest in wilderness therapy and a specialization in Clinical Expertise.
Tracy’s career has focused on trauma in children and youth with a strong emphasis on behavioral disorders, inclusive of attachment struggles, and mental health issues. She has a specialization in family therapy with a focus on troubled teens and their families, including a history of working with violent abusive families encompassing sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, and the death of a child. Tracy has had a diverse career history with schools, shelters, residential treatment centers, private practice, clinic settings, and psychiatry hospitals. These settings have resulted in Tracy developing policies, consulting, training, advocating, developing new operating standards, group treatment, and individual and family therapy. Her passion is youth and their families and making a change in their personal growth and wellness.
Chris Mantell
Chief Financial Officer
Chris is the CFO of Ozark Trails. He manages and oversees the financials and operations for the organization. Chris helps to handle the insurance between Client’s and the facility.
Chris played football and lacrosse at Southern Virginia University where he met his now wife, Alison. They moved out to Utah where he continued studies at Utah State University. While in Utah, Chris started his career in medical administration and grew a passion for the industry.
He loves being a part of the Ozark Trails team where teen lives are changed and a greater purpose is being served. He sees the vision for Ozark Trails as innovative and revolutionary for the industry. Chris and Alison have five children. They enjoy family movie nights and being active by playing sports.
Micah Jones
Program Manager
Micah Jones comes to us with 11 years experience working with struggling teens in residential treatment settings. Micah is a favorite with the students. His gentle soft spoken way brings a calm to the group. He is also great one on one providing support where needed. He is trained in the Arbinger Institute Anatomy of Peace and lives the principles with our students as well as his personal life.
He is currently seeking a degree in Marriage and Family Relationships with Brigham Young University. He plans to continue his education and become a licensed clinical therapist.
He and his wife Dez moved their family to Missouri from Utah to become an essential part of the Ozark Team. Dez is a primary coach for the girls.
When he is not at work, he is busy playing with his twin girls. He loves to play and watch sports. He also loves to play his ukulele and sing. He gives freely of his many talents to enrich the lives of the students at Ozark Trails and he’s a great asset to our leadership team.
Desiree Jones
Office Manager
Dez and Micah came to Ozark Trails As one of several couples who decided to make Ozark Trails a team effort. For these couples Ozark Trails is not just a job it is a way of life.
These couples make sacrifices because they love the mission of healing families.
Desiree is the wife of Micah Jones our Assistant program director. Dez was born In Brooklyn, New York and when she was young her family moved to Long Island. After school she moved to Utah to attend the University. That is where she met Micah her husband.
Micah says
“Dez Is the right amount of spicy and sweet. That’s what makes her so good with the Ozark students. They really love her.”
She is currently doing online school with Utah Valley University majoring in psychology. She comes to Ozark with various kinds of work experience. Most recently she worked in daycare. She loves kids and teens. Desiree not only knows the principles of relationships taught in the anatomy of peace but she lives them in her daily life. She does a great job of holding boundaries but also has a passion for caring for “the one”. Building relationships that are meaningful help facilitate change in the students.
When she is not at the facility working for Ozark Trails she can be found reading good books and cooking good food. Her favorite thing is to hang out with Micah and the twins. She and Micah also serve the children and youth in their church.
Kimberly Simmons
Billing Coordinator & Insurance Specialist
Kim is a dedicated behavioral health administrative professional serving as the Billing Coordinator for Ozark Trails Youth Services since January 2024. With an extensive career rooted entirely in mental health and public service, Kim pairs deep human services domain knowledge with revenue cycle expertise to ensure financial sustainability and seamless access to care for youth and families across the community.
Prior to joining Ozark Trails Youth Services, Kim managed billing coordination, provider credentialing, secretarial operations, and utilization management—handling crucial service authorizations—for private mental health practice providers. Her dedication to mental health began on the front lines of care, serving as a Qualified Behavioral Health Provider (QBHP) for a private counseling agency and as a Social Worker for the State of Missouri. This rich field experience is grounded in strong academic training, holding a Bachelor’s Degree with concentrated studies across Criminal Justice, Psychology, and Sociology. By combining state-level social work, direct mental health care, and rigorous financial management, Kim brings a 360-degree perspective to healthcare administration that directly advances the mission of Ozark Trails Youth Services.
Kim’s deep passion for youth advocacy is both professional and personal. As a mother of two teenage boys, she relates to teenagers on an authentic level, which helps her build meaningful, empathetic connections with parents navigating similar paths. She strongly believes that providing steady, dependable support is the single most vital factor in helping a struggling teenager succeeds.
For Kim, Ozark Trails is far more than just an average job—it feels like an extended family. She takes immense pride in working alongside a team that doesn’t just show up to fulfill a duty, but genuinely cares about every child who walks through the doors. She wants parents to know that the entire staff at Ozark Trails is deeply invested in seeing their children thrive and will do everything possible to support their journey. Outside of work, Kim treasures spending quality time with her family—whether they are watching her boys play sports, riding horses, fishing, swimming, hunting, taking family vacations, or enjoying a quiet day relaxing at home. By handling the complex financial and billing details behind the scenes, Kim ensures that parents can focus entirely on what matters most: supporting their child’s growth and recovery.
Codee Atkinson
Admissions and Accounts Manager
With over 30 years in the field and 4 years at Ozark Trails, Codee Atkinson brings deep experience, dedication, and heart to her role as Admissions and Accounts Manager. Though her background initially focused on administrative work, her journey evolved when she took on the role of transport manager—driving students to doctor, dental, and vision appointments. That hands-on experience allowed her to build meaningful connections with the youth, seeing firsthand their resilience, their true character, and how hard they work to become the best versions of themselves despite past trauma and difficulties. Today, one of her favorite aspects of her role is taking admissions calls and walking alongside parents, guiding them with warmth and clarity as they navigate the admissions process.
Codee deeply believes that every struggling teen is fundamentally a good person with immense potential. For her, the most rewarding part of her work is watching students learn vital life skills, gain self-love, navigate tough situations, and build healthy relationships with their families and peers. She has a profound passion for programs like Ozark Trails that offer not just immediate healing through therapy and daily experiences, but lifelong skills that stay with students forever. What makes Ozark Trails so special to her is the shared vision across the entire team—everyone works tirelessly and makes personal sacrifices to help students succeed.
Life Outside of Work
Outside of Ozark Trails, Codee’s greatest joy is her family. She loves spending time with her four children, son-in-law, and three grandchildren. Together, they enjoy traveling, playing games, watching movies, and spending time in nature. She also finds fulfillment in volunteering within her church and community. In her free time, you can find her reading a good book, hiking, or relaxing at the beach.
A Note to Families
“The staff at Ozark Trails are truly amazing. Each person brings something unique to the table, bound by a genuine love, concern, and desire for great outcomes for these kids. They work hard every single day to make Ozark Trails the best place it can be for your family.”
Paula Simandl
School Nurse
ASDN – Missouri State University – West Plains
ASD HIT – Missouri State University – West Plains
Paula Simandl is a School Nurse with an Associate of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She brings more than 30 years of nursing experience and has been part of the Ozark Trails team for three years.
Paula enjoys working with teenagers because they are full of life, and every day brings something new. She believes one of the most important things adults can do for a struggling teenager is listen carefully to what they are saying and feeling.
One of the things Paula appreciates most about Ozark Trails is seeing young people return after graduating and hearing how well they are doing. She values the way the different disciplines work together to support each child and adapt to their individual needs.
Outside of work, Paula is a mom and grandmother. She enjoys being active in social groups and volunteering in her community. She wants families to know that everyone at Ozark Trails is here for their child and is working together to provide the support they need.
Chef James B. Smith
Director of Food Service
James B. Smith brings over 40 years of culinary expertise, operational leadership, and a deep commitment to community-rooted nutrition to his role as Director of Food Service at Ozark Trails Academy.
Raised in his family’s steakhouse business and trained under Culinary Institute of America (CIA) educators, Chef James has built a versatile career spanning fine dining, resort management, higher education food service, corporate catering, and entrepreneurship across the United States. His technical expertise covers the entire spectrum of back- and front-of-house operations, from high-volume menu design and cost management to inventory control and rigorous safety standards.
At Ozark Trails Academy, Chef James aligns the campus culinary program directly with the Learn–Live–Leadtherapeutic model. Recognizing the vital link between physical nourishment and emotional well-being, he creates wholesome, balanced menus designed to sustain students through outdoor adventure, clinical growth, and academic achievement.
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Kelsey Evans
Family Therapist
PLMFT Provisional Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists
BS – Brigham Young University-Idaho – Recreation Therapy
Kelsey Evans is a Family Therapist with a Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She has worked with youth since 2015, beginning at summer camps where she led young people in activities such as ropes courses, rafting, horseback riding, and other outdoor adventures.
Kelsey began working as a Recreational Therapist at the Utah State Hospital in 2018, where she led activities including ski trips, camping, and community outings. She moved to Missouri in 2021 to join Ozark Trails as a Recreational Therapist and later transitioned into Family Therapy.
Kelsey loves working with teenagers because they are passionate, ambitious, hopeful, and eager to make their mark on the world, even when they are still figuring out how to do it. She believes one of the most important things a struggling teenager needs is a safe and reliable home base. Her experience in residential treatment showed her how important it is for the family environment to grow and change alongside the young person, which led her to pursue family therapy.
Kelsey loves the foundation of Anatomy of Peace, Outdoor Adventure, and the small-program approach at Ozark Trails. Outside of work, she enjoys being outdoors with her family, especially spending time at the river with her children. She is also creative and enjoys quilting.
Victoria Howerton
Therapist
Victoria Howerton is a Therapist with a Master’s degree in Spanish Literature, an LMSW, and an RN. She has worked in her field for two years and has been part of the Ozark Trails team for six years.
Victoria enjoys working with teenagers because they are still open to new ideas and are continuing to discover who they are. She also appreciates that teens can be surprisingly considerate and affectionate. She believes that helping a struggling teenager requires a team approach—a combination of love, boundaries, and consistency from the adults surrounding them.
Victoria describes Ozark Trails as a place where leadership practices what it teaches and where authenticity matters. She considers herself a kid at heart and enjoys reading outside of work.
She wants families to know that the people at Ozark Trails are genuine. The staff may not always be polished, but they are authentic, committed, and truly invested in the young people they serve.
LeAnna Fowlds
Family Therapist
LeAnna Fowlds is a Family Therapist with a Master’s degree in Social Work, specializing in Direct Practice with Children and Families. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Certified Family Mediator and brings eight years of experience in her field, including four years at Ozark Trails.
LeAnna’s professional background includes working at a youth mental health center in Fort Worth, Texas, and participating in the REACH program, a collaborative effort between mental health and the juvenile justice system designed to support youth and reduce re-offending. She has also worked as a substance use therapist and has spent much of her career advocating for young people, including advocacy against human trafficking.
LeAnna believes connection is at the heart of helping a struggling teenager. She sees genuine connection as the foundation for safety and trust, creating an environment where young people can become more open and willing to engage in the therapeutic process.
She appreciates the dedication and commitment of the people at Ozark Trails and the way that commitment extends to both young people and their families. Outside of work, LeAnna enjoys swimming, boating, hiking, horseback riding, traveling, and spending time with the people she loves. She is also a public speaker, advocate, entrepreneur, and aspiring published author.
LeAnna wants families to know that meaningful change is a journey and that their participation is an important part of that process.
Scott Salvesen
Individual & Family Therapist
Scott Salvesen is a Therapist with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Missouri State University, a Master’s degree in Tourism and Recreation Management from the University of Florida, and a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Outdoor Recreation Management from Utah Valley University. He is a PLPC and has worked in the mental health field for more than seven years, including more than five years at Ozark Trails.
Scott has a broad professional background that includes recreation management, risk management, outdoor adventure programming, high school teaching, treatment programs, warehouse operations, beekeeping, and small business ownership. His work at Ozark Trails began in Outdoor Adventure before transitioning into therapy.
Scott enjoys the energy and hope that teenagers bring to his day. He believes struggling teens need adults who take the time to understand where they are coming from and who recognize that adolescence can be a confusing time filled with new experiences and emotions.
What makes Ozark Trails special to Scott is its small size, dedicated team, and ability to work at the pace each individual needs. He appreciates the natural setting and the opportunity to address each young person’s specific needs. Outside of work, Scott enjoys spending time with family, reading, watching movies, traveling, and practically anything involving water.
Scott wants families to know that he meets young people where they are. Sometimes they need someone to listen, and sometimes they need someone to challenge them. He believes treatment is a journey and encourages families to trust the process, even during difficult or frustrating seasons.
Sonya Swope
Individual Therapist / Lead Therapist
LPC – EMDR Trained
MS – Counseling, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
BS – Communications, minor in Psychology – Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
Sonya is a Missouri native who grew up in the southwest corner of the state. With a gentle nudge from her husband, Sonya went back to college to pursue a degree in Business Administration. She quickly discovered her passion after being placed in a Psychology class and changed her major. Sonya received her Bachelor of Science in Communication with a minor in Psychology, Conflict and Dispute Resolution Certificate, and Master of Science in Counseling from Missouri State University in Springfield, MO. Sonya’s desire was to work with adolescents or young adults because she remembers how difficult those years can be. In 2021, Sonya and her husband, Scott, moved to Scott’s hometown of West Plains to be closer to his family, and was introduced to Ozark Trails through a mutual friend. Sonya feels that working at Ozark Trails is a true blessing because she has a passion for helping teens overcome their struggles and make changes that will have positive impacts on the rest of their lives.
Sonya and her husband have four grown children and three grandchildren. They enjoy outdoor activities such as riding four-wheelers, camping, fishing, hunting, and hiking.
Jon Bishop
Family Therapist
MS – University of Phoenix – Clinical Mental Health Counseling
BS – University of Utah – Psychology, minor in Sociology
Jon began his career working in the corrections system with adolescents and their families. He had the privilege of working at Discovery Ranch for Boys, where he was able to use and develop both clinical skills, and his passion to use data to inform the treatment process as a Research Director and primary therapist. He continued to work with clients in the community as well. Jon‘s experience has ranged from working with severely and persistently mentally ill clients to those struggling with compulsion, bad habits as well as trauma.
Throughout his career, Jon has worked with adolescents and families. The experience of being part of helping remove barriers to healthy relationships within a family system and witnessing a family become whole again is an awe-inspiring event for him. His passion is the family, the first step is helping youth return to a state of peace from which they can launch back into a sense of belonging with their family. He believes that one of the most effective and powerful ways to accomplish calming a youth’s nervous system and emotional state is to use the power of nature and perfecting primitive skills. The resulting mind-body connection opens the door to healing.
Natalie Dean
Recreational Therapist
Natalie Dean is a Recreational Therapist with a Bachelor’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation and is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). She has worked at Ozark Trails for nearly two years. Although Ozark Trails was her first professional experience working specifically with teens, Natalie has spent years working with people of all ages in settings ranging from daycare to assisted living.
Natalie especially enjoys seeing the growth and changes that take place in young people during their time at Ozark Trails. She believes in getting curious, asking questions, and looking beneath the surface to understand what may be at the root of a young person’s struggles.
Ozark Trails holds a particularly meaningful place in Natalie’s heart because, as she says, it is the place that saved her life. She loves nature, her dog, God, and crafting, and recently began a new chapter of life after getting married. Natalie wants families to know that she cares deeply about their child and wants to see them succeed—not only at Ozark Trails, but throughout their lives.
Elonah Charneski
Primary Case Manager
Elonah Charneski is a Primary Life Coach with an Associate degree in Criminal Justice and multiple professional certifications, including Transformational Life Coach, Hypnosis, Breath Coach, Master Reiki Practitioner, EFT/TFT Practitioner, and Neuro-Linguistic Practitioner certifications. She has worked with teens since 2022, beginning as a state juvenile detention officer, and has worked as a Life Coach since 2024.
Elonah is passionate about helping young people understand their own power and recognize their ability to influence the direction of their lives. She believes teenagers deserve respect, consideration, and adults who are willing to genuinely listen. Rather than focusing only on behavior, she looks for what may be underneath it and what a young person may be trying to communicate, understand, or accomplish.
She values the opportunities Ozark Trails provides for adventure, resilience, and learning through real experiences. She also appreciates that the principles of The Anatomy of Peace are practiced by staff as well as taught to the young people. Outside of work, Elonah is an enthusiastic homeschooling mom who enjoys music, singing, drawing, writing, cooking, creating, farm life, and spending time outdoors with her family. She loves learning, reading, and turning ordinary moments into adventures.
Elonah wants families to know that she is committed to walking alongside young people as they discover their own voice, confidence, and direction. She believes the staff at Ozark Trails genuinely invests in the lives of the young people they serve.
Shaylee Williams
Primary Case Manager
BS – Health Science
Shaylee Williams is a Primary staff member who holds an Associate degree. She worked in education for three years before bringing her experience to Ozark Trails, where she has been on staff for one year.
Shaylee believes that patience is the most essential quality when supporting a struggling teenager. As she gets to know the students, she sees them like family and thrives on helping them navigate their growth. She loves the strong family dynamic at Ozark Trails, which creates a supportive environment for both staff and students.
Outside of work, Shaylee enjoys spending time with her family and reading. She wants parents to know that the team at Ozark Trails is deeply dedicated and truly loves each student like their own.
Trisha Butler
Educator / Primary Case Manager
Trisha Butler brings a diverse professional background to Ozark Trails, with a Master’s degree in Political Science, a Bachelor’s degree in History, and a culinary degree. Her experience includes nearly a decade in the U.S. Army, including three combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, teaching and casework, culinary work, politics, and working with youth through schools, church programs, and a skating rink.
Trisha believes the teenage years are an especially important time because young people are developing the strength, skills, and confidence they will carry into adulthood. She believes that helping teens begins with meeting them where they are and being relatable while making sure they know that the adults around them genuinely care.
Ozark Trails is special to Trisha because the program has personally changed her life. She values the therapeutic atmosphere, the way staff care for one another and their families, and the program’s commitment to its mission. Outside of work, she enjoys roller skating, playing poker and video games, and traveling with her family. Trisha wants families to know that she takes their trust seriously and cares about both their child and their family as a whole.
Dale Depler
Primary Case Manager
Dale “DJ” Depler is a Boys Primary Life Coach with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology. Before joining Ozark Trails six months ago, he brought a decade of field experience in corrections, navigating a wide range of behavioral and emotional challenges. DJ is currently expanding his clinical expertise by pursuing a Master’s degree to become a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
DJ finds the most rewarding aspect of working with youth is witnessing the personal breakthroughs teenagers discover on their own when given the right time and space. He believes that guiding young people requires patience, steady direction, and understanding to help them build a better future.
DJ strongly believes in the strength of the Ozark Trails program and values its family atmosphere. Outside of work, he describes himself as a “God-fearing, football-loving, play-video-games-when-I-can gentle giant” and is above all a dedicated father to four daughters.
DJ understands how terrifying it can feel as a parent to leave your child in someone else’s care. He wants families to know that the team at Ozark Trails treats every child like part of their own family, ensuring peace of mind through love, genuine care, constant support, and an open line of communication whenever parents need assistance.
Larry Williams
Academic Director
Larry Williams is the Academic Director at Ozark Trails. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from the School of the Ozarks, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Missouri State University, and a Specialist degree in Educational Administration from Missouri State University.
Larry retired from public education after 30 years, including 18 years as the Director of Special Education for the Willow Springs School District. Earlier in his career, he taught Special Education, Physical Education, and Health. He and his wife also served as Family Teachers for Father Flanagan’s Boys Town at their New Orleans site. Larry has been part of Ozark Trails since July 2020.
Larry enjoys helping young people recognize the possibilities that await them and supporting them as they work toward their goals. He believes patience and genuinely caring about a teenager as a person are among the most important parts of helping them succeed.
Larry appreciates the teamwork between Ozark Trails staff and parents as they work together to help students regain confidence and achieve their goals. Outside of work, Larry enjoys spending time with his three grown daughters and three grandchildren, attending St. Louis Cardinals games, and photographing the outdoors and landscapes.
Larry wants families to know that the staff he works alongside genuinely care about the young people they serve and want to see them succeed.
Janette Smith
Academic Assistant
Janette Smith is an Academic Assistant with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science and a Practical Nursing Certificate. Before joining Ozark Trails, she taught in California for 24 years, primarily working with middle school and lower high school students with a focus on Bible, math, and science. She has been part of the Ozark Trails team for three years.
Janette enjoys the inquisitive nature of teenagers and appreciates the way they challenge her to think about things differently and explain them in new ways. She believes helping a struggling teenager requires a balance of accountability and knowing when to simply sit, listen, offer encouragement, and provide support.
Janette says the family atmosphere at Ozark Trails is one of the things that makes the program special to her. Outside of work, she enjoys crocheting, baking, and making cheese. She is known as “the bread lady” and enjoys sharing her faith when asked.
Janette is especially passionate about helping young people build confidence when they don’t believe they can accomplish something. She wants families to know that each person at Ozark Trails deeply cares about their child and wants them to be successful not only while they are here, but even more importantly when they return home.
Courtney Hays
Equine Instructor
Courtney Hays is an Equine Instructor who joined Ozark Trails in June 2026. She brings approximately 40 years of experience riding, teaching, training colts, working with difficult horses, and competing in rodeos. She also ran a horse club for nearly 12 years with more than 100 members, the majority of whom were between 10 and 20 years old.
Courtney has seen firsthand the positive impact that horses can have on young people. She believes compassion, structure, and empathy are essential when working with teenagers and is passionate about helping create meaningful connections between horses and the young people she works with.
What makes Ozark Trails special to Courtney is the commitment she sees throughout the staff to helping young people develop a better outlook on life. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and watching her three children compete in rodeo, basketball, and baseball.
Courtney is dedicated to helping each young person build a positive bond with their horse and discover what they are capable of.
Steve Hays
Equine Instructor
Steve Hays is an Equine Instructor with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and 35 years of experience. Before joining Ozark Trails, Steve spent many years coaching football, basketball, and baseball in Willow Springs youth and school programs. He joined Ozark Trails in 2026.
Steve believes that connection and trust are the foundation of helping young people. He enjoys letting teens know that he is on their side, and one of the most rewarding parts of his work is seeing a young person make a positive change right before his eyes.
He believes Ozark Trails is special because of the opportunity to work together toward something meaningful and because of the chance to help young people build a better future. Outside of work, Steve enjoys family life with his children, rodeo, cattle farming, hunting, fishing, and following sports.
Steve wants families to know that everyone at Ozark Trails has a huge heart and genuinely wants the best for their child.
Rachael Costar
Program Supervisor
Rachael Costar is a Day Shift Supervisor at Ozark Trails and has been part of the program for a year and a half. Ozark Trails has been her first professional experience working with teenagers, and during that time, she has developed a strong passion for helping young people recognize their strengths, take accountability, and work toward positive change.
Rachael believes every young person is capable of growth and that the right support and opportunities can help them succeed. She especially enjoys seeing the kids have opportunities to simply be kids while also watching them grow in confidence, self-worth, and belief in themselves.
Rachael believes that being a steady and consistent presence is an important part of supporting a struggling teenager. She is passionate about creating a safe and nurturing environment where young people can feel supported as they work through challenges, heal, and grow.
Outside of work, Rachael enjoys yoga, gardening, arts and crafts, and spending quality time with her two daughters. She appreciates that every staff member at Ozark Trails brings something unique to the treatment process and believes the young people take a little piece of everyone who cared for them when they leave.
Laura Ann Holloway
Night Shift Supervisor
Laura Ann Holloway is a Night Supervisor at Ozark Trails and has a college background in Child and Family Development. She has five years of experience and brings a personal understanding of working with teenagers through raising her own children.
Laura Ann enjoys watching young people grow and believes that helping them feel safe is an important part of that process. She values the opportunity to support teenagers during a time when they are learning more about themselves and preparing for adulthood.
Outside of work, Laura Ann enjoys painting and caring for her reptiles. She is grateful for the opportunity to work with young people and be part of their journey at Ozark Trails.
De’von Merkel
Program Supervisor
De’von Merkel is the Swing Shift Supervisor at Ozark Trails and holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Science. Over the past year, he has gained all of his youth-care experience directly through his work at Ozark Trails, where he finds fulfillment in being part of the team that helps teens build a successful future.
De’von believes that structure and empathy are key when guiding struggling young people. He values the family- and team-oriented atmosphere at Ozark Trails, appreciating that it is a place where even the staff are constantly striving to improve so they can better serve the students.
Outside of work, De’von enjoys spending quality time with his children. He hopes each client can break through their past struggles to build a bright future, and wants families to know how deeply invested the Ozark Trails team is in their children’s success.
Joe Ostergren
Weekend Manager
AS Administration of Justice – Shasta College, Redding, CA
Joe approaches his work with love and kindness. He wants to see kids being kids and learning life lessons that they are able to use as healthy adults.
He loves working with kids and young adults. He has over 25 years of work experience working with at-risk youth. He has also had 58 foster children placed in his home through the years, of which, he has adopted four. Joe also has a photography business, and many of the beautiful pictures parents receive of their students were taken by Joe.
