Expanse Wilderness Staff

At Expanse we offer the most effective wilderness program in the industry. Run by professionals with over 70 years of combined wilderness experience, our outdoor intensive treatment program offers the highest levels of care from every professional involved in the process. From our multidisciplinary clinicians, to our well trained field staff, we ensure every member of our Expanse team offers a safe, supportive environment to every student we serve.

Justin Swensen
Justin Swensen

Program Director

Justin acquired a love for the outdoors and a passion for adventure at a young age. Growing up primarily in Utah, the high mountains and...

Michael Sanders
Michael Sanders

Field Director

Michael Sanders was first introduced to wilderness therapy and the power of natural medicine when his sister was enrolled as a student in...

John Cohen
John Cohen, MS, LCMHC

Expanse Clinical Director

John worked 18 years in the juvenile justice system providing assessment and counseling services to adolescents and their families. He...

Dale Christensen
Dale Christensen, MD

Medical Director

Dr. Dale Christensen has been practicing emergency medicine for over 15 years and is currently a staff physician at Utah Valley Regional...

Jake Roberts
Jake Roberts, APRN

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Jake's formal education consists of an AS Degree from Dixie State University, a BSN Degree from Southern Utah University, and a MSN...

Kyle Tolman
Kyle Tolman

Medical Director

A Utah-native, Kyle has spent his whole life in the wilderness, exploring the desert. If he didn't go exploring with his grandfather,...

Josh Gunalda
Josh Gunalda

Admissions Director

Josh has over 18 years of experience working in wilderness therapy. He began his career leading wilderness expeditions for adjudicated...

Teague Perkins
Teague Perkins

Social Media Director

Teague brings 9 years of wilderness therapy experience to the WinGate team. Teague was introduced to wilderness therapy as a student of...

Sarah Persha
Sarah Persha, M.A.

Parent Coaching Director

Sarah Persha, MA, joins Wingate Education in the expansion of parent and family services including Expanse, Roots, and Awakenings. As...