Clinical Staff

Kendra Meiklejohn, LCSW, Clinical Director, was born and raised in the beautiful mountains of Montana, where she developed a deep appreciation for the natural world. She earned a Dual Masters degree in Social Work and Kinesiology from the University of New Hampshire, as well as a Bachelors of Science in Behavioral Health from Southwestern College, Kendra is highly trained in various therapeutic modalities such as EMDR, CBT, DBT, and mindfulness. With her extensive experience and training in wilderness therapy, Kendra has spent over 1500 field days as a guide, mentoring young women, and utilizing the natural world to enhance self-awareness and agency. Kendra is also passionate about challenging preconceived notions, loving her community and family, and exploring the world around her. In her practice, she strives to provide a trauma-informed approach to therapy while relying on the healing power of wildness, kinesthetic/adventure therapy, and a fostering a strong therapeutic alliance. Kendra believes that eternal optimism is key to facing the tough and arduous work necessary to a well-lived life.

LCPC, CTRS, EMDR Trained

Emily Thelen is the therapist for Milestones, our transition house. She received her Masters at Naropa University in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology, with an emphasis in Wilderness Therapy. Emily has worked in the therapeutic wilderness and transitional care industry since 2006 with adolescent men, women, families, and young adults. She graduated from her home state’s University of Wisconsin-La Crosse as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) and has held a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Certification since 2006.

While she has EMDR and SMART Recovery training, she also leans on the use of positive psychology, ACT, nature, ritual, and ceremony in the healing and transformation process. Her kind and yet firm approach is what makes her an effective disruptor in the healing process.

Emily is passionate about seeing and bringing forward the bright light that exists in all of us, in spite of and because of our past stories and struggles. It is a pure joy for Emily to mentor and model health and healing with these courageous young women who are choosing to develop, explore, and deepen their own sense of selves.

The healing power of nature continues to run deep in Emily’s life while living and working in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. Emily enjoys quality over quantity, gentle boldness, bikepacking, snowboarding, and small gestures that make the world a better place.

Stacey received her Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Mississippi College and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern Mississippi. She has worked as the Director of Social Services for Vicksburg Medical Center, served as a college professor, and operated a psychotherapeutic private practice. She has worked with youth, chancery, and circuit courts to facilitate and assist in psychiatric assessments for those needing voluntary and involuntary treatment. She has also worked with numerous hospice agencies, and was the Program Coordinator for the Domestic Violence Victim’s Empowerment Program for the Vicksburg Municipal Court. Stacey has been a marriage, family, individual, and group therapist throughout her career. She specialized in facilitating griefwork, teaching coping skills, and treatment of depression and adjustment and anxiety disorders. Her clinical expertise included CTTP, CBT, Mindfulness, and RET, among others.

Stacey has a heart for volunteering, supporting non-profits and giving back to her community. She has an adventurer’s spirit, and is up for just about any challenge. She is happiest outdoors and loves riding her beloved horses, hiking, camping, kayaking, scuba diving and the beauty and tranquility of the beach and the majesty of trees. She is also passionate about her family, friends, giving gifts and the unmitigated joy of eating ice cream. She encourages service over self and unconditional acceptance of and respect for others. With all of her skill and experience, Stacey believes that sometimes healing lies in the simple power of silence and a hug. Stacey finds great peace in the company of her incredible children and her loving husband.

Ruth Richards-Schlarman, LCPC, has been a therapist for nearly thirty years, with much of that time being spent in private practice.  Ruth has specialized in working with children, adolescents and families who have experienced trauma but works with clients with a wide variety of goals.   Ruth spent many years teaching college level students pursuing careers in the counseling field and has a strong interest in education. In addition to her private practice based in Whitefish and her part-time work for Chrysalis, Ruth continues to provide supervision to licensee candidates and teaches parenting and divorce education for the Nurturing Center in Kalispell.

In addition to her clinical work, Ruth also has a Master’s Degree in Harp Performance and has spent many years playing music professionally.  She is currently the Arts Director for Sunburst Arts and Education in Eureka, a local non-profit agency that sponsors music, art and educational opportunities in the Tobacco Valley.

Amy grew up in Northwest Montana before embarking on a journey to explore different parts of the country, pursue higher education, and start a family. She returned home to her roots to raise her four children in the same beautiful outdoor setting where she was raised. Amy holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. Amy is particularly driven to work with teenagers, devoting most of her life to helping them discover their full potential and self-worth. “It is my goal to make every teenager I meet, to feel unconditionally loved, accepted, and safe”.  When she’s not at Chrysalis, you can find Amy enjoying the great outdoors, watching sports, or simply spending time with her husband and children.

Adeline Burkett brings more than seven years of therapeutic expertise, having worked with clients from diverse backgrounds in both in-patient and outpatient environments. At Chrysalis, she collaborates with children, adolescents, adults, and families facing difficulties in achieving their life objectives, regardless of what those might be. Her specialty lies in aiding individuals who have experienced trauma, crisis, or struggles with emotions and mental health.

Adeline, a lifelong student, has earned certifications in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Traumatized Brain Work, Emotional Intelligence, and Corrective Thinking, which is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She is also skilled in Emotional Freedom Technique-Tapping (EFT and TFT) and holds credentials as a certified hypnotherapist (CCHT), End-of-Life Doula, and Reiki Master. Additionally, Adeline is a published author. Her latest work aims to assist individuals in building a robust mental health foundation, providing reliable support for navigating mental health challenges.

Adeline began her journey on a modest hobby farm in northeastern Ohio. This served as her springboard to venture out into the world, where she gained life experiences and deepened her understanding of diverse people and cultures. Her interest in this area was further supported by her second graduate degree in cultural anthropology. Adeline has traveled to 48 U.S. states and 14 countries, such as Afghanistan, Zambia, Botswana, and Ethiopia. Besides her passion for travel, she cherishes time spent with her grown son and her two dogs.

Elizabeth is from coastal Mississippi. She got her bachelors of social work from the University of Southern Mississippi and her masters of social work from Western Carolina University. Elizabeth is skilled in DBT and mindfulness modality. Elizabeth has previous experience ins wilderness therapy which launched her into the world of programs. She continued her experience working at another therapeutic boarding school before coming to Chrysalis. Elizabeth’s approach with her clients is direct and her end goal is family reunification however that can look. Elizabeth truly believes in this work and has seen multiple successes with it. Elizabeth loved working with attachment issues. Elizabeth enjoys going on adventure group. When she’s not at work Elizabeth is making sourdough, hiking or gardening.

Danielle has worked with adolescents and young adults in a wide range of settings including residential treatment centers and wilderness therapy. Throughout her years as a therapist, she has especially resonated with experiential therapeutic modalities and with the healing nature of the outdoors. This has created a passion for healing through nature.

Danielle has a deep understanding of the importance of working with the whole family in addition to the individual client, thus allowing family members to grow and change both individually and as a system. She uses a holistic approach in her work and pulls from a variety of therapeutic modalities to best fit each individual’s specific needs. Some of the many modalities she uses include Brain Spotting and Trauma-Focused CBT. These forms of therapy create a space for students to access negative memories and feelings then release them, allowing the brain and body to heal. Danielle takes pride in using a relational approach and in creating a safe and comfortable environment for her clients.

Danielle was born and raised in New England. As a true New Englander, she loves spending time immersed in the great outdoors. When she is not at work and teaching students about the power of nature and adventure, she can be found outside on adventures of her own which include hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, paddleboarding, and camping.