David has 30 years of experience working with teens and young adults in therapeutic schools and wilderness-based settings. He has “grown up” in the field, holding positions as a teacher, direct care staff, wilderness guide, as well as Program Director and Executive Director. In the late 1980’s David helped start a wilderness program sponsored by his alma mater, Houghton College, which still serves at-risk teens in western NY. He also developed and facilitated a leadership camp program through Perm State University in Perm, Russia. Prior to joining Cherokee Creek Boys School as Executive Director in 2007, he led Middle and High School therapeutic programs in California and Utah.

David is an active member of National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) and currently serves as the Vice President on the Board of Directors. He’s been a presenter at national conferences for NATSAP, IECA (Independent Educational Consultant Association), and the YMCA.