Helping Troubled Teens through an alternative to boot camp: MTC: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Christian Youth Ranch

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Camp for troubled teens


	Teen Boot Camp Management Staff –Mount Carmel Youth Ranch Staff Credentials Not all teen boot camps are created equal. The staff at MTC Youth Ranch are all committed to one goal. Our Teen Boot Camp & Schools for Troubled Teens are headed by gifted individuals whose main objective is to guide young men to the right path through behavior modification and character building events and activities. Gerald Schneider founder of camp for troubled teens Gerald Schneider - Founder, President / Director - Perhaps the first ideas for some of the Mount Carmel philosophies came from Jerry's childhood, where he was taught by the Brother's of the Holy Cross in the all boys' school that he attended. Or, maybe it was the all boys' college where he earned his engineering degree. Wherever the ideas came from, only a man with the determination, perseverance, and humble nature of Jerry Schneider could have realized the vision. After two years working as an engineer, Jerry decided that he was called to something different. He traded in the office chair for the saddle, and in 1967, started ranching in Wyoming. It took a few years before he found his home, but that happened in 1973 when he purchased the land that would one day be a teen boot camp, Mount Carmel. It was on this piece of land that he and his wife Mickey decided they would raise their family of six children. Although his resume is long, all of it shows the tenacity and hard work of a Wyoming cowboy. Jerry has worn many hats over the years, from a College instructor to a boxing coach. He has owned and operated five different businesses and has been a Wyoming rancher for nearly forty years. He learned about raising children by being a father to his six kids. Angie, Susie, Danny, twins; Matt and Mark, and Luke, each of the Schneider children have grown to desire giving to God in their own ways. From working with the troubled youth, living the missionary life, becoming a priest and Carmelite monk, to obtaining an MBA, each lives to give back. Mickey and Jerry have always felt that their calling was to be parents. Since 1967, when the first troubled youth came to live with them, they have extended this parenting beyond their own family. Over the years, more troubled youth who were in need of some help would come and stay with the Schneider's. Then in November of 1991, while working cattle on the mountain, Jerry's horse somersaulted over the top of him. He awoke in the hospital to find that he had lost movement on one side of his body. Knowing how unforgivable Wyoming can be to a cowboy, and how even the strongest, sometimes can't make it, Jerry wondered how he could continue to run his ranch with a disability such as this. The origin of teen boot camp, Mount Carmel: After thinking and praying about it, a couple young men offered their assistance, to help the ranch stay afloat. After those original two troubled youth, they just kept coming. Through his accident, Jerry learned that his true calling was in helping troubled youth find themselves, the way that God created them. He found the rewards of this greater than those found raising cattle, “so now we do both”. Matthew Schneider assistant director of school for troubled teens Matthew Schneider - Bachelors of Science in Psychology - Assistant Director, Ranch Manager, Vocational Director, Educator - A.A.S. Psychology, Member of the Brotherhood of Working Ferriers, Completed Graham's School for Livestock, Boxing Coach, Twenty-three years experience as a mountain cowboy, Ranch Owner, and Mandt (Conflict Resolution, De-escalation methods) Trainer. Raised on the very ground that has become teen boot camp, Mount Carmel, Matt is following in his father's footsteps in helping troubled youth. He experienced first hand the rewards of this work, and found his calling to be the same. Matt has the unique ability to apply life lessons that he learned growing up here to the lives of the boys that are arriving at the troubled youth camp today. Matt is a devoted husband and the proud father of five. He lives on the ranch, and teaches the boys boxing, roping, and horsemanship skills. Matt has been boxing since the age of eight, and has won numerous state and regional boxing titles. He is an experienced boxing coach and enjoys passing this and all knowledge onto the boys. Having a continued interest in the mental health field, Matt is currently pursuing a Bachelors degree in Psychology. He inherited much from his father, not the least of which is his humble nature, and desire to help the troubled youth of today. It seemed natural that he would take on his current role of Assistant Director at some point. He shoulders this burden because he sees that, which his father saw, in the eyes of the boys he helps. Always a difficult task, and so often thankless, the rewards of his job don't come from the bank. Mark Schneider manages troubled teen camp Mark Schneider - Ranch Manager, Vocational Educator - Experienced mountain cowboy, farmer, and business owner/operator. Mark is truly the vocational “rock” of Mount Carmel. His experience comes both from the classroom, and from the field. Born and raised on the ranch, it is in his blood. From early morning feeding to late nights on a tractor, Mark knows how to work. He has to, as the success of the ranch is on his shoulders; and he humbly carries the load. He quietly and patiently teaches the boys that come to the teen boot camp, how to work, and they see through him that work will make them happy. They learn the value of a job completed, and find that a job is only done, when it is done right. After the “teen boot camp” type work is completed, Mark might be found coaching the boys on boxing, which he has been doing since the age of eight. He is the proud father of two, and devotes himself to his family. Mark's vocational knowledge reaches beyond the ranch and he is able to teach the boys many more trades. Having owned and operated a successful drywall business, Mark understands construction and the inner workings of a business. Through him, the boys have this knowledge and experience available to them as they make their career choices. Mount Carmel Youth Ranch Staff Lester Dumm incorporates animals into behavior modification program Lester Dumm- Director of Equine Therapy, Cow Camp Director, Bunkhouse Manager -Certified teacher in the state of Colorado in Agriculture and Animal Training. Lester received a Bachelors in Agriculture and Extension, an Associates degree in Training and Education, a M.A. Agriculture, and a B.S. Agriculture. Retired Air Force, Lester has had 45 years worth of experience with nature and animals and the therapy that is incorporated in dealing with them. He was an equine instructor at a community college for 5 years, and has worked as the 4-H advisor for the state of Colorado. He is also a family man, the father of two, and grandfather to six. Lester's philosophy is much like that of Mount Carmel’s teen boot camp in the belief that the development of the person comes through a sound work ethic as well as developing solid Christian faith values and morals. Dan Burrs helps feed at risk youth Dan "The Gentle Giant" Burrs - Chef, Tradesman, Dorm father - Extensive culinary experience, eighteen years trades experience, Business owner and operator. Dan's extensive background offers much to the Mount Carmel troubled youth. His greatest desire is to be able to pass on as much of his knowledge as is possible. His hope for each troubled youth that attends this teen boot camp, is that they can find the one wholesome thing in life that fulfills them. He helps them to discover this by providing experience in a wide range of fields, including culinary training, and most of the construction trades. Dan got his experience the old fashioned way, by living it. At 6'2” and 290 lbs, Dan truly is our “gentle giant.” After high school he was a first string linebacker for the University of Minnesota, he studied at Lakewood Community College, and at the Electrical program at Northwest College. He learned the art of cooking, that we all enjoy, from working in a wide range of restaurants, studying culinary arts in school, and working under a presidential chef. He has worked in the construction trades for over eighteen years and has enjoyed time guiding fishing trips, and teaching the art of tying fishing flies, here at our teen boot camp. Having first hand knowledge of the devastating effects of addiction, Dan offers a unique perspective on the subject. He understands the emptiness of spirit that accompanies addiction, and is able to relate at a very personal level with boys; helping them to understand the pain, and heartache that their addiction causes. Dan has an uncommon, humble way about him. What brings him to work each day is not the paycheck, but rather the chance that he may change the life of even one troubled youth. Julie Ley helps troubled teens Julie Ley- Office Manager/Admissions Coordinator A.A.S. Office Technology/ Administrative Assistant. Certificate Degree in Microsoft Word. Graduated with honors. Julie has not only had adequate experience in office technology/office administration, but also in the care of children. She ran her own licensed daycare while providing care for her own two children. She loves customer service and has a lot of experience, including working as a customer service representative at a busy call center. Julie feels her job as the Office Manager/Admissions Coordinator is “fulfilling in every way. I am able to do what I love and help people at the same time. I love being able to be there for parents and their children as well as run the office.” Richard Fitton helps at risk youth Richard Fitton; Dorm Father M.A. Political Studies. University of IL, Springfield IL . 2006. B.A. American Civilization. A.S. History-2002. Eastern Illinois University, Charleston IL, 2002. A.S. Agricultural Education, Parkland College, Champaign IL, 2000. Richard has spent over 30 years raising corn, soybeans, wheat and cattle in East Central Illinois. Richard has always loved farming and raising livestock and has always enjoyed sharing what he has learned with young people. While working on a PD at the University of Tennessee, Richard heard about Mount Carmel Youth Ranch’s teen boot camp and decided it would be a perfect fit for him. During family vacations Richard was introduced to Wyoming and fell in love with the area. The icing on the cake for Richard was that Mount Carmel Youth Ranch is all of this within a faith based atmosphere. Larry Ley teaches at school for troubled teens Larry Ley- Teacher- B.A. Secondary Education; Social Studies Comprehensive, Wyoming Certified Teacher 7th -12th grade. Middle School Endorsement. Highly qualified status granted through the High Objective Uniform State Standard of Evaluation System in Political Science, U.S. History and World History - University of Wyoming, Laramie WY. 2006. B.A. History; Minor Business Administration; Montana State University (Formerly Eastern Montana College), Billings MT, 1994. Currently pursuing Coaching Endorsement with a focus on football. The role Larry serves at Mount Carmel Youth Ranch’s teen boot camp is that of a teacher/educator. He truly enjoys the opportunity to interact and guide troubled youth in a positive direction that will enable them to lead productive lives. Larry was born and raised in the local area and has an extensive agricultural background. He decided to pursue a teaching career after performing substitute teaching in the area. Larry realized that his interest in working with our troubled youth and being a positive influence on them was something that he really wanted to do. Additional roles that Larry serves in his life are that of a husband and father of two children. Mickey Schneider helps troubled youth Mickey Schneider-Dorm Parent- was born Aug 2, 1945 and is the oldest of 12 children. Mickey and Jerry married in 1963 and had 6 children of their own. Mickey was a CNA for two years before deciding to become a stay at home mother. Mickey and Jerry started taking troubled youth into their home in 1992 and Mount Carmel Youth Ranch was formed in 1996. Mickey says that "my own children were troubled youth so I really understand how helpless other parents feel; the guilt, the what did I do wrong question, all the whys." Mickey's experience with her own children as well as the troubled youth she has helped guide through the years has helped her become a wonderful staff parent. Mount Carmel Wilderness Interventions, Inc. Staff Hobart Akin mentors at risk teens Hobart Akin- Mentor/ Counselor - B.A. in Latin from the University of Tennessee, with over 20 Hrs of credit in ancient Greek and Hebrew religious studies. His past work experience as a Student building manager and directing the student workers from on-campus as well as foreign exchange students, and the P.R at the university, have become useful training for his current work experience. Hobart says that he feels “as though his past struggles in relationships in and out of his family have lead him to an understanding of the struggle these troubled youth and their families are experiencing. He sees how much time is wasted in destroying the family home, and how he feels as though through his own life experience, God has called him to work here and by example show these troubled youth the life value of respect for yourself as well as those around him.” Penny Gifford Penny Gifford Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, Master of Science degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, Licensed Addiction Therapist, Master Addiction Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor. Penny is a Wyoming native who was raised on a cattle ranch near the Big Horn Mountains. She completed her Master's degree at MSU-B in Billings, Montana. During her final year in college she became employed as a drug and alcohol counselor at Yellowstone County Mental Health in Billings, Montana. In 2000 she returned to Wyoming to work as a drug and alcohol counselor at Cedar Mountain Center. While employed there she obtained her license as a mental health counselor. She currently works in private practice in Powell, WY serving adolescents and adults with behavioral health and drug/alcohol problems. She is also working toward her PhD in psychology. Charles D. Moore Charles D. Moore –Mentor – MBA, University of Pennsylvania. BSW, Philadelphia Biblical University, Langhorne, PA. Mr. Moore is semi retired from a successful career of manufacturing and systems integration in the professional audio industry. He has owned a number of well known companies and has engaged in extensive worldwide travel. He was raised on a dairy, poultry and vegetable farm in central Pennsylvania and worked on the farm until college. Moore states that, “working with the troubled youth here at Mt. Carmel is God’s way of utilizing many of my life skills in practical application. It is also very rewarding to develop large scale gardens for the ranch along with egg production from our chicken flock that will supplement the teen boot camp’s food supply. These efforts teach the boys the techniques and enjoyment of seeing food being supplied and consumed as a direct result of their work. It is my goal to have the lessons learned while gardening and participating in egg production remain useful to the boys throughout their adult lives.” Bryan Willoughby Bryan Willoughby – Mentor/Counselor B.A. in Philosophy from the Franciscan University of Steubenville. Having come from a family of five, he knows what it means to be a brother and a role model. “Because I have experienced, struggled with and overcome many of the same things these troubled youth are going through; addiction, uncontrolled anger, distraction from what is truly important in life, and real temptation, I feel that I am prepared to help these boys become men of God.” The main things that recommend him to this work are his patience, faith, and sense of humor. There are very few challenges that he can’t approach with determination, a smile and a prayer. William Plant William Plant Work Experience: Bill has over 20 years experience in the military (U.S.M.C) as well as law enforcement and security experience. During his employment at the park county sheriff’s department (Cody, WY), Mr. Plant worked in the juvenile detention department, with inmates that had been incarcerated. Mr. Plant also worked in the security department on the Crow Indian reservation, at a Native American Catholic school in Xavier, Montana. At this same facility he was an educational counselor, as well as a substitute teacher. While in the military, Mr. Plant was able to travel throughout Montana, giving lectures to high school students on the importance of setting goals for themselves. Mr. Plant’s past experience in law enforcement brings invaluable experience to MTC as well as bringing educational knowledge that he can share with the troubled youth to help them to explore different career options in the military or security field. Christopher Bogowith Christopher Bogowith: Mentor/Counselor. High School Graduate. Chris has experience in home construction and brings this skill to the troubled youth. He grew up the eldest of 7 boys, so he knows what it means to take on a leadership role – he was a strong role model for his younger brothers. Chris enjoys working with the troubled youth at teen boot camp, MTC, and seeing the positive changes come about in their lives. Troy Bonham Troy Bonham Troy Bonham comes to Mount Carmel with 15 years experience as a working cowboy and with 10 years of experience as a professional equipment operator. Troy has worked with adolescent boys previously when he was a residential socio-therapist at a residential treatment facility in New York State. Troy loves working directly with the boys and using his own experiences and education to help the boys learn new skills. Troy is a born again Christian who is married with three children. He leads the boys by living his own life for Jesus Christ and by loving his family passionately and living by the code of the old west. Jonathan Hill Jonathan Hill AA in Business Administration, Cum Laude Graduate. United States Navy – 2 years. Volunteer Overseas Missionary working with young children – 2 years. Counselor in Prison for Juvenile Delinquents – 1 year. Brother of Religious Order – Canons Regular of St. John Cantius of Chicago – 9 months Jonathan has been working with adolescence since 2002 in various ways, from church teen ministries to prison ministries. He loves being involved with something that will change lives for the better. He plans to eventually work with a missionary agency that helps the poorest of the poor. He also has an extensive background in ranch and farm life, growing up on a small cattle ranch and being involved for many years with 4-H and FFA. Tom George Tom George - Special Projects Manager - M.A. Religious Studies. B.A. Physiology. Tom George has made it his life mission to serve God and the Catholic Church. Along with his wife Susan and their ten children (ranging from age 6 months – 19 years old), he has served the Catholic Church for the past 20 years. Much of that work has been with youth. As a gifted teacher,he has been a guest speaker for youth retreats and seminars. He imparts moral truth in a way that teens can understand and relate to.The gift he brings to our teen boot camp is his example as a father and as a man of God who leads the boys in establishing a work ethic that has helped many of the young men discover their true potential. Christine Bonham Christine Bonham, M. A. ,LMFT is the Clinical Coordinator at Mount Carmel Youth Ranch. She is a Master's level therapist who holds an M.A. in Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling. She earned her Master's degree from Chapman University in Orange County, California in 1994. She is a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist. Christine graduated from the State University of New York in Albany in 1991 with a B.S. in Sociology. She obtained her nursing degree from the St. James School of Nursing in New York in 1982. She is a Licensed Practical Nurse. Christine also served proudly in the Air Force on active duty during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Prior to joining the clinical team at Mount Carmel Youth Ranch, Christine worked as a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist in Colorado for ten years. She has over 13 years licensed experience with at risk youth. In her work as a therapist, she has focused on treating the troubled youth. Her experience includes in-patient settings, residential, day treatment, community mental health centers, alternative school programs, and private practice. She has treated patients for a wide variety of conditions, including adjustment disorders, depression, oppositional defiant issues, conduct disorders, and family issues. Her compassion for the troubled youth allows for healing and empowerment to motivate them to live productive lives. She is able to provide them the tools and validation they need to stand on their own. In her extensive career as a therapist and a nurse, Christine has worked for organizations as diverse as Strong Memorial Hospital at the University of Rochester, the United States Air Force Academy, and the Chapman University Center for Marriage and Counseling. Most recently she worked as a nurse/therapist at the Spanish Peaks Mental Health Center in Colorado, where she provided group, individual, and family therapy. She developed and implemented treatment plans and was also responsible for intake and emergency screenings. In this position she also supervised and assisted in the training of other clinical staff members. Christine is a born-again Christian and loves serving God. She is also a mother of 3 beautiful children and the wife of Troy. They truly bring a family dynamic to our program. Business/ Admissions Office (307)-645-3322 or reach us by email at admissions@mtcarmelyouthranch.com.