Jordan Martell
I started Out of the Wilderness in 2020 as a result of what I would consider in the moment as “a chance conversation” with one of my wife’s patients. She told me I needed to consider becoming a provider and how in need of healthy people who can show support and care of others our surrounding communities are. I didn’t sleep for a couple nights thereafter. I thought I was climbing the ladder, but God was definitely working on me. OotW launched the week of COVID, but if anything it positioned us to truly be that light in a dark place for those we serve.
I love this team of people. They are of the highest quality, not just in skillset but in character and heart, to live out what God has called us to.
Current Capacity: 0
Leilani Christopherson
I live in Amery, WI with my husband and two teenagers. I am an entrepreneur, teacher, and youth director in my church. I have been a homeschool teacher for six years and also teach adult online bible studies. I am excited to partner with individuals to help identify life’s obstacles, working together towards growth. I promote authenticity, freeing people to speak their minds and be themselves. I love helping people reach their potential and embrace their unique talents and abilities. I enjoy listening, and understanding each person’s story, and where they come from. This allows me to provide support and address specific needs, developing strategies to work toward solutions to help individuals fulfill their purpose in life.
I grew up in a very religious home without much love, experiencing abandonment and rejection from a young age. These experiences and so many others have given me an understanding of the difficulties of childhood trauma and abuse. I spent many years in counseling and my faith strengthened me to come out of severe depression as an adolescent. One thing I believe whole-heartedly is that no matter what obstacles we’ve experienced, we can grow. I am passionate about supporting individuals in their journey towards using the obstacles in their lives to become strong and find joy and peace.
Current Capacity: 3
Jennifer Demulling
Hello, my name is Jennifer Demulling and I grew up just over the river, in Lindstrom, MN. I graduated from high school and started my college education at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wi. I completed my Bachelor of Arts and moved west to work with Americorps*National Civilian Community Corps. where I had the opportunity to volunteer with other people my age, while serving the community at large in the areas of education, community service, environmental work, and public safety. After living and working in San Diego for 5 years I moved home, where I met my husband and we started our family.
I believe in accepting individuals where they are on their journey, as they are. I will support individuals by listening to them tell their story and share their goals. I will be a source of positive reinforcement and consistent encouragement as they work to live their best life. Recognizing each individual has ongoing needs and unique situations, I will be an accountable and reliable part of the support network of each individual.
Current Capacity: 1
Brad Perrin
I grew up in the western suburbs of Minneapolis, but after attending college in River Falls, Wisconsin, I fell in love with the St. Croix River Valley and have lived here ever since. I have been the owner of a real estate appraisal business for the past 20 years. In 2016 I followed my dream to return to school to receive my Masters in Education at the University of Northwestern – St. Paul. For the past 6 years, I have worked as a teacher and administrator at Valley Christian School in Osceola.
My family was split in two by divorce when I was 12 years old. This led down the path to blended family struggles, addiction, and broken relationships. It was my faith that gave me strength and healing, and recovery for my marriage. As my children reached school age, I felt called to a career change in teaching. When our home burned down in 2021, it was our church and school families that came to our aid. I have a desire to give this love forward, to support those that have experienced similar struggles, and to assure those in need that they are not alone.
Current Capacity: 2
Amber Hedin
My name is Amber Hedin. I am a paraprofessional with Out of the Wilderness. I have specialized training from the Oklahoma DHS from my time working with at-risk youth; mostly in the area of trauma and cultural diversity. I also used to work with mental health and substance abuse recovery participants in a program called Bridge to Life at the Oklahoma homeless shelter. I supervised their culinary training, team building and time management skills. Additionally, I was able to not only do some motivational speaking for the group but got to build close relationships with some recovery participants, which have maintained an uplifting and encouraging influence for decades.
Having had a childhood in a single parent household who suffered through emotional and physical abuse, as well as an absent parent, I understand the mental health struggles of overcoming trauma. I spent many years in counseling, using psychotherapy techniques such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and a spiritual-led approach.
Current Capacity: 1
Stephanie Steffen
I join Out of the Wilderness with a holistic perspective and background in Occupational Therapy. I help individuals across the lifespan who are experiencing physical and cognitive changes, illnesses or various abilities; providing support through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. I help in adapting the environment (school, home, occupational setting) to increase independence, promote health, and prevent further injury/decline. Healthy lifestyles and diet is a passion of mine and helping those who need diet changes, special diet/meal planning support, and cooking skills. I also serve those who want spiritual support or mentoring, helping to bring purpose and direction in one’s journey.
I love being in nature and enjoy kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, hiking, fishing, boating, camping, biking, and anything outdoors. You can learn a lot about yourself and others in the quiet of nature, it is a space you can revive yourself and I enjoy sharing the beauty of nature with others. In my spare time I enjoy traveling, hiking, cooking, reading, finding unique coffee shops, gardening and spending time with my family and friends.
Current Capacity: 1
Doug Schubert
I retired from Securian Financial after holding many leadership roles during those years, most of them involving managing people and teams in pursuit of building better products and services for Securian’s retirement clients. Professional skills of note included problem solving, leading and coaching project teams and establishing relationships with business partners. I enjoy hunting, fishing, sporting events, woodworking and socializing with friends and family. Also a very active volunteer in the Hudson community: President of the Rotary Club, Food Bank volunteer and mentor for Big Brothers/ Big Sisters in addition to Out of the Wilderness.
I lost my father to cancer in 1993 and quickly realized how much a male role model had meant to me and how much he still needed one as an adult. I have been a role model to my son and his group of friends and seek out opportunities to spend time with older men I consider mentors. I believe deeply in giving back and serving others and consider it an honor and privilege to spend time with individuals who need help and would benefit from spending time with somebody who sees them as worthy and valuable in spite of their afflictions.
Current Capacity: 1
Loni Perrin
I grew up very poor in a single parent household with a dysfunctional parent, so I know what survival (in many shapes and forms) looks and feels like. I’m passionate about helping people. When I attended WITC, I was a peer tutor who tutored students in Accounting, Excel and Business Math. My greatest joy was getting someone to pass that had failed (sometimes more than once). I was able to identify and adapt to their struggles because I had many of the same struggles.
I abused drugs and alcohol as an adolescent and adult. I understand addiction and turned my life around over twenty years ago.
Current Capacity: 0
Ryan Esparza
Hi, I’m Ryan, I’m a CCS Provider, owner and beekeeper of Apple Grove Apiary, father, husband, brother, and Christ believer. I’m also a veteran who spent ten years in the United States Air Force from 2006-2016 as an aerospace maintenance crew chief on C-17 cargo planes. I enjoy being outside even if it means walking through my yard and watching nature around me. With that I like working with my hands, building beekeeping equipment, taking things apart with my son, and woodworking.
My passion for joining Out of the Wilderness is to provide a veterans mindset to other veterans in need, I know first hand the difficulty talking to someone about military hardships when the other person hasn’t spent time in the military. With that said my highest mission is to listen, empower, and show that they are not alone.
Current Capacity: 0
Hannah Simpson
I live in Amery, WI with my husband on a small farm. We have horses, rabbits, three dogs, and occasionally puppies! I graduated from Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation with my Masters in Addiction Studies, and Mental Health. I have been working in the field for the past three years, and love the opportunity to help facilitate hope and healing to others.
I am excited to partner with individuals to identify life’s obstacles and together work towards a solution. I have a person centered approach, and meet each person where they are at. I love listening, and understanding each person’s story, and where they come from. This allows me to provide support and accountability to address each person’s specific needs, and develop strategies to work toward solutions to help individuals fulfill their purpose in life with confidence. Having a Masters degree in mental health and addiction, gives me foundational tools to help those who struggle in these areas. I am down to earth, compassionate and love to laugh. I would love to partner with you and help you find hope and joy in life.
Current Capacity: 0
Mark Smith
I am a former physical education teacher in the Forest Lake public school system. My philosophy is to teach students lifelong enjoyment through activity and the health and wellness components will follow. My family and I enjoy many outdoor activities. We paddle lakes and rivers in canoes or kayaks and nearly every year spend some time in the BWCA fishing. I grew up loving bicycles and now love to ride mountain bikes on single track trails and road bikes on weekend adventures. Our two adult children ( boy and girl ) also enjoy an active healthy lifestyle.
I feel that my experience teaching and working with individuals who have experienced physical, mental, and emotional issues can offer support and assist clients to achieve more positive and independent functioning.
Current Capacity: 0
Mike Deems
I grew up in Macon, Georgia and following the divorce of my very young parents, I grew up knowing the value things in life as money was often tight with a single mother of three- but I always had love. I was very involved in my academics, sports, and church youth group. I enlisted in the Georgia Army National Guard and the went on to enlist as an Infantry Lieutenant after college where I received my Bachelors in Criminal Justice. I served in the Army until 2021.
Mike is excited to bring my years of leadership, passion for the outdoors, and desire to build others up. Mike has the people skills, experience, and patience to work with people of all ages and walks of life.
Current Capacity: 0
Dell Stone
I grew up in a broken home where both of my parents suffered from addiction and mental health issues. Just prior to their divorce 2 of my sisters and I went to a home for children. In middle school just after the divorce I became very much involved in sports, the outdoors, and began to read more and more. When I was 15 years old a new football coach came to my school and introduced me to Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Through this program I was involved w/ other kids who seemed to have their act together on all fronts. I started talking to my guidance counselor and ultimately decided to go to a Jr. College and play baseball.
Currently I am involved in coaching and do player evaluations for softball and baseball. I love being outside and worked several years in construction. I did receive a degree in Law Enforcement and Corrections and have worked as a Community Service Officer, Corrections Officer, Instructor and a Deputy Sheriff/ K9 handler for over 17 years. When I look back at my childhood and all the experiences good and bad I wouldn’t be where I am w/ out the advice of coaches, teachers, friends and mentors who took an interest in me and offered up a piece of themselves, whether time or advice, to help me out. In whatever capacity I find myself in my ultimate goal is to help someone who may need it.
Current Capacity: 0
Carter Lee
Carter Lee received a bachelor’s degree in finance from Rasmussen College in 2018. He was employed by Wells Fargo for three years, and has construction and as a courier. Carter’s professional interests focus on positively impacting lives and helping others achieve their goals. Carter grew up in Grantsburg, Wisconsin, and now lives in Siren with his wife, and baby girl. He enjoys spending time with extended family, playing hockey, drumming, and weight lifting.
Watching people and families benefit and grow, over time, from his help, is one of his favorite parts of the relationships he’s making. Carter enjoys helping people in any way they may need and he will do his best to help anyone that he is able to. He is open to new challenges with a positive attitude and eager to become a positive influence in as many lives as possible.
Current Capacity: 0
Paul Kendrick
I am a retired teacher of 34 years. Currently, I coach track at Forest Lake High School . I love being physically active and enjoy the outdoors. I was a volunteer firefighter and EMT for the Scandia Fire Department for 22 years. I have been married for 34 years to my wife, Janelle, am a father to 3 adult children and have 4 grandchildren. We enjoy spending time together, whether at home, the cabin, or being outdoors.
Current Capacity: 1
Chad Kudlo
I was born in Lorain, Ohio and had a very unique childhood. My parents were divorced when I was two, my mom moved away from the area and I was left to live with my dad until I was about nine years old. As a child we moved around quite a bit in the surrounding towns of Lorain. During that time I saw a lot of drug and alcohol use and domestic abuse within the household. My father passed away from a drug overdose at the young age of 35. My dad’s brother and wife took me into their home around the age of nine. They were a huge help in directing me onto the right path.
I have a passion to see people succeed. I really enjoy getting to know others and being there for them. I love coming alongside people and seeing them overcome their situations and achieve success! It is great to see the way CCS works with the consumer, allowing them to write this new chapter in their lives. We are there to help them stay on track and provide guidance during this time in their lives. That gives me the goosebumps! I look forward to the opportunity of working with you and your consumers!
Current Capacity: 0