Trails Momentum

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Trails Momentum is a co-ed adventure therapy-based program for young men and women between the ages of 18-25 tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

Trails Momentum is a co-ed adventure therapy-based therapeutic wilderness program offering a transformative, whole student centered growth experience in the mountains of western North Carolina for young adults ages 18-25.

Adventure programming, clinical services, education, service-learning, community living, and family programming are seamlessly interwoven to maximize the transference of soft and hard skills in a way the empowers our graduates in their post Trails Momentum lives.

At Trails Momentum, we recognize that struggling young adults and their families face challenges that are often distinctly different than adolescents. That is why Trails Momentum’s approach to inspiring change in young adults draws on a sense of community and adventure that helps shift the narrative about a young man or woman’s trajectory.

testimonials

We help young adults develop the skills needed to successfully launch into adulthood and lead happy and healthy lives.

Trails Academy student

Todd RansdellProgram Director

Phone: (877) 296 – 8711

Email: aray@trailsmomentum.com

City: Pisgah Forest, North Carolina

Closest Airport: Asheville Regional Airport

Average Duration: 60 -120 days.

Who we Help: Co-ed ages of 18 to 25.

Student Profile:

Failure to Launch
Low motivation / direction
Lacking independence and life skills
Anxiety, depression, low self esteem
Showing destructive or unhealthy patterns

Learn More About Trails Momentum

A co-ed Wilderness Adventure Program for students 18-25

Graham Shannonhouse
Founder - Trails Carolina, Trails Momentum, Foundations Asheville

Adam Ray
Founder & Director of Program Development – Foundations Asheville

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Graham Shannonhouse

Founder - Trails Carolina, Trails Momentum, Foundations Asheville

Graham Shannonhouse has more than 20 years of experience in the wilderness field. With an intimate working knowledge of the roots of wilderness therapy, Graham brought her wisdom and insights into the development of the country’s first wilderness experience to intentionally integrate family work into the student’s core treatment plan. And with more than 16 years in the wilderness field, she has been an integral part of the conception, execution, and evolution of what we have come to know as wilderness therapy.

Graham began her career as a hands-on field instructor, quickly moving to field supervisor, followed by a tenure as program director. During this period she successfully designed, managed and served as a therapist for the country’s first therapeutic wilderness program specifically for teens ages 10 to 13. In 2002, Graham returned to the east to serve as executive director for a therapeutic wilderness program based in North Carolina, successfully growing it into one of the most respected companies in the industry.

When Graham is not working she enjoys wake boarding, mountain biking, and running with her two golden doodles on the many trails of Western North Carolina. She competes in marathons, rides in local bike races, and is an exceptionally talented chef. More than anything, Graham loves to travel and spend time with her family.

Growing up in North Carolina, I would spend my summers in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. My time in the wilderness helped me define myself as a person, and it is with gratitude and joy that I am able to offer struggling adolescents and their families the opportunity to do the same.

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Adam Ray

Founder & Director of Program Development – Foundations Asheville

Adam Ray brings a wealth of experience to Trails Momentum and Foundations Asheville. For 13 years Adam has been wholeheartedly meeting the needs of students, families, and educational consultants. Adam’s breadth of experience in all realms of therapeutic programming is what allows the strengths of our diverse staff to shine through. His leadership champions the collaboration and cohesion of our staff community, allowing Foundations and Trails Momentum to deliver on its truly integrated and unique program.

Adam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Outdoor Leadership from Warren Wilson College and has developed multiple vocational training, mental heath, and transitional living programs. He served several years as a Family Resource Specialist helping families of youth at risk identify continuing care options and therapeutic resources while coordinating outbound referrals and marketing strategies. Adam spent a semester in Kenya with an intensive NOLS leadership training program and enjoys bringing his knowledge of experiential learning and careful cultivation of group culture to wide-ranging outdoor and cultural expeditions with the students.

When not taking care of the needs of our students and staff, Adam can be found riding the trails and roadways of Western North Carolina on any manner of bicycle. An accomplished athlete and former captain of an elite road cycling team, Adam continues his dedication to adventure alongside his well-loved dog, Bollo while enhancing the adventurous culture of The Academy at Trails Carolina.

What I really love about working with teens is watching them reunite with their family. After hearing all of the hardships families go through it is very rewarding to know they are back on track and their futures are brighter because they came to our program.

click here to go to Foundation Asheville