Knight To Head Oregon Transition Homes

Contact:
Julia Andrick
Marketing & Communications Director
208-265-8355
208-255-6920/cell
www.cfreer.com

July 19, 2006

Darcy Knight has been appointed director of Oregon Transition Homes (OTH), an adolescent transition program operated by Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs.

"Darcy's experience working with at-risk youth and her clinical background will be tremendous assets to our OTH students, their families and us," said Robert Cooley, Ph.D., executive director of Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs.

"I value Sarah Mack's work in creating and successfully running this program for more than 10 years. I'm pleased to be able to respond to her request to hand over the reins. Now Sarah can focus on referral development for all of our programs and on her role as an executive team member," Cooley added.

Knight has been working with adolescents and families for ten years in a variety of settings including residential treatment centers, detention facilities and in the court system with adjudicated youth. She has worked with at-risk youth and their families to assist with behavior management and increase communication within the family. She began working for Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs in 2000. Since that time she has been the lead therapist on 22 wilderness therapy expeditions, and most recently held the position of wilderness therapist at Santiam Crossing School. Knight holds a master's degree in education from the University of Georgia and is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor.

Oregon Transition Homes is a transitional living program for adolescents struggling with emotional and behavioral issues. Children live in a private home with a licensed and trained
family. Adolescents benefit from living in a nurturing home environment, where there are clear and consistent rules and expectations. This program caters to adolescents that are not likely to make appropriate behavior changes if they returned immediately home.

About Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs
Since1998, Catherine Freer's therapeutic wilderness programs have given thousands of at-risk youth the tools necessary to address behavioral issues and to make a new start. The Albany, OR, based company operates 21 and 51-day wilderness therapy expeditions, Santiam Crossing, an outdoor therapeutic school, and Oregon Transition Homes. The programs serve more than 400 adolescents annually. Licensed by the state of Oregon as both a substance abuse and mental health treatment program, Catherine Freer Wilderness Therapy Programs is a founding member of the Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Industry Council and the National Association for Therapeutic Schools and Programs. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCAHCO) accredits the company. For more information, please visit the website at www.cfreer.com or call (800) 390-3983.