Meet Our Team

Six people standing on a wooden bridge outdoors with trees in the background.

Pictured from left to right: Derrek Ross, Nik James, Kayla Newton, Ali James, Ryan Cooper, Michael Marino.

Man with a beard and dark hair wearing a flat cap, plaid shirt, jeans, and brown boots leaning on a bridge railing in a wooded area with trees and grass.

Derrek Ross

Derrek grew up in southeast Indiana and spent 10 years as a medic in the Air Force after high school. He earned a B.A. in Healthcare Administration during that time. After his honorable discharge, he attended Bethel Seminary for a Master's in marriage and family studies. In 2020, he decided to further his education at Montana State University and got a Master's in Rehabilitation and Mental Health, becoming a licensed counselor. Derrek is licensed in addiction and clinical professional counseling and has 20 years of ministry experience, including 8 years in counseling roles. He loves outdoor activities and hanging out with his three kids.


Woman smiling outdoors on a bridge, wearing glasses, a white shirt, a yellow cardigan with black and white trim, black pants, and black boots, with green and yellow foliage in the background.

Kayla Newton

Kayla is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and she is Program Director for The Uncharted. Kayla first obtained a bachelor's in psychology, then graduated with a master's in social work in 2020. She has worked with youth struggling with behavioral issues in an educational setting for nearly two years. For the last three years, she has mostly worked with adult clients. She also performs clinical supervision of candidates getting their counseling license. Further, Kayla is a certified Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), a Dialectical Behavioral Therapist (DBT), and she is trained for EMDR therapy.

A young man with glasses and a beard stands on a metal bridge with his hands in his pockets, surrounded by trees and autumn foliage.

Nik James

Nik James has 20 years of management experience within various automotive industry sectors. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and is currently pursuing further education to obtain his Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) license, followed by a master’s degree in social work. He is passionate about people and values the therapeutic benefits of connecting with the outdoors.

A man standing on a bridge outdoors with autumn-colored trees in the background.

Ryan Cooper

A woman with glasses, in a light denim jacket and a long floral skirt, standing on a metal bridge with a scenic outdoor background of trees and grass.

Ryan Cooper is a Care Coordinator for The Uncharted. He’s also training to be a Peer Support Specialist.

Ali James

A young man with glasses, a beard, and a black hat smiling, standing on a wooden bridge outdoors during autumn. He's wearing a black and white plaid jacket and black pants, with trees and grass in the background.

Ali James is a Care Coordinator for The Uncharted. She also is in training to obtain a license for Peer Support. She is ready to assist clients as they embark on their healing journey.


Michael Marino

Michael Marino is a Care Coordinator for The Uncharted. He also is in training to obtain a license for Peer Support. He is ready to share his experience, strength and hope to mentor clients along their healing journey.


Man standing outdoors in a dry, grassy landscape with a blue sky overhead. He is wearing a dark vest over a gray shirt, with glasses hanging from his neck and sunglasses on his head.

Sean McMullen

A woman sitting on a grey tufted chair with a white and brown dog in front of her against a dark background.

Sean McMullen is a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) for The UnCharted.


Karen Jones

Karen Jones is a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) and a candidate for Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC).

“I believe that healing isn’t a straight path—it’s a winding, deeply personal journey. As a Montana Native, I hold deep reverence for the land and the wisdom it offers. Through mindfulness, creative expression, and experiential modalities like equine therapy, we can gently uncover the stories our bodies and hearts have been holding—sometimes long before words could reach them.

My role is to walk alongside you—not to fix or push, but to witness, encourage, and help you set goals that feel real and reachable. I’m currently pursuing a certificate in eating disorder treatment to deepen my ability to support those navigating body image, nourishment, and recovery. You’re not alone in this. Growth is possible. Healing is real. And I’m here with you, every step of the way.”