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The Program

FACILITATING THE JOURNEY

Nature Therapy:

Planning, preparing, and following through on a multi-day trek offers a unique and transformative experience. Teens witness the consequences of their decisions firsthand, whether facing unexpected challenges or reflecting on their emotional and behavioral responses. These lessons translate directly to their lives and relationships at home.

The value of nature therapy:

  • Promotes healing and personal growth by harnessing the natural environment, encouraging meaningful reflection, and setting positive goals for the future.
  • Develops resilience, coping skills, and a sense of accomplishment through a blend of physical activity, outdoor living, and therapeutic support.
  • Builds self-efficacy, confidence, and social skills by fostering trust and teamwork in a distraction-free wilderness setting where teens connect deeply with themselves and others.
  • Integrates life experiences with therapeutic methods through active participation in challenging natural environments, focusing on cognitive, behavioral, emotional, physical, and spiritual growth.

 

Program Benefits:

The transformative power of nature and structured therapeutic interventions aims to:

  • Foster emotional and psychological healing.

  • Improve interpersonal skills and relationships.

  • Enhance self-awareness and personal responsibility.

  • Encourage a healthy lifestyle and decision-making.

Our program is designed to meet the unique needs of each teen, guiding them on a journey where they gain new perspectives and develop the tools needed to confidently navigate life’s challenges with resilience. By blending the serenity of our therapeutic environment with the adventure of the desert, we offer a balanced approach that is both challenging and supportive, creating lasting positive change in the lives of our participants.

Take the next step in your journey.

If you have any questions, please get in touch. We would love to hear from you.

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Omer Markush

Director of Community Outreach

Omer Markush has dedicated his career to working with children and youth, combining his rich experience in education and physical activity. For 15 years, Omer worked as a teacher and physical education instructor in the United States and Israel, giving him a deep understanding of the needs of children and youth in diverse educational environments.
As an experienced outdoorsman, Omer believes in the power of nature as a significant component in the therapeutic and educational process. This approach aligns well with our program’s vision, which emphasizes the importance of connecting with the natural environment in the rehabilitation and personal growth processes of at-risk children and youth. In addition to his role at SSNI, Omer continues to work in informal education during the summer, enriching his experience and providing him with an up-to-date perspective on the world of young people.
In his new role as Director of Community Outreach at SSNI, Omer brings not only his professional experience but also his passion for education and working with youth. He sees this role as an important mission, allowing him to make a significant impact on the lives of at-risk youth.
Recently, Omer made Aliyah to Israel with his wife and five children, a move that reflects his deep love for Judaism and the Land of Israel. His commitment to these values is also expressed in his work with youth.
The unique combination of his professional experience, multidisciplinary educational approach, and deep commitment to the well-being of children and youth makes Omer a significant asset to our therapeutic program team.
Omer’s diverse background and his dedication to fostering positive change in young lives make him an invaluable addition to our organization. His approach, which combines educational expertise, outdoor skills, and a deep understanding of youth culture, promises to bring fresh perspectives and effective strategies to our work with at-risk children and teenagers.

Meira Cohen​

Director of Development

Meira serves as the Director of Development at the Stepping Stones Nature Initiative, where she oversees fundraising and resource development strategies for the program. Her dedication to fostering the growth and success of adolescents, regardless of their challenges, is the cornerstone of her professional mission.

In her capacity, Meira prioritizes program accessibility and quality through strategic fundraising initiatives. She is a staunch advocate for the transformative potential of nature-based therapeutic interventions, which provide adolescents with a unique opportunity to explore their emotional landscape and personal identities within a secure and nurturing environment.

Meira is deeply committed to the non-profit sector, as it allows her to focus entirely on the well-being and developmental needs of others. She endeavors to cultivate a warm and inclusive atmosphere where young individuals feel empowered to express themselves authentically, thereby promoting personal growth, social connection, and emotional resilience.

With an extensive background in non-profit management and substantial experience working with high school students, Meira brings a comprehensive understanding of youth-specific needs and a proven track record in securing the necessary resources to support them effectively.

Dave Felsenthal

Director of Development

Rabbi Felsenthal is an Executive Director 7 with Melaleuca, The Wellness Company, is chairman of the Association of Jewish Outreach Professionals (AJOP), and consults and lectures for both nonprofit and for profit throughout North America on topics in Judaism and Business. Rabbi Dave has studied in Yeshiva University, Kerem B’Yavneh, Ner Israel (Rav HaManhig), University of Maryland (BA Computers, MA Business), Aish HaTorah (Smicha) & Ohr LaGolah (Certified in Counseling & Education).

Adina Barkai

Clinical Director

We are thrilled to welcome Adina Barkai as the Clinical Director of “Stepping Stones,” our innovative nature therapy program for struggling teens. With an extensive background in drama therapy, Adina brings over two decades of professional experience in therapeutic settings, including work with at-risk youth, trauma survivors, and individuals with emotional challenges. She holds a Master’s degree in Drama Therapy from Lesley University and a Bachelor’s degree in Social/Community Theatre from Tel Aviv University. Her career spans roles at various esteemed organizations such as the Child Development Unit in Kiryat Ono, the “One of Us” Association for sexual trauma victims, and the “For Tomorrow” Association, where she facilitated therapeutic field trips for discharged soldiers. In addition, she was the clinical director of Wilderness Therapy at Derech Lotan and a drama therapist working with sexual trauma victims at Massachusetts and South Bend.

Adina’s approach to therapy through adventure and nature aligns perfectly with the mission of “Stepping Stones.” Her expertise in personal empowerment, self-image development, and trauma processing will be invaluable as we strive to provide transformative experiences for our participants. Adina has demonstrated success in using innovative techniques to foster resilience and self-efficacy among teens, making her an ideal leader for our program. We are confident that under her guidance, “Stepping Stones” will continue to thrive and positively impact the lives of the young individuals we serve.

Yonatan Katz

Program Director

Yonatan Katz is a dedicated and experienced director of the SSNI therapeutic program, specializing in treating high-risk youth and severe behavioral problems. With a degree in social work and extensive training in managing therapeutic frameworks, Yonatan brings over a decade of hands-on experience to his role.
Throughout his impressive career, Yonatan has accumulated 12 years of direct experience working with at-risk youth, including 10 years in management positions. His expertise extends to individual treatments for youth on the autism spectrum, providing him with a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by these young individuals and their families.
Yonatan’s guiding philosophy is rooted in the belief that every child has the right to realize their full potential. He creates a safe, nurturing environment where participants can discover their inner strengths and develop essential life skills. This approach continues to benefit youth even after they complete the program.
A cornerstone of Yonatan’s success is his emphasis on family involvement. He firmly believes that close cooperation with parents is crucial for the youth’s success, both during the program and in their future lives. This family-centered approach has proven highly effective in achieving lasting positive outcomes.
Under Yonatan’s leadership, the SSNI program has established innovative therapeutic techniques and rehabilitated numerous high-risk youth. His ability to forge strong professional connections has led to extensive collaborations with various organizations, expanding the program’s reach and impact.
Yonatan’s core values include teamwork, leading by example, and continuous professional growth. He is committed to incorporating creative approaches in his work, always adapting to meet the evolving challenges in youth treatment.
Recognized as a respected leader in Israel and the United States, Yonatan Katz continues to raise awareness about at-risk youth issues through media appearances and professional forums. His dedication, rich experience, and innovative methods make him a trusted figure for families seeking effective support for their children.

Greg Drake

Founder
Greg Drake is passionate about the culinary arts, a gardener, an entrepreneur, and an extraordinarily gifted whistler. But beyond his professional skills, Greg brings something even more vital to our team—his journey as a recovering alcoholic and drug addict. He has experienced the highs and lows of some of the world’s best rehab programs, learning firsthand about the roller coaster of recovery, setbacks, and the pivotal role these experiences have played in rebuilding his self-esteem and navigating the complexities of life’s emotions.

Greg’s journey is deeply personal, shaped not only by his past struggles but also by his role as a father of three—two daughters and a son. His daughter’s achievements have shown him the importance of early intervention and the need for “damage control” as soon as possible to guide young people toward healthier paths. Witnessing her evolution into a strong and resilient individual has reinforced Greg’s belief in the power of timely support and guidance.

These experiences have endowed him with a profound ability to connect with troubled teens and their families on a deeply personal level. He understands their struggles and offers hope, understanding, and new perspectives. His greatest desire is to open young eyes to new ways of seeing and living life, helping them find stability and strength in themselves through nature, spirituality, music, and the healing power of animals.
Greg is more than a founder; he’s a living example of resilience and renewal. He is dedicated to guiding our teens toward self-reliance and emotional security, using his passions, his journey as a father, and his past experiences to light the way.