One of the best parts of my job is seeing our students become successful in their relationships and reach goals that once seemed impossible to achieve. I believe that building a foundation of trust and emotional safety comes first through listening, compassion, and consistency. Every staff interaction can have a profound influence on the students' experience and play a key part in what they learn, if done with intention and compassion. Young people who come to Gateway need positive role models who genuinely care and build upon the student's strengths. There is purpose behind what we do and I believe this makes all the difference.
Kelly Means
L.M.T.
Program Director
Credentials
Nationally Licensed in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
Wilderness First Responder
AASI Certified Snowboard Instructor
Experience in outdoor education, recreation, and leadership since 2002
Experience working in wilderness therapy & residential treatment programs since 2003
Philosophy
Kelly understands it is critical to use creative teaching methods that support the auditory, visual, and kinesthetic styles of learning to help each student enhance thier personal awareness and develop healthy life skills. She also knows there is a lot that goes into what we do to ensure the safety, care, and support of each student. She recognizes the need to participate in and support every opportunity for students to experience individual success. Kelly views community and staff interactions as essential to teach leadership and communication skills, as well as build confidence and self-care. Kelly emphasizes that staff are not only mentors, but also role models.
Professional
Kelly has been working with adolescents since 2002. She has experience working in a variety of therapeutic programs including wilderness therapy and residential treatment. Prior to joining the Gateway team, she worked as a snowboard instructor, wilderness instructor and supervisor & first responder. She joined Gateway in 2004 as part the Outdoor Education Program and in 2012, became one of the managers leading the Outdoor Team. In 2017, she was promoted to Program Director heading both the residential and outdoor teams. Kelly is also nationally licensed in therapeutic massage and bodywork.
Personal
Kelly enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exploring Utah’s backcountry and playing her guitar. She is always on the lookout for her next adventure and she loves experiences that challenge her to grow. Kelly is currently looking to pursue a degree in Clinical Social Work.
Creating Student Success
Kelly recalls a visit from a young man she had worked with several years before. He stopped by Gateway as he was passing through town on his way home from college for the holidays. She was blown away when he asked about staff members that he hadn’t seen in years. What stood out to Kelly as he shared with the students about his experience was his “self confidence” and “humility.” “There was an instant connection- a mutual respect between he and the other students. It was very exciting to see the self assured young man he had become.”