We’re looking for an energetic person who enjoys working with children, thinking outside the box, and collaborating in an exciting team environment. Our new team leader will work primarily with our academic team leaders. Duties include assisting in the educational setting, weekly adventures, and everyday activities. 

If you’re interested in learning more about joining the Trailhead CFS team, please reach out to Julie Butler at: julie@trailheadcfs.org


Team Leaders

  • Founder, Executive Director, and Psychotherapist
    Travelers Rest, SC

  • I have always dreamed of starting an outdoor program, a dream that began during my first summer camp experience. Each year, I eagerly anticipated returning to camp, and I eventually became a counselor there. The fresh experiences, friendships, outdoor adventures, lessons, and cherished memories have remained with me over the years. I have always wished for others to have similar opportunities.

    After college, I left the summer camp life and entered the professional world. Nevertheless, my passion for camp life and working with children guided me to roles in two residential therapeutic outdoor programs and a farm-based therapeutic boarding school. I have observed the positive effects of the outdoors on both my mental and physical health, as well as on the children and teenagers I have worked with. I have also noted the negative impact that a lack of resources and support can have on individuals and their families, especially within the neurodiverse community.

    Therefore, it seemed natural to create a program for neurodiverse students that combines outdoor activities, experiential learning, and new adventures, all focused on empowering the students and their families.

  • I obtained both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Social Work from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. My professional experience includes roles as a residential staff member at two outdoor programs, a case manager in medical and state agency settings, a therapist at a psychiatric residential facility, and at a farm-based therapeutic boarding school. Additionally, I own and operate Trailside Counseling, a private practice.

  • I absolutely love spending quality time with friends and family. When it comes to outdoor activities, I thrive on camping, kayaking, hiking, and embarking on scenic drives through the mountains. Playing with my dog, Harper, and bunny, Sophie, and cranking up the music, are some of my all-time favorite pastimes. I'm a dedicated fan of the Winthrop University eagles and have recently become a supporter of the East Tennessee University Bucs, as my daughter, Alleigh, is a student there! Diving into the world of plants and their healing powers has become my latest adventure!

  • Academic Director and Teacher
    Clemson, SC

  • My husband, Chris, and I live in the upstate and have 5 children with three of them currently in college and the other two in high school. We also have two dogs and two cats that are always entertaining.

  • After being born and raised in Orange Park, Florida, I attended Clemson University where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Special Education along with certifications in Mild/Moderate Intellectual Disabilities, Early Childhood Education, and Elementary Education. I also attended Columbia College where I received my Master’s in Divergent Learning. I spent 18 years in the public school system teaching elementary and middle school students in both resource classrooms as well as self-contained classrooms specializing in teaching students with Autism, behavioral issues, emotional disabilities, mild and moderate intellectual disabilities, and learning disabilities. I also spent a few years as a lead behavioral therapist where I led ABA therapy with students with Autism. Seeing that students needed more than just academic support in order to become confident, independent young adults, I began teaching in a private, therapeutic school where I was both a teacher and academic director for two years. It was during this time that my love of working with students in a non-traditional, outdoor setting and in an experiential way grew exponentially and became my passion. Students need to be supported academically, socially, and emotionally in order to learn, grow, and be successful.

  • In my spare time, you can find me reading, listening to music, out on the water, going for a hike, or spending time with my family and friends. Of course, I will always cheer on the Clemson Tigers and Navy Midshipmen!

  • Outdoor Programming Director and Teacher
    Clemson, SC

  • I was born and raised in the Greenville area and am thrilled to be a part of the team at Trailhead. It is a dream come true to be able to bring this type of school to my hometown.

    I currently call Clemson home, with my wife Julie and our five kids (three of which are in college already and two are not too far behind), our dogs Sophie and Koda, and our cats Tillie and Dolly.

  • I am a graduate of Anderson University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, and a Masters in Teaching degree in Special Education from Walden University. I have taught for 12 years in public education, mostly teaching middle school students, and most recently 2 years in a private school setting. I have a passion to help students find ways to enjoy learning, especially by learning through experiences. I believe that we have a great opportunity to reach a certain population of students here in the upstate who need hands-on learning experiences, and what better way than through outdoor and farm-based adventures. I also believe that the ability to work hand in hand with the therapist to give our students the very best school experience makes TCFS one of a kind.

  • In my free time, you will definitely find me outside fly fishing on the Chattooga, working in the garden or in my yard, reading a good book, listening to music, playing drums, taking a jog on a trail somewhere with my dogs, perfecting my barbecuing skills, or just hanging out with my family and friends.

  • Director of Family and Community Support
    Easley, SC

  • I recently moved back home to South Carolina after nearly 20 years in Canada, and I don’t miss the winters one bit. Before becoming a psychotherapist, I had a fulfilling career as a biologist, working as a zookeeper and in cancer research. As the father to two amazing young men with neurodivergence, I am passionate about working with neurodivergent youth and their families, dedicated to helping them navigate their unique challenges and thrive.

  • Josh Rinz is a highly regarded therapist and neurodivergence clinical specialist, renowned for his expertise in therapy and parenting for families and individuals who are neurodivergent.

    With a Bachelor of Sciences in Biology from the University of North Carolina and a MA in Psychotherapy from Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario, Canada, Josh brings a unique blend of scientific knowledge and clinical insight to his practice.

    As a clinical specialist in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Josh has dedicated his career to supporting individuals on the autism spectrum, those with ADHD, and people with special needs. His passion for this field is deeply personal, as he is also the parent of two young adults who are neurodivergent. Considered one of Ontario's leading experts in this area, Josh offers specialized support for parents seeking guidance in navigating the challenges and celebrating the strengths of individuals who are neurodivergent.

    Drawing from his background in zookeeping and biological sciences, Josh seamlessly integrates Animal Assisted Therapies, horticultural therapies, and an understanding of neurobiology into his work, tailoring solutions to the unique needs of each individual and family. His practical, solution-focused approach has earned him recognition, with families from around the world attending his workshops and groups.

    Josh firmly believes in the inherent potential of every individual to lead a fulfilling life, and he finds great joy in empowering parents to support their children who are neurodivergent.

  • I love gardening, making quilts and spending time with my family and dogs. I am a big-sci-fi fan and love attending local conventions. I am always on the hunt for the region's best brunch spots!

Sophie

Harper

  • MSSW Student/Intern, University of Tennessee Knoxville Pickens, SC

  • For over a decade, I've been deeply involved in the animal care world. My journey in this field has been incredibly fulfilling, leading me to pursue a Master of Social Work degree and certification in veterinary social work at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. My passion lies in focusing on the human-animal bond, particularly in providing neurodivergent affirming care. As someone with ADHD, I am personally invested in creating supportive environments for neurodivergent individuals.

    At Trailhead Community Farm School, I am eager to learn from neurodivergent affirming professionals and gain valuable experience from working with the children. This opportunity will help me provide the best quality of care in my future practice. I believe in fostering academic growth while incorporating therapeutic support to help students build confidence, develop social skills, and overcome obstacles that may hinder their learning experience. My goal is to integrate my understanding of the human-animal bond into this supportive and nurturing environment.

  • I am currently a MSSW graduate student, gaining invaluable experience and knowledge in the social work field. My professional background includes over a decade in the veterinary medicine field, where I have honed my skills in animal care and developed a deep understanding of the human-animal bond. My academic journey is centered around obtaining my Master of Social Work degree and certification in veterinary social work, with a focus on neurodivergent affirming care. I am excited to learn from the children and team at Trailhead Community Farm School, where individualized attention and support are paramount.

  • In my free time, I love to garden! Growing my own ingredients for meals and finding new ways to make things more organically, such as using herbs for various things, making candles, and recently discovering pottery, brings me immense joy. You'll often find me with a big German shepherd named Moses glued to my side. He's been my loyal companion, adventuring through life with me for almost a decade.

Sophie

Ranger

Board of Directors

  • Board of Directors, Chair
    Cleveland, SC

  • As a stepmom, my transition into parenthood seemed both abrupt and gradual at the same time. While our youngest was in elementary school, I was on the fringes of his academic experience, with mom and dad both attending parent-teacher conferences and helping with homework. But as he got older, and seemed to be silently struggling through each day of traditional school, I started to speak up and ask questions and get more involved. From co-parenting as a team, I know that it takes as many resources and caring adults as possible to support neurodivergent students’ unique needs and individual gifts. As my step-son now enters high school, homeschooling with me for the last 3 years, I’ve been drawn to the opportunity to co-create Trailhead Community Farm School for so many students like him, and so many families like ours.

  • I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Youth Programming and Camp Management, and have professional experience in environmental education, camp management, volunteer management, and non-profit executive leadership. I am currently the Director of Communication at YMCA Camp Greenville and the owner of Stacie Simpson Consulting, LLC.

  • In my free time, I enjoy reading, spending time outdoors, drinking delicious coffee, visiting Disney World, and cuddling with my dog.

  • Board of Directors, Treasurer
    Powdersville, SC

  • I am excited to be a part of the development and implementation of Trailhead Community Farm School (TCFS). Right now, there is a tremendous need for educational opportunities for children with ASD and ADHD, especially middle and high school students and for their families. TCFS will provide a local school so children can remain with their family rather than having to be sent to a specialized boarding school. And parents can see their child thrive in a supportive, accepting environment. What could be better than that for both the children and family?

    I am privileged to serve on the TCFS Board of Directors. I have learned so much from the other talented and experienced Board members and from parents and professionals who have shown interest in the school. I’m glad to be a part of this initiative and want to do all I can to see this school come to fruition.

  • I am a retired Registered Nurse and have devoted my life to helping children and families in need.

    I serve on several boards and committees that support women and children. These are primarily through my church and as a Board member for the Friends of the Greenville County Guardian Ad Litem program.

  • I love to sew, quilt, work in the garden and travel. Perhaps my favorite pastime, though, is to sit in from of a warm fire, reading a book, with each of my two dogs lying on either side of me. It doesn’t get much better than that!

  • Board of Directors, Secretary
    Greenville, SC

  • My life has taken me on a pretty grand adventure over the past couple of decades! My family and I moved to the Upstate at the tail end of 2020, which was a very interesting time to relocate to a new city and pivot my career from clinical practice into educational product development. Before our move to Greenville, we most recently lived in Savannah, GA (my hometown), and Las Vegas, NV. I am married to a wonderful man who has been by my side since 2012. We share our home with our two sweet, funny, and VERY active sons and an elderly rescue Frenchie who somehow tolerates all the chaos around her with a perpetual grin on her wrinkly little face.

    I like to think that my path to becoming involved with Trailhead Community Farm School started many years ago. That is when I began to realize that the education I received in OT school--while wonderful in many ways--was missing the mark when it came to respectfully meeting the unique needs of the clients and families that I was primarily serving. Over the past several years, I have made it my purpose in life to learn as much as I can to help promote neurodiversity-affirming culture and strengths-based professional practice. I truly believe that all brains and ways of being are beautiful and unique, and every person is worthy of love, respect, and autonomy.

    I identify as being neurodivergent, and the process of that discovery as an adult has helped me to embrace parts of myself that were previously confusing and often challenging. It has helped me find peace as well as a sense of community with other like-minded individuals, both personally and professionally. My career is now focused on supporting other neurodivergent people and their families by creating educational products. As soon as I learned about TCFS, I knew I wanted to be involved in helping to further the school's important mission!

  • I have a bachelor of science degree in Child and Family Development with an emphasis in Child Life from Georgia Southern University and a master of science degree in Occupational Therapy from Touro University Nevada. I was a nationally certified child life specialist (CCLS) from 2010-2020, and I have been a state-licensed and nationally-registered OT since 2015.

    I have professional experience working in pediatric outpatient, inpatient, and emergency services as well as adult inpatient physical rehabilitation. I returned to my undergrad alma mater in 2019 to teach Child Development and Lifespan Development at the university level. I currently work as an editor and product developer, and I create materials for other therapists, educators, and parents to use with an emphasis on neurodiversity-affirming teaching approaches.

  • I love to read, travel, explore nature through hiking and kayaking, garden, and learn new things. I am also a major foodie, and I love to spend time connecting with friends and family over a delicious meal! I'm still relatively new to the Upstate, so I have thoroughly enjoyed exploring all this area has to offer with my family.

  • Board of Directors, Member-at-Large
    Greer, SC

  • Watching my child struggle was heart wrenching. Finally, at age 14, we discovered that they were autistic and had ADHD. We struggled for years to get the needed support and appropriate academic environment from the school district, which proved to be a disappointing battle. When Courtney mentioned a new school for kids with these same characteristics, I was completely on board. I am passionate about the need for this educational environment and providing support for our students and families.

  • My career was in the commercial furniture industry, design and project management. I worked with companies of all sizes, including many Fortune 500 companies, helping them determine their needs and design their facilities to best accommodate them. I also founded and owned a company providing interior design, furnishings and project management for hotel renovations and upgrades.

  • Retirement has provided me with plenty of time to pursue my love of crafting. As an “artist wannabe”, I enjoy paper crafting, knitting, polymer clay, origami and many other fun activities. My creative projects have taught me the very important life lesson that you should never work with spray glue and glitter outside on a windy day when you have long hair. It was a sparkling Christmas that year!

  • Board of Directors, Vice Chair
    Travelers Rest, SC

  • I never even considered that I might be neurodivergent until I started seeing first-hand accounts on social media in 2021. There I learned that the lived experience of neurodivergence is often vastly different from the medical descriptions. And that the lived experience of neurodivergence sounded a lot like my experience.

    In 2022 I was diagnosed autistic, and everything about my lived experience started to make a lot more sense. Books, articles and social media have been insightful, and the most supportive thing I’ve done is to connect with other neurodivergent folks: because we can help each other navigate a world that wasn’t designed for us.

  • After starting college at age 16, changing schools and majors more than once, and taking some time off in between, I eventually graduated magna cum laude from the University of Georgia with a BA in English and an ABJ in Magazines. I again changed tracks by starting a career in insurance, and just 3 years later left that high-paying field to pursue a life of purpose.

    I traveled through communities, hostels and ancestral skills gatherings, mostly on the east coast of the US. I worked as a counselor at nature camps, as a skills instructor at various gatherings, and as a site operations coordinator at multiple events. And in between I did a lot of camping, canoeing, and adventuring.

    After 6 years of travels I settled in Asheville NC and founded an insurance agency. I centered it on a nature-based organizational model I’d worked with extensively in my travels: The 8 Seasons System. That led me to found 8 Seasons Consulting two years later, helping other entrepreneurs apply that organizational model to their businesses and their lives.

    Today I utilize coaching, courses and social media content to help neurodivergent professionals cultivate a supportive relationship with time and work with their brain instead of against it.

  • I moved to Greenville to live by the Swamp Rabbit Trail: being able to hop on my bike and get so many places on a safe, dedicated trail is worth building a life around. I love games, puzzles and dance parties, and you might catch me at an open mic sharing my raps about personal transformation and cultural revolution. I’m happiest when I’m deep in the woods, and my favorite vacation is a canoe camping trip down a long and wild river.

  • Board of Directors, Member-at-Large
    Greenville, SC

  • I have grown up and lived in the upstate all my life. I am passionate about the environment. I was previously a chair for the landscape committee at my children's school and maintained & organized educational events for the "secret garden" on site.

  • I attended Francis Marion University where I received my B.S. in Economics and minor in Environmental Studies, that's where my passion for the environment blossomed. 

    I am an entrepreneur and owned a landscape business for 15 years with my late husband, and was also in the health and wellness field. Recently I had a career change and now own a MedSpa where I am an esthetician. 

  • In my spare time you can find me in the garden, attending a yoga class or outside hiking.  I also love to travel.

  • Board of Directors, Member-at-Large
    Greenville, SC

  • I moved to Greenville in 2019 to complete my postdoctoral fellowship, and fell in love with the area and the people and decided to stay put. Through my work at Prisma Health and my involvement with Greenville CAN, I was asked to do a presentation on therapeutic interventions for individuals with autism. I was lucky enough that Courtney found my presentation and asked me to join the board and lend my clinical expertise to TCFS. Seeing the passion of the individuals already on the board had me excited to join the program and be able to better serve the community. I live in Greenville with my wife, our two dogs, and our cat.

  • I began my career working with individuals with ASD in the summer of 2013 at a summer camp for individuals with autism and other developmental and behavioral challenges.

    I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Clinical Psychology at Washington College before moving to Fort Lauderdale, where I completed my Doctorate of Psychology (PsyD) at Nova Southeastern University in 2019. Throughout my doctoral program, I focused my practicum work and internship in psychological assessment of ASD and other developmental disorders, and completed my doctoral directed study with a focus on improving recreational programming guidelines for individuals with ASD.

    I completed my postdoctoral fellowship at through Prisma Health Pediatric Psychology in 2020 and was hired full time and continue my role as a pediatric psychologist specializing in autism assessment.

  • Much of my free time is spend in the kitchen as I love cooking and entertaining my friends and family! On weekends I can be found at trivia nights, playing disc golf, and when I have the chance scuba diving, especially when on vacation as my wife and I try and travel often!

  • Board of Directors, Member-at-Large
    Greenville, SC

  • I am a Maine native and relocated to the upstate in 2014. I wanted to live somewhere I could be outdoors year-round to enjoy hiking and exploring. Nature has always been very regulating for me. I currently live in Greenville with my husband, daughter, dog, and cat.

    I am passionate about building inclusive environments that support all people and when I learned about TCFS, I knew I had to become involved immediately. I am excited about helping neurodivergent learners maximize their potential and thrive at TCFS.

  • I studied Kinesiology and Physical Education as well as Disability Studies at the University of Maine. While at the University of Maine, I had the privilege of serving as a teaching assistant in the Adapted Physical Education course and classroom assistant at a Montessori school, where I supported several neurodivergent students in their educational setting. I earned a Master of Occupational Therapy degree from the University of Southern Maine.

    I recently graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina where I earned my post-professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate. My capstone project: Inclusive Healthcare Service for a Neurodiverse Population was focused on improving healthcare service and accessibility for autistic young adults by advocating for improved clinician education on the needs of this population. I have been privileged to share my work at professional presentations and guest lectures.

    I have experience as an occupational therapist in the school setting, early intervention, outpatient pediatrics, skilled nursing facility, and home health. I am a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association and the Alliance for Disability in Health Care Education. I also serve on the Executive Committee of the South Carolina Occupational Therapy Association.

  • Anything active and outdoors! My family and I enjoy hiking, running, attending local music, festivals, and sports events, working out at the Y, and volunteering. During our free time, you can catch us out and about in the community – we are always on the go!

Consultants

Deanna Parish, PhD

Deanna Parish has been serving students with disabilities for over 25 years. As a classroom teacher, she worked with students with intellectual disabilities, specializing in students with extensive support needs. Deanna has also served as a lead teacher, working with other teachers of students with low incidence disabilities. Her passion for teacher training was ignited through serving as a cooperating teacher for pre-service teacher candidates and as a coach for in-service special education teachers. Deanna has moved on to work in special education administration, spending time as both a coordinator and as a director of special services. In her current role as program director of the Academic Alliance of South Carolina, Deanna works in collaboration with other state technical assistance agencies to promote the implementation of evidence-based practices in SC. These experiences have led to opportunities to increase outcomes for students with disabilities and their families through the development of teacher leaders and support for quality instruction within special education programs. Deanna has worked with state-level leaders on alternate assessment development and instructional support.

Dr. Matthew Fisher, Psychiatrist

Dr. Matthew Fisher completed his General Psychiatry residency at the University of Texas-Galveston and a Child/Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship at University of South Carolina. He serves as the Medical leader of Springbrook’s Psychiatric Residential and Outpatient Treatment Program (specializing in treating Autism Spectrum Disorders) and is an authority in minimal medical management of ASD and ASD with comorbidities. Dr. Fisher speaks at Autism Conferences on Medical Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Medication Management for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Myths and Misconceptions in Autism, Autism and Co-Morbid Conditions, and helping siblings and other children understand Autism.  

Fund Development Committee

  • The Fund Development Committee evaluates and implements potential funding opportunities to support both general operations and special projects/purposes for TCFS. Plans and hosts in-person and virtual fundraising events. Identifies potential grant opportunities and writes grant applications. Develops annual fundraising plan/calendar to include a variety of donor engagement opportunities.

    Committee members have experience in fundraising, grant writing, events planning, or similar.

Join a Committee

Community Engagement Committee

  • The Community Engagement Committee assesses, builds, and maintains strategic relationships within the community. Committee members present to community organizations about the mission and programs of TCFS.

    Committee members have experience in education, recreation, managing collaborations, public speaking, partnership management, or similar.

Join a Committee

Marketing/Communications Committee

  • The Marketing and Communications Commitee develops and distributes marketing and communications materials on behalf of TCFS, to include website, social media, print media, and brand identity. Takes an active role in the promotion of the school and its mission, teacher recruitment, student recruitment, and community involvement/partnership. Directly supports the Fund Development Committee, as requested.

    Committee members have experience in written communications, social media management, graphic design, or similar.

Join a Committee