Who We Are:
Todd Merrill: (Field Director)
Todd is originally from North Carolina where he attended Appalachian State University. There he completed studies in Outdoor Education as well as Psychology, learning from positive mentors. The mountains of NC is where he developed an appreciation for the learning potential that exists in both a wilderness and adventure context. Since graduating ASU in 2000, Todd has gained valuable experience that has driven his passion to continually develop within this industry.
Some of what has shaped Todd's experiences can be attributed to working with some amazing people in a variety of settings. He has been challenged to grow and develop in roles like: a therapeutic wilderness mentor, outdoor educator, ski patrolman, snowboard instructor, river rafting guide, WFR/WFA instructor, climbing guide, swift-water rescue instructor, as well as a student of the outdoors. His latest area of development is focused on creating thoughtful facilitation of adventure based wilderness experiences.
Todd is joining Elements with a diverse background in facilitating wilderness/adventure based therapeutic experiences for youth and young adults. He has had the pleasure of working with many talented companies in amazing places across the U.S. some of those include: Second Nature (UT, GA, OR), Dragonfly Transitions (OR), Landmark Learning (NC), Three Rivers Montana (MT), SOLO Wilderness Medicine (Southeast), and Aspiro Adventures (UT). Todd has enjoyed the learning process of working with passionate people in awe inspiring landscapes, and looks forward to combining his experiences with a successful program like Elements!
John Elliott: (Shift Lead)
John is originally from Rochester, NY where he spent much of his childhood and teenage years exploring the Finger Lakes Region, Adirondacks, and Thousand Island areas. John attended The State University of New York at Oneonta receiving a bachelors degree in Music Industry in August of 2008. He was also president of the mountain biking club at Oneonta and spent much of his time, riding, and advocating mountain biking through teaching, riding and community service. Being able to work outdoors was one of the most important aspects John sought after to pursue a career. John has been with Elements since September 2008. He feels wilderness really allows a person to see past many societal and personal barriers while learning to communicate effectively to meet their needs and the needs of others. John finds the transformation of students from the start of their stay to the end very remarkable. When families communicate assertively, he sees the relationship become stronger and both parent and student have a better understanding of one another. John would classify this the most rewarding part of his job.
On his time off you will find John in Moab, Utah mountain biking, rafting, exploring the backcountry, playing the guitar, relaxing, and living by his favorite quote: Do not go where the path may lead. Go Instead where there is no path and leave a trail - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Josh Chrisman: (Shift Lead)
Josh is originally from Sequim, Washington. He grew up on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State exploring and backpacking in the wilderness of Olympic National Park. After graduating from Sequim High School, Josh joined the Army and spent six years serving in the Reserves while attending school at Western Washington University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Recreation at WWU. Josh has been working with youth in some capacity for the last 8 years, mostly volunteering with junior high and high school aged kids. In 2007, he was introduced to wilderness therapy where he worked for another program in Utah. He joined Elements in May 2008. Josh loves wilderness therapy as it provides support to young people through the turbulent and emotionally challenging years of adolescence. He enjoys being part of the challenge that wilderness provides as well as teaching new tools and skills which students can use to build healthier relationships and lead more productive and fulfilling lives. In his spare time Josh is an avid climber and also enjoys traveling, hiking, snowboarding, and martial arts.Cory Coppersmith: (Group Lead)
Cory grew up in Price, Utah, where his father ran the Wilderness Studies course and program at the College of Eastern Utah for six years. Their rural house had a variety of animals including cats, dogs, llamas, rabbits, hermit crabs, and a cow. As a boyscout with troop 282, Cory explored the high Uintas, Escalante National Monument and San Rafael Swell year round. After graduating with a Bachelors in Rhetoric and Communication at Penn State in 2008, Cory realized he was a country mouse at heart and gave in to his longing to return to the desert. He believes working as a field staff at Elements is the most challenging, rewarding, and meaningful job he may ever have, and strongly believes that the wilderness can transform, educate, and empower faster and be more impactful than any other therapeutic environment. He is passionate about showing students the ways in which assertive communication, self awareness, and mindfulness can give us the power to support each other, heal ourselves, and access our full potential.
In his spare time Cory practices Tai Chi and Yoga, studies mythology, dreams of (but rarely works hard at) finishing a draft of his novel, and cooks dishes with healthy amounts of garlic, ginger, and hot chilies.