Meet The Team

My Bio:

W. Jared DuPree, PhD, MBA provides training and guidance to the coaches, therapists and administrative staff of Forte Strong. He is the founder and author of “WholeFIT: Wellness for Life”, an innovative approach to health and wellness addressing the connections and impact each area of our lives have on our well-being including fitness, nutrition, relationships, spirituality, hobbies, passions, careers, and life balance. Through Dr. DuPree’s oversight, Forte Strong has become one of only a few organizations in the country that has become certified in WholeFIT.

Starting out as a family therapist early in his career, he went on to complete a PhD focusing on a systemic approach to wellness and change. After completing an International MBA from the Darla Moore School of Business, he became the founder and CEO of the Centers for Couples & Families (CCF), WholeFIT and Health & Wellness Solutions. Today, Dr. DuPree continues to maintain an academic presence teaching, writing and researching as a Professor on areas related to wellness, innovation, creativity, and relationships.

INFP in a Nutshell

My Bio:

Chad Olson is a licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of Utah. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Marriage, Family and Human Development at Brigham Young University as the valedictorian of his class. He continued his education at BYU by earning a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. After graduation, he worked for LDS Family Services in Provo. He moved to St. George in 2008 and worked at a private outpatient clinic. He has co-authored numerous journal articles on various subjects such as (e.g., boundary ambiguity, prevalence and acceptance rates of pornography use, and marriage readiness).

ISFJ in a Nutshell

My Bio:

Elliot Spaulding is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor who specializes in the treatment of young adults and adolescents. Elliot first developed a passion for helping others by working for the Boy Scouts of America where he grew up in southern California. His outdoor career progressed as he earned a degree in Parks and Recreation Management from Northern Arizona University. During his time in Flagstaff Arizona he worked for the university outdoor program, specializing in wilderness survival instruction, white-water rafting, and experiential education on a high ropes course. Elliot put his outdoor skills to the test In 2005 as he challenged himself by hiking 2,300 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada.

Elliot's interest in clinical mental health began while working with adolescents and young adults in wilderness therapy. This inspired him to return to school and complete a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. After working at a university counseling center, Elliot joined the Forte Strong team in 2016. While not at work, Elliot enjoys rock climbing, playing guitar and spending time with his wife.

INFJ in a Nutshell

My Bio:

Bradley received his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Lethbridge, his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Calgary, and his Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Utah. He has extensive experience as a social worker with various school divisions, as well as individual and group therapy. Specific areas of specialty include social anxiety, Asperger's Syndrome, depression, addictions, trauma recovery, and grief and loss.

"I believe healing begins with unconditional acceptance and understanding, exploring how past events have shaped your beliefs and behaviors and how they are affecting current relationships and present challenges. I always focus on the skills you already possess, and help you develop and add new skills and strategies.

I believe in therapy that allows you to share your story without fear of judgment. While we can’t undo the hurt and pain from the past, we can focus on moving forward in a positive and fulfilling way. My ultimate hope is that you will feel welcomed, accepted, and understood."

INFJ in a Nutshell

My Bio:

Matthew grew up in Southern California and has a deep fondness for the the ocean and water in general. He's lived in most of the western united states and attended school in Oregon, where he earned a few degrees in business including, marketing, leadership and organizational management and a Masters in Business. Matt has a huge passion for working with young men to increase their chances of success and credits his current success to the many positive male role models that helped him grow into manhood.

He loves spending time outdoors, swimming, diving, exploring, spearfishing, fishing and camping. He often participates in martial arts competitions and spends part of his free time in the gym sparring or becoming more physically fit.

ISFJ in a Nutshell

My Bio:

Brook dedicated himself to helping others early in his life. He grew up in Sunny Orange County California, then joined the Marine Corps at the age of 21 serving five and half years as a helicopter crew chief and then as chief accountant. His journey with this type of work began when he volunteered as a Young Marines Instructor during his time in the Marines, helping kids get off the street, improve their lives and develop as a leader. After his tour Brook left the Marines to pursue a career in experiential therapy by attending Southern Utah University where he majored in outdoor recreation with a minor in psychology.

Brook has seventeen years experience working for a variety of different therapeutic and transitional programs across the nation. His thirst for knowledge drove him to learn and study successful therapeutic models and programs across the country, most notably Outward Bound. Brook has experience working with therapeutic, residential, military, wilderness and transitional programs for adults and adolescents.

"I absolutely love to share my passion for Mother Nature and the unique lessons only she can teach. In my free time I enjoy being immersed in the outdoors and spending time with my wife and our daughter."

ENFJ in a Nutshell

My Bio:

Tyler’s natural passion for understanding the individual and his years of study make him effective at understanding and helping the students he works with. He grew up in in Iowa, Arkansas, and California; before spending two years living in the Philippines giving service and teaching English in the Visayan region. He is fluent in Cebuano, one of the native dialects found in the Philippines. These experiences have given him a compassion and insight into people from all walks of life. For the past 8 years Tyler has lived in Utah and grown to love the beautiful expanse of nature that Utah has to offer.

Tyler is currently working on his bachelor’s degree and then his master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. His ultimate goal is to become a Marriage and Family Therapist and work with teens and young adults.

He is a Specialist in the Army Reserve and has learned leadership in his past three years of service. His time as a soldier has given him an understanding of how to motivate different kinds of people. Tyler spends time each week working with troubled teens in the area and is always looking for opportunities to connect with people in the community. Tyler enjoys reading, running, and spending time out in nature. Tyler’s greatest joy comes from spending time with his wife and young daughter.

INFP in a Nutshell

My Bio:

Eric grew up in Kanosh, a small farm town of just over five hundred people in central Utah. He helped take care of the animals and the fields of his father’s small family farm. Needless to say, he is no stranger to work. He has an insatiable desire for learning, and a passion for good books: his mother taught him to read when he was four. He has spent most of the last six years working as a field staff in wilderness therapy where he coached students on primitive fire skills, making and setting traps and other important wilderness skills. He also coached staff as they learned leadership skills and as they learned to disrupt dysfunctional behavior in the students.

Eric loves brainstorming with people. He loves to help people organize their thoughts and change their dreams and desires into tangible, achievable goals. He loves to help people to discover their passions and to help them find ways to use their passions to realize their goals. He is passionate about building great teams and organizations and helping others succeed.

INTJ in a Nutshell

My Bio:

Shanna grew up in Northern Utah in the town of Kaysville. After high school she moved to Cedar City, Utah while attending Southern Utah University. To finish up her associates degree she transferred to Weber State University. After receiving her associates she attended school at Brigham Young University-Idaho where she studied for a Bachelor's Degree in Family Studies. She has always enjoyed volunteering and helping others realize their full potential. Through her schooling and volunteer work she has gained a strong passion for experiencing new things, adventure, and overcoming challenges. In her free time she enjoys cooking, cake decorating, being outdoors, reading, and much more. She moved to St. George recently and is enjoying spending time hiking and swimming in the sunshine.

ENFJ in a Nutshell

My Bio:

Braedon was born in Salt Lake City and is the oldest of four siblings. His family relocated to Southern Utah eighteen years ago and he has loved the change in temperature and scenery. He recently graduated with his bachelors degree in psychology from Dixie State University. At an early age Braedon developed a passion for helping others. He previously worked for a young adult transitional living program and found joy in helping others better themselves and gained the needed experience. He loves the opportunity he has at Forte Strong to help young men unlock their potential and become strong independent men. In his spare time Braedon loves to spend time playing the guitar, wake boarding, snow boarding, and playing sports.

INFJ in a Nutshell

My Bio:

I came into the world early, at a mighty 1lb 12oz. I just couldn't wait to start the Adventure life is. I was nearly 3 months premature. My frail beginnings have given me my own set of challenges, that continue to try and test me to this day. Being that close to not making it, has also given me a very bright view of life. Each day is another opportunity to learn new things and reach out to those around me. The world really is such a beautiful and interesting place. I grew up in the red deserts of Southern Utah. Every chance I could, I was outside catching lizards, building forts, throwing rocks and hiking. I loved everyday of my childhood and feel it was an important foundation to help me become the man I am today. Scouting was an important part of my character building. I was lucky enough to have parents and leaders that helped me in achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. The greatest opportunity that came to me in scouting was when I was 17. I was invited to travel to Japan, to be a part of a Friendship Forum with the Japanese scouts. I had the chance to interact with young men from around the world. I learned the lessons nature can teach, as I was a guide in a wilderness treatment program for a year and a half. Life is a gift., live the Adventure!

ENFP in a Nutshell

My Bio:

Spencer grew up in New York and lived there for the first 23 years of his life. Helping others has been a passion of his since he was young whether tutoring or doing ESL classes at the local library. Spencer moved out to Utah last year and through personal growth and challenge has found himself in the desert assisting young men grow and learn to not settle for being alive, but to strive to thrive.

ENFP in a Nutshell

My Bio:

Miles was born and grew up in Southern California. He grew up with his mom, dad, and younger sister. At the age of 10, Miles was diagnosed with a neurological disorder known as Tourette's Syndrome. Having Tourette's has taught him all he knows about acceptance and tolerance. Miles has a natural passion for working with and helping people. Some of his job experience includes working with youth and young adults with developmental disabilities and as Field Guide in a wilderness therapy program. Miles discovered his passion for working with and helping others at a young age and it really shows. When he’s not working, Miles enjoys skiing, playing guitar, and spending time with his friends/family.

ENFJ in a Nutshell

My Bio:

Brittany works hard to live a healthy life. She exercises regularly, eats a mainly plant-based diet-80% of the time, and enjoys time outside taking in the rays! Brittany's passion for health began while she was still in high school. As a senior, she had 2 major surgeries, one of them to correct her scoliosis (curvature of the spine). As she lay in the hospital for days she realized she wanted to help people just as her nurses helped her. It was during these difficult moments that she found clarity and began to discover her path in life. During her time as a Registered Nurse, she always enjoyed teaching others how to best help themselves. Through many years at the hospital, she finally decided that she wanted to be a part of true "HEALTH care" instead of "SICK care." She wanted to do more than just Bandaid people and send them home with a new prescription. She wanted to find ways to help people become WELL!! Get over their chronic fatigue, lose the weight that is putting pressure on their joints, stop the headaches, prevent another heart attack/stroke, and manage their diabetes. She wanted the answers to these questions! This desire led her to the field of wellness.

ESTJ in a Nutshell