Dedicated Staff with a History of Successful Experience in Substance Abuse Recovery, Education And Counseling

In Balance Ranch Academy staff members are the foundation of the program. Patrick J. Barrasso, MSW, LCSW, founder and Executive Director, has put together a caring staff with years of professional experience and personal characteristics that bring out the best in young people. Patrick’s team has been a leader in intensive outpatient services for young people for over 10 years, and the Academy continues the tradition of excellence that is seen in all aspects of the In Balance programs.

The In Balance Ranch Academy staff currently consistes of six therapists with a combined 100 years in the field, six wilderness staff, three teachers and four specialized tutors, an R.N., six group leaders with specialized training, four equine staff, two milieu managers, twenty-five life coaches, a family liaison and a great full-time chef.

The Academy is a family owned and run business, consistent with the theme of supporting each other in the family. Patrick and Betsy Barrasso, their children, and extended family are involved with the daily aspects of the program, as well as the long-term direction of the Academy.

Patrick J. Barrasso, MSW, LCSW
Owner/Director, Executive Director
Patrick is the founder and Executive Director of In Balance Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program, and the In Balance Ranch Academy. He is a noted psychotherapist with over 23 years of extensive training and experience in adolescent and adult substance abuse treatment. He is the "heart and soul" of the In Balance programs. His dedication, direction and personal commitment to helping adolescents and their families is demonstrated in all aspects of treatment. His extensive experience makes him a frequent presenter at both local and national conferences. He has presented at the U.S. Journal Training National conferences, and the FACES, Family and Addiction Conferences and Educational Seminars on a variety of adolescent treatment topics including the challenges of overcoming the culture of adolescent substance abuse.

Elizabeth (Betsy) Barrasso
Co-Owner/Founder, Business Administrator

Along with her husband, Patrick Barrasso, Betsy has been instrumental in the founding and operation of the existing In Balance operation. Betsy brought to In Balance over 10 years as a legal assistant and office administrator. She oversees all communications, contracts, document preparation, and has constant contact with clients and referents. She is in charge of all admissions, client billing and all financial reporting. Additionally, she supervises all administrative and accounting staff and consultants.

Once Upon a Dream
"My husband Patrick and I had a big dream. One we had been planning for at least 20 years. We wanted to open up a program for teenage boys, where they could live and grow and work on their sobriety in a safe and healthy environment. After putting together our clinical team and staff and hours of endless preparation, we were ready. However, we didn’t have a place to call home to open our In Balance Ranch Academy."

"We spent a lot of time searching for the perfect property and had actually settled on a place, but the deal fell through and we were sincerely disappointed - but we did not give up. One morning I awoke from a good night’s sleep and told Patrick I had a dream about a property. I told him it was a little “town” with lots of little buildings on the property. There was a lot of land around it with no neighbors for us to make nervous. He smiled at me lovingly and asked, 'Really? And where would we find a little town? And how much is that going to cost us?' I smiled back and said, 'I’m not sure.'"

"One week later, a friend of ours put us in touch with his realtor located in Cochise County. She called me and said our friend told her about us and what we were trying to accomplish. I did not share with her about my dream. She said she had a very “unique” property to show us, she did not know if it would work for us, but she thought it might be worth a look. Patrick and I drove out with our key staff to see this property. As we drove out towards Tombstone, down the San Pedro Valley, I thought, “Where are we going?” It was so beautiful, lots of open range and beautiful wild flowers. We turned down a dirt road. She explained that most of the property around there was state-owned, not a lot of neighbors around. As we drove up to the property, there were horses running alongside our car down the pasture. What a magnificent sight! Once on the property, I looked around and here was a little town called “Tumbleweed.” There were 21 buildings on the property, including a main lodge with a full-size commercial kitchen, several small buildings used for tenants, even its own Chapel! I started to cry as I realized we had just found our town. They were more than happy to hand over the Deed. The work was going to be enormous; staff and friends needing to work hours upon hours to get it to a place of healing and pride. I smiled at Patrick and said, 'Welcome to In Balance Ranch Academy.'"   -Betsy Barrasso

Shannon Dexter, LCSW, LISAC
Clinical Director/Equine Program Director

Shannon has specialized in working with youth and families for over sixteen years. Her experiences include developing and directing a long-term residential rehabilitation program; being the Clinical Coordinator for a day school for emotionally and behaviorally disordered youth; and over eight years in private practice. In addition she brings a lifelong love of horses and three years of training and experience in equine assisted psychotherapy. She left her busy practice in Tucson for this opportunity to weave together all of the best practices of residential, individual, group, and family therapy, equine experiential therapy, and 12-step work in our beautiful ranch setting.

"My parents were both very committed to their work and specifically to improving the lives of others; they have always inspired me to have a positive impact on some small part of the world. I have focused on working with teens with substance abuse issues because my teen years were derailed by addictions, and I often felt I had to find my own way through the mess and confusion I created. During graduate school, and the eighteen years since then, I’ve sought to learn and grow in my own recovery, develop a knowledge base, the skills, and the communication strategies, as well as a myriad of experiential methods, to help heal and transform the lives of youth and their families."

"I met Reed Smith, (the consultant Patrick hired to help develop the Ranch,) while volunteering at an equine therapy retreat for children with cancer. Reed told me about the development of the Ranch and introduced me to Patrick and the management team. The camaraderie, the similarity of vision, values, and the ease with which we talked, convinced me this was the opportunity of a lifetime and the culmination of my life’s work. "

"One of the values of the Ranch is that we believe sobriety has to be more fun than using drugs and alcohol. We are always on the lookout for fun, exciting activities and outings, and as a result, working at the Ranch is a lot of fun! Beyond that we try to practice what we preach in all aspects of our work at the Ranch; valuing each other as staff, helping each other, and doing our best to create a healthy family atmosphere. Sharing all of this reminds me daily of the key components of my own balance, health, and ongoing growth."

"Being many years in my own recovery and a strong believer in 12-step fellowship, I can show rather than simply tell our students that life in recovery is great! They know I’ve been where they are and can show them how to create a happier, healthier life for themselves. Students often say that I challenge them to dig deeper, and that although this can be frustrating at times, they learn a lot about themselves. They discover the old beliefs and choices that get in their way, and they strengthen the best aspects of themselves, so that gradually they begin to believe and experience that they can succeed in anything they strive to do. "

Lynda Hendricks, M.S.Ed.
Academic Director and Reading Specialist

Lynda is a nationally recognized, award-winning educator with more than 22 years experience in teaching, curriculum design and program development. She is a past recipient of educational awards, and has served on numerous school improvement committees at local, state, and national levels. For the last 3 years, Lynda served as the academic director for one of the country’s leading residential programs for young men, which consistently operated at full capacity with a waiting list. She brings invaluable experience in program development, curriculum design and effective milieu therapy to the In Balance Ranch Academy.

"I always knew I wanted to become a teacher and help students realize their dreams. No matter which age group I work with, I enjoy making a difference in the lives of the students. The therapeutic boarding school environment is especially rewarding because we are able to work closely with the students to create change in all areas of their lives, not just their academic performance."

"I wanted to work for a program that was committed to excellence. When I met with the Barrassos, I knew they were willing to put in the necessary effort to make the program the best in the country. It takes a committed leader with a clear, inspired vision to create the excellence in all aspects of a therapeutic program. We have the innovative, caring, and professional staff members necessary to help the students reach their potential."

"At the Ranch, we are able to minimize outside negative influences and concentrate on creating a positive, nurturing classroom climate. The students are motivated and desire to excel; this is truly a teacher’s dream!"

I am willing to do whatever it takes to help each student succeed. Failure is not an option; all students will succeed in meeting their academic and personal goals. The students know that their personal best is the only acceptable grade at IBRA and that we will continue to work together until they reach it."

Ugo Uche, MS
Primary Therapist

Ugo received his bachelors degree in Psychology from Warren Wilson College in Ashville NC, and his Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology from Tarleton State University in Stephenville TX. Ugo is drawn to the In Balance family for two primary reasons, the first being his passion for helping others. As someone who was once a troubled adolescent, he has taken a lot a pride in working with the juvenile population for the past four years. The second reason he enjoys being a part of the In Balance family is "the In Balance approach towards providing treatment to the youths. In Balance Ranch Academy is effective in using the positive peer culture along with a caring and knowledgeable staff as a non-punitive approach, towards empowering youths in effectively addressing their personal issues."

"I have always been very altruistic in nature, but my desire for the helping profession did not come about until my freshman year at Warren Wilson College. As an undergraduate student I was required to complete a certain amount of community service hours per semester. I procrastinated on my service hours requirements until the last three weeks of the school semester, when I jotted down my name on a last minute sign up sheet, stapled on the office door for the community service coordinator. I did not know what I had signed up for until the
day of the service trip. I had volunteered to be a counselor at a local juvenile detention facility. As someone who experienced a lot of trials during my adolescence years, I felt compelled towards reaching out to the youths I would meet with on a weekly basis at the detention facility. My calling led me from being an undecided freshman to graduating with my BA in psychology. I now hold a masters of science in counseling psychology, and my goal as a counselor has never changed, which is to make a positive impact in the life of a troubled
youth."

"Prior to coming to In Balance, I had worked at two other juvenile programs. In Balance is the first program I know about with an effective positive peer culture, and a community which fosters the positive development of youths without resorting to punitive measures. Here at In Balance, both students and staff are valued members of the community. The In Balance Ranch community is also very therapeutically balanced and eclectic in treatment approaches. Youths in this program receive individual counseling, equine therapy, adventure therapy, wilderness hikes, family counseling and a host of support groups. The clinical staff is well trained and diverse in their approaches towards providing treatment to the youths."

"I have a passion for helping others, which I have an opportunity to do here at In Balance, through individual and family counseling, therapeutic wilderness hikes and my daily interactions with youths in the ranch."

"My middle adolescent years was a difficult period, and the manner by which I choose to resolve my issues, were to say the least; not healthy. I relate to the difficulties a lot of the youths in the program are going through, which enables me towards establishing a strong rapport with those I work directly with. I am dedicated towards helping each and every one of these young men achieve his full potential through a healthy life style."

Matt Walker, M.A., ABS
Primary Therapist

Matt received his Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington and his Master’s in Applied Behavioral Science from Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. He has worked as an outdoor educator and mountain guide for the past decade. This work has allowed him to travel the world and climb throughout the highest mountain ranges on technical terrain and at high altitudes. In addition to his work as a guide, Matt has most recently worked as a therapist with inner-city youth in the Seattle area.

"It is my hope to draw from these experiences and offer a space that encourages growth, leadership, and creativity."

"People often ask me how I became involved in the mental health field after working as a climbing guide: the answer for me is quite simple. Climbing and expeditioning require awareness, planning, decision making and critical thinking skills, applied leadership in varied circumstances, direct communication, risk taking, crisis intervention, conservation, and fun. It is my belief that life requires these same skills - the difference being that climbing condenses the experience. My work at In Balance Ranch Academy offers the opportunity to experiment with each of these components in individual and group environments to find an individual style that is true to each student. The application of these skills to 'normal' daily life offers remarkable opportunity for growth and development."

"I am of the belief that all humans are inherently good and possess unconditional generosity and compassion. It is my hope to make myself available in this manner to the students at the Ranch."

"Ultimately, it is my goal as a therapist and group leader to lead in such a way that when the goal or work is completed, the students will say, 'we did this ourselves.'"

David Reazin, MHS Primary Therapist With a master's in human services from Lincoln University, Dave Reazin has been working in the field of addiction since 1975. During this time he been responsible for planning, implementing, evaluating, and managing services to addicts in various treatment environments, including, outpatient, residential, transitional living for both adults and families, methadone, therapeutic communities, correctional facilities, urine monitoring program, and case management programs bridging the gap between treatment programs and criminal justice communities. As a human service program director, Dave was responsible for a staff of twenty masters level therapists and responsible for managing an additional four outpatient sites for a total of 800 treatment slots. In 1999 Dave retired from Montgomery County, Maryland. Prior to moving to Tombstone, Arizona in the fall of 2004, Dave had spent the last 5 years as the director of programming and technical support at the University of Maryland's Bureau of Governmental Research. In this position, Dave supervised seven senior level programmers and three technical support staff. This project was successful in developing and deploying an electronic communication system between all of the drug/alcohol treatment programs in the adult and juvenile criminal justice agencies (including drug courts), schools, shelters, and hotlines in Maryland. In addition to decreasing staff efforts required to make intra/inter agency referrals and managing this automated system provided users the ability exchange information electronically. Data from this program was used to research epidemiological trends in drug use throughout Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the District of Columbia. "My arrival at In Balance Ranch Academy was not at all a planned voyage. Rather it was a perfect serendipitous fit. After working in the field of substance of abuse treatment for most of the last three decades, I decided to leave the direct services, move away from the city and relax in southeastern Arizona. After taking a job with a local institute of higher learning as a senior analyst in Cochise County, I found that I missed meaningful contact with alcoholics and drug addicts and their families." "In the summer of 2005, I responded to an advertisement for a position working over nights at this facility on a part-time basis as a life coach. My first surprise came when the milieu manager offered to allow me to 'shadow the shifts' to see if we (In Balance Ranch Academy and I) fit. The next pleasant shocker was when the manager offered to work shifts around my schedule at the college." "After working on Fridays and Saturdays, I started to look forward to the weekends, strangely not for relaxation but to spend time at the ranch with the students that would improve so much from one week to the next." "It wasn't long until I began looking at the ranch with an objective perspective, as I was trained to do in other positions I was fortunate to enjoy. Program evaluators are trained to examine three aspects of integrity of philosophy, frequency of contact and duration of treatment. After spending a few months as a life coach I decided to apply for a therapist position. Fortunately, after an interview and undergoing a thorough review of my credentials I was offered my current position and quit my day job.'" "I feel privileged to work at In Balance Ranch Academy. The talent the youth possess amazes me every day. The students appear to look for non-judgmental acceptance. My daily message to the youth at the ranch is that sobriety is the greatest gift they can give themselves and their families. To me sobriety is not only abstaining from alcohol and other drugs but choosing to be content while living a productive and responsible life."

Tiffany A. Gallego, MSW
Primary Therapist/Co-Milieu Supervisor

Tiffany Gallego, MSW is a graduate of ASU’s MSW program. She has over 7 years of experience working with adolescents with substance abuse issues. She is co-manager of In Balance Ranch Academy’s Therapeutic Milieu. She also facilitates groups and is involved in program development.

“As the daughter of a therapist, I thought I would grow up to be anything but a therapist. I received my BS in Special Education and went directly to work with children with special needs. I also began working part time at the In Balance Outpatient Center. I soon realized I was capable of impacting change in the lives of people challenged with substance abuse issues. This type of work soon became my passion. I went back to school and received my Masters in Social Work and began working full time with my father and the In Balance team to make the vision of In Balance Ranch Academy a reality.”

"When talking about what the ranch would be we all committed to making it a unique program unlike any other in the world. We all asked ourselves what worked in all of the programs we have been and what didn’t and then we cross checked our instincts with what research says and we were right on. We also committed to creating an environment that allowed young people to get sober and like it. So we added as many activities as we could think of that young men would enjoy. We strive every day to improve ourselves and our program and the lives of the people we are working with and that has allowed me to realize my dream of working at a place that I always have room to impact change and continue to grow."

"I watch young men come into the program angry, self-defeating, scared, hurt, and disconnected with their families and watch them learn to trust, love, play, have fun, feel pride and regain their relationships with their family. There is no process more rewarding to watch. I always knew I had to work for a program that had a primary focus of the students involved and In Balance Ranch Academy gives more back to the students than any program I have ever seen. The students drive the direction they take in the program and I believe feeling ownership over your environment is the only way anyone can succeed."

"My strengths lie in setting boundaries while developing relationships with the students. I am never invested in saying no or implementing anything that does not make sense so I am constantly asking the students for their input on how to improve situations or solve problems. My priority is always re-instituting healthy empowerment in the family while rebuilding the family structure. My goal with every student to facilitate a sense of pride power and purpose. "

Steven Nath
Milieu Manager

Steven has over ten years experience working with youth in various programs in Nevada and Arizona. Steven began his career at Harris Springs Ranch located in Mount Charleston outside of Las Vegas NV. Steven has worked with youth teaching, life skills, meditation and helping youth reach their full potential while navigating their recovery.  He worked for the Cochise county Juvenile court where he created community service programs that allowed youth to increase their self-esteem and self-worth through trail building and nature conservation projects.  Steven worked with youth leadership initiatives in South Eastern Arizona in primary prevention. He was co-coordinator for Southeast Arizona's first Teen Institute which brought together 15 Southern Arizona High schools consisting of teams of youth, teachers and parents from each school addressing issues in their communities. His primary focus will be managing the milieu to support students and staff at In Balance Ranch Academy.