by Oshi Yuvalwww.oshistyle.com
SERVICE AS THERAPY
In working with hundreds of youth in therapeutic settings, Within a Seed founder Michael Escalante began to question some of the fundamentals of therapy. While Michael felt that most therapeutic organizations lent invaluable help to their clients, he recognized a poignant discrepancy: Many therapeutic organizations require their clients to focus on themselves and their issues with the expectation that the clients will develop a community focus rather than a selfish focus. Michael noticed that the most critical periods of breakthrough occurred primarily when clients felt deep care for others marked by a willingness to selflessly serve.
As a result of Michaels ideas, a small group of people came together to create Within a Seed foundation; an organization that facilitates meaningful international service expeditions coupled with the daily support of a licensed therapist and experienced staff. Each expedition leader has years of experience working with youth in multiple organizations.
Within a Seeds Growth Through Giving Model is a powerful tool to combat a wide gamut of issues including depression, anxiety, family conflict and relationship issues. Within a Seed also provides powerful growth opportunities for people simply looking for a clearer sense of purpose and an opportunity to serve internationally. The Growth Through Giving Model combines the inherent power of service with a curriculum that invites volunteer participants to:
1. Recognize their talent set and grow sincere appreciation for ones self
2. Identify important standards and values and foster commitment to adhere to ones personal code of values
3. Apply the principles of responsive living by The Arbinger Institute
4. Thoroughly explore the meaning and importance of community, friendship and love
5. Identify venues near home wherein each volunteer can grow their talents
6. Learn about community driven development and grow lasting desire to serve others
For more information on our model please email WithinASeed_gmail.com
EXPEDITION 2010: PERU
Details Coming Soon
Michael Escalante, Founder and Executive Director
Having worked with hundreds of youth in therapeutic settings, Michael Escalante began to question some of the fundamentals of therapy. While Michael felt that most therapeutic organizations lent invaluable help to their clients, he recognized a poignant discrepancy: Many therapeutic organizations require their clients to focus on themselves and their issues with the expectation that the clients will develop a community focus rather than a selfish focus. Michael noticed that the most critical periods of breakthrough occurred primarily when clients felt deep care for others marked by a willingness to serve selflessly.
Michael's ideas led him to found Within a Seed Foundation, an organization that facilitates international service expeditions for youth. "Youth today more than ever need to engage in a meaningful cause," reports Escalante Something powerful happens while working side by side with someone from poorer circumstances. Michael believes that meaningful service magnifies the desire to make healthy community-minded choices. "Our lives are more significant and robust than we often recognizesometimes we need to get out side of ourselves and our everyday circumstances," adds Michael Escalante.
Michael began working with adolescents in 1997 and has since worked as a guide, mentor, life coach, program director and COO. Michael has presented in several settings on a gamut of topics spanning from parenting skills to rock climbing as a therapeutic intervention. Michael enjoys adventure sports, cycling, music and good literature.
Justin Robinson, Founder and Director of Clinical Services
Justin Robinson is the Director of Clinical and Program Services for Within A Seed, and owner of New Perspectives Therapy, a private practice specializing in adolescent and family services. Justin was formerly clinical director of Aspiro, a Wilderness Adventure therapy program. Prior to his time at Aspiro, Justin was a therapist and administrator of a therapeutic boarding school.
He is currently enrolled at the University of Utah where he is working on his doctorate degree in Social Work. He returned to school in order to study and specialize in the therapeutic potential of service. Justin's masters degree is in social work and his bachelors degree is in recreational therapy.
Justin and his wife Janet live in the beautiful mountains of Heber, Utah. In addition to their own four children, they are also foster parents for adolescents transitioning out of residential treatment.
Justin has worked in the therapeutic industry for fifteen years. His passion to help youth and their families has driven him to seek effective interventions. Through his experiences he has learned that effective adolescent interventions need to focus on internal change rather than behavior modification. A new and positively stimulating environment is often effective as a way to naturally break through resistance to change, allowing adolescents a new perspective from which to view the choices of the past.
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Jodi Escalante, Photographer
Jodi comes from a very active family and began camping and playing sports at a young age. A talented athlete, Jodi played a variety of high school sports. During her undergraduate studies, Jodi became interested in psychology and at-risk-youth therapy and treatment. She worked for two youth therapy programs starting in 2005 before joining the Aspiro team in April of 2006. Before her role as field director, Jodi was a talented lead guide and field leader.
Jodi received her B.S. in Psychology from Utah Valley State College. She enjoys traveling, arts, sewing, sports, triathlons, and rock climbing. Photography has also been a major portion of Jodi's life.
She is a Wilderness First Responder.
Ryan Swan, Photographer and Videographer
When the tsunami struck South East Asia in December 2004 Ryan was attending Brigham Young University. He spent Christmas break reading news articles about the devastation and searching the internet for a way to help. After winter semester he sold his car to buy a plane ticket and left the country for the first time to volunteer in Thailand for six weeks. He now sees the decision to serve there as one of the most pivotal moments of his life.
After graduating in History and Business Ryan spent time traveling in Peru and Europe and volunteered for three months in East Africa. In between these trips he worked in the mountains and deserts of Utah guiding and mentoring at risk youth.
In the fall of 2007 he left the country again but this time by car. With the help of two friends he directed, produced and edited a feature length documentary about a road trip through Central America to Panama. The film In Pursuit of Panama went on to win several awards at film festivals in the 2008 circuit.
In 2009 he purchased a 36 foot sailboat with two friends and after months of preparations they left on a voyage from Long Beach, California to Australia.
Ryan returned from the trip early to marry his girlfriend and he is currently working as a free lance photographer.
When talking about the Within a Seed Foundation Ryan said, "Immersing myself in other cultures and serving other people who were in need has changed how I think about the world and my place in it. There have been so many times when Ive been working with youth and wanted to give them a glimpse into another picture of the world. Im really excited to be involved in this life changing experience."
CONTACT US
WithinASeed_gmail.com
WITHIN A SEED
FOUNDATION
