Troy Knight, M.S. – Executive Director Contact number (435) 459-9223

“Fear always springs from ignorance.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Troy has been in the behavioral healthcare industry for over 15 years, working with adolescents and young adults. He holds a bachelor’s degree in art and a master’s degree in health care administration. Troy began his career working with youth in wilderness training programs and has since helped to develop several new programs, all focused on the self-improvement of young men and women. Troy’s vast knowledge of mental health treatment and his understanding of industry standards and practices have helped him develop and lead hospitals, therapeutic schools and wilderness training programs for over a decade.

Troy joined Wilderness Quest in 2004 and held the position of Executive Director until 2008 when he relocated to Northern Idaho and started his program consulting business. Troy has now rejoined Wilderness Quest and is committed to continue the traditions and mission that is paramount with the Wilderness Quest Program
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Troy is an avid out doors man who loves to share his knowledge and experience with others. His hobbies include playing competitive racquetball, weight training, backpacking, fly fishing and spending time with his two children. Why this line of work: “I love sharing new experiences and my love of outdoors with young people from all different backgrounds".

Jennifer Whipple, Director of Admissions Contact number (435) 459-9222

Jennifer began finding her interest in child development early on in life, working in the childcare field sculpting young minds. She continued on into the nursing field working with the mentally and physically challenged and elderly care for just over four years. Jennifer then decided to expand her horizons into other areas and found Wilderness Quest. From the first day being hired as the secretary and loving every part of Wilderness Quest, her devotion for the families and students watching the changes happening in the family structure made her grow and learn all the aspects of Wilderness Quest. She was especially drawn to the family aspect of the company and appreciated how important it was and is to keep that culture. With that love and concern the students were more eager to learn how to be responsible, love, grow as people and number one become sober. Jennifer has working in the industry for 10 years helping families and student work together for understanding and unity. As well as an Interventionist. She is currently continuing her education with Wilderness Quest and hopes to achieve her LSAC in the near future.

Jennifer brings her own experiences of life and the struggles with addiction to help families have a better understanding of how hard life can get at times, and with help the sun does come out and breath new life to each person in need. 

Jennifer enjoys the simple things in life such as camping outdoors, hiking, horseback riding and riding motor cycles. Jennifer’s youngest daughter likes to help out in the office and be apart of Wilderness Quest and way she can, she will tell you that she is the boss. Jennifer and her family all work together for the livelihood of Wilderness Quest and its mission of bringing families back together.

Tyler Palmer, LSAC, NCAC Wilderness Director/Substance Abuse Counselor Contact number (435) 459-1107 

Tyler Palmer joined the Wilderness Quest family as an intern in the summer of 2003. Through his experience working at Wilderness Quest he has acquired over 600 field days of experience working with young people in the therapeutic setting. Also in that time he has become a Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor (LSAC), as well as a National Certified Addiction Counselor (NCAC). Using the outdoors as a medium for facilitating change has been a huge part of his path in the treatment industry.

Being a recovered alcoholic/addict himself, he shares his experience, strength, and hope with the students who come into the Wilderness Quest program on a daily basis. Tyler insists to each student that the best and most exciting times of their lives lay ahead of them if they commit themselves to sobriety.

Clayton Payne, LSAC Support Logistics Director : Contact number (435) 459-1714

Clayton has worked in the addiction recovery field for nearly 20 years. He is a licensed Substance Abuse Counselor in the state of Utah, and is nationally and internationally certified as an addiction counselor. Clayton has worked in a variety of treatment settings, including acute inpatient psychiatric and detox, various outpatient and intensive outpatient programs, residential, and wilderness settings. Clayton has worked as a consultant in starting several programs from the ground up.

Clayton initially joined the Wilderness Quest team in 2006 as a group therapist. Since that time he has served in several capacities at Wilderness Quest, including Clinical Field Director and Program Director. He rejoined Wilderness Quest in September of 2010, and is serving as the Program Director.

Clayton is excited to again be part of this incredible program. He believes in and understands how powerful the wilderness experience is in recovering from addiction issues. Clayton enjoys many outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, climbing, and canyoneering. He also enjoys water sports, all types of motorcycles, and off road driving in his jeep. These interests make Wilderness Quest a match personally and professionally.