Yoga Workshop & Discussion Veteran Nature Reconnection and Recalibration
Speakers
Sheena Pate
Project Coordinator
Crown of the Continent Geotourism Council
Sheena Pate of Columbia Falls, MT, project coordinator for the Crown of the Continent Geotourim Council, works in and around the international transboundary region (Alberta, British Columbia & Montana) introducing the geotourism concept and how it can be a tool to build a sustainable tourism industry without sacrificing community values or identity, in partnership with National Geographic. It is her belief that geotourism can effectively sustain regional businesses, preserve community character and promote conservation.
This Texas born gal grew up and worked in the outdoor recreation industry before making a run for the captivating mountains of Colorado and Montana. Pate’s passion for bringing people together to work toward sustaining and enhancing the character of geographical places led her to earn a degree in watershed science from Colorado State University and a degree in environmental studies from University of Montana. She was drawn to the Crown of the Continent over 16 years ago because of its distinct communities and access to unspoiled landscapes. The last 18 years she has had the pleasure of working as a Program Coordinator, Outreach Consultant, Watershed Scientist, Environmental Technician and Conservation Educator for Crown of the Continent Geotourism Council, Flathead National Forest, Whitefish Legacy Partners, Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP/Curecanti NRA, City of Fort Collins- Utilities, Watershed Education Network and watershed restoration consultants.
When she’s not volunteering for local and state non-profits you can often find her with a camera in hand exploring the vast region and capturing family adventures with her fly fishing guide/hunting guide/ski patrol husband, outdoor obsessed toddler and trusty dog Bridger Merle. You can often catch her and crew on @crowngeotourism and @findyourwildcollective Instagram feeds enjoying the region’s “hidden gems”.
Matt Toole
Owner and Founder
Upstream Immersion LLC
Epic life experiences and rewarding work in the military service have significantly shaped Matt’s worldview. It was a great honor to serve alongside his brothers in some of the darkest waters and hottest deserts. He patrolled, ran, and climbed with them through austere and violent lands with them. Obstacles that could hardly be imagined, were put before them. He had the profound blessing of working alongside some of the most talented, selfless, hard-working men and women in our country. They gave and gave and then gave some more; never asking for anything in return.
With several tours and age injuries compounded towards the end of his military career. He pushed through and postponed most of surgeries until the end. That being said it was still worth it all to break body for my family, my brothers, and my country. So many have given much more.
Through his work and transitional journey he has tuned into natural elements that restore. Matt’s passion is to share this beautiful Montana landscape through traditional modalities, family farm cultivation and raw nature; to allow the elements and our amazing bodies to address the negative symptoms of our toxic lifestyles. Now is the time to mend these pieces together; to respire for family, for brothers, for veterans, for first responders, and for all those who have sacrificed so much.
Michael Heck
Performance Consultant
Institute of Sports Performance
Michael Heck MA, LPC Billings, Montana Office
I have 20 years of work as a counselor, coach, consultant, teacher, and clinical director in the field of mental health and athletics. I played football at Azusa Pacific University and then signed with the San Gabriel Valley Rhinos, a minor league football team in Los Angeles, CA. I started running marathons at Azusa Pacific and began coaching marathon runners at APU as well. I’ve coached football in Billings, Montana (Billings West HS) and Houston (Second Baptist HS).
I am a licensed professional counselor in Texas and Montana. Montana you say?? Yes! My family and I live in the Big Sky State and I continue to do in-office and remote sessions with athletes all over the United States (and South Korea!).
My credentials include:
MA, Clinical Psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy
MA, Family Studies
EMDR Trained, EMDRIA (treating acute stress or trauma) MA, Theology
