

Meet The Team

Trip Leader
Kristen C Calhoun, Certified Life Coach, Founder & CEO
There are so many of us that don't fit into any particular "box." We must fight and claw to unlearn what we have been taught and carve out our own place in society. So often, this leaves us battered and bruised. Sometimes, we are not exposed to or have access to the support and the skills necessary to thrive, so we end up living lives of quiet desperation.
Sadly, many of us don't make it at all. So many of us have lost loved ones in this struggle. I am one of those people. I have been battling this all of my life, striving to make my way in this world and to be a woman of substance. I want to live a life I am proud of- a life that works for me.
I have gathered so many skills, practices, and amazing people over the last 30 years. I created a process to pass on everything that I have learned to anyone that wants it. I am privileged to teach this in the most beautiful places I know.
Healing, recovery, and finding our place in the world can be exhausting and painful. However, it is beautiful and inspiring AS WELL!

Trip Leader
Chandler Hill, MS, LPCLicensed Professional Counselor | Wilderness Retreat Facilitator
As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a passion for integrating mental health support with nature-based healing, I specialize in helping individuals navigate recovery, strengthen their emotional resilience, and discover a deeper sense of purpose. I am dedicated to guiding individuals on their journeys to mental well-being, whether they are navigating life transitions, overcoming trauma, or seeking personal growth.Through immersive, experiential retreats, participants are given the opportunity to step away from the distractions and obligations of everyday life, reconnecting with emotions that are often blocked or disconnected. These retreats create space for deeper self-reflection and healing, allowing individuals to explore and process in ways that promote safety, presence, and emotional balance.
My approach combines practical therapeutic techniques with experiential learning, empowering participants to develop new coping skills, restore their sense of wonder, and ultimately thrive in their recovery.I am committed to supporting individuals not only through their challenges but also as they prepare to reintegrate into their daily lives with clarity, confidence, and ownership over their recovery. By incorporating group discussions, experiential therapeutic activities, and mindfulness practices, my goal is to help you evolve your recovery into something sustainable—an experience that goes beyond survival to true flourishing.If you're ready to unlock new perspectives, tap into your full potential, and take your mental health to the next level, I’m here to walk with you on that transformative journey.

Trip Leader
Brandon Jones, Firefighter | Paramedic
Hello, my name is Brandon Jones and I am excited to be part of the A.W.E. team. I am originally from Southern California but have been in North Texas for the past 26 years. I am a father of two children and work as a Firefighter/ Paramedic in the DFW area. My passion has always been in public service but after my own journey through some very turbulent storms of addiction, sobriety, divorce, and life’s curve balls, I found myself being pulled to work in helping others navigate their journeys. I am active in my department’s PEER support and CISM teams. These teams help our members process unsettling emergency calls as well as with the complex stressors that come with being a first responder. I am rooted in my faith and lean on it to strengthen me in my recovery. I enjoy staying active with functional fitness and Jiu Jitsu. I believe that it takes a tribe and that iron sharpens iron. Mentoring has helped me, and continues to help me navigate life’s twists and turns. I am truly inspired by helping others obtain tools to assist with theirs.

Project Manager
Rachel Polichio
I am passionate about creating meaningful experiences that help people feel supported, connected, and empowered. My background is in project management, construction, and hospitality, where I’ve developed a love for bringing people together, solving complex problems, and creating systems that help organizations thrive. I believe every successful project begins with listening, and that the best outcomes happen when people feel heard, respected, and valued.
My connection to As Well is deeply personal. I lost my best friend to addiction, an experience that forever changed the way I view mental health, recovery, and the importance of genuine human connection. That loss fuels my passion for supporting organizations that create safe spaces for healing, hope, and authentic community. It is an honor to contribute to a mission that reminds people they are never alone and that recovery and growth are always possible.
As Project Manager for As Well, I am committed to supporting our retreats, strengthening our operations, and helping turn ideas into meaningful experiences that allow our team to focus on what matters most—walking alongside individuals on their journey toward healing and living authentically.”
“You can live in a familiar hell or an unfamiliar heaven, the choice is yours.”
Board Treasurer
Chris Morris, CPA,MBA
Founder & Managing Partner, Chris Morris CPA LLC
Chris Morris, CPA, MBA is the Founder and Managing Partner of Chris Morris CPA LLC, a specialized accounting and tax practice based in Surprise, Arizona. Over his tenure since establishing the firm in 2014, Chris has built a niche advisory business focused on serving creative entrepreneurs (writers, editors, publishing firms), chiropractors, individual taxpayers, and families navigating adoption-related tax complexities (chrismorriscpa.com).
Chris is passionate about providing dedicated attention to clients who are often underserved by traditional CPA firms. He’s committed to treating each client—regardless of size—with the respect, clarity, and expertise essential for achieving their personal and business goals.
Chris has also been a part of a TED Talk. Click his photo above and see more.

Board Secretary
Luther Birdzell,
Entrepreneur, pilot, data scientist, and engineer. Passionate about adventure.
Luther Birdzell is an entrepreneur, pilot, data scientist, and engineer whose work bridges technology and human resilience. With a deep passion for adventure recovery—the process of healing and transformation through bold experience—Luther brings both analytical rigor and fearless curiosity to everything he does. Whether navigating the skies or building data-driven systems, he is committed to exploring the edge of possibility and creating pathways for others to recover, grow, and thrive.
