New Leaf Academy - Staff

Robbi O'Kelley MSW, LCSW, CADCII
Executive Director

Robbi has been working with children, adolescents and families for 22 years.  She has experience working with trauma, eating disorders, substance abuse and mood disorders in a variety of settings including hospital, private practice and public school district.  Robbi has extensive training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) which is a skill-based cognitive behavioral approach to working with emotions.

“At New Leaf, we are able to reduce the pressures on young girls so they can develop the skills they need to navigate the complex social environments they are facing.  It is amazing to see our students develop from lost girls to confident young women.”

Sarah Casson Rush
Admissions Director

Sarah has an extensive background in customer service and marketing. She has been working with family’s in crisis more than 5 years. Sarah brings an impressive level of empathy and sincerity as the Admission Director, in her ability to listen, support and hold the families hand from initial call to arrival.

“Placing their daughter at New Leaf Academy is one of the hardest decisions parents have to make.   My job is to provide the support parents need so they can make an appropriate choice and begin to feel some hope.”

Patricia J. "PJ" Swan, M.Ed., LPC, CADCII
Clinical Director

PJ has over 20 years of experience in residential and wilderness programs providing individual, group and family therapy. She has extensive training in DBT. PJ has developed parent and sibling curriculums integrating treatment for the student and family. Specialties include working with young girls, anxiety, depression, social skill development, parent support/family reunification.

“I am inspired by how girls learn, play and grow through meaningful relationships. It is truly a gift to witness and encourage.”

Deveney Marshall B.A.
Program Director

Deveney attended the University of Oregon where she earned her B.A. in Journalism and International Studies. Her introduction to working with at risk youth was at a wilderness program where she worked as a Field Instructor for two years. After relocating to Bend she became a counselor at New Leaf Academy.  She then quickly worked her way up to the Program Director due to her skill in managing staff, students and logistics.  Deveney brings leadership, enthusiasm and integrity to our staff and students.

Carol Ranstad, B. S.
Academic Director

Carol is one of the founders of New Leaf Academy.   Having received her degree from the University of Oregon, Carol has been involved in education for 27 years, including both public and alternative education experiences prior to establishing the academic program at New Leaf Academy 13 years ago.  Carol has established a unique academic system at New Leaf Academy using the concept of academic scaffolding to meet the varied academic needs of our students.

“I believe strongly that students should be educated in a manner that caters to their learning strengths and should be provided the support they need to evolve into independent, self-directed learners.  It is exciting to watch our girls go from discouraged learners who have lost their academic self-esteem to proud, competent students.”

Jerrie Dee Harvey, M.A., LPC
Therapist

Jerrie Dee Harvey comes to New Leaf Academy after working as a therapist at a wilderness program for nearly two years. She earned her Masters in Counseling from Colorado Christian University in 2007. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Idaho and working to finalize her licensure here in Oregon. Jerrie Dee has experience working with middle and high school students and families through a variety of venues and roles including youth corps leader, group home house parenting, youth group leader, and after school program teacher. She has helped children with mood disorders, behavioral issues, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, substance abuse, identity issues and adoption. She has a passion for family systems and experiential learning.

Jerrie Dee believes in the quote, "Don't just GO through it… GROW through it." She says, "I believe life struggles are opportunities for growth and understanding. Unfortunately, neither is easy. I am blessed with a career helping others find their paths through tough times. I have the opportunity to walk with them as they learn new skills, strengths and purpose. It is rewarding to be able to be with these girls and their families while they are empowered to grow in hope."

Cathryn Perkins, M.A.
Therapist

Cathryn Perkins received her master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from the State University of New York in Albany. Cathryn has worked at New Leaf Academy for two years helping our girls and their families. She has worked with middle and high school children in other residential programs prior to joining the New Leaf team. Cathryn has experience addressing many mental health issues, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and attachment disorders.

"Watching once struggling girls find their strengths, build self esteem, and accept who they are is one of the best rewards I experience as a therapist supporting these amazing students to find peace in their lives."