My name is Sandra McKee. I am the Executive Director and Education Director of Ashley Valley Wilderness Program. I am presently a Certified Special Education Teacher employed by Duchesne County School District working at Con Amore School with kids, ages 3-22, who is severely multi-disabled individuals. My previous employment in another wilderness program has given me the experience and the desire to help open up another wilderness program to help "at risks" and troubled youth and adults. It is this desire that has led to the formation of Ashley Valley Wilderness Program. My former employment in the Uintah School District lasted 10 years as a Resource Teacher (classified worker), working with kids (ages 12-18) who have learning disabilities. I also worked as a Case Manager (Social Worker) with kid’s ages 5-18 dealing with Mental Health issues. With these experience and opportunities I have learned that I really like to work with kids and older kids- Adults!

I am a member of the Duchesne Education Association, Utah Education Association and National Education Association. I am MANDT trained, CPR and First Response certified. I am also ESOL Certified. (English as a Second Other Language). I have been trained using the PECS Program. (Picture Exchange System)

This program is for the hearing impaired (deaf) and communications impaired (Non or partial speaking) individuals. I create Individualized Behavior Modification Programs (goals, reinforcements) for educational purposes. I am now beginning my Masters Degree in Special Education (Utah State University.) As a Special Education Teacher, I am specialized in IEP's (individual educational plans) and know the state laws concerning special education.

As Executive Director and Education Director of Ashley Valley Wilderness Program I am able to promote learning processes that will enable your son/daughter the opportunity for a successful wilderness experience and educational learning. In the Wilderness there are four educational subject areas that are taught: English, General Science, Social Studies and Physical Education. When a student graduates the field program they can go on into a Ranch program. The Ranch students can enroll into Uintah School District- Ashley Valley Alternative School- and graduate high school.

There are other options for graduation in the Ranch program such as Independent Study Programs and/or GED (General Educational Development) equivalent to a high School diploma. Our Education program is designed to meet the student’s needs.

Now meet the other side of Sandra McKee. I am a mother of seven children, age’s 15-26. My children consist of two attending high school, four college goers, one graduated from college and two married. Yes. I know that is nine children, but two are going to college and are married! I live on a dairy farm way out in the middle of nowhere. (Of which I prefer). I am a grandmother of six! I was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader for 16 years. (I LOVED IT!) I have a strong religious background and believe that we are all special and unique.

I love to work with kids, (no matter the problems, disabilities or background) to help them understand that they are unique individuals that can choose to be what they want to be, to accomplish and to succeed as an individuals. I work with the youth and adults at Ashley Valley Wilderness Simply because I love them. It is a challenge, but a great one!

Ashley Valley Wilderness
  ||80 East, 100 South, Vernal, Utah, 84078||
                   || Direct 435-781-2450 || Toll Free 1-866-781-2450 || Fax 435-781-2442||
                 ||Email: admissions@ashleyvalleywilderness.net || Web Page: http//:www.ashleyvalleywilderness.net||
                       ||Troubled Teens, Family Therapy, at risk students, and early intervention||