OUR STAFF

Penrith Farms employs a unique and powerful collection of highly qualified individuals who are dedicated to helping young adults improve their lives, through empowerment, encouragement, positive role modeling, and a focus on future direction.

James Brewster
Co-Owner and Director

• Over 25 years of experience in owning and facilitating therapeutic programs for adolescents and young adults
• School Board member for 16 years
• Civil Service Commissioner for 26 years
• Former Army Captain and helicopter pilot
• Prior manager of Old City Hall, a 78,000 sq. ft. shopping center, with 41 shops and three restaurants in Tacoma, Washington.

Sherry Brewster
Co-Owner of Penrith Farms

• Over 24 years of experience in owning and facilitating therapeutic programs for adolescents and young adults
• Former private preschool teacher in San Francisco and Marin County, California
• Culinary artist with over 40 years of cooking and baking experience

Jeremy Hastings
Executive Assistant and Administration

• Masters of Public Administration from Eastern Washington University 2009
• B.A. History from Washington State University 2000
• B.A. Philosophy from Washington State University 2000
• United States Army 2000—2004

Jon Brewster
Program Coordinator & Counselor

• B.S. Psychology from the University of Washington 1993
• Eight years experience as a Mental Health Professional
• Certified Special Education Teacher
• 20+ years working with adolescents/young adults

Heather Green
Counselor & Case Manager

• B.S. Applied Psychology, Eastern Washington University
• Counseling, Developmental, Educational degree, Eastern Washington University
• Licensed/Registered Hypnotherapist
• 14 years experience as a Mental Health Professional

Alex "Coyote" Dalessi
Senior Staff Residences, Work Crew Supervisor, Chess Teacher

• Four years experience in wilderness therapy for at-risk youth
• Eight years wood working experience
• Associate of Arts in Fire Science, Central Oregon Community College
• One year experience volunteer firefighter/E.M.T., Sunriver, Oregon
• One year experience volunteer hospice caregiver, Redmond, Oregon
• Certified First Aid and CPR by American Red Cross
• Certified in non-violent crisis intervention by the Crisis Prevention Institute

Ron Rhodes
Lead Staff Male Residence

• B.S. Human Resource Management
• 13 years experience as a Propmaker /General Foreman

Willow Shirrill-Merritt
Lead Staff Female Residence

• Former client and success story of Penrith Farms
• Recreation Director/Lead Staff Male Residence 1991 - 2002
• Banquet Chef, Davenport Hotel, Spokane, WA 2002 - 2006
• Nurse's Assistant 2007 - 2008

Alicia Best
Organic Gardening Supervisor

• B.A. English Literature/Minor in Philosophy Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA
• 2 year Certificate Herbal Medicine Nutrition & Organic Gardening-Rocky Mountain Center for Botanical Studies, Boulder, CO

Mila Gilbert
Music Teacher

• Piano-Keyboards – Guitar and Drumming
• 20+ years of private instruction and Workshops to all ages
• 12 years accompanying student dancers - Columbia Ballet Theater of Spokane