Meet Our Team

From leadership down to the front-lines, it takes incredible talent and a lot of hard work from our deeply committed staff. Every staff member signs a statement of faith, ensuring that our focus remains on cultivating a genuinely Christ-centered environment.

A Letter from Our Executive Director, Justin Smith

With 29 years on the job, Justin has been part of the DNA at Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch for nearly three decades. Today, he serves as the Executive Director. Under his leadership, the ministry is thriving in fulfilling it’s mission to empower youth and families with Christ-centered solutions to life controlling issues.

Meet Our Clinical Team

Our evidence-based clinical approach begins with a team of medical professionals that deliver clinical services onsite. Clinical care includes psychiatric evaluations, medication management, around-the-clock nursing, and structured therapy services using effective methodologies like accelerated resolution therapy (ART), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness training.

Abigail Johnson

APRN, PMHNP-BC, MSN

Abigail is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She provides psychiatric evaluation and medication management with a personalized, holistic approach. Through her practice, Johnson Behavioral, Abigail provides on-site and on-call services to support safe, effective stabilization and treatment.

Adam Persenaire

MSW, LCSW, A.R.T. and E.M.D.R trauma trained

Adam is a licensed clinical social worker. He holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Adam considers it an honor and a privilege to serve as a small part of working towards spiritual, emotional, relational, and physical health in the lives of those who come to the ranch.

Cheryl Comfort

M.S., LPC, TF-CBT, ART

Cheryl studied Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy at John Brown University, graduating with her second Masters Degree in 2018. Cheryl is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Telehealth. Cheryl’s clinical experience includes addressing depression, anxiety, PTSD, autism, ADHD, grief, sexually maladaptive behaviors, and anger management.

Katie Carney

LPC

Katie Carney is a Licensed Counselor with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from John Brown University and a Bachelor’s degree in Leisure Service Management from Oklahoma State University. She has 15 years of experience working with adolescents and youth in various settings, including Girl Scouts, Boys and Girls Club programs, summer camps, school-based therapy programs, and residential therapeutic boarding school programs.

Ryan Sylvester

MS, LAC, NCC, ART trauma therapy trained

Ryan Sylvester is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). He has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology from Oklahoma Christian University and a Master’s of Science in Counseling degree from John Brown University. Ryan is trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy for trauma and related issues and practices attachment theory, existential, motivational interviewing, and other counseling modalities to fit the needs of his clients.