Directors & Consultants
Jeffrey L. WhitakerProgram Director
Jeffrey is a member of the U.S. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (USPRA) and has experience with Therapeutic Crisis Intervention through Cornell University and Managing Aggressive Behavior (MAB) through the University of Oklahoma. Jeffrey has been working with youth in a variety of capacities both formally and informally since 1997. As program coordinator for the Department of Justice (DOJ) Weed and Seed program and the United States Navy and Marine Corps Drug Education for Youth (DEFY) program, Oak Harbor, Washington, Jeffrey played an essential role in educating area youth of the dangers and consequences of drug use while offering exciting alternatives designed to enrich the lives of participating youth. As a member of the 3rd Marine Division Air and Ground Team, Jeffrey worked as a Jungle Warfare Instructor at the Jungle Warfare Training Center (JWTC) in Okinawa, Japan, teaching courses in Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (S.E.R.E.), jungle combat, wilderness survival, and tropical medicine. As the Non Commission Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of the Battalion Aid Station (BAS), 3rd Marine Division Air/Ground Team, Jeffrey worked as the Senior Medical Officer (SMO) for the joint forces Search and Rescue (SAR) team, conducting rescue operations throughout the Northern Training Area (NTA), Yanburu Jungle, Okinawa, Japan. Jeffrey has more than a decade of experience utilizing wilderness-based programming to facilitate positive behavior changes for children and adolescents who are struggling with challenging behaviors. As a staff supervisor with the Genesis Project, Edmond, Oklahoma, Jeffrey worked closely with boys aged 6-12 who were recovering from abusive home environments. As a camp counselor with Eckerd Youth Alternatives, Inc., Jeffrey worked with children and adolescents from the juvenile justice system and social services division in a residential wilderness therapy environment. As an independent contractor with Soltreks, Inc., Jeffrey facilitated 6-8 week expeditions along the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) for youth and young adults struggling with a variety of behavioral and emotional challenges. Jeffrey is committed to empowering youth to make positive changes in their life through wilderness experiences.
Dr. Matthew Shepard, D.C.Health & Wellness Consultant
Dr. Shepard is the managing partner of Shepard Chiropractic Clinic located at 1906 E. Second Street, Edmond, Oklahoma 73034. As OAg's health and wellness consultant, Dr. Shepard plays an essential role in developing our nutritional standards and has designed a comprehensive physical health program for students participating in wilderness-based activities. During his time at the Genesis Project, Edmond, Oklahoma, Dr. Shepard worked closely with the Department of Human Services (DHS) and Child Protective Services (CPS), caring for children recovering psychologically and physically from abusive home environments. Dr. Shepard plays an essential role in our comprehensive approach through the incorporation of treatment modalities which address underlying physical components, diet and nutrition, and stress. Dr. Shepard specializes in low-impact adjustments to correct subluxations and restore proper nerve function. Dr. Shepard also provides comprehensive dietary and nutritional plans for students struggling with behavioral and emotional issues. Dr. Shepard is committed to supporting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of struggling children and adolescents through natural and non-invasive modalities.
