In every organization, there are individuals whose passion and dedication bring the mission to life. At AWARE, Rowan McCullough exemplifies this spirit, consistently going above and beyond to enrich the lives of those we serve. Growing up in a small town in New Hampshire, Rowan developed a love for the outdoors that shaped his life and career. He earned a Bachelor's in Psychology with a mental health focus and a Minor in Outdoor Education from Plymouth State University, where he also worked as a zipline guide and off-road tour guide.
Rowan’s passion for adventure extends beyond his professional life. Whether he’s mountain biking, climbing, hiking, rafting, or skiing, you’ll find him in the great outdoors, often with a camera in hand. His partner and their 2-year-old Lab, Otis, are his regular companions on weekend camping trips, capturing the beauty of nature and creating lasting memories.
Since moving to Missoula nearly three years ago, Rowan has embraced the Montana lifestyle. He joined AWARE in April 2023 as a Hab Tech in the DD residential program. A chance encounter during training introduced him to the Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Program, and by June, he had transitioned to this new role, where his skills and experience found a perfect match.
On the path to becoming a certified Recreational Therapist, Rowan is returning to school for a year of Therapeutic Recreation classes to prepare for the National Certification Exam. The transformative power of TR, which he witnesses through his work at AWARE, inspires him daily. Seeing clients emerge from isolation, discover new passions, and form meaningful connections fuels his dedication.
Rowan’s role is as dynamic as he is, leveraging individuals' strengths and interests to promote positive change in their health and wellness. His days vary, collaborating closely with Beth, the TR Service Director, supporting clients in achieving their goals, and guiding peers across the state. Despite the team being spread out, they remain connected and supportive, sharing diverse perspectives and skills.
Among his cherished memories are the first face-to-face TR team meeting in Anaconda and helping a musically talented client perform at an open mic event, which led to an invitation to join a band. These experiences highlight the transformative power of TR and Rowan’s commitment to his clients.
Rowan McCullough's dedication, passion for the outdoors, and client-centered care embody the essence of AWARE. As he continues his journey towards certification, we celebrate his contributions and look forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly make.
To learn more about AWARE’s Therapeutic Recreation Services, please click here.
At AWARE, we believe it takes a team. Joining Rowan in making a big impact are:
Beth Eastman – Therapeutic Recreation Service Director
Jacqueline Peterson – Mind Body Wellness Coordinator
Kit Lourens – Therapeutic Recreation Service Technician
Craig Miller - Therapeutic Recreation Service Technician
Beth Horn – Recreational Therapist
Abigail Schmidt - Therapeutic Recreation Service Technician
Emily Dunn - Therapeutic Recreation Service Technician
Jacqualine Hegemeister - Therapeutic Recreation Service Technician
Konner Lund - Therapeutic Recreation Service Technician
Allison Darouze - CTRS, Recreation Therapist
Anjanette Tecca - Therapeutic Recreation Service Technician
Kelsie Stonely - Therapeutic Recreation Service Technician
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