[email protected]

As Director and Lead Therapist, Kurt Fairbank brings a wealth of experience in helping young people heal and grow. He is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, an Addiction Counselor, and holds certification in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. In addition, he is trained in EMDR and trauma therapy, giving him powerful tools to guide students through difficult experiences. Known for blending wisdom into everyday moments, Kurt has a gift for teaching through both his words and his actions.

Kurt grew up in Montana and now enjoys raising his own family here. He spends much of his free time outdoors with his wife and children, coaching youth sports, or in his garage working on project cars like his 1981 Corvette.

[email protected]

Since 2019, Tammy has served as our Family Outreach Coordinator, where she connects with and supports families throughout their journey at Building Bridges. She draws on more than a decade of experience as a private therapist and as a therapist in a therapeutic boarding school, pairing professional expertise with a genuine belief in the work we do. Tammy values Building Bridges for its ability to combine structure with meaningful, real-life experiences for students.

Outside of work, Tammy is a devoted wife and mother. She also loves working with her horses, which she has trained, ridden, and at times used in equine therapy.

With extensive experience supporting at-risk youth, Scarlet Fausett brings dedication and care to her role on our Support Staff. She has hosted AA meetings for many years and now applies that experience in daily work with the boys. Scarlet is an Addiction Counselor License Candidate working toward her Licensed Addiction Counselor credential, with the long-term aim of becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

[email protected]

Sarah has been part of Building Bridges since 2007 and now serves as Academic Director. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education and works closely with our Academic Coordinator to foster a positive, growth-focused learning environment. In addition to overseeing academics, Sarah is largely responsible for guiding the direction of the organization, and her impact reaches far beyond the classroom.

When she isn’t guiding the program, Sarah devotes herself to her community and to life with her four children.

[email protected]

Andy has been part of Building Bridges since 1996, guiding students as they catch up in school, build confidence, and prepare for long-term success. His trusted relationships with local schools have been instrumental in helping students feel supported in both academic and personal growth. Over the years, he has encouraged countless young people to recognize their own abilities and reach their potential.

Before Building Bridges, Andy ran a technical training company that worked with telecommunications and computer networking organizations in the U.S. and abroad. Alongside this, he spent time with high school students, sharing both technical knowledge and practical career skills.

Family has always been at the center of Andy’s life, and he and his wife have planted deep roots in Thompson Falls. He enjoys staying engaged with technology and continues to share that passion with the people around him.

[email protected]

David Mitchell is a valued member of our vocational program, where his mix of teaching experience, business ownership, and robotics coaching adds depth and opportunity for our students. His enthusiasm and history in both industry and education align perfectly with our mission to provide hands-on learning that prepares students for the future.

Originally from California, David served in the Navy as a machine repairman, traveling the world aboard an aircraft carrier. After his service, he worked as a machinist and later launched his own manufacturing company, providing parts for Boeing, Bombardier, and NASA.

Teaching eventually became his calling, and David spent sixteen years in the classroom leading courses in engineering, welding, manufacturing, and robotics. Now living in Thompson Falls, he enjoys the outdoors while continuing to share his passion for vocational education with students at Building Bridges.

Alethia is our Special Education Coordinator, bringing both passion and wide-ranging experience to her role. After earning a Psychology degree in 1995, she worked with adolescents in public and therapeutic settings before spending seven years in law enforcement. In 2013, she transitioned fully into education, serving as both a paraprofessional and certified teacher supporting students with diverse special education needs.

She also spent seven years at an Outdoor Education School as a naturalist and ropes course facilitator, teaching history and science while encouraging students to challenge themselves. In addition, Alethia has volunteered as a camp leader, leading team-building activities and rock climbing and rappelling excursions.

Alethia lives in North Idaho with her husband and daughter, where they relocated from California eight years ago. She stays active in her community by coaching high school cross country and serving in her church and YoungLife youth ministries.

With nearly two decades of involvement, Dan “DanO” Block is one of our most familiar Support Staff members. His roots as a farrier may be far from this industry, but his consistency and care have made him an important part of the boys’ experience here. When he’s not on campus, DanO can usually be found in the garden or working on his latest house project.

With years of experience in a similar program, Damien Young joined our team over three years ago as Support Staff. He is valued for the encouragement and consistency he brings to his work with the boys. Damien and his wife are busy raising their growing family.

Dell Jones is a reliable member of our Support Staff. With extensive experience in similar positions, he knows how to keep things running smoothly. Dell is constantly encouraging the young men in our program to do better and supporting them in their day-to-day efforts. Away from work, you’ll usually find him fishing or hunting, enjoying Montana’s great outdoors.

Gene Elder joined Building Bridges with extensive experience in both hands-on trades and youth programs. He brings deep knowledge of mechanics and construction, along with a passion for the outdoors—especially fishing and hunting. Gene’s calm, measured approach and genuine desire to help students succeed make him a strong role model. Whether he’s teaching practical skills or encouraging the boys to keep at a challenge, Gene consistently promotes growth through steady effort and respect.

As a Residential Supervisor, Doree Thilmony brings both teaching experience and a genuine connection with our students to her work at Building Bridges. She already knows many of the boys from her time as a teacher at the local high school, which helps bridge the gap between school and residential life. Doree has a gift for making activities fun and purposeful while maintaining the structure that supports growth. Her creativity and approachable nature make her a trusted presence in the house.

[email protected]

Aubrey Sutton grew up in Sandpoint, Idaho, in a family dedicated to supporting teens and young adults at risk. She began her career in the field while studying at Utah State, gaining direct experience at a residential treatment center. After completing her B.S. in Psychology, Aubrey continued in residential treatment before moving into a role as Client Services Representative with a nationally recognized intervention and crisis company, where she worked closely with educational consultants and families to connect youth with the right resources for care.

In her free time, Aubrey enjoys staying active, skiing, spending time on the lake, watching football, and being with her family.

Since 1979, Lisa has devoted her career to supporting teens and young adults in therapeutic programs. She brings both a master’s degree in physical sciences and a genuine passion for connecting with people to her work at Building Bridges. Lisa is valued for her ability to encourage, empower, and make a lasting difference in the lives of those around her.

[email protected]

As Office Manager, Alysha is often described as the voice and glue of Building Bridges. She coordinates everything from compliance records and billing to student appointments, while keeping communication flowing between parents and staff. With her steady organization and ability to keep people on track, she plays a vital role in making sure the details that matter most never slip through the cracks. Alysha first gained experience supporting students as a para in the local school before joining Building Bridges in 2022.