Our Team
The Echo Springs Faculty
Seated from left: Justin, Silas, Doug, Lisa
Standing from left: Nate, James, Glenn, Shannon, Debbie, Alison,
Will, Rhea, Phyllis, Rod
The Echo Springs faculty of fifteen works with about twenty students between two campuses. Team members range in age from late twenties to mid sixties - bringing over 250 years of experience, working with youth in educational settings.
Echo Springs experts share their talents, wisdom and skills with the students in small groups and one-on-one experiences every day. Guidance and direction are offered through classroom instruction, group meetings and process, gardening, outdoor recreation, home economics, tutoring, job coaching, and role modeling. The faculty collaborates with counselors and therapists in private practice, including sobriety programs. Businesses partner with Echo Springs for various learning and student-employment opportunities, including but not limited to: Headstart, The Forest Service, North Idaho Community College, Community Garden, Second Chance Animal Shelter, Trinity Lutheran Day Care.
"We have partners and children of our own, we understand the struggles of raising children in this society and time. We practice devotion in our community and our vocation. The key to our success is a balance of education, professional expertise, wisdom, life experience and a passion for working with young adults." ~ Doug Kim-Brown, Echo Springs FounderLearn More About Our Team
Doug Kim-Brown, Founder
Doug is passionate about helping young adults find their path in life through education, healthy boundaries, positive communication skills, and support. Doug was a certified teacher with master’s-level coursework in humanistic psychology and nearly four decades in the industry. He founded Echo Springs in 1993 when he saw the need for a nurturing environment for young adults who are struggling.
"When you hear of the triumphs of marriage, children, a job, degree, or even a new way of communication – that is why we do what we do."
Rhea Verbanic, Co-Owner & Administrative Director
Rhea’s devotion to the students at Echo Springs is founded in her belief that education on every level is important for every human being. Rhea earned a BS in education and studied post-graduate classes in counseling. She has served Echo Springs since its first days and continues to find joy in providing students with the tools to make better life decisions.
"One of our recent graduates was just accepted into a PhD program... It’s so rewarding to see each student put all of the pieces together and move forward. We play a huge role in setting them on that path!"
Lisa Sutton‚ Admissions Advisor
Equipped with more than thirty years of experience in the field‚ Lisa came to Echo Springs excited to help young adults build a sense of confidence and courage; to embrace all the joy life has to offer. Lisa earned a BS in biology and an MS in physical education. As the Admissions Advisor‚ she is honored to bond with the families and their students that enter the program. She finds satisfaction in the positive changes for students that occur while at Echo Springs.
"I have seen tremendous‚ healthy changes in hundreds of people‚ the students and parents; all because of Echo Springs... I want to continue participating in those changes."
Shannon Earle‚ Parent Coordinator
Shannon earned a bachelor’s degree in general studies and is certified in parent coaching. She has worked with youth at risk and their families since 1992. She teaches students and parents how to communicate with new and healthy techniques. Shannon’s passion is fueled by the evolution of each young adult’s self-perception and improved skills to make decisions.
"Witnessing a young man or woman realize that they can do things they’d never thought possible... that’s what I love. It gives them hope to enter the world with strength and clarity."
