Devorah McIntosh - Academic Director

Devorah McIntosh, MA, MEd, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, a Masters degree in Guidance Counseling and an additional Masters degree in Educational Administration. She comes to Northwest Academy with many years of academic guidance and mental health experience. She passionately believes that academic success plays a significant part in students' sense of self-worth and accomplishment, allowing students to move toward contributing in a meaningful way to the world in which they will live as young adults. Northwest Academy provides this for our students, interweaving their academic successes with the critical thinking skills and emotional maturity needed to create fully self-realized young adults.






Laura Taylor - Manager, Family Services

Laura came to Northwest Academy more than seven years ago, after moving to Idaho from southern California. There, she had been a lead customer service specialist and training coordinator in the resort industry and began her career in the field of human services. Laura has held administrative positions in the office of the District Attorney, for several health and welfare agencies, and in the court systems in both California and Idaho.

"But it is my work at Northwest Academy as a parent communicator and liaison on the multi-disciplinary care management teams caring for our students that has fulfilled my sense of purpose more than any other position I have held,” says Laura. “Assisting young people to realize their potential and their families to achieve a new sense of confidence brings value and joy to me. The Northwest Academy mission statement declares what we are and do. I am proud to be a part of this work."

Laura has raised three daughters and has five grandchildren. She and her husband raise ducks and chickens and love living in this wonderful and beautiful place.

Treva R. Wadsworth, B.S., Education- Family Resource Coordinator

Treva’s smile, energy and enthusiasm are very contagious. Treva sought her degree in Physical Education K-12 to help teach children to cooperate, learn discipline, live healthy lives and experience good physical exercise that is good for the soul. She is currently enrolled in a Master’s Program in Rehabilitation Counseling. Her past experience as a high school teacher and Psychosocial Rehabilitation Provider has provided the understanding necessary to be an empathetic and caring Family Resource Coordinator. Treva’s favorite past time is spending as much time as possible with her own daughters.

Her favorite quote is “Attitudes are contagious, let yours’ be the one worth catching.”

Dan Tadlock, LMSW - Senior Clinician


We are excited to have a therapist of Dan’s caliber working with our students and their families. He comes to Northwest Academy following three years of working as a wilderness therapist with adolescents. After receiving his Masters of Social Work from Eastern Washington University, Dan began his career in a variety of mental health facilities working with all levels of acuity from anxiety to Post Traumatic Stress Disorders. Dan is a gifted and talented clinician assisting teenagers and their parent’s work through sensitive material.

Dan is an excellent example of someone who embraces our core philosophy of balancing work, family, and enjoying life with his family. He enjoys working with teenagers and values their spirit and enthusiasm. Dan has been helping teenagers tackle life’s challenges through many different roles including; therapist, mentor, ropes course instructor, wilderness guide, directing international charity projects, and coaching high school soccer.

During his free time you can find Dan out hiking with his boys, helping a friend finish a project, or playing volleyball or basketball.

Lars Hall
BA, Philosophy-Gettysburg College
MA, Adventure Education-Prescott College (in progress)

Lars arrived at NWA in September of 2007. Prior to his arrival here, Lars’s has spent much of his time working for numerous adventure programs, therapeutic wilderness programs, emotional growth schools and boarding schools. His ten years in the outdoor adventure industry have taken him from a boarding school in the Black forest of Germany to the mighty Stikine River in Southeast Alaska, with stops in Utah, Colorado and many other beautiful mountainous regions. Lars brings his passions for the outdoors to the NWA community, creating an Adventure Education department for all to enjoy. When not at work, you can find Lars either telemark skiing in the winter time or solo whitewater canoeing in the summer time. Other times are spent either traveling to remote areas or spending time with his girlfriend Kim and their dog Cooter.