17 years old, in wilderness therapy, with a crown of branches and a fire I made.
My name is Ciara. I was just like your child.
I was intelligent, bright, and full of promise, then when I hit the teenage years, my life fell apart. I became a shell of myself, and unrecognizable to my parents. At my core, I just felt “wrong” and empty. I was constantly cycling through extreme emotions, and always looking for relief in other people. I felt sensitive, insecure, and had no sense self-worth, or hope things would ever change. So I did anything I could to numb the pain — disordered eating, self-harm, and suicide attempts.
After countless therapists and medications, I was finally sent to an inpatient hospital, wilderness therapy, and a therapeutic boarding school.
My experiences ranged from healing, damaging, and disorienting to everything in between. During my time in these places, I observed how my peers reacted and engaged with the programs. I watched how the adults interacted with us. I saw how some approaches were meaningful and supportive, and many caused harm in the name of therapy.
As a young adult, I needed to make sense of what I had experienced — recover from the harm caused, retain what had healed me, and rebuild my life from a place I’d never expected to be.
Now, I am the mentor I wish I had when I was in your child’s shoes.
After leaving treatment, I experienced many ups and downs. However, I was able to repair my family relationships, come off all my medications, graduate from college with honors, work in the mental health care field, and eventually start a career in tech
But as I began sharing my story, and word of mouth traveled, I had people reaching out with questions, asking for advice, wanting to know if I could speak with them and their teen. After realizing the need for what I offer, I began this work full time.
I know what your child is going through.
I understand the chaos and confusion your family is feeling.
And I recognize the strength and faith it takes to show up to this journey.
I have spent years working as a guide and mentor to adolescents and families. Let's discuss how I can support you and your child in creating the life you know they are capable of.
My Background:
B.A. in English and Minor in Psychology from University of California, Santa Barbara
Field Guide at Evoke Therapy Programs
Presenter at Adventure Therapy Best Practices Conference, 2023
Presenting at Wilderness Risk Management Conference, 2024
Wilderness Specialist at Project Avary, a summer camp and community for children of incarcerated parents
Responder with Concrn, compassionate response for behavioral and mental health crises in San Francisco
Worked at Meta (formerly Facebook), Pandora, and Recharge
Board member at Mile High Writer’s Workshop
Trained in Vanessa Stone’s School for Transformational Facilitation
Trained in the Sholder Method
Meet the Team
Jade Pinero, Client Coordinator
Jade welcomes and supports families throughout their journey with Homing Instinct. With her clear communication and compassionate approach, Jade excels at managing daily operations and serving as the primary liaison for families. She is the go-to person for all client inquiries and logistical support.
Background
B.S. in Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies, Cornell University
Creative Writing & Poetry TA, Cornell Prison Education Program
Investor Relations, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Deutsche Bank, Debt Capital Markets
