MEET THE FOUNDERMark Parlett
MEET MARKI’ve been walking this path with families for over 25 years.
As a teenager, I was the one whose family had to make a hard decision. The right support at the right moment changed the direction of my life.
That experience shaped where I went to school, the work I chose, and the people I gravitated toward. Those relationships shaped the rest of my life, including the way I learned to help others. It also gave me a lasting understanding of how vulnerable it can feel to ask for help, especially when you are trying to make decisions for someone you love.
Over the past 25 years, I have worked in clinical and outdoor programs, led programs and schools, served as a Marine, founded nonprofit organizations in this field, and helped families across the country and internationally.
I am also raising twin boys, which has taught me plenty about patience, perspective, and the realities of family life.
The longer I do this work, the more I trust the basics: listen carefully, understand the whole situation, know the people and programs involved, be direct when it matters, and stay engaged as the plan unfolds.
Choose your path >
The Experience Behind the Work
25+ years working with families, young people, and adults
Founder of Fresh Tracks Educational Consulting, and various leadership and nonprofit organizations
Educational, therapeutic, and recovery consulting for ages 10 through 55+
Former Marine with extensive program and clinical leadership experience
Licensed fly-fishing guide and certified fitness instructor
Extensive experience in skiing, whitewater, and archery, along with risk management design and assessment
National and international work, both in person and virtually
Father of twins and longtime Bozeman, Montana resident
Meet Mark’s dog, Seven
Mark’s four-year-old dog, Seven, often joins him for coaching sessions and has a knack for making first meetings with young people a little easier. His name comes from the natural marking on his chest, which looks remarkably like the number 7.
Montana shaped me.
Time outside still does.
When I am not working with families or visiting programs, I am usually outside, often with my own family: fly fishing, skiing, paddling, hiking, and working with horses.
Living in Montana keeps me close to the things I value most: movement, fresh air, time to think, and a little distance from everyday noise. Those same elements became part of Adventure-Based Coaching, which brings one-on-one coaching outdoors when that setting suits the person.
“When I am outside, my best thinking happens. The same is often true for the people I work with.”
A walk through Bozeman, time by a river or on a trail, a chairlift, a day on the water, or a phone call taken while walking can all make conversation come more naturally. People often talk more easily when they are moving, outside, or simply not sitting across a desk from someone. A walk and talk does not have to happen in person. Some of my most useful conversations are with someone walking on their end of the call while I am walking on mine.
“Mark has continued to follow up with me over the years and is always around to offer advice, long after I have left the wilderness therapy world.”
- Former Fresh Tracks Client
Let’s Connect
Tell Mark a little about what is happening and what has brought you to Fresh Tracks. He’ll listen, ask questions, and explain more about how he works.
Let’s Connect
Tell Mark a little about what is happening and what has brought you to Fresh Tracks. He’ll listen, ask questions, and explain more about how he works.