Mark Parlett

EDUCATIONAL & THERAPEUTIC CONSULTANT
PARENT AND LIFE COACH

Hello and thank you for taking the time to get to know Fresh Tracks. Below you will find some history that has had a significant influence on Fresh Tracks and the passion behind the mission.

Mark’s lifelong dedication to guiding young people and families through challenge and transformation. His journey began with his own therapeutic experience as a teenager, which became a defining source of inspiration and a compass for his life’s work. Over the past 25+ years, 

Mark has dedicated himself to helping adolescents, young adults, and adults find balance, resilience, and direction through therapeutic programs, residential treatment, gap year placements, outdoor leadership, and individualized family coaching.

A former Marine and program/clinical director, Mark blends discipline, structure, and compassion with a deep understanding of the human spirit. His founding of several non-profit organizations reflects his commitment to service and his belief in the potential of every individual. His work brings together the perspective of a professional consultant, the wisdom of a mentor and coach, and the empathy of someone who has walked the healing path himself.

One of Mark's greatest strengths is his ability to meet individuals and families where they are, with deep listening and practical guidance. He values therapeutic and educational pathways that foster independence, resilience, and empowerment. He is highly trusted and skilled at guiding families toward long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes. He often weaves outdoor experiences into his transformative work with clients, drawing on the power of natural settings to support growth, confidence and healing.

• Dedicated father of twins

• Outdoor enthusiast with extensive experience in fly fishing, archery, whitewater rafting, skiing, horseback riding, adventure guiding and a certified fitness instructor

• Committed “helper” and thinking partner

• Draws inspiration from his own therapeutic journey as a teenager, which continues to shape and guide his work

Each step in Mark’s life and career has fueled his passion to assist young people and continues to inform his judgement as he counsels his clients.

It was 25 years ago that I entered this field and it has been an amazing journey. Eventually, all those experiences led to the start of Fresh Tracks Educational Consulting where I seek to understand, connect with, and guide children and families in pursuit of fresh tracks to imagine new possibilities, reclaim hope, and start along a healthier path. 

If we are looking at programs and schools the depth of my experience informs my ability to evaluate options for families in critical ways:

• Academic structure, including how they support teaching and learning.

• Clinical effectiveness, including how they measure progress toward treatment goals, stabilization, and recovery.

• Unique resource offerings, including how they support individuals with various abilities and needs.

• Risk management strategy, including how they keep participants and staff safe.

• Financial stability, including how they employ fiduciary best practices.

• Rightness of fit, including who the program serves best.

• Aligning clients with specific mentors, coaches, therapist as well as peer groups.

I know that these are likely challenging times for you and your family. You may not know what options exist to support you. When you work with me, I will foster hope that change is possible until you are ready to imagine being hopeful again yourself. 

When I am not working with families or visiting programs, I can be found seeking balance in life by taking advantage of all that Montana’s Big Sky country has to offer. My family and I, reside in Montana and enjoy the many outdoor experiences the state has to offer.

I look forward to working with you and your family.

Sincerely,

Mark Parlett