Interweaving Paths: Elevating Adventure Practices through Diverse Trailheads (TAPG Pre-Conference of the AEE International Conference)

Interweaving Paths: Elevating Adventure Practices through Diverse Trailheads 

Therapeutic Adventure Professional Group TAPG Pre-Conference of the AEE International Conference

11/10 & 11/11 | YMCA of the Rockies | Estes Park, CO

PRICING:

• TWO-DAY:

  • AEE Member-  $220.00 

  • Non-Member-  $250.00 

  • First Timer Rate/Student- $130.00 

  • Service Crew- $75.00

  • Presenter/Leadership Council - $110.00 

• ONE DAY:

  • Member One Day- $110.00 

  • Non-Member One Day- $125.00 

  • Presenter/Leadership Council - $55.00 

Please note: this pre-conference does not include lodging or meals. Please see options here. All TAPG Pre-Con events will be held in Longs Peak Lodge, so you are encouraged to stay at that lodge! You are welcome to bring your own food.

CEUs available for: NBCC | NASW | ATRA | CCAT | CTAS

About the Pre-Conference: Adventure Therapy has the unique capacity to interweave paths—bringing together practitioners from varied disciplines, identities, cultures, and lived experiences to collectively elevate our work in the outdoors. The theme Interweaving Paths: Elevating Adventure Practices through Diverse Trailheads invites us to honor the many journeys that have led each of us to this field—whether through clinical practice, outdoor leadership, education, community organizing, research, or personal transformation. This gathering is designed for professionals across roles and backgrounds who recognize that our strength lies not in a single approach, but in the richness of our shared and differing perspectives. Through collaborative dialogue, experiential learning, and intentional connection, we will explore how honoring diverse trailheads strengthens ethical practice, deepens cultural humility, and expands access to meaningful adventure experiences. Whether you arrived here through mountains, rivers, classrooms, or counseling rooms, join us as we braid our distinct pathways into a stronger, more inclusive future for Adventure Therapy.

About the Pre-Conference Conveners

Tuesdey Spangler, MSW, LISW-S, CCAT is the founder of Outdoor Connection and Counseling in Columbus, Ohio. A Licensed Independent Social Worker and Certified Clinical Adventure Therapist, she integrates evidence-based therapy with adventure-based approaches to support individuals and families. With over a decade of experience in outpatient, residential, and wilderness therapy settings, she is a leader in experiential mental health treatment. An active Association for Experiential Education member, she presents at national conferences and mentors professionals. A Magna Cum Laude graduate of The Ohio State University, Tuesdey is passionate about helping clients build resilience through nature-based healing.

Nicky Treadway

A Louisiana native, she relocated to Florida in 2010. Married to a Florida native, they have two children. Their interests encompass a fondness for reading, engaging in creative pursuits, spending time outdoors, undertaking home projects, traveling, and staying active through workouts, particularly enjoying the Peloton community.

She is an Enneagram 7, which highlights her enthusiasm for exploring novel experiences and demonstrates her high-energy nature, making it challenging for her to remain stationary. Additionally, she actively upholds antiracist, feminist, and queer allyship values.

Professional Affiliations: Nationally Certified Counselors, Association for Experiential Education (AEE), Therapeutic Adventure Professional Group (TAPG), Postpartum Support International (PSI)