Jason Wood
CEO / Admissions
Founder and Owner
Jason’s passion for making a difference in the lives of young adults led him to found Aloft Transitions in 2012. His ability to relate to and communicate openly and sincerely with clients, their families and referral sources enable him to develop and maintain strong, life-long relationships. He has many years of experience working directly with clients in this industry. Prior to this endeavor, he worked as a corporate trainer and real estate agent for over a decade. Jason and his wife and high school sweetheart, Cindie, love spending time in the outdoors with their children, grandchildren, and two dogs fishing, hiking, camping, hunting, and gardening.
Dr. Angela Baird-Hepworth, PhD
Executive Director Clinical
Angela received her Ph.D. in Psychology from Capella University in early 2021. She received her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling in 2014, also from Capella. In addition, received her bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in sociology from Hofstra University in 2007. She has a passion for helping young people and had worked primarily with at-risk individuals, prior to joining Aloft, spring of 2015. She is able to develop effective relationships with clients and their families leading to positive changes utilizing her primary therapy model, Cognitive Behavior Therapy. She also uses elements of many other theories, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) a leading form of therapy for traumatic memories and experiences. Her clinical experience is wide-ranging including assessment, treatment planning, individual, family, equine, and group therapy. Angela’s personal experience with adoption has led to her passion and expertise in attachment and abandonment issues. Angela grew up in many areas of the United States, including Washington state, Arizona, Kentucky, and Long Island, New York. She moved to Idaho in 2012 from Phoenix, Arizona. She is married to her wonderful husband, Brian, and is a loving and dedicated step-mom to two girls. She also enjoys spending time with family, reading, writing, running, and traveling.
Denise Richardson
Director of Operations
Denise has lived most of her life in Idaho. She did spend some time in Wyoming and Nevada but Idaho has always been home. She grew up in a small town and learned how to work at an early age. She credits her work ethic to her mother and father. She attended Ricks College for two years and met her husband there. She now lives in Nampa, Idaho with her husband. They have 6 children and 3 grandchildren. They were foster parents for 10 years and also owned an assisted living business for many years. She has also worked in the school system helping students succeed. The desire to help others is what brought her to Aloft. She enjoys spending time with all of her family, sewing, cooking, gardening, and camping.
Kelli Kathleen
Support Specialist
Kelli was born and raised on a farm in a small town just south of Boise, Idaho. Growing up on and around farms gave her strong work ethic. After years of babysitting for friends and family, she got her first job at 15. She balanced work, school and extra-curriculars, like choir and church, for most of her high school years. After working a few years, she spent a year in Arizona working and learning more about people in other parts of the United States. When she returned home she started working again at the pizza place, a retail store, and began classes at the local community college. She enjoys dancing, art, writing, music, spending time with others, making friends, and helping others. In wanting to use these skills and her passion for helping others, she found her way to the Aloft family and has felt very much at home.
Matt Henderson
Supervisor
Bio coming soon…
Billy Hamilton
Metal Shop Mentor
Billy was born and raised in the central valley of Northern California. He recently moved to nearby Star, Idaho. Billy is married with 3 young adult children and 2 grand children.
Billy is a recently retired police officer with over 14 years of service. He worked multi year special assignments where he specialized in issues of homelessness, mental health, substance abuse, and at-risk youth. During his time at the police department, he received extensive training in all these areas, outside of normal police training.
Prior to being a police officer, he worked as a supervisor in a metal fabrication shop for over 10 years . He learned many skills in this career including welding, which he enjoys teaching the students at Aloft. Also, Billy was on a county advisory board for substance abuse and mental health programs for over 5 years.
In his free time, Billy enjoys spending time with his family, camping, fishing, hunting, working out, and working on his Jeep.
Dakota Wood
Night Mentor Supervisor
Dakota grew up in Emmett, Idaho and moved to Boise to attend college at Boise State University. Dakota was accepted into the art program as a freshman, a rare and distinguished honor. Dakota worked for Boise State University as a graphic designer for 2 years before joining our team at Aloft. Dakota plays guitar in a local band that performs all over Boise, as well as writing music and singing. He continues to pursue his passion for art through drawing and graphic art. Dakota shines in his ability to relate to our students, holding good boundaries, and never shying away from engaging in a tough conversation.
Dustin Wood
Project Mentor/Facilities
Dustin began his career doing property management, leading into finish carpentry work where he found his passion. He then started and ran a successful custom cabinetry business for decades but felt something was missing. That is where Aloft comes in. He found a new passion to pass his knowledge, skills, and expertise to young adults and combines the two here. His knowledge and skills are unmatched and our students take great advantage to learn and hone woodworking, finish carpentry, and building skills. He is also working on a college degree in construction and business management. Dustin is a dedicated husband and dad to 5 kids and loves spending time outdoors.
Jason “Scott” Cabral
Night Mentor
Bio coming soon…
Robert Hanson
Mentor
Bio coming soon…
Josh Thomas
Mentor
Bio coming soon…
Gracie Reyna
Mentor
Bio coming soon…
Marie Donnelly
Mentor
Bio coming soon…
Jaime Beiker
Mentor
Bio coming soon…
Sarah Blaine
Mentor
Bio coming soon…
Millie
Millie is the explorer! She always has her nose to the ground and is fearless (until something spooks her
and she runs to the door). She is a lover… Friend to all. She loves playing with her brother, rolling and chewing on him. She is so smart and gentle. She is also so aware of feelings and energy in the room. She tolerates bath time but loves to groom her brother. Millie is definitely a “puppy” momma. You can often find her on campus joining in therapy sessions or hanging out with staff and students!
Gigi
Gigi was coined the century of her litter for her desire to always do her own thing and continues that now at her furever home! She enjoys exploring, learning, and always wanting to be with one of her human family members. She enjoys playing with squeaky toys, chewing on bones, playing with her other puppy siblings, and sometimes getting into mischief… who are we kidding, most of the time getting into mischief! You can often find her on campus joining in therapy sessions or hanging out with staff and students!
Scout
Scout is a dreamer. He is happy to relax on the deck while his sister, Millie, explores. He loves his leg rubs and will coo when his ears are rubbed. He is very sweet and loves to sit at Jason’s feet no matter what he is doing. He also loves to be groomed by his sister, wrestle, chew on his favorite toys, and stretch out on his bed. You can often find him on campus joining in therapy sessions or hanging out with staff and students!