Vince Barranco, Owner/Executive Director, BA Education. After 9 years as a school teacher, Vince found his life calling when he started working as program director at Life Designs in 1999 for founders Randy and Colleen Russell. Vince and his wife Bobbie took over ownership of Life Designs Inc in 2005 and have made the company one of the premiere young adult programs in the world. Vince combines his work ethic and integrity with his passion for sports and recreation to inspire students to strive for a “work hard, play hard” approach to life. Vince and his family love being a part of the students journey to wholeness

Kim Mlinarik, LHMC, CDP is a licensed mental health and addictions counselor and has been working with individuals and families for over 13 years. With a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She served as the Clinical Director and Therapist at Wilderness Quest before coming to Life Designs. Kim enjoys using the outdoors and fun to create experiential and transformative experiences for the students.

Randy Russell, expert in life transitions and the passage into adulthood, co-founder of Life Designs; assists families launch and reconnect with their adult children. Colleen and Randy Russell lead the Parent Workshop where parents obtain the knowledge and skills on how to mentor their child into self-reliant independence. At the Family Communication workshop and Rites of Passage celebration, Randy assists the family formally bring their adult child into adulthood and build a healthy adult to adult relationship between parent and child.

Craig Baldwin, Program Director, Graduate of Life Designs 02, utilized the skills acquired at his stay with Life designs to build a career in the field of empowering young adults. After earning valuable experience as live in counselor for Lake Shore Aftercare a substance recovery program of Elk Mountain Academy, Craig took the opportunity to be program director of Life Designs.

Ron Mills, BA, interdisciplinary studies, minor special Ed, sociology, accounting, and business, has extensive experience working with at risk youth and children with disabilities. Ron’s dynamic life’s journey makes him an effective mentor for students at Life Designs . With over 30 years as a master landscaper business owner, Ron empowers students by teaching them communication skills, personal finance, sustainablity, trade skills, and a admirable zest for life and spirit.

Liz Miller, CNA, Reeky Master, Fiber Artist, has over 20 years experience working with animals, Liz owned and managed a llama ranch. As a fine artist in fiber arts, stained glass, and as a silversmith, Liz inspires students through creativity and positive energy. Liz has been with Life Designs over 4 years and her experience in animal husbandry and the healing arts make her an effective mentor and teacher at Life Designs.

Matt Donahue, Artist, Musician, Designer, Teacher/Life Coach, was a professional snowboarder and entrepreneur for 10 years. Matt’s experience coaching young kids in snowboarding and his renaissance skills make him a very positive and powerful motivator for students at life designs to follow their dreams and passion. Matt is the weekend staff and frequently takes students on outings to the mountain or skate park and coordinates projects around students passions and ambitions.

Dee Boeck, BS Education, office manager, keeps things running smoothly at Life Designs headquarters. Dee helps empower staff and students by assisting them with their requests and keeping everyone organized and on task. Dee is involved in marketing and admissions for Life Designs