• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Onward & Upward logo

Onward & Upward

Your Adventure Awaits

MENUMENU
  • About
    • About Us
    • Philosophy
    • Team
    • Donate
    • Job Opportunities
  • Courses
        • TEEN SUMMER PROGRAMS
        • Backpacking Expedition
        • Rock Climbing
        • Adventure Academy
        • MORE PROGRAMS
        • Professional Development
        • School Based Programs
        • Custom Adventure Programs
        • Pay My Invoice
        • REGISTRATION STEPS
        • Step 1. Application
        • Step 2: Receive Confirmation
        • Step 3. Tuition Payment
  • Partners
  • Galleries
    • Photo Galleries
    • Videos
  • Contact
  • Donate

Randy Dowd, Psy.D.

Executive Director

Reach out to me directly with our contact page.

As the Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Randy Dowd leads the organization’s mission to establish a culture of One Health by promoting positive learning through the integration of meaningful connections and experiential education.  ​​​​​​​​​​

Prior to Onward & Upward, Randy spent over a decade in other youth-serving capacities including counseling troubled youth and families and providing outdoor environmental education. Many years of social work and teaching taught him that, in order to be successful, most youth need exposure to more than just traditional academic subjects in school.  They need experiential opportunities that are designed to strengthen, inspire, empower, and connect. 

To create a solution for this gap in education, after receiving a BA in Psychology and MA in Therapeutic Adventure Programming, Randy completed his Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Counseling Psychology program at Alaska Pacific University, where he focused his research and dissertation on developing a positive childhood behavioral health and development curriculum.  He also holds certifications in:

  • Challenge Course Manager/Faciliator through the Association for Challenge Course Technology
  • ​Level l & ll Challenge Course Facilitator through the Association of Challenge Course Technology
  • Wilderness First Responder
  • Nonprofit Leadership
  • Science Based Innovation Training for Child Development
  • ​Social and Emotional Learning through Adventure from Project Adventure

With help from an amazing, passionate, and committed board of directors, he founded Onward & Upward with the aim of fundamentally improving, advocating for, and promoting interventions that foster positive youth development and wellbeing.  Randy is married, has three boys and enjoys spending time with family and friends doing anything and everything outside.

  • Find us on social media!

Footer

CONTACT

777 N. Crusey St., Suite B105
Wasilla, AK 99654
Map & Directions

Phone: 1-907-953-5360
Contact Form

COURSES

Onward & Upward offers a variety of programs; allowing you to choose your own adventure!

Say YES to New Adventures >

MISSION

To establish a culture of health and wellness across Alaska through evidence-based action! We offer programs that actively engage participants to step outside their comfort zones in order to discover their strengths.​​

Our Philosophy >

Top
Copyright © 2023 • Onward & Upward • All Rights Reserved • Privacy Policy • Website by Sundog Media, LLC Logo Sundog Media, LLC.