Whole Hearts, Minds & Bodies
Truckee/Tahoe

Located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Truckee/Tahoe has been Gateway Mountain Center’s original basecamp for over 12 years — where our nature-based model took root. As a Medi-Cal certified provider, we serve the highest need youths in our community, offering unique opportunities to heal, grow, and connect through the region's abundant mountains, forests, lakes, and rivers. Through connections to nature, self, and community, our Whole Hearts Minds & Bodies program helps young people heal.

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climbing lesson

Weekly one-on-one therapeutic outings are designed for high-need youth and young adults, and are led by highly trained associate therapists, social workers, and para-professionals who are clinically supervised.

We have proven success as valued partners in California Department of Social Services Wraparound services. Our highly relational therapeutic approach, provided in non-clinical and non-stigmatizing settings, has garnered appreciation from youth and families who often face challenges in remaining engaged with more traditional therapeutic programs.

WHMB Therapeutic Mentors provide a consistent, caring, authentic relationship with the youth through personal reflection and supported risk taking in nature such as hiking, rock scrambling, and maybe even kayaking and rock climbing (as appropriate). Personal reflection activities include: art-making, nature journaling, meadow-tating and strength-based confidence building. WHMB Therapeutic Mentors provide the container, support, connection and opportunities for young people to thrive.

Want to know more about our WHMB program?

Want to refer someone to our WHMB program?

Meet the Truckee Team

  • Crystal Cunning

    Crystal Cunning

    Whole Hearts Program Director, Truckee

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  • Tonya Semas, LMFT, RN

    Tonya Semas, LMFT, RN

    Whole Hearts Interim Clinical Director

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  • Rachel Levi, LMFT, CEDS

    Rachel Levi, LMFT, CEDS

    Certified Ecotherapist

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  • Austin Sherman

    Austin Sherman

    Clinical Supervisor

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  • Sandy Umphrey

    Sandy Umphrey

    Whole Hearts Administrative Case Manager

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Sierra Experience

Located in the Truckee/Tahoe area, Gateway Mountain Center’s Sierra Experience program offers nature immersion experiences to young people to open their hearts and minds to the natural world. We partner with schools, community groups, and youth organizations to offer trailblazing environmental education, including field science, outdoor adventures, mindfulness practices, and customized personal development. 

Interested in bringing your group to Tahoe?

  • How can we know we are happy without being sad first? The challenge is to not let ourselves be overcome by one thing. It is when we find balance that we are truly alive.

    Program Participant