James R. Morton, Jr., MA

One of the greatest joys James experiences is being a part of and watching people become successful with their dreams and hopes. Nothing more magnifies this than supporting a family move through challenging times to then find themselves with resources, tools, and delight as a family sees its own transformation. Second to this is James’ excitement in sharing with others how to support families in transitions more effectively.

There are many experiences and connections James reflects on to guide him with families who are experiencing the muddy waters of life. Just growing up and moving through those challenges gives him unique perspectives. But James draws on his military career as an Army Officer in Special Forces, his leadership and management experience in therapeutic schools and programs, and his work with young adults and their parents in his private practice, to show up with tools and resources. He spent 13 years leading young men through elite demands around the world. Leading the Wilderness Department for Mount Bachelor Academy, developing the school portion for Alldredge Academy and then creating Integral Steps and Second Step, LLC for young men made for lots of fun.

Relationships are key for James. He sees how important it is for people to lead their lives with authenticity and determination through connection. Creating Novus and ATG has been a life-long dream. Our culture has lost its ability to effectively mentor our young people. James is passionate in helping people see the resources they have, acquire new tools, and have a vision for where they want their journey to head. You can "catch" James savoring the riches of trout streams and banging down Montana slopes, (or they bang him up), or having conversations with great people.

Casey Dunning

Casey draws a large quantity of his experience from his time as a smokejumper where he gained valuable experience leading and working with large/diverse groups of people, a good portion of whom were adolescent males. Casey also has an engineering/technical education and work background working for various government and private agencies designing and testing parachute systems.

As fun, exciting, and challenging as his previous background was, eventually his experiences working with young people both in the Forest Service and in youth ministry at his church led him to the mentoring profession with Novus.

One thing Casey loves about working with young people is the blessing they are to him, helping motivate him to be on his own Faith journey. In his free time, Casey spends a lot of time with his wife Dayel as they chase their two sons Beaux and Blake around Missoula. Also volunteering, remodeling his house, hiking and skiing.