Mackenzie (Kenzie) Keefe, MS, LICSW, is our Director of Student Support here at Oliverian. Kenzie grew up in the mountains, rivers, and lakes of New Hampshire and has dedicated her career to outdoor and experiential therapies for healing and building community. Kenzie believes that relationships and community are integral to developing and leading a healthy life. She is excited to be a part of Oliverian’s community to support developing the individuality of each community member through wellness, academics, and recreation.
Kenzie sees Oliverian’s location on the western edge of the White Mountain National Forest as a major asset to supporting young people develop healthy relationships with themselves, their community, and the environment.
Kenzie completed her undergraduate studies in Kinesiology: Outdoor Education at the University of New Hampshire and then spent five years working for Open Sky Wilderness Therapy in the field and on the leadership team. Working in wilderness therapy, Kenzie developed a passion for creating intentional and accepting communities for students and staff members alike. She has since completed a Master of Social Work and Master of Science: Adventure Therapy dual degree program at the University of New Hampshire and has been driven to translate the passions of adventure, wilderness, and community back into local communities. Kenzie works with Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Center at UNH to continue advancements in the field of adventure therapy through research, program evaluation, and teaching.
Kenzie loves to spend her personal time outside on nature walks, hikes, mountain biking, skiing, sitting at a campfire, and sharing stories. She enjoys cooking with others, crafting, and learning new tricks in her raised garden bed. Kenzie spends much of her free time with her family in Gilford, NH watching her niece and nephew grow and spending time with her beloved family dogs.
What do you love most about Oliverian?
I love that Oliverian takes a holistic and individual approach to each student to support their thriving in whatever way best fits. I believe that the unique location in Pike, NH provides a wealth of opportunity for students to discover and explore themselves and their future.
What motivates you to work with kids?
Adolescence and emerging adulthood are some of the most formative years where individuals have the opportunity to develop skill sets, beliefs, and vision for their future. I love being a part of encouraging and building resilience with young people to achieve the goals and dreams they hold.
