Board of directors

  • Taylor Kitsch

    Taylor Kitsch, Founder and President

    Taylor Kitsch is an accomplished actor known for his roles in Friday Night Lights, Lone Survivor, Waco, Painkiller, American Primeval, The Terminal List, and more. In 2024, he received both the American Valor LT Michael P. Murphy Award and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s Bob Hope Award for Excellence in Entertainment, recognizing his powerful portrayal of Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy in Lone Survivor and his longstanding support for the U.S. military. Off-screen, he is a committed advocate for veterans—regularly participating in events like The Murph Challenge—and a longtime ambassador for the African Children's Choir. A Montana resident, Taylor is also a nature photographer and outdoor enthusiast who finds peace fly-fishing, riding his motorcycle, and capturing images of wildlife, especially wolves.

    “Nature has always been my reset. I believe that creating a change in your environment can create the change you want in yourself. Now I feel lucky to be in a position to offer that chance to others—the chance to pause and slow things down so they can reconnect and focus on their own healing.”
    –Taylor Kitsch

  • Justin Stiegemeyer

    Justin Stiegemeyer, Treasurer

    Justin began his career in 1997 at Ernst & Young in Canada in the tax group working primarily with athletes and high net worth individuals with a focus in Canada and USA cross border tax issues.

    In 1999 he moved to Los Angeles, working for PriceWaterHouseCoopers in the firm’s entertainment group. He began working in business management in 2001, working with sports and entertainment clients, handling all back-office accounting needs, including cash flow management and budgeting, as well as oversight of retirement planning, investing, and all business and personal insurance needs. In 2010 he formed his own company in entertainment business management.

  • Meghann Beer

    Meghann Beer, Secretary

    Meghann is a nonprofit consultant with over 20 years of experience leading and supporting mission-driven organizations. She’s served as an executive director, fundraiser, program director and board member, and has taught college courses in nonprofit management. Meghann’s background also includes leading wilderness-based outdoor education programs, facilitating international service-learning trips, and teaching yoga. She lives in Chicago and loves hiking and camping with her family.

Design and Building Team

  • Nick Oneill

    Nick Oneill

    Nick is deeply rooted in the mountains, where he’s found his own sense of purpose. With a background in hands-on work and a passion for supporting others, he brings heart and humility to both the construction and day-to-day operations of the retreat. His grounded, open presence helps create a space where others can feel safe, seen, and free to reconnect with themselves.

    “I found peace by spending time in the mountains—real peace, the kind that changes everything. I’m excited about this project because I believe others can find that same sense of calm and clarity here too.”
    –Nick Oneill

  • Aaron Oneill

    Aaron Oneill

    In 2008 after 8 years in the US Army and two tours overseas Aaron began working in the custom residential construction sector. In 2014 he started his own custom construction company and has been involved in the construction of modern mountain homes as well as his true passion of timber framing and log work. He enjoys spending his free time in remote parts of the world and currently resides in Paradise Valley, MT.

    “The most important thing we can do in life is to give and to serve others.”
    –Aaron Oneill 

  • 45 Architecture and Interiors

    Our architecture partner, 45 Architecture & Interiors, is drawn to projects that serve a deeper purpose—and Howlers Ridge is exactly that. In a world that moves fast and often disconnects people from themselves and the land, they see the value in creating spaces that encourage reflection, healing, and reconnection with nature.

    They are designing a place where people can slow down, find solace, and restore their sense of balance; aligning with their belief that architecture should support well-being — not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. They tell us: “our work is rooted in the landscapes and stories that surround us, and we’re honored to contribute to a project that invites people to breathe deeper, feel more.”