Ryan Bowser

Ryan’s work with young people grew out of a love for the outdoors and a natural interest in helping others discover what they’re capable of. He spent nearly three years as a Mentor Field Instructor with Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness, where hiking, camping, problem-solving, and everyday life in the wilderness became opportunities for building confidence, resilience, communication, and independence. From there, Ryan moved to Alaska and worked as a Lead Field Guide with Passages Alaska. That experience strengthened his leadership skills and reinforced how much he enjoyed connecting with young people through shared experiences rather than simply telling them what to do. Ryan later shifted into young adult coaching, including working as a Lead Coach with Intrepid Young Adults, supporting young adults with autism as they navigated employment, relationships, independent living, and becoming more involved in their communities. He currently works as an RBT while attending Wake Tech’s Emergency Medical Science program. Across all of these experiences, Ryan has developed a coaching style that is relaxed, relationship-driven, and focused on independence. He enjoys finding common ground through things like hiking, camping, paddling, music, games, and getting out into the community. His goal is to be someone young adults can genuinely connect with while still challenging them to grow, try new things, and take greater ownership of their lives.

Ryan specializes in relationship-based, hands-on coaching that helps young adults build confidence and independence through real-world experiences. His approach is less about sitting down and “working on skills” and more about practicing them naturally through everyday life, whether that means navigating the community, working toward employment goals, trying a new activity, problem-solving, or building social connections. Ryan uses experiential learning, goal setting, positive reinforcement, and plenty of humor to create a relaxed environment where clients can be themselves while continuing to grow. He especially enjoys incorporating outdoor recreation and shared interests into coaching whenever possible.

Outside of work, Ryan is happiest when he can get outside and do something. He enjoys hiking, camping, canoeing and kayaking, fishing, exploring parks and natural areas, and getting out on the water whenever he can. He also enjoys traveling, taking day trips, and checking out new places. Ryan enjoys going to music festivals and checking out local live music. He also enjoys movies, gaming, arcades, mini golf, and other activities that get him out of the house. At home, Ryan loves to cook, especially firing up his smoker and making BBQ. He also enjoys hands-on craft projects and making things. Overall, he likes a good balance of outdoor adventures, creative projects, live music, and laid-back activities with friends and family.