Amos Clifford, M.A is one of the leading voices for Shinrin-Yoku-inspired Forest Therapy in the United States. He began his career as a wilderness guide in 1972, and taught his first nature connection class to troubled teens in 1973. He served for many years in wilderness adventure programs in the Sierra Nevada mountains. He is founder of Turning Point Youth Services in Tulare County, California, where he developed and managed programs that included pioneering approaches to eco-therapies connecting troubled teens to nature. In Sonoma County California he served as Executive Director of Restorative Resources, an NGO focusing on the use of restorative justice and related practices in Northern California. In recent years his emphasis has been on nature connection and restorative dialogue. Amos has practiced Zen meditation and been a student of Buddhist philosophy for over 20 years. He is founder of Sky Creek Dharma Center in Chico, California. He has trained as a rites of passage guide with School of Lost Borders, and has extensive experience as a trainer and facilitator in the Way of Council. Amos is author of many publications, including A Little Handbook of Shinrin-Yoku. He is Founder of the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs, a project linking nature connection with health care globally. Amos holds a B.S. in Organizational Development and a M.A. in Counseling from the University of San Francisco..