John Willson

John Willson is the Executive Director of SOAR, a nonprofit school, camp, and GAP program for youth with learning and attention challenges. With over 30 years of experience, he specializes in empowering young people with ADHD and learning differences through experiential education. John holds a B.A. in Sociology from Texas State University and an M.S. in Outdoor Therapeutic Recreation Administration from Aurora University. A licensed recreational therapist and certified therapeutic recreation specialist (NCTRC), he blends an expertise in ADHD with adventure-based learning. He serves on the boards of CHADD and the Learning Disabilities Foundation Association and was the State President of LDA-NC. He has served as an adjunct professor at Mars Hill College and Western Carolina University. He is a national speaker and has led hundreds of adventure courses for youth with ADHD, focusing on resilience, accountability, and skill-building. John is a Wilderness First Responder, lifeguard, and Re