Rua Blount

Rua Blount (they/them) is an instructor and program coordinator at Oregon State University's College of Health, affiliated with the Physical Activity Course Program (PAC) and the School of Exercise, Sport, and Health Sciences. They serve as lead instructor for the Yoga Studies and Teacher Training Certificate, Adventure Leadership Institute instructor, and PAC mind/body program leader.

• PhD in Botany and Plant Pathology
• Master's in Counseling (Clinical Mental Health focus)
• Graduate Certificate in College and University Teaching
• Bachelor of Science in Botany and Plant Pathology (minor in Chemistry)

Their work integrates outdoor adventure, mental health, and contemplative practices to promote wellness, self-compassion, and resilience. Rua emphasizes trauma-informed, narrative, and somatic approaches in counseling, incorporating ACT, mindfulness, and ecotherapy. They are trained in Wilderness EMT, mountain bike instruction (Level 1), and multiple yoga traditions including Yoga Medicine and Mindful Strength.

Rua is currently completing the Somatic Experiencing Professional Training Program and practices as a registered counselor associate in Oregon through Trailhead Alliance, offering private sessions in telehealth, office, and trail settings. They teach courses in Wilderness First Aid, mountain biking, backpacking, yoga, meditation, and contemplative movement.

Rua leads inclusive outdoor initiatives such as LGBTQIA+ Mountain Bike Skills Clinics and integrates social justice, systemic power awareness, and anti-oppression frameworks into their pedagogy and clinical practice.

Rua has been teaching at Oregon State University since 2018 and collaborates with community partners on adventure-based personal development programs.