
Leadership
Austin Pederson
Executive Director
About Austin
A Recovery Driven Path to Leadership
Austin Pederson’s professional journey is rooted in lived experience. His own path to recovery became the catalyst for a career dedicated to improving how mental health and substance use treatment is delivered. As a result, Austin brings both empathy and clarity to leadership, understanding firsthand the courage it takes to seek help and the importance of systems that genuinely support healing.
Over the past 15 years, he has worked at the intersection of compassionate care and effective organizational strategy. This balance has allowed him to help reshape treatment environments so they are not only clinically sound, but also sustainabl, accessible, and human centered.
Driving Innovation in Treatment and Operations
As Executive Director of Chateau Health and Wellness, Austin plays a central role in guiding both the clinical vision and operational direction of the organization. He has been instrumental in implementing innovative programs designed to meet the complex needs of individuals impacted by trauma, chronic stress, and substance use disorders.
Rather than focusing solely on symptom reduction, Austin has championed comprehensive support systems that address the whole person. These efforts extend beyond the individual, intentionally including family education, involvement, and long term support. Because of this approach, programs under his leadership emphasize connection, accountability, and continuity of care.
A Leadership Style Grounded in Empathy
Austin’s leadership is defined by approachability, trust, and purpose. His ability to blend strategic decision making with genuine compassion allows teams to stay aligned with the mission while adapting to the evolving needs of clients and staff alike.
He believes effective treatment environments are built when people feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow.
This philosophy influences everything from program development to organizational culture, ensuring that care delivery remains consistent with Chateau’s values while continuing to evolve.
Life Beyond the Role
Outside of work, Austin values connection and balance. His service dog, Delilah, is both a trusted companion and a daily reminder of the healing power of supportive relationships.
Whether spending time on the golf course, sharing moments with friends and family, or participating in community events, Austin remains deeply engaged in promoting mental health awareness in everyday life.
A Clear Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Austin is focused on expanding the reach of Chateau Health and Wellness through thoughtful growth and more inclusive programming.
His goals include reducing barriers to care, strengthening community partnerships, and continuing to elevate standards in mental health and substance use treatment.
For Austin, this work is more than a profession. It is a personal commitment to building systems that honor recovery, restore hope, and contribute to a more compassionate and understanding world.
Specialties
Unique Fact
Austin’s leadership is rooted in his own recovery journey, which shaped how he approaches both care and operations. As a result, he focuses on building systems that reduce barriers while protecting the human side of healing.
Austin is also known for his wood working skills and has crafted many beautiful pieces of work through his business, As You Wood
Professional Training
Executive leadership in behavioral health operations
Program development for trauma and stress impacted populations
Family support system development and implementation
Experience
15+ years helping evolve mental health and substance use programming through compassionate, operationally sound leadership.
Unique Fact
Austin’s leadership is rooted in his own recovery journey, which shaped how he approaches both care and operations. As a result, he focuses on building systems that reduce barriers while protecting the human side of healing.
Austin is also known for his wood working skills and has crafted many beautiful pieces of work through his business, As You Wood

