BIO
Founder & Lead Mentor, Forge Forward
Christopher DeBartolo is the Founder and Lead Mentor of Forge Forward, where he provides individualized mentorship and transition support to adolescent and young adult males returning home after residential treatment, wilderness therapy, and other intensive programs.
Christopher brings extensive experience working with youth in high-acuity environments, including Detention, therapeutic residential group homes for teenage boys, and providing remote mentorship for clients transitioning home following wilderness therapy. Through this experience, he has developed a strong foundation in behavior management, accountability-based support, crisis intervention, and relationship-centered care.
His professional approach emphasizes helping young men translate therapeutic skills into everyday life by building structure, reinforcing coping strategies, and strengthening family and community connections. Christopher works to support long-term stability and growth.
Prior to his work in youth mentorship, Christopher served in the United States Idaho Army National Guard, an experience that shaped his commitment to discipline, integrity, and resilience. Outside of his professional work, he is passionate about fitness and wellness. Christopher understands that strength is built both physically and mentally. Family is central to Christopher’s life and values, and he believes strong relationships are foundational to lasting change.
Christopher is dedicated to creating supportive environments where young men can rebuild confidence, develop independence, and move forward with purpose.