Corner Canyon Health Centers | PHP & IOP

Liz Lund, MPA

Liz is originally from lush green Washington State. She is a life enthusiast and a huge fan of people. Liz has always loved learning why people are the way they are. She moved to UT in 2013 and completed her bachelors degree in Psychology in 2016. After college Liz worked at a residential treatment center and found that she was not only passionate about people, but also administration. Liz is recently finished her MPA in April 2022. Liz loves serving people and is excited and looking forward to learning about; and from our clients here at Corner Canyon. When Liz is not busy working she love being outdoors, eating ice cream, taking naps, and spending time with her precious baby girl and sweet husband.

Dominique Suazo

Dom was the first alumni of Corner Canyon back in 2017, he has worked in residential treatment ever since. He gained experience first as a mentor with Corner Canyon giving back the same level of enthusiasm he received while in treatment there. Dom simultaneously worked as a manager at Community Options working with disabled adults and children as he led a passionate team to success with that population. He also became the Recovery Residence Coordinator for Deer Hollow in the beginning of 2021. There he managed multiple transitional living facilities as well as taught support groups at the outpatient location several times per week. Dom also founded his own Life Coaching practice in 2021 after getting certified through the International Coaching Federation to work with people individually. He is currently working to complete his Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Utah as he’s double majoring in Psychology and Family, Community, and Human Development. Dom found his passion for helping others through his own experience with treatment and utilizes his intimate experience to connect with all people. His level of dedication and passion shine through in his everyday pursuit of helping others in their journey of recovery. Working in residential treatment gave him a fascination for learning about other people and how to help them. The sacred healing that takes place in treatment is where he finds purpose, meaning, and connection. In his different roles he leads by example and is passionate about helping others succeed to their highest ability. Dom grew up in Utah and is an avid outdoorsman. Outside of work he loves to travel, fly fish, and camp. He has traveled to many countries with his favorite being Bahrain and Jerusalem in the Middle East. Culture, food, and meeting new people fuel his spirituality and connectedness.

Sara Sorenson, LCMHC

Sara grew up in the US, then Germany and the UK, returning to the United States to attend university. Since then, she has lived in Maryland, Hawaii, Australia, and Utah, and enjoyed visiting many beautiful places in between. Sara has a genuine interest in people and truly enjoys making connections wherever she can. She is constantly looking for new things to learn and areas to improve in both her personal and professional life and appreciates the challenges that contribute to progress. She is drawn to adventure in all it’s forms, particularly in nature, travel and creative expression. Often, her most significant source of joy comes from spending time with her close friends and her four children. Sara received a Bachelor’s degree in Sociocultural Anthropology and a Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling. She is certified as a rehabilitation counselor (CRC) and a licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC). Sara’s counseling experience includes working with individuals from a wide range of ages, backgrounds and mental health symptoms and disorders. Sara has worked extensively with foster children, sexual abuse victims and people with addictions. Sara is trained and certified as an EMDR therapist and is passionate about facilitating the level of healing and insight that can be uniquely achieved with this approach. She also has experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Art Therapy. She finds it most effective to address individual needs and preferences with the creative integration of theory and application, with a focus on helping a client identify and move towards their unique meaning and purpose. She enjoys working as a team with the client to explore where they are now, where they would like to be, and how they can get there! Sara worked as Corner Canyon’s clinical director for a few years before moving into the role as Clinical Development Manager. We are so excited about the expertise she continues to bring to Corner Canyon to help us continue to grow and advance, and provide the highest quality of care for all of our clients.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Sociocultural Anthropology , Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling

Certifications: CRC , LCMHC

Services: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) , Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) , Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) , Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Art Therapy

Eric Johansen, LCSW

Eric takes a mind-body approach to therapy where experiential education and somatic awareness are practiced in conjunction with sitting and talking. His work with families and individuals is influenced by an understanding of neurobiology, stress physiology, and emerging research showing the beneficial effects of mindfulness based interventions and psychedelic assisted therapy. Eric received his Bachelor of Arts in Film Production from the City University of New York. After years of feeling unfulfilled with this path, he left the east coast for Utah and pursued a Master of Social Work from the University of Utah. As a result, Eric is skilled and compassionate when it comes to enacting change. He enjoys helping those that he works with to realize and align with their values while taking the necessary steps to become who they really want to be. He has spent most of his therapeutic career working in residential treatment settings, helping clients and their families overcome mental health and substance use disorders. Eric has also had the opportunity to work within the criminal justice system and academic research settings where he helped develop and implement mindfulness based interventions addressing substance use disorders and chronic pain. Eric has completed training in Mindfulness Oriented Recovery Enhancement (M.O.R.E.) along with Somatic and Attachment Focused (S.A.F.E.) EMDR. He also utilizes the following evidence based practices – Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mind-Body Bridging.

Austin Florez, ACMHC

Austin Florez is a dedicated Clinical Mental Health Counselor Intern (CMHC-I) serving as a primary therapist with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology from Oregon Technical Institute (OIT) and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Antioch University NH, Austin brings a wealth of academic knowledge and practical experience to his role. Austin’s professional journey has been marked by a commitment to trauma-informed care, specializing in working with adolescents and young adults in high-acuity residential treatment centers. His expertise lies in attachment work, human psychology, and person-centered approaches to counseling. Austin’s practice is guided by a social justice lens, with a particular focus on supporting LGBTQ+ populations, reflecting the values of inclusivity and equity. Drawing from a diverse toolkit of therapeutic modalities, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Somatic Experiencing (SE), and other experiential therapies, Austin creates a safe and supportive environment for his clients to explore and heal. Beyond his professional endeavors, Austin finds joy in outdoor adventures like hiking and camping, indulging his passion for literature through reading manga and fantasy novels, and cherishing quality time spent with his partner and animals

Kiera Kuck, AMFT

Kiera holds a bachelor’s degree from Utah Valley University and a master’s degree from Mercer University in Atlanta, Georgia. With a lifelong passion for connecting with people, she brings a warm and supportive presence to her role as a primary therapist, helping clients feel seen, heard, and valued. Kiera has worked with diverse individuals and families, fostering a welcoming, safe space for all. Kiera believes in meeting clients where they are at and providing tailored support to help them achieve their goals. She draws from a range of therapeutic modalities, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). In her free time, Kiera enjoys outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, biking, and traveling, and she has a love for cooking and exploring new cuisines. Specializations: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), along with experience in working with individuals and families from varied backgrounds. Certifications & Training: ACT, Solution-Focused Therapy, IFS, and ART.

Milene Francis, MSW

Originally from Brazil, Milene has lived and traveled extensively around the world, bringing a rich cultural perspective to her practice. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Utah, completed certification in Substance Use Disorder Treatment, and earned her Master of Social Work from New York University Silver School of Social Work. Milene’s experience spans work with children, adults, and families, with a focus on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and addiction recovery. She is certified as a yoga instructor and loves incorporating physical and spiritual wellness into the healing process with her clients. In addition to her certification in Brainspotting—a trauma-focused technique—Milene is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Medical Neuroscience. Milene has been delighted to be back in Utah for the past few years and looks forward to helping clients on their journey to wellness through a compassionate, research-driven approach. When Milene is not at work, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with her family. Specializations: Addiction Recovery, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Brainspotting, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and holistic wellness approaches. Certifications & Training: Certified Yoga Instructor, Substance Use Disorder Treatment, Brainspotting, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Medical Neuroscience.

Cheryl Kehl, LCSW

Cheryl has been working in the private Mental Health and Addiction treatment world for 30 years, as a clinician, clinical director, program founder, program administrator, and facility decorator! Corner Canyon Health Centers is the result of this experience, her education, and her own experiences in treatment. Corner Canyon’s focus on comprehensive and innovative assessment, advanced and validated clinical practices, and implementation of the most effective new technologies and research are due to her desire to help others gain full health quickly and effectively in a comfortable setting. Cheryl completed her education at Brigham Young University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology in 1991 and her Master’s Degree in Social Work in 1993. She pursues interests in science, technology, and mental and physical health, and is fascinated by the overlap that is increasing between these with their ability to help clients heal faster. Cheryl is the oldest of ten children and has three adult children, two daughters and a son. Her interests include water sports, photography, interior design, creative projects, and spending time with her family and friends. She loves house boating on Lake Powell, but her favorite pastime is spending time with her 6 wonderful grandchildren.

Education: Bachelor of Science and Psychology and Sociology from Brigham Young University , Master's Degree in Social Work from Brigham Young University

Certifications: LCSW

Daniel Nuno

Originally from sunny Southern California, Daniel brings a wealth of experience and dedication to Corner Canyon Health Centers. With a background rooted in personal recovery and a deep commitment to helping others achieve optimal mental health, Daniel has become a respected figure in the mental health and recovery community. Over the past six years, he has devoted himself to supporting individuals in their journey toward healing, drawing on his own experiences to provide compassionate and effective care. As the CEO of Corner Canyon Health Centers, Daniel is committed to fostering a culture of excellence and empathy. He leads with the belief that transformational change begins with a strong foundation of mental and physical wellness. Through mentorship and personal development, Daniel embodies the mantra of “winning the morning” and “winning the day,” empowering others to build better relationships, make healthier lifestyle choices, and cultivate greater resilience. Driven by a deep commitment to the growth and development of others, Daniel has dedicated his career to empowering individuals and teams to reach their highest potential. With a passion for fostering talent and creating environments where people can thrive, Daniel believes in the transformative power of mentorship, guidance, and support. He is devoted to nurturing skills, encouraging continuous learning, and helping others unlock new levels of personal and professional achievement. This vow to uplift others is not just a professional ethos, but a personal mission to inspire positive change and meaningful growth in every interaction. Outside of his professional pursuits, Daniel is passionate about his role as a new father. He and his wife, Alana, welcomed their first child in May 2024, and they are cherishing every moment as a family of three.

Dana Goodrich

Dana Goodrich’s vision and expertise in marketing and management have driven a rapid improvement in Corner Canyon’s presence. Her coordination and persistence with the team have laid a solid foundation for effectively representing the significant work that Corner Canyon does with its clients. With a successful career in real estate and experience running 2 small businesses, Dana brings a wealth of practical knowledge to her role. Her work in her MBA program has further broadened her understanding of business, guiding the strategic direction she sets for Corner Canyon. Dana’s knowledge and kind persistence inspire and motivate the entire Corner Canyon team to contribute to the organization’s ongoing success. Dana and her husband Eric have six children and somehow fit a little play into their busy lives, they love boating and spend a lot of time at kid’s basketball and baseball games and swim meets. They love to travel, Costa Rica is a favorite destination.

Brad Christensen

Brad has been with Corner Canyon Health Centers since its inception in 2017 and has been an integral part in the many stages of growth. In 2018, he moved into the role of Executive Director and oversaw all parts of the growing company. He supervised the expansion into a new location and helped circumvent the many challenges that came with that growth. Now he has moved into the role of Chief People Officer, and oversees all human resources and licensing. Brad is the stabilizing force that got us through the ever changing climate of the COVID-19 pandemic while also keeping a close eye on the constantly changing and evolving needs of our population. When Brad is not working, you can find him spending time with his husband, Mark, and his little “farm” (two cats and two dogs). He enjoys caring for his many houseplants or sitting under a blanket with a good book. He also enjoys traveling to new countries and has a goal to visit at least one new country every year. His favorite foods are pizza, chocolate, and Mrs Butterworth’s butter flavored maple syrup. If you want to win his heart, buy him chocolate 🙂 Brad has a Bachelors in Behavioral Science with a psych emphasis and has completed the LSAC program (Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor) now called ASUDC (Advanced Substance Use Disorder Counselor) through UVU. In his previous employment he has filled multiple roles in the treatment industry, from cook and grave staff to operations director and VP of client and family relations. Prior to Corner Canyon, Brad was involved in the launching of 2 other treatment programs and we feel very lucky to have him on our team!

Education: Bachelors in Behavioral Science with a Psych emphasis from UVU

Certifications: ASUDC

Stephanie M. King, FNP-C, APRN, DC

Dr. Stephanie King is passionate about bringing her patients the highest level of personalized care through Integrative and Functional Medicine. A published author, educator, and speaker, training over 30 clinics nationwide, she has combined her expertise in hormonal balancing, diet education, weight reduction and management and integrative therapies to assist her patients in setting and taking strategic steps towards achieving their lifestyle and wellness goals using the most natural, safe, and effective methods available. Dr. King has spent over 25 years in practice, developing specialized techniques for patients, a dedication to patient care that has led people who have failed to achieve results with other programs to seek her out from across the country. The truth is that everyone’s situation is different, and sometimes the barriers can seem unbeatable. In her practice, she know that barriers can be overcome and healing is on the other side. Dr. King does everything possible to give her patients the tools they need to succeed. Her desire is that each patient can channel the strength, resources, and commitment needed to reverse their health and heal. Having lived the challenges associated with hormonal imbalance and weight fluctuations, she brings a level of empathy to her care model that allows her to empower her patients beyond the physical to bring amazing results.

Certifications: FNP-C, APRN, DC

Christopher Black, RN, BSN, PMHNP-BC

Corner Canyon is excited to have Chris on our team. He adds a depth of knowledge of systems of care in Residential Treatment, has an organizational focus, and many years of helping residential and wilderness programs grow by providing excellent and caring work with clients and their families as they enter treatment, often for the first time. Chris has a wealth of experience working in our industry in many capacities, including Admissions and Outreach, Residential care, Nursing, and Wilderness. In addition to working with Corner Canyon he is also continuing work towards a doctorate in Psychiatric Nursing and maintains an intense outdoor adventure schedule. He has a wide array of knowledge and expertise in outdoor areas like rock climbing and canyoneering, skiing, snowboarding, peak bagging, trail running, photography, motocross, and boating (Lake Powell is a favorite destination). He is an amazing teacher of these skills to staff, clients, Educational Consultants and friends, sharing his time with them eagerly. Chris has two children, a boy and a girl, they are his world. He practices yoga, the mindfulness component grounds him, and his religion is Love. Chris enjoys travel as long as it includes new cultures and people, otherwise it is just “travel”. Chris has managed a humanitarian clothing donation program for the last 12 years, gathering and donating clothing to single parent homes and immigrant communities.

Dr. Joel Hanson, MD

Joel Hanson, MD is board certified in psychiatry and addiction medicine. He completed a BA degree in Spanish from the University of Utah, followed by medical school in Rochester New York, then specialty training at the University of Utah in internal medicine and psychiatry. He has worked in most aspects of psychiatry, outpatient and inpatient. He has owned and run a residential program and an inpatient detox hospital. He enjoys the challenge and rewards of working with patients with mental health and substance abuse issues. He also enjoys interacting with Mental Health and Addiction staff and sharing ideas. Dr Hanson’s hobbies include skiing, vocal music performance and reading. “I’m honored to work with the staff at Corner Canyon. We have a very experienced, professional and conscientious team.”

Stephanie M. King, FNP-C, APRN, DC

Dr. Stephanie King is passionate about bringing her patients the highest level of personalized care through Integrative and Functional Medicine. A published author, educator, and speaker, training over 30 clinics nationwide, she has combined her expertise in hormonal balancing, diet education, weight reduction and management and integrative therapies to assist her patients in setting and taking strategic steps towards achieving their lifestyle and wellness goals using the most natural, safe, and effective methods available. Dr. King has spent over 25 years in practice, developing specialized techniques for patients, a dedication to patient care that has led people who have failed to achieve results with other programs to seek her out from across the country. The truth is that everyone’s situation is different, and sometimes the barriers can seem unbeatable. In her practice, she know that barriers can be overcome and healing is on the other side. Dr. King does everything possible to give her patients the tools they need to succeed. Her desire is that each patient can channel the strength, resources, and commitment needed to reverse their health and heal. Having lived the challenges associated with hormonal imbalance and weight fluctuations, she brings a level of empathy to her care model that allows her to empower her patients beyond the physical to bring amazing results.

Christopher Black, RN, BSN, PMHNP-BC

Corner Canyon is excited to have Chris on our team. He adds a depth of knowledge of systems of care in Residential Treatment, has an organizational focus, and many years of helping residential and wilderness programs grow by providing excellent and caring work with clients and their families as they enter treatment, often for the first time. Chris has a wealth of experience working in our industry in many capacities, including Admissions and Outreach, Residential care, Nursing, and Wilderness. In addition to working with Corner Canyon he is also continuing work towards a doctorate in Psychiatric Nursing and maintains an intense outdoor adventure schedule. He has a wide array of knowledge and expertise in outdoor areas like rock climbing and canyoneering, skiing, snowboarding, peak bagging, trail running, photography, motocross, and boating (Lake Powell is a favorite destination). He is an amazing teacher of these skills to staff, clients, Educational Consultants and friends, sharing his time with them eagerly. Chris has two children, a boy and a girl, they are his world. He practices yoga, the mindfulness component grounds him, and his religion is Love. Chris enjoys travel as long as it includes new cultures and people, otherwise it is just “travel”. Chris has managed a humanitarian clothing donation program for the last 12 years, gathering and donating clothing to single parent homes and immigrant communities.

Certifications: RN, BSN, PMHNP-BC

Daniel Cantu

Dan’s 30+ year career in food service started in his teenage years in a variety of delis, bakeries, diners and fast food restaurants in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. He achieved his first management position at the age of 18 as the store manager of a deli. He then earned an A.A.S. in Culinary Arts at Iowa Western Community College and worked in a variety of hotels, country clubs, casual restaurants, fine dining steakhouses. He moved to Utah in 2002 and immediately fell in love with the land and the wonderful community of people he met. In 2003 he started as Executive Chef at a non-profit called One World Everybody Eats. One World was dedicated to eliminating hunger, eliminating food waste, and making sure people had healthy fresh organic options available. Dan was happy to be a part of something that was making a big impact in people’s lives and it led him to dive deeper into his own curiosity about the connections between food and health. After 5 years he opened his own catering business, where relationships with local farmers and producers grew year by year and he began a weekly home delivery service. After 8 years of running his catering business, he found Corner Canyon, which was a great fit for him because it was a natural continuation of what he had been doing for years by providing delicious, healthy meals that nourish the mind, body and spirit. Working at Corner Canyon has rejuvenated Dan’s desire to learn more about the connection between food and health and he enjoys educating people about food, growing a garden, cooking, and how to facilitate changes in their diet for their mental and physical health.

Melissa Hickman, LCSW

Melissa began her professional career in 1991 as a therapist for at-risk youth in custody of the State of Utah. Since her early beginnings she has served in several different capacities, including private practice, wilderness therapist, runway shelter therapist, and clinical director. Melissa is currently the Marketing Director at Gateway Academy, a distinguished adolescent residential treatment facility she co-owns. Melissa was initially the Admissions Director where, she carefully evaluated each applicant. She played an active role with the Gateway team to determine the best treatment program for each boy. Melissa believes it takes a village to achieve success, and credits those she has worked with over the years in making her a better therapist and person. For Melissa, there is no panacea—no single therapeutic approach— that can successfully treat all issues. She knows that adopting one therapeutic style may seem easier, but it just doesn’t work. For her, each client is different from the next, with individual issues to sort through and deal with. Melissa likes to press the boundaries of her world by exploring other places and cultures. She then hurries home again to spend time with her grandchildren. Melissa also enjoys knitting, scuba diving, and remodeling houses.

Michelle Wilson, JD

Michelle is a co-owner/co-founder of Corner Canyon Health Centers, LLC. Michelle has been an attorney for over twenty-three years. For more than a decade, Michelle was a family law and criminal defense litigation attorney. It was during her time as a criminal defense attorney that she witnessed, more often than not, clients struggling with addiction issues that would ultimately lead them into the criminal justice system. Michelle, having represented hundreds of defendants, has first hand knowledge of how addiction can not only impact the life of the individual client, but also impact the lives of client’s families, loved-ones and society. She is also very cognizant that the criminal justice system is ill-equipped to adequately address the complexity of addiction and yet the majority of crimes committed begin with the disease of addiction. Currently, Michelle works for Modere, Inc. as their General Counsel and Vice President at Modere, Inc., but will be actively engaged in a consulting role with Corner Canyon Health Centers. Michelle specializes in risk management, corporate governance, transactional work and compliance. Michelle currently leads the legal, compliance and regulatory teams at her Company and directs the litigation worldwide. Michelle has a Juris Doctorate from the J. Reuben Clark School of Law at Brigham Young University, and is a licensed member of the Utah Bar. Michelle clerked for a Fourth District Court Judge for one year before entering into private practice as a litigator for ten years, as well as serving as an adjunct professor at the Utah Valley University. Michelle’s years in private practice were followed by twelve years as in-house corporate counsel for two different multinational companies, XanGo, LLC and Modere, Inc., both located in Utah. Michelle loves to travel and has done so extensively both for work and pleasure. Michelle’s family and friends give her the most joy and spending time with them is her number one priority.

Karen Flynn, JD

Karen has been working with at-risk youth and their families in multiple disciplines since 1995. Karen’s career has been singularly focused on bringing meaningful, positive change to struggling families. With the right support, at the right time, in the right way, Karen believes she can help young adults accomplish far more than they ever thought possible in truly becoming their best selves. Karen is the CEO for Gateway Academy, a distinguished residential treatment program for adolescent boys that she co-founded in 2002. Prior to that time, Karen served as an Administrative Law Judge for the Department of Human Services, State of Utah. Prior to being named as a judge, Karen was a managing attorney for the Office of the Guardian ad Litem. As a Guardian ad Litem, Karen worked closely with multiple youth and their families struggling with substance abuse, including assisting in the development and implementation of several State substance-abuse prevention and treatment programs. Karen specializes in the management, organization and implementation of Gateway’s treatment program. Karen’s legal background, coupled with her experience working with troubled family systems, make her especially qualified to help oversee and manage the multiple issues that arise in the treatment of young adults and their families. Karen has a Juris Doctorate from the University of Utah, and is a licensed member of the Utah Bar. Karen has worked on numerous legislative committees and State Boards devoted to the health and welfare of adolescents and children, including the Oversight Committee for the Utah Office of the Guardian ad Litem. When she is not working, you will find Karen spending time with family and friends. She is an avid traveler who loves exploring, understanding and experiencing new cultures. Whether scuba diving, camping, hiking, rafting, boating, biking or running, Karen loves the outdoors and all the endless opportunities it offers.

Julie Barbero, LCSW

Julie has been a mental health mentor since 1989, and family systems therapist since 1994. She co-founded ChoicePoint Therapeutic Services in 1997, an outpatient program that served adolescents and their families involved in the Juvenile Court System. In 2002, she co-founded Gateway Academy, an adolescent boys program in Salt Lake City, Utah. Julie currently serves as Gateway Academy’s clinical director. Julie has a long and full history of providing mental health treatment for adolescents and their families. She has been involved developing dynamic clinical programming and interventions, staff trainings, and clinical oversight during the course of her career. She is excited to join the Corner Canyon Team in providing treatment to young adults who strive to overcome addictions. Julie completed her undergraduate degrees at Weber State University, where she received two bachelor degrees, in Social Work and Psychology, and a minor in child development. Julie received her Masters in Social Work at the University of Denver. Her emphasis while studying at DU was in the areas of adolescent development, family systems, and grief and trauma. Julie currently works in the family systems model, treating anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, issues related to adoptions, addictions, and issues related to ASD. Although she uses many clinical approaches when guiding clients in their healing and self-awareness, she intertwines mindfulness in her clinical approach and practice. Julie has been exploring mindfulness for the past 10 years as a means of treating anxiety and trauma, and in doing so has incorporated it into her own daily life. Julie is the oldest child of two, born in Panama, and raised on Army posts across North America. She has a wonderful blended family, with four beautiful daughters and one little schnauzer. They use the terms “bonus mom” and “bonus daughter” when describing their family system. Julie’s favorite past time is being with her family and watching her daughters become strong, free thinking young women. She also loves cooking, reading, yoga/meditation, long walks, old movies, and time with friends. Scrabble is a favorite too, even though she rarely wins!

Michelle Gourley, LCSW, LMFT, JD

As a licensed clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, and family and juvenile law attorney, Michelle has spent her entire career working to enhance the healing and wellbeing of juveniles, young adults, and their families. Her experience includes working as a therapist in a full continuum of mental health services beginning in Child Protective Services in California, psychiatric social work at the Utah State Hospital, treatment of substance abuse and trauma in a day treatment program, and specialized assessment and treatment for adolescents in residential, correctional, and out-patient settings. In 1982, Michelle earned a Bachelor of Science degree in the pre-professional option of Family Sciences with a Minor in Psychology and Sociology. In 1984, she graduated with two Master’s degrees, one in Social Work and a second in Marriage and Family Therapy. In 1998, Michelle earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Utah Law School specializing in family and juvenile law. She is a licensed clinical social worker and licensed member of the Utah State Bar Association. From 2000 to 2013, Michelle’s out-patient agency, ChoicePoint Therapeutic Services, held the sole contract with the Utah Third District Juvenile Court to provide psychosexual assessment of juveniles referred for sexual issues. Currently, through her private practice, she continues to provide specialized assessment for juveniles and young adults throughout the United States. In 2002, Michelle co-founded Gateway Academy—a premier residential treatment program and school dedicated to the healthy development and healing of adolescent boys who struggle with anxiety, depression, addiction, and learning differences. During her work as Director of Clinical Development at Gateway, Michelle developed the brain-based approach that integrates recent research in neuroscience and the brain into both treatment and academic programming. Michelle has provided professional training and presentations in numerous state and national conferences regarding experiential and in-vivo interventions, adolescent development, sexual development, relapse prevention, specialized assessment and treatment of trauma, sexual abuse, and juvenile sexual misconduct. Over the past eight years, Michelle has also provided professional training on treatment incorporating neuroscience, mindful awareness, and brain-based approaches. Michelle feels like she will never have enough time to explore and experience all of her interests. First and foremost, she loves to spend time with her family and friends. She also loves to be in the outdoors and nature and enjoys cycling, scuba diving, water skiing, camping, hiking and river rafting. She is an avid traveler, loves photography, music, poetry, yoga and meditation. She has an insatiable desire to learn and a passion for real, compassionate connection.