Dr. Simon is a triple board certified psychiatrist in the areas of pediatrics, child/adolescent and adult psychiatry. He completed his undergraduate degree at Creighton University, then attended the Medical College of Wisconsin and the University of Utah. Dr. Simon has presented on topics including eating disorders, somatization disorders and difficult diagnoses in patients and families. In 2003, Dr. Simon was honored as nominee of the year. In 2005 and 2012, he was awarded teacher of the year by the triple board and child psychiatry residents. He approaches students in a holistic, strength based manner to foster greater resiliency. Although he used to enjoy mountain biking, snowboarding, hiking and photography, his time has now been replaced with raising two little boys.

Jane received her Master’s degree in social work from the University of Utah. She has over 30 years of experience working with children, adolescents and their families in all levels of care including residential, day treatment, IOP, and outpatient. She has developed and managed programs in addition to directing treatment teams and supervising students and is on the faculty at the University of Utah College of Social Work. She has also provided extensive clinical care during this time treating children, adolescents and providing family therapy. Jane has treated a variety of diagnoses including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, complicated grief, PTSD, ADHD, ODD, ASD, and attachment issues. She is trained in DBT and EMDR and uses many approaches in her practice including CBT, developmental approaches, systems theory, trauma-focused CBT, Theory of Mind, and attachment-based therapies. Animal-assisted therapy has also been a part of her work with clients to help with attachment issues. Additionally, she has experience running many types of therapy groups including mindfulness, psychotherapeutic and psychoeducational ones. She emphasizes mindfulness practice to promote emotional regulation, as becoming and staying healthy requires a mind/body approach. Most importantly, she emphasizes a strength-based, relationship approach with clients. She has been married for 27 years, raised two children, enjoys reading, cooking, traveling, walking her dog, and spending time with family.

Rod has extensive background in working with adolescents in educational and residential treatment settings. He spent seven years in Asia, teaching at the American Village International Institute, working as an Education Director for the largest private language school in Taiwan, and acting as an English Advisor for the Kaohsiung City Secondary Education System. He received several awards for his teaching methods and service to education. Before taking over as Solstice’s Addiction Program Director, Rod worked as the Residential Director, a Team Manager, Substance Abuse Counselor, and Program Director. Drawing on his clinical knowledge, milieu management skills, and pedagogic background, Rod has affected a climate for change for troubled adolescents.

Rod loves to vacation in Barbados, where he met his Bajan wife. Rod and his wife were “promoted” to grandparents in June 2016 and September 2018. They consider it to be one of their best promotions. His family consists of his wife, two sons, his daughter and son-in-law, and grandchildren, Tatum and Tayla.  Maximus, the family cat, is still an active part of the family. Max tends to spend a lot of time outside when Tatum is visiting, as Tatum hasn’t learned the fine art of petting animals the correct way. Rod loves spending time with his family, swimming in the Caribbean Sea, and reading mysteries and westerns.

TJ received his M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Brigham Young University and his Ph.D. from Texas Tech University. He began his clinical work with individuals, couples, and families in 2000, and has since practiced in various residential and private settings. From these experiences, TJ’s interest in serving both youth and their families grew and emphasizes four areas of focus while engaged in helping efforts with those he serves:  (1) principle-guided prevention & intervention, (2) character strengths and virtues, (3) the inevitability of “relationship” in daily living – the “what” and “how” of it, and (4) the reality that clients are the gatekeepers of change and true heroes in their own success stories!

With an eye on these areas when working with others, Tj has come to firmly believe that addressing our “problems” ultimately involves drawing on our strengths and the best that lies within us and our relationships!  He has found that these strengths most often need to be reclaimed from struggle or developed from weakness as youth and families engage in their own healing process.  With this background, TJ maintains ongoing interest and professional development related to Involved Fathering and Post-traumatic Growth literature and interventions.  As a clinician, he is informed by Contextual Family Therapy (CFT), Family Systems and Ecology, and Arbinger’s attention to increasingly seeing others as people as valid as one’s self versus as objects to be resisted, used, or disregarded.  In all of this, Tj continually looks for opportunities for “less talk, more action” by way of creative and experiential intervention efforts (i.e. equine, adventure, athletic, etc.).

Originally from Arizona, TJ is the oldest of four siblings, and is married to Becky. He is a proud “Daddy” to Haylea, James, Sterling, and Ellie. TJ’s personal interests and hobbies include many things – a sort of “Jack of all Trades, Master-enough of Those I Want To Be.”  A sample of current interests and activities includes: fly tying and fishing, camping, various sports (his own and with his kids), cycling (both road and mountain), reading, and spending quality time with his wife, family, & friends.  Tj also actively serves his local community via faith and intervention opportunities to ensure involvement and impact close to home.

Blake began working in the residential treatment industry in 1987. He has experience working in juvenile detention, college counseling, and county mental health. He has also taught parenting classes in the community since 2004. Blake completed his undergraduate studies in psychology at Weber State, and attended graduate school at Idaho State and B.Y.U. In addition to his experience, Blake brings warmth and humor to the therapeutic setting. He enjoys the updates he gets from former clients, many of whom are raising children of their own now. Originally from Ogden, Utah, Blake is now living in Syracuse with his wife and three children. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, collecting old books, reading, and messing with his computer.

Jeff is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has over twenty years experience. Jeff can attribute much of his success in working with adolescents and their families to his decades in the field of psychotherapy. His dedication to this field provides him a rich background from which to draw in working with adolescents and their families. Jeff’s specialties lie in the area of trauma, addiction, along with working with girls and assigned female at birth who struggle with depression, anxiety, bipolar and borderline personality traits. He utilizes an eclectic philosophy of life and therapy which includes Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Experiential therapy. Additionally, Jeff conducts Art & Music therapy groups on a weekly basis. Raised in Utah, Jeff attended Weber State University where he double majored in Social Work and Child and Family studies. He attended the University of Bridgeport in CT, where he earned a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy in 1992. Jeff is the father of one son. He is very active in urban hiking and biking, and enjoys Moab as much as NYC.

Misty has been working in the adolescent residential treatment industry since 2000. Misty is licensed as both a Clinical Mental Health Counselor and a Substance Abuse Disorder Counselor. Misty has expertise in working with students with a variety of issues including grief and loss, attachment and relationship struggles, oppositional defiance, and addictions including video games and social media, and bullying. Misty feels strongly in the importance of developing a positive sense of self-worth as well as learning the importance of developing healthy relationships to help in aiding a positive sense of self. Misty is married with two beautiful children and loves antiquing, working out, reading, and attending concerts.

For the past 15 years, Kim has worked with a diverse population in both in-patient and out-patient therapeutic settings. She specializes in the treatment of anxiety, attachment, trauma, depression, helping our LGBTQ+ youth in feeling supported and empowered in their journey, and relationship struggles. Kim is certified in and utilizes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and finds the approach effective as it allows the element of choice as well as the availability of insight not often found in traditional therapeutic approaches. Kim also has a strong background and training in Trauma-Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (TF-EAP), as well as in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Kim began working for Solstice RTC as a Mentor in 2008 while continuing on with her education and level of experience. Kim graduated from the University of Utah in 2004 with a Bachelor’s degree in both History and Political Science. She later returned to school graduate from the University of Phoenix with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health. This past year, she completed a second Master’s degree in Business Administration from The University of Nevada.
Outside of Solstice, Kim loves working with her Arabian horses and enjoys being outdoors whether it be fly fishing, hiking, or camping.

Rachel started at Solstice West in 2016  as a mentor.  She became a primary therapist with us after completing her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Utah.  Rachel has worked in various settings, including community mental health, substance abuse groups and IOP counseling, as well as mobile crisis.  Rachel utilizes her training in DBT, self-harm management, exposure therapy, CBT and Motivational Interviewing.  She approaches her clients utilizing a strengths-based perspective and brings humor into the therapeutic setting.  Rachel works with many clients struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, attachment and relationship struggles, as well as students with obsessive-compulsive tendencies. In her spare time, Rachel enjoys skiing, being outside with her dogs and building electric guitars.

Kristen has experience working with adolescents who come from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, sexual orientations and socioeconomic statuses. Kristen believes in offering support, where an individual can feel like they have space to confront anything in a comfortable and secure environment. She enjoys working with clients on a variety of issues and thrives on supporting those more challenging clients by bringing awareness to their needs as well as showing compassion for themselves as they are working, growing, changing and transcending the issues that are causing stress, trauma or dysfunction.

Kristen’s therapeutic approach allows her to effectively serve people dealing with depression and anxiety, to life transitions and complex trauma. She works from an integrative therapy lens, which enables her to tailor her therapeutic technique to each client and each situation. Kristen tends to primarily focus within evidence-based practices such as CBT, DBT, and ACT.

Kristen can help clients build the tools and perspective they need to create change. She hopes to create a safe space for them to be authentically themselves. Kristen received her Master’s Degree in Social Work in September 2019. She is happily married and enjoys spending time with her five children, family and friends. She loves to travel, attend concerts and spoil her bernedoodle Kona.

Erik has a Masters of Science in Experiential Education. He is a Certified Wilderness First Responder. Erik has been involved with outdoor recreational leadership and programming for 25 years, with 20 years of experience specific to therapeutic wilderness programming and residential therapeutic programs. Erik’s areas of competencies include alpine skiing, whitewater rafting, rock climbing and rappelling, mountain biking, fly-fishing and wilderness travel. Erik believes that outdoor pursuits provide a combination of perceived risk and real challenge that creates opportunities for personal growth. Erik’s passion for his work stems from personal experiences in the out-of-doors, which taught him self confidence, leadership and allowed him to develop a varied set of social skills. Throughout Erik’s experiences with youth in recreational activities he has witnessed these same lessons unfold for many individuals.

Amanda’s pronouns are she, her, hers. Amanda graduated from Westminster College in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and an emphasis in Outdoor Education and Leadership. Beginning her career at Solstice in 2016, Amanda started as part of the Adventure Therapy Team leading skiing, climbing, and outdoor adventure programs. In her time at Solstice she has been a Mentor, Assistant Team Director, and Team Director. Amanda fostered a love for experiential therapy and believes it is the key for finding passions and healing. Amanda has taught skiing since 2011, and is a Professional Ski Instructors of America Alpine Level One and Child Specialist One certified instructor. In addition, she is a Wilderness First Responder and Leave No Trace Educator. Outside of Solstice, Amanda enjoys skiing, snowboarding, climbing, mountain biking, cycling and is an avid New England sports fan. She loves spending time with family, friends and her bearded dragon, Stanley.

Jamie is originally from north Georgia, but has spent most of her life in Utah. She graduated from Southern Utah University with a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. After tutoring and substitute teaching at an RTC, she decided to obtain her secondary teaching license. Jamie has been teaching at RTC’s for 10+ years and loves the treatment setting. Working at an RTC allows her to do more than just stand in front of a class and teach science. She loves being involved in the whole treatment of the students and getting to know each one of them. Jamie loves spending time with her husband and three kids, ages 6, 12 and 16. Her hobbies include crochet, hanging out with her farm animals, and watching as much Atlanta Braves baseball as she can!

Angela Johnson graduated from Southern Utah University with a Bachelors in Special Education and Physical Education. Angela has been working as a teacher in treatment centers since March 2013 and has a passion for working with students that struggle with executive functioning skills and confidence in school. She has been working at Solstice as the Special Education Teacher since November 2015 and teaches Executive Functioning and Study Strategies.

Angela specializes in teaching executive functioning skills and works one on one each week with her students to figure out what they need to work on specifically in school and to see if students need more one on one support in their other classes. She loves to motivate and push her students to reach their full potential and to be better individuals in school and in their lives.

Nate grew up in Portland, Oregon and came out to Utah State University to complete his Bachelors Degree in Fine Art.  He has since gone back to earn his Masters Degree in Education.  He has experience working with youth at a variety of residential treatment facilities for the past 15 years.  As a working artist, Nate feels that his students pay better attention to him concerning the subject matter.  He sells his paintings at shows and venues with commissions from clients across the country.  His work can be seen at natepack.com. Besides creating – Nate loves spending time with his wife and 8 kids, playing basketball and going to shows.

Ashley has a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Weber State University and a master’s degree in Forensic Science from the University of Florida. Before switching to education, Ashley worked as a research chemist in the polymer science industry. She has a passion for encouraging teens to pursue education and careers in STEM fields and loves showing how science, arts, and mathematics overlap in the real-world.

Ashley played bassoon throughout college and currently sings and plays guitar. She and her husband enjoy traveling, trying new things, hiking, camping, doing anything outdoors, and spending time with her family.

First and foremost, I am the proud father of 3 great kids and husband of 21 years to an amazing woman.  After running my own company throughout my 20s, I returned to school to pursue a degree in Engineering.  However, after two semesters, I realized that my true love was for History and Literature.  I graduated summa cum laude from the Honors department of Metropolitan State University of Denver, majoring in history and minoring in English literature.  I decided to go to Western Michigan University for a Masters degree in Medieval literature and history.  While in Michigan I taught history classes for the University.  The final leg of my graduate school odyssey was a move to Washington D.C. to pursue my PhD.  I studied the history of England and Anglo-Saxon literature at The Catholic University of America. During my PhD program, I taught History of Western Civilization and American History at Northern Virginia Community College, where I was honored to be chosen as the Adjunct of the Year in 2017.  Since 2018, I have been the Humanities Lead at Capstone Classical Academy where I teach history, English and Latin. 

I interact with my students through a dynamic blend of problem solving, discussions, interactive lectures, and primary source readings. I love teaching History and Social Studies because I believe our future is dependent on teens gaining wisdom rather than just knowledge.  I love being in the classroom with your scholars and seeing them make connections between their own personal experience and the great people and events of history.  Thank you for letting me be their teacher!

I was born in Northern Alabama and graduated with a History major and a minor in the classics. I then went on to spend 2 years in Minnesota doing college ministry and then 3 years in St. Louis studying theology. I graduated with my Masters of Divinity in 2017 Covenant Theological Seminary. I am most importantly a proud father to a sweet, funny, smart, and curious little boy. Canaan will turn 3 in October. My wife, Nykki, and I are expecting our second son in December (2020). I have spent the last 2 years teaching History, English, and Latin at Capstone Classical Academy here in Utah. Teaching students to learn how to read and make their voices heard through writing and speaking is one of the most important things we can do for our children. I look forward to working with your children and I hope that I can help them see the importance of reading and writing as well as helping them find the confidence necessary to continue life after High School. I am excited for this unique opportunity to help teens find a voice.

Mason is a certified trainer through the International Sports Sciences Association. He focuses on and specializes in overall functional fitness and training. Mason was born in Salt Lake City, Utah and grew up in Layton, Utah. He graduated from Layton High School in 2015. Mason was involved in various athletics growing up which helped peak his interest in fitness. After graduation he started to pursue a career in fitness which led him to becoming a certified trainer and joining the team here at Solstice West.

Mason enjoys working with the students at Solstice. He helps everyone he trains take a holistic approach to fitness and overall health and wellness. His goal is that everyone he works with will be able to use fitness to become more functional in the overall use of their body, to find and build confidence in themselves, and to find joy in the process of self improvement.

In his free time, Mason loves doing things outdoors, spending time with his family, and playing golf. In the future he hopes to continue a career in fitness working with all types of athletes ranging from beginners to professional level athletes.

Dr. Simon is a triple board certified psychiatrist in the areas of pediatrics, child/adolescent and adult psychiatry. He completed his undergraduate degree at Creighton University, then attended the Medical College of Wisconsin and the University of Utah. Dr. Simon has presented on topics including eating disorders, somatization disorders and difficult diagnoses in patients and families. In 2003, Dr. Simon was honored as nominee of the year. In 2005 and 2012, he was awarded teacher of the year by the triple board and child psychiatry residents. He approaches students in a holistic, strength based manner to foster greater resiliency. Although he used to enjoy mountain biking, snowboarding, hiking and photography, his time has now been replaced with raising two little boys.

Cherilyn has been a registered nurse for 4 years. She has a Bachelor’s degree from Weber State University and is currently pursuing a graduate degree. Her previous work experience is in Women’s Health, primarily working in Labor and Delivering at 2 local hospitals. She lives in Morgan and has 3 kids. She enjoys spending time outdoors with the kids. Solstice has brought a new found love to her family for stand-up paddle boarding.

Nikki has been a Behavioral Health Nurse for 8 years and has experience working with adolescents in the mental health field for nearly 5 years. She has most recently worked at Ogden Regional Medical Center in the ECT/IOP Behavioral Health department as a Nurse Coordinator as well as a Psychiatric Clinical Supervisor and Detox Nurse.

Nikki received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Western Governors University as well as Associate of Science in Nursing from Nightingale College. She also has been a licensed Master Esthetician for 17 years.

Nikki is married, has three beautiful children and three dogs. She loves living in Utah and spending time with her family. Nikki has a witty sense of humor, is passionate about the work she does and especially loves working with teens.

Makenzee has a Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology & Sociology with a Certificate in Diversity & Criminology from the University of Utah. She has had the opportunity to present at high schools relative to mental health issues and community resources that are available to support individuals and their families. Her hobbies include boating, swimming, hiking, and anything that can be done and completed in a Utah summer season.

Aalyah joined Solstice West in 2018 as a mentor on Autumn Team.  In her new role, as the Director of Staff Development, Aalyah will be offering training and floor support through shadowing mentors, creating and establishing a system for movement through the mentor levels, as well as further developing staff resources unique to our program. She found her passion in working with adolescents as a figure skating instructor and choreographer and finds it fulfilling to be able to see students do the tough work that healing requires here at Solstice. She attained a Bachelor’s degree in Family Studies with an emphasis in Social Work from Weber State University and plans to pursue higher education in the future at an accredited HBCU. In Aalyah’s free time she enjoys music, philosophy, shopping, and spending time with her family and friends.

Brittany has a Bachelor’s of Science in Athletic Training from Weber State University. She played basketball for Western Wyoming Community College. She enjoys participating in many sports and loves reading. Growing up Brittany’s family often fostered state children and this is where her desire to help others began.

Erika joined Solstice West in 2016 as a mentor on Summer Team.  She loves working with adolescents and finds it inspiring to be able to see their successful transitions. Erika loves the work she does, although some days are hard, she finds it very fulfilling.  She is currently attending Weber State University to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work and also plans to get her Master’s in Social work, with a minor in Child and Family Studies.  Her goal is to one day become a therapist.

In Erika’s free time she enjoys hiking, traveling, watercolor and camping.

Jessica started at Solstice West as a mentor in January 2020.  She worked to advance through each of the mentor levels and has always been excited for the opportunity for growth and in her roles at Solstice. Jessica loves working with teens and helping them become strong, independent and helping them to reach their full potential.

Jessica was born in the Marshall Islands and moved to the United States when she was 2 years old.  She has grown up in Utah and is currently attending Weber State University to earn a degree in Social Work.

In her free time, Jessica enjoys backpacking, raising alpacas, traveling, and trying new things….she also makes really good chocolate chip cookies.