Our Team – Uinta Academy

Founders

R. Jeffrey Simpson MS, LCSW

Founder

Jeff received his B.S. in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Nebraska. Jeff has a Masters degree in Child and Youth Care Administration from Nova University in Florida. He also holds a Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Utah. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and certified Equine Assisted Psychotherapist. Jeff has directed programs at a number of residential treatment centers including Father Flanagan’s Boys Home in Nebraska, St. Labre Home for Indian Children in Montana, and the Youth Village in Utah.

Wherever he has worked, Jeff has been known as an innovator who can make things happen. Some of the programs he has developed and directed include treatment foster care, residential treatment, family preservation, casework management, and outpatient clinical therapy programs. Jeff has used his expertise to provide consultation and evaluation for a number of residential treatment centers in the U.S. and Canada as a site evaluator for the Teaching-Family Association (TFA). Jeff served for many years on the Certification and Ethics Committee for TFA and has previously served on the board of directors for the National Association of Therapeutic School and Programs. He currently chairs the NATSAP government relations committee. Jeff and Becky started Uinta because it had always been their dream to run a program that was clinically intense and sophisticated, but also very warm and nurturing. Jeff directs all aspects of the daily operations at Uinta. As a therapist he also carries a small caseload of girls. Since he lost both of his parents as a teenager and understands the emotional implications of loss, Jeff facilitates the Bereavement group. Jeff and Becky are the parents of four children, three of whom have worked at Uinta. Jeff loves horses, old Western movies and TV shows, motorcycles, and hanging out with his children and grandchildren. If you attend one of Uinta’s family weekends, you’re bound to see a clip from the Andy Griffith show, one of Jeff’s favorites.

Becky Simpson

Founder

Becky studied music education at the University of Arizona with the goal to teach high school music. She has spent her entire professional career working with adolescents, but in a different capacity than she originally envisioned. Becky started working with children in Arizona as a youth care worker at Desert Willow Ranch. She was a Certified Family Teacher at Father Flanagan’s Boys Town in Nebraska and was the Director of Training and Evaluation at the St. Labre Home for Indian Children in Montana.

She was responsible for staff training and evaluation at the Youth Village in Utah. There she developed and ran a parenting program that consisted of community parenting classes and support groups. She also trained teachers in the Granite School District on classroom management and trained foster parents for the Utah Department of Child and Family Services. Her experience includes being a foster parent, consulting to treatment foster homes, providing in-home training to parents, and supervising a sexual offender program. Becky is a certified Teaching-Family Model Trainer, Evaluator, and Consultant. She is a Crisis Intervention Specialist certified by the Crisis Prevention Institute and a Level I Parelli student. Becky also served as a site evaluator for the Teaching-Family Association and a lecturer for the Governor’s Initiative on Families. At Uinta, Becky supervises the therapeutic milieu, conducts staff training, instructs Parelli natural horsemanship, manages human resources, and does a little interior decorating. Becky’s experience with applied behavioral analysis makes her a valuable member of the treatment team. She also runs the Culinary Club and Singing Club. On a personal note, Becky still loves music; she plays the piano, writes music, sings and accompanies her church choir. She enjoys gardening, sewing, reading, and most of all, her grandchildren.

Russ Pryor MBA, LCSW

Executive Director

Russ Pryor has worked in the mental health field since 1993. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Brigham Young University in 1994, a Master of Social Work from Tulane University in 1995, and a Master of Business Administration from Westminster College in 2000.

Russ has worked as a clinician and a manager at all the different levels of care and treatment. Some of Russ' previous work experience included working as a therapist at Benchmark Regional Hospital, as an outpatient therapist, a therapist and director of admissions at an assessment center, as the clinical supervisor/crisis counselor for Intermountain Health Care, and as the clinical director for Highland Ridge Hospital. His therapeutic focus is an integrative approach to treatment using family systems theory and cognitive behavioral therapy. Russ' specialties are treating mood disorders, social learning issues, personality disorders, grief and trauma, chemical dependency, and adoption/attachment issues. Moreover, Russ has advanced training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Russ' interests include running, traveling, movies, and the arts; however, his favorite hobby is running. Russ has run more than nine marathons and a plethora of half marathons. Russ married his best friend and has been married for more than 22 years. He has three beautiful and loving daughters. When Russ is not working, he loves to spend his time with his family.

Adaleen Krambule MA, CMHC, NCC

Associate Executive Director

Adaleen (Adie) has been with Uinta Academy since December of 2006. Adie obtained dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Psychology and Family Human Development from Utah State University in Logan, Utah. She received her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University in Santa Barbara, California. Adie’s education was highly experiential and focused in Marriage, Family, and Multi-cultural therapeutic practices.

Adie has worked in a variety of Mental Health settings. She began as a direct care counselor in a residential treatment center working with young women. While in Santa Barbara she worked as a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist for severely mentally ill adults and adolescents. Adie also worked as a dual diagnosis specialist for a prominent LGBTQ organization in Santa Barbara, California. She was a therapist for the Girls Inc. Counseling Center, where she worked with young girls and their families. She also helped develop new methods of testing Bi-Polar clients in her work with a psychologist in private practice. Adie was also a research associate in the Cache County Study on Memory and Aging, a cooperative study with Utah State University, Duke University, and John Hopkins University. Adie has experience in treating Mood Disorders, Non-verbal Learning Disorders, Personality Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorders, PTSD, Complex Trauma, Psychosis, Bi-Polar Disorder, Sexual Abuse, Attachment Disorders, and Substance Use/Abuse. She uses a wide range of treatment modalities including: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Gestalt techniques, Motivational Interviewing, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), SMART recovery, and Structural Family Therapy. Adie is also trained in (EMDR) Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing. Adie enjoys cooking, crafting, skiing, and most of all spending time with her family.

Valarie Giacalone PhD

Academic Director

Valarie has been in education for 25 years. She earned a Bachelors of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University, a Masters Degree from the University of Washington in Curriculum Design, and a Doctorate of Philosophy from Utah State University in Curriculum and Instructional Design. While working on her doctorate she taught 8th grade science for 11 years. During this time she was twice voted as teacher of the year for her school. She was also awarded the Science Teacher of the Year for the state of Utah in 2004. Valarie has published in several educational journals.

Valarie has been with Uinta Academy from the first day of operation. Her educational focus is empowering students with the skills they need to succeed and be self-sufficient in the world. Valarie’s other focus at Uinta is the development of the equine program. Valarie is passionate about horses and the benefits that horse ownership gives young people. She is a Level 3 Parelli student and has been fortunate enough to study at the Parelli ranch several times to deepen her understanding of Natural Horsemanship. She agrees with Winston Churchill in “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” When not at Uinta, Valarie lives on a small farm with her son, Chris, who she has nominated as “best son in the world.” They raise horses, drive tractors, mend fences, and live a quiet life.

Bridget Rhoten LCSW

Program Director

Bridget received a Bachelor of Science in Family, Consumer, and Human Development with a minor in Sociology at Utah State University. She also earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work at USU. Bridget's training focused on empowering clients through use of a Strengths Perspective with emphasis in cognitive, behavioral, and existential individual, group, and family therapies. While working on her Master degree, Bridget was a social worker at a local high school and also served as an AmeriCorps VISTA.

Prior to becoming the Program Director at Uinta, Bridget worked for ten years as a Family Teacher and Home Manager. She was instrumental in developing Uinta’s integrated Transition home. Bridget’s extensive training and experience with the Teaching Family Model and applied behavioral analysis along with her clinical experience give her a unique ability to take a multidimensional approach to treatment planning. Bridget is a certified Equine Assisted Psychotherapist and facilitates the Equine Therapy groups at Uinta. She is also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), EFT (Emotion-Focused Therapy) and Motivational interviewing. Her multifaceted approach helps meet the need of the individual client and family. Bridget has experience working with girls with anxiety, depression, spectrum related issues, personality disordered features, RAD, addiction, PTSD, disordered eating, and other presenting issues. Bridget loves studying human behavior and empowering clients and families to make change. She is constantly reading a book or doing something to actively learn and remain open minded. In addition, she loves working with the management team, milieu staff, and clinical staff to do what we do best! Being at Uinta Academy has been an opportunity of a lifetime! She loves spending time with her family, riding horses, gardening, exercising, homemaking, and learning.

Kelly Chambers MAcc

Business Manager

Kelly Chambers earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Southern Utah University. She graduated in 2004 from Utah State University with a Masters of Accounting with a Tax Emphasis. Prior to working at Uinta Academy, Kelly worked in government accounting as well as at a local CPA firm. Kelly has worked at Uinta since 2006.

In addition to managing the financial affairs of Uinta Academy, she has also assisted parents with filing insurance claims. Kelly is married and keeps busy raising her four beautiful children. She enjoys playing basketball, tennis and volleyball and being with her family. She also loves to watch USU Aggie athletics….Go Aggies!

Samantha Booy - BS

Equine Manager

Samantha obtained her Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies with an emphasis in equine management from Asbury University in December 2015. Samantha grew up in Franklin Tennessee and completed her college near Lexington Kentucky. It's no surprise that she developed a deep love and passion for horses as she grew up surrounded by an amazing equestrian heritage (i.e. Tennessee Walking Horses, The Kentucky Derby, Keeneland, and family-owned Quarter Horses).

While attending Asbury University, Samantha volunteered with her equestrian team to host a horse camp for local children and youth in Brazil. During the summers of 2014 and 2015, she interned at Uinta Academy working as a Family Teacher and with the equine program. Also during these internships, she implemented a softball program at Uinta. During her volunteer work and internships, Sam found a desire to help teenage girls through her passion of horses and softball. January 2016, Samantha began working full time at Uinta Academy as the Equine Manager. She is excited to be focusing on horses, the girls, and the benefits that come from their relationship. Samantha's love of the outdoors, horses, and empowering teen girls through natural horsemanship come together in this program. She is certified in EAGALA and Parelli Natural Horsemanship. She is also eager to continue the softball program and the growth that comes from team sports. Samantha's hobbies include horseback riding, softball, climbing, and hiking. She loves playing games, being outdoors and spending time with her two dogs.

Erin Unsworth

Administrative Assistant

Erin joined the Uinta team after working in the hospitality industry for 12 years. During her time working at a major hotel chain she gained a love of genuinely caring for people. She worked closely with guests from around the world. She was highly involved as acting GM and Front Office Manager.

She worked in group sales which involved groups such as the United States Air Force Thunderbirds. Erin loves working at Uinta Academy as the Administrative Assistant. She works closely with the Management team to plan and organize trips, graduations, and Family Weekends. Erin loves photography, going on adventures with her family, and being outdoors.

Diane Redford

Night Staff Supervisor

Diane has worked at Uinta since it opened in 2003. Diane worked in supervisory positions at several companies before joining the team at Uinta. She has worked in the Boy Scouts of America for over 20 years in leadership positions and has coordinated and conducted staff training and workshops.

Diane has been instrumental in developing training, supervision protocols, and policies and procedures for the Night Staff. Her suggestions and ideas have helped create a pleasant and productive work environment for the staff who make sure that the girls are safe and well cared for at night. Diane has accompanied the girls on most of the exploration trips; she does monitoring during the night at the hotel and goes hiking with the girls during the day. Diane has four children and nine grandchildren. She loves being with her family, camping, playing games, crocheting and watching the sun rise.

Melissa Keller Adamson LCSW

Assistant Clinical Director

Melissa completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy at Utah State University. She went on to receive her Master’s degree in Social Work and a Graduate Certificate in Women and Gender Studies, with an emphasis in social development of adolescent girls. Melissa has extensive experience working with at-risk youth in a variety of settings.

She worked with children with autism in the public school system in Pennsylvania, creating treatment plans, working with parents, and using Applied Behavioral Analysis to better integrate the clients into the mainstream school environment. She also worked with inner-city at-risk youth in Washington D.C. and Richmond, VA on issues ranging from addiction to anger management. Melissa believes that living and having the opportunity to work with kids from all over the country has allowed her to develop cultural competence and an appreciation for diversity. Melissa has worked at Uinta Academy for several years, including some valuable experience in the milieu. She loves working with the girls and their families. Melissa’s approach to therapy is individualized, client-centered, and strength based. She uses therapeutic skills from a variety of treatment modalities including Psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Attachment-focused Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Motivational Interviewing, Family Systems, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR). Melissa has experience working with adolescents that are dealing with depression and anxiety, attachment and adoption, personality disorders, PTSD, trauma and grief, self-esteem/identity issues, sexual assault and abuse, ADD/ADHD, anger management issues, substance abuse and dependency, and relationship problems. Melissa spends her free time cooking, playing the piano, and spending time with her family. She enjoys camping, hiking, canyoneering, and loves to travel. Especially to the beach.

Dana Jackson LCSW

Therapist

Dana completed a Bachelor of Science in Human and Family Development at Utah State University. She went on to receive her Master’s degree in social work with an emphasis in Child and Family Welfare at the University of Utah. Dana has worked as an educator providing sex and health education to young adults, as well as presenting seminars at a nearby University and the Juvenile Detention Center.

Dana has experience working for the Health Department in the Substance Abuse Division. She provided substance abuse counseling in individual, family and group therapy settings. She particularly enjoyed counseling adolescents in anger-management, substance abuse and facilitating a Women’s Issues group. Dana also worked at a Veterans home where she counseled with Veterans and their families. This opportunity expanded her counseling skills in trauma and grief counseling, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), personality disorders, depression and anxiety. Dana’s approach to therapy is client-centered/strength based. She uses therapeutic skills from a variety of treatment modalities including; Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), Motivational Interviewing and Solution-Focused Therapy, while drawing from the client’s strengths. Dana has experience and enjoys working with children and adolescents that are dealing with depression and anxiety, personality disorders, PTSD, trauma and grief, self-esteem/identity issues, sexual assault and abuse, ADD/ADHD, anger management issues, substance abuse and dependency, and relationship problems. Dana is certified in Equine Assisted Therapy. She loves the perspective that equine therapy provides and the insight into personal issues, patterns and dynamics it brings about. She is also certified in DBT and SMART Recovery. Dana believes growing up in Seattle provided her with an appreciation and love for diversity. She enjoys spending time with her family outdoors, fishing and hiking. She loves to travel and especially enjoys the West Coast. She values the quiet moments in her life, in which she can relax with a good book.

Denise Kearl MSW, LCSW

Therapist

Denise has over 18 years of experience working with Children and Youth. She received a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Social Work at Utah State University. Denise started her career in mental health in Wyoming working with adults diagnosed with intellectual disabilities and SPMI (Serious and Persistent Mental Illness). After a number of years serving that population she transferred employment, to widen the scope of her experience, to the Wyoming State Hospital (WSH).

At WSH, she focused on treatment for addictions, SPMI and addiction treatment for adolescents, SPMI adults, and personality disorders. Additionally, Denise served on the board for the Evanston Child Development Center, lead Girl Scouts & 4-H, and did volunteer work with the Rich County School District. Denise has specialized in Attachment Disorders, Personality Disorders, Substance Use/Abuse, and other addiction issues prior to coming to Uinta Academy. Denise's passion is working with adolescent's and families in treatment. Denise specializes in empowerment and developing client strengths utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) approaches. Denise has extensive experience with group therapy and has facilitated therapeutic groups regarding: Addictions, Women's Issues, Anger Management, Life Skills, Self Esteem. Denise enjoys quilting, canning, camping, gardening, and all things outdoors. Denise and her family reside in Cache Valley.

Diana Handy MS, CMHC

Therapist

Diana graduated with honors from Utah State University with a degree in Family and Human Development, emphasis in Community Services. Prior to becoming a therapist, Diana worked as an advocate for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and other crimes in community and court settings. Diana received a Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Phoenix. She has worked extensively with clients suffering from substance use disorders and severe mental health issues, including schizophrenia, personality disorders, trauma and PTSD, suicidality and self-harm, ADHD, depression, and anxiety.

Diana worked as an in-home therapist for families with children with severe behavioral issues, providing therapy to children and teens while coaching parents on strategies to help their children succeed. She has also worked in inpatient hospitalization and stabilization, and residential treatment for substance use and mental health disorders. Diana is extensively trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and has experience in training other therapists to use DBT effectively. She is experienced in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP), shame resiliency, and humanistic approaches. Diana believes that therapy should be tailored to each individual, and encourages feedback from her clients on what they like and don’t like in treatment. Diana is an avid gardener and loves growing flowers and vegetables. She also loves theater, singing, playing the piano, and science fiction and fantasy books and movies.

Cheyenne Vasquez, MS, AMFT

Therapist

Cheyenne graduated from California State University Fullerton with her Bachelor of Science in Human Services. Cheyenne completed her Master in Counseling degree with an emphasis in Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy from the University of Phoenix. Cheyenne has experience working in multiple residential treatment centers in California with adolescents and has extensive training and experience in substance abuse and mental health treatment.

Cheyenne has previously been a Clinical Compliance Manager and Clinical Director for Recovery Centers in California. Cheyenne believes in using a family systems model while integrating Attachment Theory, Gestalt interventions, Adlerian, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Narrative approach. Cheyenne began working in the mental health field at a group home, in southern California, where she worked as a child care worker for young female adolescents. While completing her Master's in Counseling, she served as an intern therapist and eventually went onto working as a full-time therapist for severely emotionally disturbed adolescents. Cheyenne furthered her career development when working with a recovery center for young women and was asked to become the Clinical Compliance Manager. Cheyenne trained therapists on clinical documentation and trained on substance abuse groups and mental health related curriculums. Cheyenne eventually accepted a position as a Clinical Director in Huntington Beach, CA working in Outpatient Treatment. After getting married and moving to Utah, she has decided to return to working with adolescents. Cheyenne is trained in Seeking Safety and has extensive training in the 12-Step Recovery Model and SMART Recovery. Cheyenne has experience working with trauma related issues such as PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, and Schizophrenia. Cheyenne builds treatment plans to fit the need of her client's and individualizes each plan. For fun, Cheyenne enjoys writing fiction, singing, camping, playing fetch with her Great Pyrenees (SugarBear), and watching unsolved mysteries.

Russ MacKay

Therapist

Russ is a national board certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and has been working with at-risk youth since 2001. He began working with JJS youth, and spent a number of years working with them and the homeless in Utah County. During his time as a case worker he began to recognize how home style programming and the right systemic focus led individuals to make lasting changes. Russ decided to become a therapist and after graduating he began working with adolescents. Spending years working as a residential staff with adolescent girls, and then working with them as a therapist fits with Russ’s view that a young woman who heals impacts generations. Russ’s clinical focus is on nature as a therapeutic milieu, experiential therapy, cognitive based therapy, animals as part of therapy, and EMDR.

He believes that much of the pathology that youth and family systems deal with come from adverse and traumatic experiences, and that individuals and families need internal healing from these traumas to thrive. Relationships can be an amazing vehicle for change, and a multi-systemic approach and relationship model helps facilitates this lasting change. In his down time, Russ enjoys staying active, getting outdoors, constantly learning new things, and spending time with his family.

Bret Marshall MD

Psychiatrist

Dr. Marshall is a seasoned psychiatrist who has practiced as an adolescent specialist since he graduated from the University of Utah, School of Medicine, 1988. Dr. Marshall has been the medical director at Uinta Academy from the very beginning and works with the families and girls via a relationship based approach.

Dr. Marshall has worked as a medical director at both the in-patient and out-patient levels of care for over 20 years. Dr. Marshall specializes in treating adolescents who suffer from impulse control, mood/anxiety, post-traumatic stress, fetal substance exposure, Autistic Spectrum, and sexual trauma related issues and disorders. Dr. Marshall enjoys the fine arts, fine dining, the theatre, and travel as a way to enjoy his free time.

Kayla Vee Stock RN

Registered Nurse

Kayla attended Weber State University where she obtained her degree as a Registered Nurse. Prior to receiving her license as a Registered Nurse, Kayla attended Bridgerland Applied Technology College where she completed her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licensures.

While completing her nursing program, Kayla was elected to perform a preceptorship with the Cache Valley Youth Center. She also worked multiple rotations in the Behavioral Health Unit at Logan Regional Hospital. While attending college she worked at Uinta Academy as a Family Teacher for three years. This previous work experience provides Kayla with great insight into what is expected from the girls as well as the challenges they face. Kayla is certified as an Equine Specialist through the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) and has worked with the girls providing equine therapy as well as recreational riding. In her free time, Kayla enjoys spending time with family, making crafts, exercising, and playing sports. She enjoys anything outdoors, especially spending time with her horses.

Ariane Magana BS

Young Adult Home Manager

Ariane was born and raised in Cache Valley. She received a Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a focus on Addiction from the University of Phoenix. This made her the very first person in her family to graduate from college. She has always enjoyed helping youth and in high school she tutored ESL students and provided translation services to students’ parents.

Ariane was the Latinos Action Site Manager for a local high school before she started working at Uinta in November of 2014 as a Family Teacher and Shift Supervisor. Ariane has worked at every one of Uinta’s homes during her employment, giving her a unique perspective and experience. She really enjoys working with the girls and is dedicated to helping them progress and reach their goals. Ariane likes to travel, spend time with her family, swim, and cook.

Kamille Lisonbee BA

Achievement Home Manager

Kamille Lisonbee was born and raised in the Cache Valley community. She decided to further her education on a basketball scholarship to Marshall University and later High Point University where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Relations with minors in Coaching and Counseling. After graduation Kamille worked for The Greater High Point Boys and Girls Club where she was an Assistant Director.

In August of 2015 Kamille relocated back to Cache Valley and began working for Uinta Academy as a Family Teacher. Over the past two years Kamille has worked mainly at the Transition and West homes as a Family Teacher and Shift Supervisor. Kamille enjoys working with the youth of Uinta and instills a sense of teamwork and collaboration among girls and staff. She is very encouraging to the girls in their progress and enjoys seeing growth in all its forms. Kamille enjoys traveling in her free time, spending time with her family and friends, and is a huge sports fan. GO PACK GO!

Samantha Powell

East Home Manager

Samantha studied at Utah State University earning a Bachelor's of Arts in International Studies with an emphasis in world economy and development as well as a Bachelor's of Arts in German language and literature. In 2017, Samantha also received her Yoga teacher certification from Utah State.

Samantha has worked with international youth exchange programs, both domestically and abroad. While working on her undergraduate, Samantha interned as a liaison for a group of American youth for one month in Germany. She has always had an interest in learning about cultures and the differences between them. Samantha is a Cache Valley native with the unique experience of being home schooled, where she was able to learn and grow at her own pace. Being home schooled gave Samantha the opportunity to spend a lot of her youth volunteering in the community with her siblings. At eighteen, she received a scholarship to study in Germany for one year where she focused on language, art and cognitive development. Samantha has worked in all of Uinta's homes and worked with girls through all of their stages of change. She enjoys working at Uinta and teaching the girls new skills ranging from independent living skills, home maintenance, new crafts to self care skills. She has taught culinary club as well as worked with the girls in every home setting up and maintaining their home gardens. Samantha loves watching the girls develope as individuals and encouraging them to soar. Samantha loves learning new things and teaching others new skills, working in her garden, hiking, teaching yoga, traveling and getting crafty.

Heather Young BS

West Home Manager

Heather Young was born and raised in Idaho, and moved to Cache Valley for college, where she earned a Bachelor of Science, Psychology with minors in Sociology and Criminal Justice at Utah State University. Heather has experience with several different volunteer organizations, including the CASA program and working with children involved with the justice system.

Heather worked as a Family Teacher and shift supervisor mainly at the East home for the last year and a half before becoming an assistant home manager. Heather loves interacting with the girls and helping them develop and use their therapeutic skills each day. Heather is excited to be able to work with the girls from all the homes and their families. Heather loves school, and plans to go back to graduate school with a goal to earn a Ph.D. in Psychology. Heather enjoys spending time with friends, her family, especially her baby boy, and her dog, Rebel.

Heather Kilpatrick

Assistant Home Manager

Heather has been a family teacher at Uinta Academy since 2013. She attended University of Phoenix and graduated with an associate degree in Criminal Justice with a focus in Human Services in 2013. She is currently working towards her bachelor’s degree.

Heather started Uinta as a direct care staff and has worked hard to implement the model and work her way up to Assistant Home Manager. Heather has been a shift supervisor for many years. She understands the implementation of the Teaching Family Model and the Stages of Change Model. Heather is upbeat and understanding as she interacts with the young ladies at Uinta Academy. She has fully enjoyed being able to help shape the girls lives into something better than they were before.

Micaela Johnson

Assistant Home Manager

Micaela Johnson grew up in Phoenix, Arizona and moved to Logan to begin school at Utah State University. Micaela became a family teacher in June of 2014 and since has worked in all of the homes, but primarily at East and West as a shift supervisor.

Micaela enjoys working with the girls and is excited to work more with the girls from all homes as she steps into the roll of the Assistant Home Manager. Micaela is scheduled to graduate with a Bachelor of Science, Sociology and a minor in Social Work come December 2019. She will continue on to work on her Masters in Social Work after she is done. Micaela enjoys traveling and loves spending time with her family, especially in the new role of ‘Aunt Micaela’.

Susan Biddulph MS, SPED

Academic Assistant - Certified English Teacher - Special Education Director

Susan Biddulph graduated with a Bachelor of Science in English & History Education from Utah State University. Her English emphasis was in British and American Literature and her history emphasis was in American progressivism. She also completed significant coursework in the area of Anatomy and Physiology. Susan graduated in 2012 – also from Utah State – with a Master of Science in American Studies.

Her master’s thesis focused on utilizing multi-genre texts to teach English and history in an interdependent curriculum. She is a level 2 licensed teacher in the state of Utah and is highly qualified according to their established Praxis criteria. Susan has worked at Uinta since 2007. In addition to teaching, she has become involved in Uinta’s Parelli Natural Horsemanship program and assists the girls in developing relationships with their horses. Susan also occasionally lectures to youth groups and university classes on varied subjects including the history of cemeteries, the history of Ellis Island, housing in the Gilded Age, and how to successfully manage student teaching. Susan comes from a large family – she is the youngest of seven children and has fifteen nieces and nephews. She played on the USU women’s billiards team and continues to be involved in the Cache Valley pool league. She enjoys visiting museums and historical sites, going to Disneyland, and eating chocolate Häagen-Dazs ice cream.

Jentry Broschinsky BS

Certified Social Studies Teacher

Jentry received her Bachelor of Science in Social Studies and a Minor in Psychology with a Secondary Education Teaching Certificate at Southern Utah University. She was able to put her educational experience to practice while interning in various therapy settings for pregnant youth contemplating adoption as well as helping adults deal with childhood molestation issues.

Jentry has worked at Uinta since 2009 and has experience as a Family Teacher, Shift Supervisor, and Home Manager. Jentry currently works in the academic department as the Social Studies teacher. She has also assisted with teaching Social Studies in the classroom. When she isn’t teaching Social Studies. Jentry spends her time enjoying her children. She enjoys the outdoors, spending time with her family, visiting historical sites, swimming, hiking, and the Arts.

Lorelyn Garbini BA

Certified General Education Teacher - Cultural Arts Teacher

Lorelyn received her Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Arizona. She is a certified teacher with an S.E.I. endorsement. She has 31 years experience as a classroom teacher. She has served as a mentor teacher for the University of Arizona, Northern Arizona University and the University of Phoenix.

She holds certificates of specialized training in the areas of Restorative Discipline, Love and Logic, Marzano's Instructional Strategies, Multiple Intelligences, The Skillful Teacher, Bloom's Taxonomy of the Learning Domain, Creative Spirit, and Opening Minds Through the Arts. Lorelyn was honored in 2010 by Tucson Unified Schools for making the largest gains in closing the achievement gap in minority students. She was selected in 2009 by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in the Talent Transfer Initiative. Lorelyn has had a life-long interest in art and has been drawing and painting since childhood. She also plays the piano and has sung in a number of choirs. Although she majored in Education, Lorelyn also took a full load of art classes at the University of Arizona. She taught after-school art classes for ten years. Lorelyn is also a skilled interior decorator and seamstress. Not only does Lorelyn teach cultural arts at Uinta, she also plans and helps the girls with crafts and holiday décor and maintains the library. In her free time, Lorelyn works on art projects and loves to read. Her favorite thing to do is spend time with her family.

Tammy Clark BS

Yoga Instructor

Tammie Clark is a certified personal trainer, group exercise instructor and yoga instructor. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Utah State University with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and minor in Family and Human Development. She has taken her passion for helping individuals become happier and healthier and combined it with fitness instruction. Her focus is primarily yoga-based. She has earned multiple nationally recognized fitness certifications which she draws upon to offer unique and personalized classes for her clientele.

Having the experience and fun of teaching fitness professionally for over 15 years, she has discovered the power of yoga to transform individuals both physically and emotionally in a safe, non-competitive atmosphere. Teaching students to tap into their internal strength and take it off the mat into the world is the most rewarding part of her job. With yoga training that is demographic specific and research based, she has found a niche in working with teens to help them find empowerment, healing, and strength through the medium of yoga. Tammie is the proud mother of three beautiful children and enjoys spending time with them and her husband of 23 years. In addition to fitness, she enjoys reading, baking, canning, photography, and travels as much as possible

Jason Bagley MS

Certified Mathematics Teacher

Jason received a Master of Science in Mathematics from Utah State University. As an undergraduate, his main emphasis was on education and his graduate thesis was focused on factors that contribute to student success in mathematics. He also has experience teaching several math classes at Utah State University and uses those skills to help students at Uinta.

Jason also took several classes in the sciences, and continues to learn more about science in his personal time. When not working, Jason enjoys hiking, playing card games and board games, and learning more in the field of physics. He hopes to make a difference and bring more optimism to the girls he works with.

Shannon Norman MED

Certified Mathematics Teacher

Shannon is a level IV endorsed math teacher having earned both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Utah State University. She received a Bachelor of Science in Math Education with a Music Education minor and an MEd in Instructional Technology along with an ELS endorsement.

Shannon has 26 years of math teaching experience in the public school setting, primarily teaching grades 6th through 9th grade. She is also proud to have been on the Uinta Academy teaching staff for over 15 years and has devoted her abilities to help students learn the foundations of math so they are successful as they progress up through the math levels. When not working, Shannon enjoys living a quiet country life admiring the local mountain and valley sceneries from her front porch. She thrives on spending time with family and is “way too competitive” at playing card and board games. She enjoys reading puzzles, gardening, raising animals and is afraid she is just one goat shy of becoming a crazy goat lady.

Gabbie Rigby BS

Certified Science Teacher

Gabbie Rigby earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Education with a Minor in Animal Science from Utah State University. This is Gabbie’s second year teaching. Prior to teaching science at Uinta, she was an FFA Advisor at a high school in Utah. Gabbie grew-up in Idaho but has made Cache Valley her home after attending USU.

Gabbie’s passion is Agricultural Sciences especially Animal Science. In her spare time, Gabbie enjoys raising honey bees, training her border collies, and traveling to visit friends and family.

Zachary Chesbrough BS

Mathematics Teacher

Zach received his Bachelors of Science degree in Mathematic Education from Brigham Young University-Idaho. He has a passion for learning and teaching math. Zach moved to Utah to pursue his career in education. He uses his interpersonal skills, developed from tutoring one-on-one at BYU-Idaho, to help the girls at Uinta reach their educational goals.

In his spare time, Zach loves to read and play sports, especially basketball. He also loves to farm and being outside adventuring.

Lindsey Huff BA

Certified Social Studies Teacher

Lindsey graduated from Idaho State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education - Social Science. She is a certified Social Studies teacher and has always had a love and interest for history. She enjoys visiting historical sites, museums and watching historical films. She completed an array of coursework in college pertaining to the social sciences but her favorite historical time period is the Revolutionary War.

Lindsey has a love for teaching and has always wanted to be able to share her love of history with her students. As a teacher she hopes to help her students become aware of past events and how those events have shaped our world today. She hopes each of her students gains a better understanding of our world and how we can become useful members of our communities. Outside of teaching, Lindsey loves to spend time with her family and her two dogs.

Family Teachers

The Family Teachers are the staff who work with the girls throughout the day. Most of these women have Bachelor or Masters degrees in psychology, education or the social services. These staff are carefully selected for their professionalism, teaching ability, and relationship skills. They receive extensive training in the Teaching-Family model.

Uinta employs over 30 Family Teachers to ensure that each girl receives plenty of individual help and support throughout the day. Because the Family Teachers participate with the girls in their daily activities, they can provide the support and in-the-moment teaching that assists girls in using new skills, engaging in mindful problem solving and managing stress.

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