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Click a category to view all staff in a specific department, or click a photo to view individual bio information.
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Staff Bio Information:
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Founders, Board of Directors, Partners
Matt has a passion for working with adolescents. In 1991 he opened Vista with a vision of assisting adolescents in making positive changes in their lives. By providing a clinically intense residential treatment setting coupled with a loving and caring environment, it was his belief that adolescents would make significant personal growths. Together Matt and Memory have created such an environment. Matt has worked in several settings within the mental health industry. While attending BYU, he worked seven years for a public mental health center in Provo, Utah working with children from Youth Corrections and Family Services. He was the Program Administrator for a private residential treatment center prior to starting Vista. Matt has served as a member of various committees at local and regional levels, and is a Certified Employee Assistance Professional. Memory completed her Associates Degree at Utah Valley Technical College. Prior to working at Vista, Memory worked extensively in public relations and marketing with Custom Follow-Up, Inc., and the Ford Motor Company. She has extensive knowledge in our admissions process and she coordinates with both parents and referring agencies to accommodate the Vista admissions.
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Executive Director, Primary Therapist
Board of Directors, Partner Matt has been with Vista since 2000. He attended Utah State University where he earned an area studies certificate in Law and Society and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology and Political Science. He then attended the University of Utah where he received a Master's Degree with an emphasis in Social Welfare Policy. Matt has completed additional graduate work at the University of Utah specializing in adolescents and adolescent self-mutilation. He has served as an English tutor for non-English speaking immigrants, worked as a "Big Brother" for the United Way, and has been employed by the Utah State Legislature as a legislative aid. He has gained clinical social work experience through his work with Murray School District, the Utah Division of Child and Family Services, the Utah Department of Workforce Services, Valley Mental Health, and Vista Adolescent Treatment Center. Matt is experienced in treating a variety of emotional difficulties including personality disorders, anorexia and bulimia, depression, sexual abuse, substance abuse, adoption, family discord, and conduct problems. Matt is a member of the National Association of Social Workers.
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Board of Directors, Partner
Ryan has been with Vista since 1999. He attended the University of Utah and graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Psychology and a Master Degree in Social Work. Ryan is a member of the PHI KAPPA PHI Honors Society, the National Association of Social Workers, and the University of Utah's 2003 Recipient of the Sharon Goodwill Memorial Award for Mental Health. Ryan has worked as the Administrative Director, Line Staff Supervisor, and a Client Mentor with Vista Adolescent Treatment Centers. He has served as a Primary Therapist Intern for Valley Mental Health in their Children’s Behavioral Treatment Unit and has worked as a Volunteer Grief Counselor for Primary Children’s Medical Center. Ryan is currently functioning as a Primary Therapist and the Executive Director of Vista at Dimpledell Canyon. Ryan has a variety of experience working with adolescents suffering from traumatic stress, personality disorders, addiction issues, depression, anxiety, self mutilation, eating disorders, poor self-esteem, and oppositional defiant disorder. Ryan is a fundamental part of the therapeutic and administrative process throughout all of Vista's treatment facilities.
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Executive Director, Primary Therapist
Board of Directors, Partner Matt has been with Vista since 2000. He attended Utah State University where he earned an area studies certificate in Law and Society and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology and Political Science. He then attended the University of Utah where he received a Master's Degree with an emphasis in Social Welfare Policy. Matt has completed additional graduate work at the University of Utah specializing in adolescents and adolescent self-mutilation. He has served as an English tutor for non-English speaking immigrants, worked as a "Big Brother" for the United Way, and has been employed by the Utah State Legislature as a legislative aid. He has gained clinical social work experience through his work with Murray School District, the Utah Division of Child and Family Services, the Utah Department of Workforce Services, Valley Mental Health, and Vista Adolescent Treatment Center. Matt is experienced in treating a variety of emotional difficulties including personality disorders, anorexia and bulimia, depression, sexual abuse, substance abuse, adoption, family discord, and conduct problems. Matt is a member of the National Association of Social Workers.
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Medical Director
Dr. Kovnick has been with
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Registered Nurse
Director of Nursing
Michelle has been with Vista since 1997. She began with Vista as a mental health worker and through hard work and diligence became our Joint Commission Specialist. In 2002 Michelle returned to the University of Utah School of Nursing to work toward a bachelor’s degree in nursing. In August of 2005 she graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Utah, then returned to Vista as the Director of Nursing and Quality Improvement. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing, and Golden Key Honor Society. Michelle's energy and dedication to the program and clients coupled with her compassion and attention to detail make her an integral part of the Vista Treatment Team.
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Executive Director, Primary Therapist
Board of Directors, Partner Matt has been with Vista since 2000. He attended Utah State University where he earned an area studies certificate in Law and Society and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology and Political Science. He then attended the University of Utah where he received a Master's Degree with an emphasis in Social Welfare Policy. Matt has completed additional graduate work at the University of Utah specializing in adolescents and adolescent self-mutilation. He has served as an English tutor for non-English speaking immigrants, worked as a "Big Brother" for the United Way, and has been employed by the Utah State Legislature as a legislative aid. He has gained clinical social work experience through his work with Murray School District, the Utah Division of Child and Family Services, the Utah Department of Workforce Services, Valley Mental Health, and Vista Adolescent Treatment Center. Matt is experienced in treating a variety of emotional difficulties including personality disorders, anorexia and bulimia, depression, sexual abuse, substance abuse, adoption, family discord, and conduct problems. Matt is a member of the National Association of Social Workers.
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Primary Therapist
Dr. Lori Neeleman was with Vista as a therapist in 1998 and 1999 while completing her doctoral work in Clinical Psychology. While at Vista, she developed a love of working with adolescents and returned to Vista as a Primary therapist in 2003. Dr. Neeleman completed her Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at Brigham Young University in 2001. She completed her clinical internship and post doctoral work at St. Mary's Children and Family Services (SMCFS), an adolescent residential treatment center in Syosset, NY. While at SMCFS, Dr. Neeleman worked extensively with adolescents and their families experiencing a wide range of difficulties, including conduct and behavioral problems, mood and anxiety disorders,self esteem issues, cultural issues, family discord, neglect, physical and sexual abuse, and bereavement issues. Other employment opportunities have contributed to training and experience in treating clients with eating disorders, personality disorders, and addictions, as well as out patient work with adolescents and their families. Dr. Neeleman returned to Vista so that she could work with experienced staff and therapists who have created a treatment atmosphere conducive to real and powerful change in the lives of adolescents and their families.
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Primary Therapist
Jeff first started working at Vista in 2002 at the Magna campus while completing his master’s degree in social work and is now a primary therapist for Vista Counseling Services. Jeff attended the University of Utah where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Jeff has worked as a therapy intern and as a therapist with youth for over six years and has obtained his clinical licensure. Jeff completed internships as a therapist for Valley Mental Health’s Adolescent Day Care Unit and Wasatch Youth Support Systems. He worked as a co-therapist for Second Nature Wilderness Program prior to taking a full time position at Wasatch Youth Support Systems where he became the Program Manager for the Intensive Outpatient Program. During this time, Jeff worked as a contract therapist with Life Matters Counseling and as a Substance Abuse and Mental Health evaluator for court referred youth. Jeff transitioned from Youth Support Systems and went to work for Avalon Health Care, Inc. as the Department Head of Social Services. Jeff brings a high energy, engaging style to VCS. He has experience working with many issues facing today’s young adults including substance abuse, behavioral problems, mood and anxiety disorders, self-esteem issues, victims of trauma and abuse, personality disorders, family discord, bereavement, and identity issues.
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Rafael has been with Vista since 1997. Rafael brings a significant edge to our residential unit, as he as been the Director of Vista’s Group Homes for the past five years. Rafael has been involved with the youth throughout the community for a total of nine years. He has been a program supervisor for Valley Mental Health, a youth counselor for Granite School District, and is a member of Utah’s Gang Task Force. His wide range of experience coupled with his diverse background, allows him opportunity to relate and connect with each of his clients. Rafael has a unique talent with the youth and uses his ability in the healing process. Rafael provides a strong support and valued insight to Vista’s treatment modality and the Vista Family as well.
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Licensed Social Service Worker
Certified Substance Abuse Counselor
Devon is a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor and has been with Vista since 2005. She has volunteered with the Bachelors of Social Work Student Association as a junior and senior class representative. Devon has completed an internship at the Caron Foundation working with female adolescents in a thirty day rehabilitation environment. She has also gained experience working with adolescents at Second Nature Wilderness Program, as well as working as a line staff at Vista at Dimple Dell Canyon. Devon is currently working at Vista Counseling Services doing her practicum for social work. In her spare time Devon enjoys spending time outdoors biking, backpacking and swimming.
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Young Adult Mentor
Lana joined the Vista staff in 2003. She spent a great deal of time as a lead supervisor training the milieu staff to work effectively with client's in achieving their individual treatment plan goals. Lana has also been an integral part of the hiring, training, and mentoring of Vista staff members. Her compassionate and energetic personality create a welcoming environment for her co-workers and the client's she works with.
Lana transitioned to the admissions department and began helping families through the admissions process. Lana is in charge of the family tours of the Vista facilities and is an active part of the educational consultant connection and communication between the families, the therapists, consultants, and clients.
Lana is completing her degree in social work with the University of Utah in hopes to fulfill a professional role as a clinician. She hopes to work directly with the clients and families in their therapeutic process toward interpersonal healing and long term sobriety. Lana brings a dynamic approach and sense of dedication to her responsibilities with Vista.
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Young Adult Mentor
Jason Utley has been with Vista since January 2006. He graduated from the University of Utah in May 2007 with his Bachelor of Social Work. He passed the LSAC (Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor) exam in December 2007. Jason has experience working with a variety of people. He has worked as a recreational supervisor for adults with disabilities at Bungalow and East Side Care Centers and was a mentor in a day-treatment program for at-risk youth at Southwest Mental Health in St. George. Jason also worked for the Utah Division of Child and Family Services for a short time as a caseworker. Jason has a great sense of humor and his ability to relate to the students has proved to be an invaluable asset to the program. He has an easy-going personality and enjoys outdoor adventures, motorcycles, racquetball, and music.
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