Management Team
Nicole Nickles, CFO
Owner of Hopeful Beginnings, Nicole Nickles is the company’s CFO and Office Manager. She manages all of the client files and employee files. Along with her team, Nicole makes sure that the highest possible quality is achieved. She is in charge of making sure all billing is completed, and the needs of the company’s staff are taken care of.
Prior to Hopeful Beginnings, Nicole taught 4th grade in Granite School District for 10 years. She also worked with an educational software company where she had the opportunity to travel throughout the Western United States and work with teachers. After the Nickles’ third child was born, she opted to stay home to raise the children, in addition to her responsibilities at Hopeful Beginnings.
"I am so grateful for my late husband, Greg, and his desire to work with the community and the vision he had when starting Hopeful Beginnings. I love coming to work and being able to work alongside the wonderful staff we have here at Hopeful Beginnings. I get excited to share with those I meet about the many services we are able to provide, along with our wonderful team coming out to the homes of those we help to better serve them.”
Office Manager
Amy Firth, LCSW
Amy Firth grew up in Bountiful, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor Degree in Psychology before attending Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus, where in 2005 she received a Master of Arts in Psychology.
Amy returned home and began to search for employment opportunities that matched her desire to help others. In an effort to work more directly with her clients, Amy returned to school at the University of Utah and in 2008 received a Master of Social Work Degree.
Since then she has been working with children and families to promote hope, healing and resiliency. In her spare time Amy enjoys traveling, hiking and spending time with friends and family, especially her dog Diesel and two sons Wilder and Briar.
Executive Director
David Koldewyn went to the University of Utah where he earned is MSW in 1995. He has spent the majority of his Social Work career working with children and adolescents in day treatment settings.
He finds fulfillment in seeing the growth clients make when they learn new skills and address and overcome past traumas. Dave enjoys working with an incredibly talented, knowledgeable, and committed day treatment team.
In his personal life, Dave enjoys being outdoors whether hiking, trail running, mountain biking, or snowshoeing. Dave has lived in Utah for the majority of his life. He has three amazing daughters, and one dog - that likes him sometimes.
Dave's personal belief is that we are all doing the best we can and that we can do better when we know better.
Day Treatment DirectorDavid Koldewyn, LCSW
Tamra Parko, LCSW, has dedicated more than 20 years to the field of social work, beginning her career in 2002 after earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science from Utah Valley State College. She later pursued her Master’s Degree in Social Work, which she completed in 2017. Throughout her career, Tamra has had the opportunity to serve individuals and families in a variety of roles, including four years as a case worker with DCFS and six years with the Office of Licensing.
Tamra has been part of Hopeful Beginnings since before its doors officially opened and has loved witnessing the growth of the organization and the community’s embrace of its in-home model of care. She initially worked in Skills Development while completing her master’s degree and transitioned into a clinician role after graduation. She currently serves as the Outpatient Program Director, where she supports clients, oversees outpatient services, and leads the Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Program alongside a dedicated team of therapists.
Tamra enjoys working with individuals across the lifespan but has a special passion for working with children. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), play therapy, sand tray therapy, trauma therapy, and DBT. Her approach is grounded in compassion, connection, and the belief that every person has the ability to heal, grow, and create meaningful change.
Originally from the Salt Lake area, with several childhood years spent in Kansas City (Go Chiefs!), Tamra values the importance of community and relationships. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, two children, and loved ones. She loves traveling, experiencing new places, warm weather, and especially spending time near the ocean, whether relaxing on the beach or scuba diving. Tamra’s favorite saying is, “Be the Change You Want to See in the World,” a philosophy that guides both her personal and professional life.
Outpatient Program Director & DBT Program DirectorTamra Parko, LCSW
Teresa Flores is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of children and youth. She earned her Master’s degree from the University of Utah in 2007 and has devoted her career to helping young people navigate emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges.
Teresa’s clinical approach is rooted in evidence-based, developmentally appropriate practices tailored to the unique needs of children and adolescents. She is trained in several specialized therapeutic modalities, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Drawing from these approaches, Teresa creates individualized therapeutic experiences designed to support emotional regulation, healing from trauma, and overall mental wellness through both traditional talk therapy and creative, developmentally responsive interventions.
As a School-Based Program Director, Teresa is passionate about expanding access to mental health support for youth and collaborating with schools, families, and communities to foster resilience and emotional well-being.
Outside of her professional role, Teresa values the restorative power of nature and meaningful connection. She enjoys traveling to new destinations, gardening, exploring the outdoors, and spending quality time with her family.
School-Based Program DirectorTeresa Flores, LCSW
DCFS Program DirectorJennifer Moleni, LCSW
Jenny Moleni, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Program Director at Hopeful Beginnings. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Brigham Young University in 2010 and her Master of Social Work from the University of New England in 2016.
Jenny has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and families navigating trauma, foster care, adoption, behavioral concerns, and complex family circumstances. As an adoptee herself, she brings both professional expertise and a personal appreciation for the complexities of adoption, identity, family relationships, and belonging.
Much of Jenny's work has involved collaborating across child welfare, mental health, schools, courts, and other community systems. She is passionate about helping children and families not only heal, but also successfully navigate the complex systems that are often part of their journey. She also has a strong interest in advocacy, public policy, and legislative efforts that improve mental health and child welfare systems for the families and professionals who rely on them.
Jenny's approach is practical, collaborative, and relationship-focused. She believes effective treatment should fit the person rather than requiring the person to fit the treatment, and that meaningful change often requires looking beyond what happens within the walls of a therapy office.
Originally from the Rockford/Chicago area, Jenny now calls Utah home. As the spouse of a military service member and mother of three, much of her time outside of work is spent supporting her kids' ever-changing lineup of sports and activities, volunteering in her community, attempting various DIY projects, and gardening. She spends an unreasonable amount of that gardening time trying to determine whether something is a plant worth keeping or a weed that has been given far too many opportunities to prove itself.
Krista Petersen, CMHC
Internship Program Director & Respite Program DirectorAs the Clinical Director of Clinical Internship and Respite Programs, She is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care while mentoring the next generation of mental health professionals. She believes in fostering a collaborative environment that supports both clinical excellence and meaningful client outcomes.
Krista Petersen earned her Bachelor's degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Weber State University and completed her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling at the University of Phoenix in 2014. Throughout her career, She has worked with adolescents, adults, and families in a variety of therapeutic settings, helping clients navigate behavioral concerns, trauma, family conflict, and life transitions.
Krista's clinical experience includes working extensively with individuals involved in the criminal justice system, supporting both adolescents and adults as they address legal involvement, reintegration challenges, and emotional well-being. She also provides affirming and inclusive care for members of the LGBTQ+ community, creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where clients can work toward healing and personal growth.
She is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Her approach is trauma-informed, collaborative, and client-centered, tailoring treatment to each individual's unique experiences and goals while helping clients build resilience, strengthen relationships, and create lasting positive change.
Kelli Michanowicz, CMHC
Timely Access Director & Intake SupervisorKelli is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with over 10 years of experience working with adolescents, young adults, adults, and families. She has a particular passion for supporting teens and young adults as they navigate increasing independence and the transition into adulthood.
Kelli earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Peace Studies from Westminster College in Pennsylvania. Originally drawn to Utah by her love of skiing and the outdoors, she went on to earn her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Westminster University and ultimately made Utah home.
Kelli has extensive experience supporting individuals with complex mental health and behavioral needs, including youth transitioning from psychiatric hospitalization and other higher levels of care. She helps bridge the gap between intensive treatment and community-based care through collaboration with clients, families, treatment providers, schools, and other supports.
Her experience includes working with trauma, anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, behavioral challenges, family conflict, and crisis-related needs. Kelli takes a holistic, strengths-based, and relational approach to therapy, recognizing the importance of relationships, past experiences, and the broader context of each client’s life. She incorporates psychodynamic principles and draws from evidence-based practices, including TF-CBT, DBT, and ACT, tailoring treatment to each client’s unique needs and goals.
Outside of work, Kelli loves unplugging and spending time outdoors with her family and two dogs. No matter the season, you’ll likely find her camping or hiking in the mountains, skiing in the winter, or playing soccer. The outdoors is one of her favorite ways to recharge and spend meaningful time with the people she loves.
Tara Peterson, SSW
Skills Program Director
Kim Shaw, LCSW
Clinical Director of Quality AssuranceKim Shaw earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Utah and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker serving clients in both Utah and California. With more than 25 years of experience in the mental health and social work field, Kim has dedicated her career to helping adolescents and adults navigate challenges related to depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship concerns.
Kim's therapeutic approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Client-Centered Therapy. She is committed to empowering individuals to overcome past obstacles, build resilience, and achieve lasting emotional wellness.
In addition to providing clinical care, Kim serves on the administrative team as the Clinical Director of Quality Assurance. In this role, she oversees documentation standards and quality assurance across all programs, including respite services, skills development, therapy, and medication management. She also leads discharge planning initiatives and provides documentation training and ongoing support to staff, helping ensure high-quality, compliant care throughout the organization.
Outside of work, Kim enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children; a daughter and boy/girl twins. She is a longtime Bon Jovi fan, loves relaxing at the beach, and never passes up an opportunity to visit New York City.