School-Based Therapists
School-Based Program DirectorTeresa Flores, 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 Manager & Clinical SupervisorDawn Armstrong, CMHC
Dawn Armstrong is a National Board Certified Counselor (NBCC) and Certified Clinical Supervisor who serves as the School-Based Program Manager, Clinical Supervisor, and clinician with Hopeful Beginnings at Midvale Elementary, a role she has held since 2020. She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Utah and her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University.
Dawn brings extensive experience supporting children with autism spectrum disorder and co-occurring conditions while partnering closely with their families. Her clinical and leadership expertise includes individual therapy, applied behavior analysis (ABA) services, biopsychosocial assessments, diagnostic formulation, treatment planning and progress monitoring, parent education, staff supervision, and program management across Salt Lake and Utah counties.
Passionate about increasing access to quality mental health services, Dawn is committed to providing individualized, school-based care that empowers children to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. She values strong collaboration with families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams to help children with diverse needs reach their full potential.
Outside of her professional work, Dawn enjoys camping, hiking, riding side-by-sides, and relaxing by the backyard waterfall at her home. She also loves spending time with her husband at their ranch in Nephi, Utah, as well as with their three adult children, four grandsons, and three beloved dogs.
Skylar McCutcheon, AMFT
School-Based Program Coordinator & DocuSign Administrator Skylar McCutcheon earned her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with a specialty in Child & Adolescent Therapy from Northcentral University. As a School-Based Coordinator and clinician, she partners closely with schools to coordinate mental health services and support students’ emotional, behavioral, and social well-being.
Skylar works with children, teens, individuals, couples, and families, with areas of focus including communication and conflict resolution, relationship therapy, family dynamics, trauma and crisis intervention, youth services, and navigating school systems. She uses an integrative, client-centered approach incorporating: CBT, Family Systems Therapy, Play Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Attachment-Based Therapy to help clients build resilience, strengthen emotional connections, and develop practical coping skills. Committed to ongoing professional growth, Skylar is pursuing a microcredential in Special Education to better support diverse learners and families.
Outside of her clinical work, she enjoys spending time with her three children, hiking, and exploring nature with her family.
Clinical & Document SupervisorDaphne Quist, LCSW
Shannon Sanchez, CSW
Shannon Sanchez is a School-Based Therapist with a Master of Social Work from Utah Valley University and bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and Social Work from Utah State University. She has a passion for supporting children, youth, and families through compassionate, culturally responsive care.
Shannon brings experience as a K–8 school social worker, where she developed a strong commitment to helping students navigate challenges and build on their strengths. She has also provided international social work support with at-risk youth in Latin America and has worked locally with Latin American communities. Her work is especially meaningful to her when serving underserved populations, including immigrants, refugees, and low-income families.
Shannon is trained in play therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed practices. She uses these approaches to help children and families develop coping skills, strengthen relationships, and work through difficult experiences.
Outside of her professional work, Shannon enjoys swimming, traveling with her family, and learning about different cultures. Her curiosity and appreciation for diverse experiences continue to shape both her personal life and her approach to supporting the communities she serves.
Jacque Gray, CMHC
Tiffany Taggart, MSW-I
Tiffany Taggart is a School-Based Therapist Intern who earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS), with a minor in Social Work, from Utah State University. She is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Boise State University while continuing to build her experience supporting children and families.
Tiffany has experience working with children, parents, and families navigating crises and other challenging circumstances. Through these experiences, she developed a particular passion for helping children who have experienced trauma build the skills, confidence, and support they need to move forward. She believes every person has a story worth hearing and strives to create a safe, supportive environment where children and families feel understood, accepted, and valued.
Tiffany approaches her work with compassion, curiosity, and an appreciation for the unique strengths each child and family brings. She feels honored to support young people as they develop resilience, navigate challenges, and work toward healing and success.
Outside of work, Tiffany enjoys spending time with family and friends and attending just about any kind of sporting event. She loves staying active and can often be found playing tennis, pickleball, racquetball, or ping pong, pretty much anything involving a racquet or paddle!
Nina Pasquarelli, LCSW
Nina Pasquarelli is a School-Based Therapist with an MSW from Boise State University. She supports children, adolescents, and families navigating anxiety, life transitions, and grief—areas that can affect people at any stage of life. Nina values a whole-person, supportive approach that recognizes the importance of family, community, and the relationships surrounding each individual.
Her therapeutic approach draws from EMDR, CBT, DBT, strength-based, and trauma-focused practices. Nina strives to create a safe and encouraging space where individuals feel heard, supported, and empowered as they work through challenges and build on their strengths.
Outside of her work, Nina enjoys exploring National Parks, camping, hiking, and spending time riding her horse.
Mauri Wilcox, MSW
Mauri Wilcox is a school-based counselor with over 13 years of experience in the mental health field. She earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Utah and is passionate about supporting teens and young adults as they navigate life's challenges.
Mauri specializes in helping adolescents and young adults better understand how their brains and emotions work, empowering them with practical cognitive and behavioral skills to improve their mental health and overall well-being. She believes that education, self-awareness, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches can create meaningful, lasting change.
She is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), incorporating these approaches into her work to help clients build resilience, process difficult experiences, and develop healthy coping strategies.
Outside of the office, Mauri enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children. Whether cheering from the sidelines at sporting events, skiing, or exploring Utah's beautiful mountains, she loves making the most of the outdoors with her family.
Ellie Miller, CSW
Ellie Miller, CSW, is a School-Based Mental Health Therapist who earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from Utah State University. During her undergraduate studies, she also pursued minors in Human Development and Family Studies, Psychology, Mental Health Advocacy and Awareness, and Disability Studies.
Ellie provides therapy in a school-based setting at Silver Mesa Elementary, where she enjoys supporting children and their families in an accessible and familiar environment. She believes in creating a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental space where children can feel heard and supported. Her approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and tailored to each child’s unique needs. Ellie primarily uses a client-centered approach while incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Play Therapy.
Ellie is passionate about helping children build emotional regulation skills, communicate their needs, navigate everyday challenges, and recognize their own strengths. She finds great fulfillment in empowering young people to develop skills that can support them both at school and beyond.
Outside of work, Ellie enjoys spending time with her family, playing with her dog, and getting lost in a good book.
Noelle Baysinger, LCSW
Noelle Baysinger, LCSW, earned both her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Utah. She is passionate about supporting children and youth as they navigate life’s challenges and works to create a safe, compassionate space where clients feel understood, supported, and empowered.
Noelle integrates a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Internal Family Systems (IFS) parts work and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), to help clients better understand themselves, heal from past experiences, and build resilience for the future. She specializes in working with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, and trauma, using a collaborative approach that honors each person’s unique story and goals.
Certified in EMDR and IFS, Noelle believes therapy is a partnership built on trust, compassion, and connection. She is dedicated to helping clients recognize their strengths, develop new skills, and move toward meaningful growth and healing.
Outside of her work, Noelle enjoys spending time outdoors and cherishing time with her friends and family, especially her niece and nephew.
Kelsey Bradley, LCSW
Kelsey Bradley, LCSW, is a School-Based and In-Home Therapist dedicated to helping children, teens, and adults navigate anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and other life challenges. She earned both her Bachelor of Social Work, including additional coursework in the Advanced Substance Use Disorder Certification program, and her Master of Social Work from the University of Utah.
Kelsey believes that meaningful change begins with a trusting therapeutic relationship and that treatment should be individualized to meet each client's unique needs and strengths. She utilizes a compassionate, evidence-based approach that integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT). Her goal is to help clients build resilience, strengthen coping skills, process difficult experiences, and create lasting, meaningful change.
Kelsey has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in both school-based and in-home settings. She is committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where clients feel empowered to overcome obstacles and reach their personal goals.
Outside of work, Kelsey enjoys spending time with her family, running, weightlifting, and exploring Utah's beautiful outdoors. She values balance, wellness, and self-care and strives to model those principles in both her personal and professional life.
Devin Belding, CMHC
Brynley Graham, CSW
Brynley Graham is a School-Based Mental Health Therapist who earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Utah in 2023, completing her second master's degree. She has experience working in day treatment settings and school-based mental health, where she has developed a passion for supporting children and adolescents as they navigate life's challenges.
Brynley believes that every child and teen has unique strengths and the capacity for growth. As she often says, "Children surprise you by what they can do and say, and teenagers will blow you away with their insight!" She is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive environment where young people feel heard, understood, and empowered to reach their goals.
Her clinical expertise includes trauma-informed care for secondary school students, as well as working with survivors of abuse and neglect, and clients experiencing ADHD, anxiety, and depression. Brynley incorporates evidence-based approaches into her practice, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), tailoring treatment to each client's individual needs.
Outside of work, Brynley enjoys staying active and taking advantage of Utah's beautiful outdoors. Whether she's mountain biking, skiing, or paddle boarding, she loves spending time in nature. She also enjoys her busiest role of all—being mom to four boys—and happily spends many evenings cheering them on and playing taxi as they pursue their many activities.
Gina Lloyd, ACMHC
Gina Lloyd earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human and Family Development from the University of Utah, her Master’s degree in School Counseling from the University of Phoenix, and her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rocky Mountain University. She provides both School-Based and Outpatient Therapy services, with a focus on supporting children, adolescents, and female adults as they navigate life’s challenges.
As a therapist, she is passionate about helping individuals gain clarity, develop confidence, and build the skills needed to move forward. She strives to create a supportive, collaborative environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered. She especially values working with children and teens, helping them develop practical, lifelong skills that promote emotional growth, resilience, and healthy relationships.
Gina's experience in both school and clinical settings allows her to meet clients where they are and provide accessible, individualized care. She uses a trauma-informed approach and incorporates a variety of therapeutic techniques, including play therapy strategies, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. She tailors treatment to each client’s unique needs, strengths, and goals.
Outside of her professional work, Gina enjoys spending time with her family and staying connected with my siblings, nieces, and nephews. She loves cheering them on at their sporting, drill, and cheer events. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the outdoors through walks and hikes, appreciating nature, and finding quiet moments to recharge through activities like watching a good show, creating diamond art, and coloring.
She truly loves the work she does and feels honored to support clients both in schools and in the office as they grow, heal, and thrive.
Jona Stapley, CSW
Jona Stapley grew up in West Valley City, Utah, where her family’s small farm instilled a deep appreciation for hard work, connection, and community. Today, she and her husband are raising five energetic children and sharing their home with Cocoabella, the family’s playful dog. Life is busy, joyful, and centered on the relationships that matter most.
As a dedicated school-based mental health therapist, Jona is passionate about helping elementary-aged children build brave spaces where they feel safe to take risks, express themselves authentically, and develop confidence in who they are. She specializes in crisis intervention, trauma-responsive care, and supporting neurodivergent youth. Her professional training includes EMDR, PEERS® for Young Adults, clinical assessment and treatment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), Youth Mental Health First Aid, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Jona earned both her Bachelor of Social Work, with a minor in Ethnic Studies, and her Master of Social Work from the University of Utah, where she specialized in School Social Work. Proudly a Ute, she combines evidence-based practice with cultural humility, creativity, and genuine compassion to support the children and families she serves.
Beyond her professional role, Jona is actively involved in community efforts that strengthen families and promote youth well-being through prevention-focused initiatives. She is passionate about fostering connection, building protective factors, and supporting healthy development across communities.
When she is not working, Jona enjoys soaking up the sun on beach vacations, camping beneath star-filled skies, and spending time in the peaceful town of Tabiona, Utah, where the slower pace and beautiful surroundings offer a welcome chance to recharge.
Christie Bradbury, LCSW
Christine Bradbury earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Brigham Young University and is passionate about helping children and families navigate life’s challenges with compassion and support.
As a native Utahn, she has a deep appreciation for the mountains and the sense of grounding and connection they provide. As a parent of three children, she understands the importance of creating a safe, supportive environment where kids feel heard, valued, and empowered as they work through their unique experiences.
Christine's areas of expertise include supporting clients experiencing depression, anxiety, and trauma. She is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She uses these evidence-based approaches to help clients build coping skills, process difficult experiences, and develop greater emotional resilience.
She is dedicated to helping children and families feel supported as they navigate challenges, discover their strengths, and move toward healing and growth.
Elaine Yee, LCSW
Elaine Yee, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker who earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Utah. As a school-based therapist, she specializes in working with children, adolescents, and their families, helping them navigate emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges in a supportive and collaborative environment.
Elaine is certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Play Therapy, and Attachment Therapy. She is passionate about building strong therapeutic relationships and tailoring evidence-based approaches to meet the unique needs of each child and family she serves.
Outside of her work, Elaine enjoys reading, hiking, digging in the dirt in her garden, and spending Friday movie nights with her husband and children. Their family also includes a beloved pet turtle.
Katie Park, CSW
Heather McLaughlin Wilkins, LCSW
Heather McLaughlin Wilking earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Utah and serves as a School-Based Mental Health Therapist, providing support to students as they navigate emotional, behavioral, and social challenges.
She is passionate about helping children and adolescents build confidence, develop healthy coping skills, and strengthen their emotional well-being. I work with students experiencing anxiety, ADHD, depression, and trauma, providing a supportive and compassionate environment where they feel heard, understood, and empowered.
Her approach is centered on building strong therapeutic relationships and meeting each student where they are. She believes in helping young people recognize their strengths, develop resilience, and gain the tools they need to successfully navigate life’s challenges.
Megan Anderson, CMHC
Megan Anderson earned her Master’s degree in Education with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Missouri–St. Louis and serves as a School-Based Therapist. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Megan moved to Salt Lake City in November 2022 and has enjoyed becoming part of the local community.
Megan specializes in working with children and adolescents, supporting them as they navigate challenges related to depression, anxiety, trauma, and emotional well-being. She believes in creating a safe, supportive, and trusting environment where young clients feel heard, valued, and empowered. Her therapeutic approach incorporates evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Play Therapy, tailored to meet each client’s unique needs and goals.
Megan is passionate about helping children and teens develop healthy coping skills, build confidence, and recognize their own strengths as they work through life’s challenges.
Outside of her professional work, Megan enjoys spending time outdoors; hiking, camping, biking, swimming, skiing, and playing sports. She also loves reading, traveling, and cheering on her favorite St. Louis sports teams.
Susan Smaellie, CSW
Susan earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Utah and serves as a School-Based Mental Health Therapist supporting students and families in two elementary schools. She is passionate about helping children navigate emotional, social, and behavioral challenges while providing compassionate, thoughtful, and clinically informed support.
Susan believes in the importance of creating safe spaces where children and families feel heard, understood, and empowered. Through her work in schools, she partners with students, families, and educators to promote emotional well-being, resilience, and healthy development.
Beyond her clinical work, Susan is committed to supporting her community by fostering authentic conversations about women’s health with breast cancer survivor groups. She brings warmth, empathy, and a dedication to connection into all areas of her work.
Outside of her professional life, Susan enjoys children’s literature, exploring new places through travel, and learning Spanish. She and her husband are proud parents of four grown children and value the experiences and relationships that continue to shape their lives.
Charity Totten-Beal, CSW
Charity Totten-Beal, CSW, earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Utah and provides both school-based and in-home therapy services. She is dedicated to helping children, adolescents, individuals, and families navigate life's challenges with compassion, understanding, and evidence-based care.
Charity has extensive experience working in crisis intervention, child welfare, juvenile justice, and outpatient therapy settings. She specializes in supporting youth and families experiencing anxiety, depression, emotional regulation difficulties, trauma, behavioral concerns, family conflict, and crisis situations. Her background also includes working with families involved in child welfare and DCFS-related concerns, helping them build stability, strengthen relationships, and develop effective coping strategies.
Her therapeutic approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and tailored to each client's unique needs. Charity incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, trauma-informed care, and family systems approaches to help clients improve emotional regulation, strengthen communication, and build resilience. She is passionate about creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to make meaningful, lasting changes.
Whether working with children, adolescents, or families, Charity is committed to helping clients discover their strengths, overcome obstacles, and develop the skills needed to thrive both at home and in their communities.
Jessica Hall, MSW-I
Jessica Hall earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Weber State University and holds a School Social Work (SSW) license. She is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work degree while serving as a School-Based Therapist Intern with Hopeful Beginnings.
Jessica is passionate about supporting children and adolescents as they navigate challenges related to anxiety, depression, social skills, emotional well-being, and life transitions. She enjoys helping young clients find their voice, build confidence, recognize their strengths, and develop healthy coping skills in a safe, supportive environment. Her person-centered approach emphasizes building trusting relationships and empowering each client to work toward meaningful personal goals.
Jessica has training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). As she continues to grow as a clinician, she hopes to incorporate art therapy, play therapy, and animal-assisted therapy into her practice, using creative, relationship-based approaches to meet the unique needs of each child and teen.
As a mother of five young children, Jessica understands both the joys and challenges of family life and brings warmth, patience, and empathy to her work. Outside of the therapy office, she enjoys photography, creating art, swimming, traveling, and exploring new experiences. She also has a special appreciation for fidget toys and the role they can play in supporting emotional regulation and engagement. Her creativity, personal experiences, and genuine passion for helping others inspire the compassionate care she provides to children, teens, and their families..
Shannon Gahan, CSW
Shannon Gahan is a School-Based Therapist dedicated to supporting children and families through compassionate, collaborative care. She is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at the University of Central Florida, with an anticipated graduation in 2026. Shannon also holds a Paralegal Certificate from The Center for Legal Studies and a bachelor's degree in English Studies from Weber State University.
Shannon brings more than a decade of professional experience in family law, education, and team leadership. Her diverse background has provided her with a strong understanding of family dynamics, legal advocacy, early childhood curriculum development, and adult training. She is passionate about implementing social-emotional learning strategies, fostering inclusive environments, and helping bridge the gap between home, school, and community resources to support the well-being of children and their families.
Shannon enjoys working with children of all ages and is committed to helping young people develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Outside of her professional work, Shannon lives in Sandy, Utah, with her husband, son, and their dog. She enjoys hiking, spending time with dogs, reading, and indulging in a good piece of chocolate.