Our Team

Not Accepting New Clients 

I am a wife, a mother, a professional, and I "wear many other hats" in my life. I can relate and understand the dynamics of how challenging and joyful each of these roles can play in one's life.  I want to help you to find your best self, so you can create the life you desire. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and I received my master's degree in Social Work from the University of Utah. While in the graduate program, I emphasized Substance Abuse and the Forensic Domain of the Social Work Program. The focal point of my training and career experience has been in the treatment of trauma that individuals have experienced in their lives whether as a child or an adult. I have specialized in the healing of sexual abuse and treatment of offenders. I have developed therapeutic skills addressing post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, childhood trauma, women's issues and empowerment, and ways to communicate in a healthy and effective manner. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a form of therapy, with the focus always on empowerment of oneself to create the relationships and life one desires. I am trained in EMDR, and I am member of the LGBTQ- Affirmative Psychotherapist Guild. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my husband and two daughters as well as my family, friends, and dog by doing activities such as traveling, camping, and experiencing new adventures .  In my spare time I  love to crochet and am always doing a project whether its a hat, blanket, stuffed animal, or anything that sparks an interest in me.   

Not Accepting New Clients 

As a psychologist, to put it simply I enjoy working with people to help live richer fuller lives. I believe that individuals and families hold the solutions to their concerns, and the power to reach their greatest potential. I see my work as a collaboration with you, and look forward to that journey with each of my clients.

Over the years I have worked with children, adolescents, young adults, not-so-young adults, treating a range of concerns, problem behaviors and disorders. One area of expertise is working with people who struggle with anxiety and depression. I also really enjoy working with couples as they address problematic areas in their relationship and find ways to improve and reconnect with each other. When I am not at the office, I also teach undergraduate classes at SLCC, caring for and going adventures with my two children and energetic dogs. Some things we enjoy doing together are camping, hiking, playing at the park, and visiting museums (without the dogs), and when I need some "me time" I find cooking, crocheting, and enjoying nature relaxing hobbies.  

Dana completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at Sacramento State University. After raising her children, Dana decided to return to school to complete her Masters of Social Work from the University of Utah.  She also completed a Substance Use Disorder Counseling (SUDC) program
from Utah Valley University.

Dana’s clinical emphasis includes: EMDR, DBT, substance use disorders, addictions, trauma, PTSD, mental health, depression, anxiety, mood disorders and relationship difficulties. She has experience with children, adolescents, adults, couples and group therapies. She has a deep commitment to supporting clients through a journey of self-empowerment and self-discovery in creating the life they desire.

Dana brings to her clinical practice an understanding and empathy towards those she interacts with. She works from a strengths-based approach and believes everyone has within them the power of resiliency.

Telehealth Only

Born in California, Shara Preston spent her adolescent years in Washington preceding a multi-year nomadic period that moved her all across the West. She eventually landed in Oklahoma where she earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of Central Oklahoma in Sociology, with extensive study in the area of Special Education. She then went on to earn her Master's of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from Southern Nazarene University, located in Bethany, Oklahoma.  

Throughout her career, Shara has worked in a wide range of therapeutic settings including programs for former prison inmates and homeless people; children, adolescents and families in the foster care system; couples; individuals struggling with mood difficulties, and most recently, with teen girls and their families enrolled in a residential treatment center program.  Clients faced challenges with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, addiction, identity, self- harm, disordered eating and more.

Given her background as a trained trauma therapist, certified in mindfulness, Shara strongly believes in the transformational and healing power of self-compassion.  Working mainly from a relational framework, Shara uses her experience and training in multiple modalities of therapy to best serve her clients.
In her free time, Shara loves learning new forms of self-expression through creative outlets like writing, painting, and crocheting. She enjoys hiking, basking in the sunshine, hanging with Mouse, her borrowed dog, and spending time with her amazing grandson. Her passions include traveling, discovering newness and sameness wherever she goes, and visiting her family.

Telehealth Only

Spanish Speaking

In the course of my life I have had the opportunity to experience a variety of difficult situations that with time have made me stronger. These experiences led me to find my passion for clinical social work and psychology. I decided at a young age that I wanted to lend a helping hand to those around me who were struggling mentally, emotionally, and physically. My experiences showed me the benefits of going through the therapy process and living in the present leads to a more meaningful life. 

 Coming from a Hispanic heritage, I have made it a goal to provide therapeutic services in Spanish for those who may struggle to communicate in the English language. I believe culture plays a big part in our beliefs and behaviors, and that without the ability to fully express ourselves in our native language it is difficult to achieve our goals. Therefore, I enjoy every chance I get to work with the Hispanic community. In my practice I place emphasis on creating a relationship with each client as the foundation for a healthy therapeutic relationship, providing a safe and non-judgmental setting, and highlighting personal strengths that can help the individual conquer their obstacles.

I received a Bachelor’s in Science in Psychology and a Masters in Social Work degree from Brigham Young University. I enjoy using a variety of modalities which include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Relapse Prevention, Motivational Interviewing, and EMDR. Throughout my career I have worked with those: struggling with addiction and recovery, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, self-esteem, self-harm, eating disorders, abusive relationships, marital problems, and stress management. I have learned a lot from my experience working with substance use for Utah County and am passionate about helping combat our opioid crisis in Utah.  In my free time I enjoy knitting, crocheting, sewing, photography, and spending time with my husband and three cats. Having grown up in Florida, I love anything related to sea life or the beach. I love to travel when I can. I enjoy a variety of tv shows which include: Dateline, The Bachelorette, The Good Place, Hell’s Kitchen, MasterChef, and The Office.  

Whether it is sand tray, board games, drawing, or finger paint, I love to use creative means to help both children and adults become more in touch with their emotions and find healing.

Play is the language of children, and toys are their words. I believe in providing a safe space for children to play and process the events and feelings in their lives. The playroom is a judgment free zone where I strive to create a healing and meaningful therapeutic relationship with my clients to unleash their potential and increase their self-esteem.

I am a certified Firstplay Kinesthetic Practitioner. This means I am trained to work with children as young as 18 months old. I am trained in several types of play therapy, including Firstplay, Child Centered Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy, and I am certified in TF-CBT, which is a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy specific to working with trauma. I have also worked with many adults using Internal Family Systems Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Experiential Therapy.

I received my bachelor’s degree at Brigham Young University in Family Life and received my Masters of Marriage and Family Therapy at Converse College where I also completed a play therapy track. I am a fully licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and I am a Registered Play Therapist™ . I have experience treating a wide range of disorders, including anxiety, PTSD, depression, and behavioral problems. In my free time, I like to draw, play the piano, dance, go exploring with my husband, and make cooking fails. I love animals and dream of owning my own personal petting zoo.

Not Accepting New Clients

 Jennifer is a published author, marriage and family therapist (LCSW), popular motivational speaker, and a single, divorced mom of three talented daughters.  She earned her Masters in Social Work from the University of Utah, where she was awarded the Blanche Scocroft Willie academic scholarship during her studies, in 2004.  Her books “In Flight With Broken Wings” (Cedar Fort, 2003) and the revised edition “Latter-day Divorce and Beyond: Surviving Singlehood” (Cedar Fort, 2006) have helped thousands heal after experiencing the trauma of divorce in the LDS culture.  Jennifer experienced divorce after her 20-year temple marriage ended, and felt the first-hand experience could help others gain strength and confidence.    

Jennifer is a veteran of 28 singles conferences, numerous firesides and Women’s Conferences across the USA, from Anchorage, Alaska to Washington D.C.. She loves to engage the audience in discussion about singles issues and healing.  Jennifer is a sought-after interview on radio, TV and print and was recently featured in the PBS TV series “Utah Conversations with Ted Capener” broadcast by KUED-TV in Salt Lake City.  https://www.pbs.org/video/utah-conversations-ted-capener-jennifer-james/

Jennifer and Ted highlighted the challenges of being single and divorced in the LDS Church and tried to “hasten the call” to educate the public on the needs of this marginalized population, along with being a dedicated advocate of pre-marriage relationship education/counseling, nationwide.  Jennifer has also been an advisor to online dating sites and has written dating articles for LDSSingles.com.

As a clinical researcher, Jennifer is currently working on two other books about relationships: “Rules of Remarriage” and “The Seven Deadly Enemies of Relationship.”  She has worked in private practice serving clientele in the greater Salt Lake area and excited to join her colleagues at Healing Steps.

Her specialties include:  Anxiety/Depression, Addiction, Bipolar management, Couples Counseling, Gender dysphoria/identification (LGBTQ), Divorce/Singles, Grief, Spirituality issues, Jennifer’s passion is to help people on their paths to healing.
In her private life, Jennifer has been a professional singer, plays guitar and piano, performs with her daughters, writing, motivational speaking, loves to play racquetball and ride horses, is adept at genealogy, interior design and enthusiastically enjoys her amazing family and friends.

Like most, I’m no stranger to the difficult, and all-around awful moments in life that can rob us of joy. These times may feel like an eternity. I hope to help you reach the other side of those times feeling empowered and reconnected with what brings you joy. 

I know it’s possible to find healing, growth and long-term change. Whether you’re struggling with feelings of depression and anxiety or you want to gain more insight into yourself, I would be honored to be part of that journey with you. Coming to therapy is one of the bravest things a person can do. I value helping those who come to therapy feel seen, validated and encouraged to move towards what’s most important to them in their lives. 

 I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Prior to Healing Steps I worked as a therapist in the Utah State Prison. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Psychology and my Masters in Social Work, both from Brigham Young University. My clinical focus includes substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, grief and loss, shame and guilt, and relationship issues. In treatment I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, as well as Attachment theory. Outside of the office I am with my dog playing fetch, going on walks and teaching her tricks. I love hiking, exploring areas of Utah I’ve never seen before and finding the best nachos to eat after an excursion. If that sounds too outdoors-y, I also enjoy watching Jeopardy! while being crafty on my Cricut.  

Telehealth Only 

You and I can work together to tackle a variety of life’s challenges. I believe that change is possible as we set goals, identify helpful coping skills, and explore negative thoughts that may be standing in your way of success. I am passionate about getting to the root of unhealthy core beliefs that may hinder your ability to see yourself and your life clearly. As you strive to improve your life, I will be there to listen, support, and guide you. I will help you identify your strengths needed to solve your problems and reach your goals. I hope to provide a safe space for you to fully express your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. Please reach out so that you can begin to find relief from your current suffering. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and I received my Master’s Degree in Social Work from Brigham Young University. I have worked with a variety of clients of different ages and backgrounds, and I especially enjoy working with adolescents and young adults. I have spent the last two years working with mostly college students as they navigate challenges related to relationships, depression and anxiety, perfectionism, and faith and identity crises. As a young person myself, I understand how chaotic and uncertain young adulthood can be. 

In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends and family, especially my cute nieces and nephews. My favorite hobbies are tennis, pickleball, and dance fitness. I love to get out and be active, and I will always make time for fun. 

Telehealth Only 

Jen grew up in a small town in the mountains of Colorado, exploring the back country with her large family. She was a tomboy and played sports, hunted, fished, and camped, and grew to love animals and nature! After high school, she moved to Utah to go to college at Brigham Young University. 
Jen’s career began as a teacher in 1990 before she discovered she wanted to connect with her students on a deeper emotional level. So, she went back to school at BYU and got her Master’s degree in Educational Psychology. Since then, Jen has worked in a number of different places and with a variety  of incredible people.
Jen spent 14 years as a crisis counselor with Intermountain Health Care as well as running her own practice, “Redstone Counseling” in St. George, Utah.  She also worked for Sunrise Residential Treatment Center, as a Clinical Director for several years, working with high risk teen girls 12-18 years of age and their families. She has also worked with, and is certified in administering Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, or what is known as TMS, which is a newer form of non-invasive treatment for Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar and OCD. 
Jen specializes in Depression, Anxiety, Shame and Resilience, Women’s issues, Attachment disorders, Trauma, Personality disorders, Mood disorders, Life Transitions, and end of life issues. 
Jen finds that humor, empathy and food are amazing tools to bind people together. She is constantly reminded of how brave individuals are and that they have strength beyond their own understanding. She loves to watch the journey as each person begins to heal and find hope for a life they’ve always wanted. She knows the worth of families and will always believe they are better when they commit to grow and heal together.
Jen loves animals and you can typically find her hanging out with her Goldendoodle, Suki!  She is still an outdoors person and loves to hike, camp, fish, and just sit and listen to a stream or the breeze. She also LOVES BYU Football!!!!  College Football season is almost as great as Christmas!  She loves her four amazing kids, her son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and 8 year old grandson! Her ideal vacation would be an African Safari, or a month at a cabin next to a Lake with about a hundred good books…and her dog.

I am a licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor who believes in the power of change. With clients, I strive to create a safe space where you will feel seen and heard as we navigate through suffering, whether from the pain of deconstructing religion, trauma, or working with you and your partner to reconnect, communicate and emotionally attune.

I have a Master’s of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from Westminster College, a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology from UVU. I’m trained in psychodynamic, interpersonal and group therapy. I’m a member of the LGBTQ+ Therapy Guild of Utah. I’ve completed research in religious disaffiliation and designed a Break Free Group for those leaving high-demand religion. Look for more details on this group should you wish to take part in this supportive, educational, and transformational group. 

My therapeutic orientation is an interpersonal process approach with an existential psychotherapy lens. I use trauma-informed, reality-based approaches along with DBT, Internal Family Systems, Mindfulness-based stress reduction, EMDR and other relevant evidenced-based therapies. I have experience counseling clients suffering from complex trauma, religious trauma, identity and existential crises, depression, anxiety, Bipolar, Perfectionism, OCD, ADHD and substance abuse. 

I will work alongside you as you embark on the powerful transformation that can happen within the therapeutic relationship. I value your authenticity and individual story and will empower you to build a life that honors both. I believe deeply in the power of compassion, mindfulness, and being a therapeutic witness to your pain, healing and development. I would be honored to work with you.  

Lindsay is a graduate of California Baptist University and earned her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology.  She is very excited and dedicated to her therapy career and loves helping others find a positive perspective on themselves through the process. She enjoys helping people see their potential and heal from past experiences that impacted them and engaging in therapeutic interventions.  She has worked closely with children, teens and families particularly with those who were involved in the foster system and supported in them understanding their trauma and their impact and worked closely with them to heal. 
Lindsay enjoys the therapy process and supporting people gain insight and understand themselves deep down and learn to grow through the process. She supports clients in being present in where they are currently at and supports in their growth that will support in an increase of a successful life. She has training in DBT, TF-CBT and CBT.  She has experience working with children, adolescents, individuals, couples and families. 

Supervised by: 

Jenivee Akalis 7957629-3501  

My name is Maren and I am a Clinical Social Work therapist. I  completed my Master's degree at  Boise State University in their advanced standing program. I graduated with honors and received my Bachelor degree of Social Work at Utah Valley University I have worked with adults in mental health as well as in outpatient treatment for addiction in a group therapy setting.  I have always been passionate about giving everyone a voice. I am an advocate for weight-inclusive care and destigmatizing mental illnesses. I welcome people of all sexual orientations and am passionate about offering a safe space as an LGBTQ+ informed therapist. 

I help my clients remember they are enough and worthy of what it is they are seeking. I love helping people navigate disordered eating, poor body image, anxiety, depression, spirituality, faith transitions, self-esteem, and low self-worth, trauma, and women’s issues. I feel called to help everyone find their purpose, calling and true self-worth. I am open minded, empathetic, and accepting which facilitates me to create a safe space where you feel comfortable to be vulnerable and allow healing. ​ 

Supervised by: 

Dana Kroes 9850877-3501      

I was raised in Northern California and moved to Utah in 2009 due to the economy. I am a Mom of 5 and have 3 grandchildren. I was married for 23 years, divorced, and have been remarried for 3 years. 

Three years ago, I left retail operations to work in a non-profit setting addressing poverty. This experience pushed me to go back to school. I graduated from UVU's with a  Masters of Social Work degree. 

I have a deep passion for working with the LGBTQ community. All of my children and I identify as LGBTQ including my trans daughter. 

I have spent the last year working with women healing from domestic violence and sexual assault. I take a strengths-based approach and love to help people through their trauma to find their voices and live authentically. I have experience working with trauma, faith transitions, gender dysphoria, adoption, eating disorders, PTSD, depression, and stress. I utilize humanistic, CBT, DBT, and strengths-based modalities. I am also trained in ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy)   which is an evidenced based practice I use when working with trauma, anxiety, and PTSD. 

Supervised by: 

Jenivee Akalis 7957629-3501  

I was born and raised in Gilbert, Arizona and moved to Utah in 2019. In 2021, I received a Bachelor in Psychology and graduated with honors at Utah Valley University. I also graduated from UVU with my Masters of Social Work.  I spent the last two years working with children ranging from ages 5-12 years old experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, low self-esteem, and behavioral concerns. I enjoy helping children understand and cope with their emotions through art, play, mindfulness, and psycho education. I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused, and strengths-based modalities. I am also passionate about helping young adults navigate the challenges and uncertainty that come with this period of life and strive to create an environment where you feel heard and supported. I love to spend time at the beach, travel, paint, run, watch reality tv with my husband, and hoard house plants. 

Supervised by: 

Dana Kroes 9850877-3501      

 Tezz recently graduated from the University of Utah's advanced standing Master of Social Work program and is now a Certified Social Worker. She was born and raised in Salt Lake City Utah. She spends most of her time enjoying the outdoors, playing sports, or at home reading. Tezz enjoys working with young adolescents through adults dealing with emotional concerns, family conflict, and a variety of life challenges. She utilizes a patient-centered approach and believes her clients are the experts in their lives. She often uses the metaphor "My clients drive the car, and I'm in the passenger seat holding the map". Within this philosophy she uses empirically based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Mind and Body Bridging.  

Supervised by: 

Jenivee Akalis 7957629-3501  

Rebecca is a dedicated mental health therapist with 2 years of experience in supporting individuals through their unique challenges. She has her Masters in Social Work from the University of Kentucky. Rebecca's approach is rooted in empathy, active listening, and collaboration. She believes that everyone has the capacity for growth and healing, and strives to create a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings. She utilizes a combination of; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, person centered therapy, motivational interviewing, and many more. These modalities are tailored to the clients needs. She has experience working with teens, young adults, families, and couples. She wants to help individuals find empowerment in their own lives . Rebecca likes to paint, play board games, be with her family, hike, play sports, put together jigsaw puzzles, and read.
 

Supervised by: 

Jenivee Akalis 7957629-3501  

 Emily received her Bachelor's in Family Studies and Human Development from Brigham Young University in December 2021 and is now working toward completing her Master's in Social Work through the University of Memphis. Emily worked with toddlers with autism and other developmental delays during her undergraduate degree and is continuing her work with children in her graduate degree. Emily has experience working with children and teenagers and uses play with all of the clients she works with. She has helped children of all ages work through anxiety, depression, attachment struggles, and severe trauma and abuse. Emily has received training in several types of play therapy, such as Child Centered Play Therapy, Adlerian Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy, and Theraplay; she hopes to become a licensed play therapist soon after graduating. Outside of the office, Emily likes to be outside in the mountains hiking or inside reading a good romance book. 

Supervised by: 

Jenivee Akalis 7957629-3501