Residential Therapy for Teens

Originally from Southern California, Jennifer came to Utah to attend both undergraduate and graduate school. She comes to Discovery Ranch South, after being an integral part of Moonridge Academy and RedCliff Ascent Wilderness Therapy where she served as Clinical Director in both programs. Prior to joining her previous teams, she spent 19 years in academia working in student development and counseling. While her experience has been diverse, Jennifer found her passion for working with teens in 2008. She finds joy in helping young people gain confidence in the understanding and expression of personal emotions. She enjoys helping teens navigate the difficult journey of self-discovery. Along that road, she finds opportunities to help with the following:

• Learning to integrate traumatic experiences into life, as well as letting go of the pain associated with these experiences (trauma recovery).
• Learning to achieve a positive self-identity as an LGBTQ+ teen.
• Gaining a positive body image and learning to have a healthy relationship with food.
• Learning to navigate relationships with a definite sense of self and appropriate boundaries.

Jennifer not only loves working with youth but believes that strong family work is an integral part of the change process. She is trained in EMDR and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. Jennifer likes to utilize experiential approaches in therapy including improv, sociometry, sandtray therapy, and psychodrama.Jennifer loves to help educate young people and their parents on how the nervous system impacts their responses to stressful situations and then help them gain tools to feel more in control.Jennifer loves laughing, traveling, trying new and exciting foods and exploring the outdoors. Her newest adventure is navigating the waters of being an empty nester.

Rashell has been with Discovery Ranch South since 2017 and became Assistant Clinical Director in 2021. Prior to joining the Discovery Ranch South team Rashell worked with adolescents since 2005 as a residential staff and therapist. Rashell graduated from the University of Phoenix with a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling in 2008. She has worked primarily with adolescents during her career.She has experience working with youth who experience depression, anxiety, attachment challenges, trauma, and those with Autism. Rashell has completed the Level 1 Intensive Training for Radically Open DBT, and Phase 1 of Brainspotting. Rashell currently leads the RO DBT group and a Horsemanship Group.Rashell loves working at Discovery Ranch South. She loves to see the healing of the students and families. She is grateful and appreciates the opportunity to be a part of this process in the lives of students. Rashell’s background includes riding horses and raising livestock. Naturally one of her favorite things about Discovery Ranch South is the calf and equine program.Rashell is married, has three daughters and a dog, Posh, who comes to work with her each day. Outside of life at Discovery Ranch South, you will find Rashell spending time with her family at their cabin, on the lake, golfing or hiking in the many places that Southern Utah has to offer.

Born and raised against the picturesque backdrop of Cedar City, Utah, Patrick is deeply rooted in the values of community and family. From a young age, his surroundings shaped a sense of connection and responsibility, a foundation that would later influence his career path. As life unfolded, Patrick embraced the role of a committed spouse, finding joy and fulfillment in his marriage, blessed with the love of five wonderful children. Patrick’s academic journey began at Southern Utah University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Years later, at Utah State University, Patrick embarked on a transformative journey, earning a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Since 2014, Patrick has been dedicated to the practice, consistently driven by a passion for helping others navigate the challenges of life. As a therapist, Patrick has honed his skills through diverse experiences and continuous learning. Patrick’s commitment to excellence is reflected in his certifications as an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and HeartMath (neurofeedback) therapist. These specialized certifications underscore his dedication to employing cutting-edge, evidence-based therapeutic techniques in his practice. Patrick’s expertise extends across various domains, including addiction, attachment, family systems, depression, anxiety, experiential therapy, and group work. The extensive training in these areas allows him to approach therapy with a holistic perspective, recognizing the interconnectedness of mental health and personal relationships. In the realm of addiction, Patrick has worked tirelessly to understand the nuances of this complex struggle, providing individuals with the support and tools needed for recovery. Patrick’s focus on attachment and family issues reflect a commitment to healing not only the individual but the broader context of their relationships and support systems. Addressing mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety, Patrick draws upon a wealth of knowledge and therapeutic modalities to tailor interventions to the unique needs of each client. The integration of experiential therapy allows for a dynamic and engaging approach, fostering personal growth and self-discovery. Group work holds a special place in Patrick’s practice, recognizing the power of shared experiences and communal support. Through carefully facilitated group sessions, Patrick creates an environment where individuals can connect, share, and learn from one another, enhancing the therapeutic process. In essence, Patrick’s professional journey is a testament to a lifelong commitment to the well-being of others. Grounded in the values instilled during his upbringing in Cedar City, Patrick’s path has been one of continuous growth, education, and service. As a therapist, Patrick is not only dedicated to alleviating immediate struggles but also fostering lasting transformations in the lives of those he has the privilege to assist. When Patrick is not at work, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family traveling either to sporting events or new places.

Heather Ross received her Master’s degree in Social Work in 2017 from Edinboro University. Throughout her Undergraduate Education at the University of Utah, Heather expanded her expertise through field experience in a variety of roles supporting children, adolescents, adults, and people with disabilities. Before joining Discovery Ranch South, Heather worked as a manager, caseworker, social worker, mentor and recovery coach in outpatient, residential, and the foster care system providing a breadth of understanding to the range of challenges facing both the individuals and families seeking support. Her experience includes advocating for those working to overcome addiction, depression, substance misuse, trauma, anxiety, and domestic violence.When Heather isn’t working, she can often be found camping, reading, traveling and discovering new places, and spending time with her husband, daughter, and son.

Morgan received two Master’s degrees in Mental Health Counseling and Education from the University of Florida. She specializes in working with children, teens, and their families struggling with trauma, anxiety, body image, disrupted attachments, substance abuse, autism spectrum disorder, neurodiversity, and truancy in school and community settings. Morgan is versed in a variety of interventions including dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT), brainspotting, play-based therapies, trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy, ecotherapy, attachment therapies, and relational therapies. Along with her clinical work she has experience as a supervisor, gymnastics coach, hall director, crisis intervention trainer, and collegiate competitive pole vaulter. Morgan is an explorer at heart whether that be trying a new sport or watching the latest Studio Ghibli movie. She enjoys gymnastics, anime, hiking, horseback riding, volleyball, board games, art and cosplay. She enjoys adventuring with her husband, friends, family, and her parrot Kiwi.

Kate received her Bachelor's degree in Social Work in 2010 and worked as a Social Worker in community mental health settings while working on her master's degree. She received a Master’s degree in Counseling in 2014 from Saint Edward’s University in Austin, Texas and became a licensed counselor in 2015. Before coming to Discovery Ranch South, Kate worked with adults and teens suffering from severe mental illnesses in psychiatric hospitals, prisons, and community settings. Kate has experience providing individual, group, and family counseling in the areas of adjustment disorders, low self-esteem, body image and identity, gender dysphoria, suicidality, unhealthy relationships, anger, anxiety, substance abuse, bipolar disorder, major depression, and psychosis. Kate pulls from multiple modalities in therapy including trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy, art therapy, family systems, and experiential therapy. She also worked as an art teacher for five years and has experience working with adolescents who receive special education services for learning disabilities, autism and emotional disturbances. Kate firmly believes in showing up as her authentic self and guiding others to find their authentic selves. She is passionate about helping others find their truth and learn how to communicate who they are in a healthy way. Families are an integral part of the recovery process and Kate is so thankful for the opportunity to work with the whole family system at Discovery Ranch. Kate is married and has two kids and a sweet Shih Tzu dog. When not working with youth, Kate enjoys painting, crafting, baking and traveling around the world.

Rye’s career in mental health began as a wilderness field instructor in North Carolina. Although it was always evident that Rye would find a place in the mental health field, it was the students in this program that ignited a deeper passion for working with substance use disorders and adolescents, as well as experiential, adventure, and eco therapies. With a clear direction, Rye went back to school to study Clinical Social Work with a Substance Use Disorder certification and received their CSW from University of Kentucky in 2023.

Rye came to Discovery Ranch South after working in both outpatient therapy and residential substance use treatment centers. From non-profit addiction treatment centers where clients worked to reintegrate from extensive prison sentences or whose substance addiction resulted in being unhoused for 20+ years, to one of the top luxury rehabs in the country, Rye brings a wide range of experience and methodologies for working with individuals, families, substance use disorders and dual diagnosis. Through the use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), somatic therapy work, and an array of experiential techniques, Rye helps clients identify their core values and establish a path toward becoming the person they want to be.

Rye also firmly believes in the importance of fun in recovery and its vital role in fostering intrinsic motivation and creating a life worth living. You can see this belief extend to their personal life in Rye's adventurous nature and ever-growing list of hobbies. Whether hopping from one Dave Matthews Band concert to the next, playing music themselves, painting, tattooing, hiking, camping, or training for their next trail marathon, rest assured that Rye and their dog, Binks, are always finding new ways to incorporate fun, challenging, and rewarding experiences to both their lives and the lives of others.

Stephanie Lozano is currently working on her internship for her Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University. Before coming to Discovery Ranch, she served in the United States Army while working on her Master's degree. Before the Army, Stephanie worked as a first responder and backcountry guide.She has worked with adolescents from all different backgrounds in numerous settings- from Substitute teaching, and after-school programming to Girl Scouts. Stephanie has always had a passion for understanding people and holds the belief that deep connections and healing can occur from empowering those she works with. Stephanie believes that when young people can take power in being the author of their own story, there is no limit to what they can accomplish.She hopes to utilize her background in the military and first response to provide trauma-informed care for children and their families. Stephanie also has a special interest in Socio-Culturally Attuned Solution-Focused family therapy, in working with her clients. She implements Narrative Therapy in her work with clients and families and sees how this can be implemented for long-term change.Stephanie loves to help students find peace, hope, confidence, and self-acceptance while they are at Discovery Ranch South.When not working or studying, Stephanie can be found climbing, running, and exploring her new home in Utah with her partner and their two dogs.

Dawn has worked at Discover Ranch South since 2015. She started as a residential mentor, and then a year later she became a residential supervisor. Dawn has been a Residential Supervisor since 2016, and has enjoyed getting to see so many students graduate and lead successful lives after DRS. In 2023 Dawn accepted a position as the Clinical Coordinator and assists the Clinical team in many capacities. Dawn believes in the work we do here at DRS and has enjoyed seeing the students learn and grow into healthy young people and adults. Originally from California, Dawn moved to Cedar City in 2005 and has loved making Utah her home. In her free time, Dawn enjoys spending time with her two adult sons and her two grandchildren. She also loves to find time to go on trips and adventures, usually to a beach somewhere.

Dr. Brett Talbot, PhD is a licensed Psychologist and the Senior Director of Research and Quality at the Ascent Programs. Prior, Dr. Talbot was a Chief Clinical Officer and an Executive Clinical Director for residential group practices.Brett is certified in both Project Management and Lean Six Sigma Healthcare Management. Administratively he specializes in program development, performance improvement, quality assurance, and risk management. Clinically he specializes in working with treatment teams struggling with youth who are treatment resistant and/or requiring specialized services (e.g. Stabilization, Testing/Assessment, substance use programming, Neuro/bio-feedback, etc.).Brett’s research has focused on program design for adolescent wilderness and residential treatment programs, emphasizing the effective integration of the family into treatment; and family functioning related to adolescent and young adult health risk behaviors. Brett also has experience in several settings such as Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children’s Hospital adolescent disordered eating, DeBakey VA Hospital, Behavioral Consultants/Methodist Hospital, and several college counseling centers.Brett is a faculty member at Utah Valley University and has a private practice focused on psychological consultation and testing. Brett’s is fun, easy to talk to, and is an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hiking, camping, backpacking, fly fishing, and anything that gets him out into nature. Brett is married and has 3 children.