Click a category to view all staff in a specific department, or click a photo to view individual bio information.

 

 

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Board of Directors	Administration	Clinical Staff
Substance Abuse Educators	Recreation Staff	Academic Staff
Dietary Staff	Nursing Staff

 

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Matt:  Executive Director

Matt and Memory:  Founders,

Board of Directors, Partners 

 

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Board of Directors, Partner

 

Psychiatrist

 

Treatment Team Leader

 

 

Clinical Coordinator/Primary Therapist

 

Primary Therapist

 

 

Primary Therapist

 

 

Primary Therapist

 

Primary Therapist

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Substance Abuse Counselor, Intern

  

 

Photo and bio

coming soon...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Substance Abuse Counselor, Intern

 

 

 Photo and bio

coming soon...

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Substance Abuse Counselor, Intern

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Principal

 

 

  

Teacher

 

 

 

 

  Staff Bio Information:

 

 

 

 

Matt:  Executive Director

Matt and Memory:  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.

 

 

 

Matthew B. Checketts, MSW, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

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.

 

 

 

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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H. Matthew Dixon, MA and Memory Dixon, AA

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.

 

 

 

Jeff Kovnick, M.D.
Medical Director

Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

 

Dr. Kovnick has been with Vista since 1999.The depth and breadth of his clinical background and work experience make Dr. Kovnick extremely well suited to provide Vista with a strong and diverse psychiatric service. Dr. Kovnick is Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, and Forensic Psychiatry. He graduated college with a degree in psychology from the University of Oregon and did additional coursework at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York. Dr. Kovnick went on to pursue his Masters of Science degree in Human Nutrition from Columbia University at the College of Physicians and Surgeons. From there, he went on to Medical School at the Medical College of Wisconsin (formerly Marquette Medical School). His residency and Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry were completed at the University of Utah. Additionally, he also completed a fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry from the University of Virginia in a combined program with the School of Medicine and the School of Law. Dr. Kovnick has a very strong background in psychopharmacology. Additionally he has a keen interest in, and fairly extensive understand of, alternative and complementary treatments for various disorders. Dr. Kovnick knows that when used appropriately medication can often do a wonder of good for certain youth. He balances this out with careful diagnosis and recognizes that oftentimes youth have had medications prescribed while they were abusing drugs or while they were in extremely chaotic experiences due to family discord and severe acting out. To this end, Dr. Kovnick frequently will decrease medication to that which is necessary for the youth’s maximal functioning. Of course, this is done in collaboration with the primary therapists so that the use of medications or tapering of medications is driven by clinical considerations and the various treatment providers can monitor how any medication change might be affecting the youth, either in a positive or negative manner. Dr. Kovnick’s treatment style, relaxed manner, and diverse career experiences allow him to connect with our youth and help in the healing process.

 

 

 

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Allen Fife, Ph.D.
Treatment Team Leader
Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Fife has been with Vista since 1991. Dr. Fife graduated from Brigham Young University in 1970 with his Bachelors of Science Degree in Psychology. In 1975 Dr. Fife received his Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Family and Child Therapy. Dr. Fife has worked with many different populations ranging from the Veterans Administration Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah to the Mental Health Sector where his duties focused on Assessment, and Child /Family Therapy. Over the last 14 years Dr. Fife has been a staff psychologist in an inpatient and outpatient hospital setting. Dr. Fife is a member of the Utah Psychological Association as well as a member of the National Register of Psychology. Dr. Fife is a core member of our treatment team. His expertise and knowledge of the children is key component to applied interventions and treatment modalities used at Vista RTC.

 

 

 

Clinical Coordinator/Primary Therapist

 

Clinical Coordinator/Primary Therapist

 

Bobbi received her Master of Social Work from the University of Tennessee in 1995. She also earned a masters degree in Theological Studies at Vanderbilt University the following year. During this time she worked with adolescents and their families at The Psychiatric Hospital at Vanderbilt specializing in depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and family therapy. Upon her return to Utah, she worked in residential settings for the treatment of women with eating disorders. It was at this time she participated in a 2-year research project understanding the effects spirituality has in the process of healing psychological pain. She published these results using a 12-step model with women in recovery for eating disorders. From here she went to another residential treatment center for adolescents and developed a spiritual and an eating disorder track for both girls and boys. In 2005, Bobbi was hired as a program director and developed a residential program for adolescents and women suffering with an eating disorder. Bobbi’s love for working with adolescents and program development brought her to Vista in 2006, where she is implementing an eating disorder track and facilitating the Dialectical Behavior Therapy groups.

 

 

 

Primary Therapist

 

Dr. Schroeder received his Ph.D. from Brigham Young University. He came to Vista with 30+ years experience in working with children, adolescents and their families. He has served as a teacher, school counselor, school psychologist, clinical psychologist, clinical director and administrator during his career. He has specialized training in the treatment of behavioral disorders, oppositional defiant disorder, trauma, substance abuse, learning disabilities and ADHD, and severe family conflict. He served as a consultant with Vista in the early nineties and returned in March of 2006 as a Psychologist/Primary Therapist.

 

 

 

Primary Therapist

 

They have asked me to write about who I am so here you have it in a few sentences. I am originally from Minnesota. My then fiancé convinced me that Salt Lake City was the place that we needed to be so silly me I followed him. Well here I am 8 years later and can safely say I have finally acclimated to the place. Don't get me wrong I really do like Utah, I’m just stubborn. Since moving here we got married and now have a little boy. He is about the coolest person I have ever met.

A little about my back ground: after high school I went into the Navy for a period of 4 years. I got to experience two wars, one typhoon, one volcano and the rest I can't really talk about. It was a great experience and taught me a lot about what it takes to really work for what you want. From there I went to school at Montana State (Bozeman), ended up skiing too much so I transferred home to the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN for my undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice. After learning enough about being a cop and realizing that that wasn't what I wanted to do I went on for my graduate degree in clinical psychology at the University of St. Mary's in Minneapolis, MN. While in graduate school I worked as a supervisor at a children shelter and a match maker. Once we made the move to Utah I work at Morgan Stanley in the online stock brokerage. From there I finished up my Masters thesis and got a job at the community mental healthy company here in Salt Lake, Valley Mental Health. I worked there for a period of four years. The clients I had the privilege to work with where very poor families who had often been torn apart by drug addictions. After a while at Valley I understood I needed to learn more about how the drugs worked so I went to the LSAC program through the University of Utah. While there I was introduced to the world of RTC and adolescent drug recovery. Since then I've been hooked. I love this population due to the potential that they all posses. I get to watch them grow and learn who they really are and what their potential is. I believe that they have what they need to succeed I'm just part of the plan to help them realize it. I believe that every client that I work with is in my life for a reason and I theirs. It’s a journey of teaching and learning for both.

Besides working at Vista I do other things too. I like to ski, (read above) knitting and cooking. Our son is our biggest priority and gets most of the free time we wrestle up. As a family we ski, swim, cook and other boy stuff.

 

 

 

Primary Therapist

 

Kate earned her Masters in Clinical Social Work from the University of Utah. While there she focused her studies on eating disorders, personality disorders, depression, anxiety, and post traumatic stress disorder. Kate has worked in the social work field since 2001. Her real passion is in helping adolescents to discover more effective ways of dealing with their emotions in order to make and maintain healthy relationships. Just prior to joining the Vista clinical team she was employed with another adolescent residential treatment center. Additionally, she has had experience working as a school social worker, outpatient family counselor, as well as recreational therapy experience. She comes to Vista with a background in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and helps to facilitate these groups. She is dedicated to helping families at Vista reconnect and works hard to support them through the needed changes.

 

 

 

Primary Therapist

 

Since 1999 Chris has worked with adolescents in a number of settings including a therapeutic wilderness program and a not for profit residential treatment center prior to joining the Vista team. Chris has also maintained a private practice for the last 2 years. While earning a Masters in Social Work degree from the University of Utah, Chris focused his research and course work on adolescent substance abuse and mood disorders, though he received training and experience with a wide variety of adolescent and adult issues.Since earning his masters degree Chris has continued to gain experience working with substance abuse, and expanded his focus to include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the treatment of personality disorder traits.

 

 

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Substance Abuse Counselor, Intern

 

Photo coming soon....

Liz has been with the Vista family since July 2007. She attended the University of Utah and, through the College of Social Work, obtained a certificate from the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Training Program. Liz has previously worked at another treatment center as well as with disabled children and their families for over 20 years. While doing her practicum hours at Vista at Dimpledell, she discovered her passion is helping teenagers and was fortunate to find a home here at Vista. Liz makes a fantastic lasagna and loves the color red.

 

 

 

Substance Abuse Counselor, Intern

 

Photo coming soon....

Haylee graduated from Southern Utah University with a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies where her focus was on Sociology and Criminal Justice. While attending college, she interned for a 12-step based residential treatment facility where she gained an interest in working with addiction. She continued on after college to work with adolescents in a treatment setting. Haylee attended the University of Utah's Graduate School of Social Work where she achieved her certificated in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling and is currently working on completing the hours necessary to receive her license.

 

 

 

Substance Abuse Counselor, Intern

 

Photo and bio coming soon....

 

 

 

Substance Abuse Counselor, Intern

 

Photo and bio coming soon....

 

 

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Recreational Therapist

 

Mike has been with Vista since 2003. He attended the University of Utah where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Park, Recreation, and Tourism with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation. He has been a licensed therapeutic recreational specialist for three years. He later received a Master’s Degree from the University of Phoenix in Secondary Education with a Psychology emphasis. He is also a member of the Utah Recreational Therapy Association. He has been working with troubled youth and adolescents for six years in a variety of different settings. Mike’s relaxed demeanor and outgoing personality create a comfortable environment for our youth. Mike is an avid sports fan and outdoorsman. He enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, camping, and playing basketball. He is able to carry his love and enthusiasm towards his leisure interests and incorporate them into the recreation program at Vista. Mike has brought an exciting change to Vista’s recreation program. He has been able to start recreation modules that include fly fishing, snow shoeing, golf, yoga, hiking, and rock climbing. He enjoys seeing the change that these programs bring about in our youth.

 

 

 

Recreation Coordinator

 

eVette Raen has been a member of the Vista team since 2005. eVette coordinates recreation programming during milieu hours, community outings, holiday activities and special events such as client talent shows. eVette received her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Utah in 2007. She is a member of the American Therapeutic Recreation Society (ATRA). Since 2005 eVette has held many roles at Vista. She has been a mental health worker, staff supervisor, hiring supervisor and recreation intern. eVette has worked with youth since 2000 in settings including after school programs, private schools, residential summer camp and peace programs. eVette specializes in the modalities of Yoga, painting, sculpture, crafts, art appreciation, basketball, volleyball, softball, dance, kickboxing, cooking and special events. eVette is dedicated to helping clients realize, value and express their inner talents and hobbies to enhance their overall enjoyment and health in life.

 

 

 

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Principal

Photo coming soon.....

 

Ron Crossman is the principal of Vista Private School. Mr. Crossman received his B.S. degree in Mathematics from Brigham Young University and a M.S. in Physics from the University of Utah. He has also earned an M.Ed. from Brigham Young University in Educational Leadership and Policy. He has finished the course work for his doctorate and is currently in the dissertation phase for his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Utah. Mr. Crossman retired from the public school system after 26 years of teaching and administrating in the state of Utah. Mr. Crossman’s love of education remains in the classroom where both teaching and learning are accomplished. To him, nothing will ever surpass the thrill of students learning the subject matter and expressing confidence in their knowledge. In addition to teaching math and science at the high school level, including Calculus AP and Physics AP, Mr. Crossman taught the Statistics series for the University of Utah’s Business Department for six years in their evening classes. Mr. Crossman has been the principal of Vista Private School since 1997. His goal is to provide a quality education in each course offered at Vista. Curriculum is examined each year to assure its compliance to state core. He has been a member of the Utah State Accreditation Committee for eight years and is well aware of the standards required for accreditation by the Northwest Accreditation Association. He demands that Vista Private School meets or exceeds those requirements on a yearly basis.

 

 

 

Kris Carlson, BS
Academic Director

Kris has been with Vista since the beginning of 2001. Chris graduated with a double major in History and Secondary Education from Idaho State University. Chris has been in the teaching field for 24 years. She has taught elementary, middle school, and high school aged children in many different school districts, both in Utah and Idaho. Chris has an amazing aptitude to teach and relate with her students. Her outgoing personality and ability to build trusting relationships allows her students the opportunity to succeed in present and future educational endeavors. Kris takes the time to tailor the school curriculum to meet each distinguished need of the student. Kris combines the much need therapeutic program with the imperative nature of education and creates an atmosphere of learning her students will remember. Vista is proud of the educational environment and activities we provide for our students.

 

 

 

Amy Higbee, BS
Teacher

Amy has been with Vista since the beginning of 2001. She has many years of experience as a tutor of both high school and university levels. Additionally, Amy was a significant part in the Education Department at the Children’s Museum of Utah where she wrote and developed scripts, signboards and curriculum for a variety of classes, workshops and exhibits. Amy attended the Summer Enrichment Program for high school students at the University of Northern Colorado in Greenly. As an undergraduate, she participated in International Study Abroad at Cambridge University and earned Scholastics Honors and Membership in Phi Eta Sigma. Amy is a valued member of our educational team. Amy has an amazing talent with adolescents. Her ability to teach the hard sciences to her students is second to none. Amy’s passion for teaching is evident and felt by each of her students. This trusting relationship is a major contributor to the educational and therapeutic success of all she teaches.

 

 

 

Teacher

 

 Dana graduated from Utah Valley State College with her Associate of Science and continued on to the University of Utah where she earned her Bachelors of Science in Exercise and Sports Science. After personal training and sports training she decided to go to Utah College of Massage Therapy and has been a Licensed Massage Therapist for the past 10 years. After years of working in the massage therapy field as well as other professions she wanted to give back. She has a love of children so decided to get her teaching license along with her Masters of Education from the University of Phoenix.

 

 

 

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Soni Spencer, BS, RD, CD
Director of Nutrition

Soni has been with Vista since 1999. Soni graduated from Utah State University with her Bachelors Degree in Chemistry and Medical Dietetics. She has been a Registered Dietitian for the last five years. Soni has extensive work experience in the areas of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Wellness, Diabetes, Hospice, and Adolescent nutrition. Additionally, she is a consultant dietitian who specializes in working with children suffering from various eating disorders. Soni provides a great base of knowledge for the residents with regard to healthy eating. She meets with each resident on a bi-weekly basis to assess his or her current eating habits and possible areas of improvement. Additionally, Soni allows the residents suffering from eating disorders to establish health meal planning and build confidence around issues of food. Soni is a valued member of the treatment team and her knowledge and understanding of the kids is a critical tool in the establishment of healthy living.

 

 

 

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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.