The 2026 speaker lineup was carefully selected to give attendees access to information from a wide variety of professional and educational backgrounds.
CMHC
Dr. Paul J. Zak is a Distinguished University Professor at Claremont Graduate University and ranks in the top 0.03% of the world’s most cited behavioral neuroscientists. Renowned for translating cutting‑edge science into compelling insights, his two decades of research span the Pentagon, Fortune 50 boardrooms, and remote field sites around the world. He is the author of several influential books, including Immersion: The Science of the Extraordinary and The Source of Happiness. Dr. Zak is a regular TED presenter and frequent media expert, with appearances on Good Morning America, Dr. Phil, and ABC Evening News. He is also a four‑time tech entrepreneur, founding Immersion Neuroscience and, most recently, the digital health and wellness platform SIX.
Brooklann Anderson
Brooklann Anderson is a Prevention Community Outreach Specialist with NAMI Utah and Co-Chair of the Means Safety Workgroup for the Utah Suicide Prevention Coalition. Her work focuses on translating evidence-based suicide prevention strategies into practical, community-centered action. Anderson leads statewide efforts to expand safe firearm storage, strengthen partnerships, and improve coordination across public health, behavioral health, schools, and law enforcement. She has supported the distribution of over 600 gun safes and helped advance Utah’s Safe Storage Mapping Project. With over 20 years of experience, she is known for uniting diverse partners around data-driven, compassionate approaches to suicide prevention.
Karla Arroyo
Ph.D.
Dr. Karla Arroyo holds a Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Utah and is an Associate Professor at Utah Valley University. She is the Founder and Clinical Programs Director of the Multicultural Counseling Center, providing evaluations, therapy, and clinical supervision. Her work includes domestic violence, substance use, and immigration-related assessments. Dr. Arroyo has extensive experience in individual, family, and group therapy and is trained in EMDR, Trauma-Focused CBT, and Motivational Interviewing. She is a dedicated advocate for culturally responsive services, particularly for Latin@ communities, addressing complex mental health and systemic needs.
Rachel Augustus
Ph.D., LMFT
Rachel Augustus, Ph.D. and LMFT is an Assistant Professor at Utah Valley University working with the Marriage and Family Therapy program. She is an AAMFT Clinical Fellow and Approved Supervisor. She practiced as a clinician for more than a decade, and her clinical specialties include infidelity and the associated betrayal trauma. Her clinical work led her to pursue dissertation research on couple communication about pornography as well as innovative clinical interventions for those wanting to reduce pornography use. Now, as faculty, her interests have expanded to include ways to improve therapist training and clinician experiences.
Cassaundra Bess
LCSW
Cassaundra Bess, LCSW, is a clinical social worker with nearly 20 years of experience in mental health, specializing in at-risk youth and young adults. She has worked in residential treatment, schools, and private practice, focusing on strengthening connections between youth, families, and community systems. Her approach emphasizes healthy relationships and purpose as foundations for well-being. Cassaundra has developed suicide prevention and youth-focused curricula, presented at conferences, and served on nonprofit boards. She also founded a parent coaching company, equipping caregivers with practical tools to support adolescent mental health and advocating for prevention-based strategies to address growing mental health challenges.
Weston Brandon
Weston Brandon is a speaker and author who helps organizations prevent burnout and support mental health in high-stress environments. After losing his wife shortly after the premature birth of his son, he experienced firsthand the lack of mental health support for fathers. His work integrates lived experience with research on paternal postpartum depression, trauma, and suicide risk. Weston highlights critical gaps in perinatal care, where fathers are often overlooked, and advocates for more inclusive screening and support systems. His presentation focuses on addressing these blind spots to improve mental health outcomes for fathers and families under extreme stress.
Adriane Q. Cavallini
Psy.D.
Adriane Cavallini is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Brigham Young University and a licensed psychologist in Utah and Hessen, Germany. A Beck Institute–certified CBT clinician, her work focuses on eating disorders and body image. Her research examines treatment interventions, recovery patterns, and risk factors. She has clinical and research experience with CBT-E and mindfulness approaches, and has served diverse, multicultural populations. Previously at Goethe University Frankfurt, she taught and provided clinical services internationally. At BYU, she advances graduate training, campus outreach, and directs an eating disorder research lab using a self-directed learning model.
Boone Christianson
LMFT
Boone Christianson, LMFT, is a co-owner of Steps Family Therapy in Spanish Fork. He specializes in trauma-informed approaches, including Somatic Experiencing and Internal Family Systems. Christianson’s work focuses on creating systemic change that supports long-term healing, often by helping family members become knowledgeable, validating supports in the therapeutic process. He frequently presents on research that explores the deeper mechanisms of change in therapy beyond specific models or techniques.
Patricia Cox
CMHC
Patricia Cox is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor and the founder of Bear Creek Counseling (2018), dedicated to helping individuals heal and grow. She holds a bachelor’s degree from BYU, a master’s in Organizational Management, and a second master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her background provides a strong foundation in human behavior and relationships. Patricia specializes in trauma recovery, integrating neuropsychology and EMDR to address mind-body impacts. Over the past seven years, she has focused on complex trauma cases, particularly involving organizational or systemic abuse, and is committed to supporting survivors in reclaiming their sense of safety, identity, and well-being.
Tim Cregor
LMFT
Tim Cregor is a licensed marriage and family therapist in the states of California and Utah, and the founder of inLIVING, LLC, which focuses on treating anxiety and depression. Cregor’s research has focused on understanding the root causes of anxiety and depression, and he has learned that the fear response is at the core of these disorders. As a result, he has developed a practice focused on helping clients face and calm their fears, so they can live their best lives.
Collette Dawson
LCSW, RPT-S
Collette Dawson earned her master's degree in social work from Brigham Young University. With a career dedicated to supporting children, teens, families, and individuals across the lifespan, she is the CEO of The Green House Center for Growth and Learning. A sought-after supervisor and mentor, Dawson trains graduate students and interns in play therapy and serves on the Board of the Utah Association for Play Therapy. She is also a seasoned presenter, offering professional training in play therapy and family therapy.
Kimberly Emery
Ph.D.
Dr. Kimberly Emery is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Addiction Counselor, Master Addiction Counselor, and an American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists Approved Supervisor. She specializes in the treatment of trauma and substance use disorders and is trained in animal-assisted therapy. Dr. Emery also provides treatment and evaluation services for individuals who have perpetrated domestic violence and sexual offenses in Colorado. She serves as an instructor of addiction theory and qualitative research at Divine Mercy University and is the current president of the Wyoming Association of Addiction Professionals. Her clinical and academic work focuses on ethical, evidence-informed, and experiential approaches to addiction and recovery.
Jeffrey Erickson
MS LAC, ASAT
Jeff Erickson, LAC and ASAT, specializes in digital wellness and compulsive behavioral patterns, with expertise in dopamine-driven reward systems and screen overuse. After a 25-year career as a DMD, he earned a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling to address youth mental health and technology-related challenges. Jeff translates neurobiological concepts into practical therapeutic strategies, focusing on executive function, emotional regulation, and family attachment. He is a co-author of The 10 Laws of Screen Management and founder of Screen Guy. Alongside his son, Talmage, Jeff provides a multi-generational perspective, equipping families and practitioners to foster healthier, more intentional relationships with technology.
Scott Frazier
MS, CMHC, CCTP
Scott Frazier, MS, CMHC, CCTP, is a licensed clinical mental health counselor and the owner of an outpatient clinic specializing in trauma-informed, evidence-based therapy for adults and couples. He integrates CBT, ACT, IFS, EMDR-informed interventions, EFT, and DBT skills to support nervous system regulation, attachment repair, and values-driven living. Frazier emphasizes practical tools that help clients move beyond survival patterns toward lasting change. He was recognized for his work in suicide prevention in residential care. Known for his grounded, compassionate approach, Scott translates complex psychological concepts into accessible, real-world strategies that support long-term healing and emotional well-being.
Lisa Goff
LCSW, C-IAYT, RYT-500
Lisa Goff, LCSW, C-IAYT, RYT-500, is a clinical social worker specializing in integrative, somatic mental health care. She blends EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Yoga Therapy to support nervous system regulation and mind-body reconnection. Her clinical experience includes work with trauma, grief, chronic illness, postpartum mental health, and crisis intervention. Goff now focuses on adults experiencing chronic pain, ADHD, anxiety, and trauma-related concerns. Her approach emphasizes embodiment, emotional processing, and sustainable coping. As the owner of a private practice, she provides individualized, trauma-informed care grounded in evidence-based and holistic therapeutic modalities.
Rachael Hallam
MSW, LCSW
Rachael Hallam, MSW, LCSW, is a clinical therapist with over a decade of experience serving children, adolescents, adults, and families across mental health and healthcare settings. She earned her MSW from the University of Utah and currently practices with Tava Health and at Peace and Bloom Therapy. Rachael uses evidence-based approaches, including DBT, CBT, and ACT, with a strong focus on group therapy and skills-based interventions that build emotional regulation and resilience. She is especially passionate about creating supportive, experiential spaces that empower clients to develop practical coping skills and foster meaningful, lasting change.
Sage Hancock
MBA
Sage Hancock is a passionate advocate for survivors of sexual violence, dedicated to raising awareness and looking at systemic solutions. As the co-founder and executive director of GenerationAll, she works to break cycles of trauma through advocacy, healing, and family support. With an MBA and over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership and corporate philanthropy. Hancock specializes in uniting businesses and social impact. Currently part of the JR Miller Enterprises umbrella, she aligns corporate influence with meaningful change. She frequently speaks to audiences of all sizes, bringing honest, approachable conversations about trauma, resilience, and action to the forefront.
Rachel Johnson
LCSW
Rachel Johnson, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and doctoral student at the University of Utah. Her work integrates clinical practice, research, and community-based approaches, with a focus on trauma, resilience, attachment, and group interventions. She has extensive experience working with adolescents and adults impacted by trauma, anxiety, and relational distress, and currently maintains a private practice in Utah. Rachel’s clinical training includes EMDR, IFS, DBT, and ACT. She is also actively involved in research with the University of Utah, University of Texas, and the Utah Women & Leadership Project, contributing to reports on maternal mental health and childhood sexual abuse.
Rosemay Jolicoeur-Webster
PhD (C), LCSW
Rosemay Jolicoeur-Webster, PhD (C), LCSW, is a trauma-informed clinician, educator, and speaker specializing in attachment, identity, and the psychology of change. She integrates attachment theory, developmental psychology, and neurobiology to support individuals experiencing anxiety, trauma, and emotional dysregulation. Her work helps clients understand “stuckness” as adaptive, reducing shame while building insight and capacity for change. Jolicoeur-Webster has extensive experience working with marginalized populations and complex identity dynamics, grounding her work in cultural humility and trauma-responsive care. She provides clinical services, trainings, and presentations that translate complex concepts into practical strategies for improving mental health and emotional resilience.
Kathy Kinghorn
LCSW
Kathy Kinghorn, LCSW, earned her bachelor's degree from Utah Valley University and her Master of Social Work from the University of Utah. She is the owner of TherapyUtah and specializes in treating sexual addiction and betrayal trauma. Kinghorn has presented at conferences nationwide on these topics and frequently trains fellow therapists in the treatment of sexual addiction. She has served on the advisory board of the Utah Coalition Against Pornography. She is also the co- founder of AlignEQ, an organization-focused EQ platform that helps make emotional intelligence accessible and actionable across the workplace.
Emilee Krupa
LMFT, LSUDC
Emilee Krupa, LMFT and LSUDC, specializes in trauma, depression, PTSD, relationship challenges, and substance use recovery. She earned her master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University and integrates relational systems, somatic awareness, and neuroplasticity-informed interventions into her work. As founder and lead therapist at Koru Wellness in Lehi, Utah, Emilee offers trauma-informed psychotherapy and ketamine-assisted therapy for adults, couples, and groups. Grounded in experiential and holistic approaches from wilderness therapy to private practice, she emphasizes collaboration, curiosity, and supportive engagement, helping clients break patterns, reconnect with themselves, and cultivate lasting resilience and wellbeing.
Dan Lathen
Ph.D.
Dr. Dan Lathen, Ph.D., is a neuroscientist, adjunct professor, and cognitive performance specialist who applies behavioral neuroscience and psychology to support mental health and personal development. He helps individuals strengthen focus, motivation, memory, emotional regulation, and positive habits, with attention to counteracting the effects of digital overload. Dr. Lathen has research and teaching experience on addiction and neurobiology, frontline work in addiction recovery, and coauthored The Superhuman Playbook. He delivers coaching, workshops, and presentations that translate science into practical strategies for improving cognitive skills, emotional resilience, and overall mental well-being.
Jamison D. Law
Ed.D, CMHC, NCC, ACS
Dr. Jamison Law, Ed.D., is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Utah and an Approved Clinical Supervisor with the NBCC. Since completing his Ed.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision in 2012, he has 14 years of experience in higher education, currently serving as Director of Clinical Education for Utah Valley University's CMHC program. He supervises students year-round in practicum and internship settings, emphasizing the development of counseling skills and clinical competence. Dr. Law also maintains a part-time private practice, providing mental health counseling with a focus on anxiety, emotional regulation, and holistic client care.
Yotam Livnat
CMHC
Yotam Livnat, CMHC, is a licensed clinical mental health counselor and co-founder and clinical director of Sova Counseling, specializing in eating disorders and complex co-occurring conditions. He works with adolescents and adults experiencing chronic suicidality, trauma, and high-acuity presentations. Previously, he served as Regional Clinical Director for Path Behavioral Healthcare, where he developed an ACT-based adolescent day treatment program. Livnat focuses on ethical decision-making and supporting providers in complex cases, integrating ACT and trauma-informed care to enhance engagement and psychological flexibility. He holds a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Utah.
Porter Macey
Ph.D., LMFT
Porter Macey, PhD, LMFT, is the owner and clinical director of Amber Creek Counseling and Psychiatry in Sandy, Utah. He earned his master’s and doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Akron and Texas Tech University, where his research focused on relationships and alcohol recovery. Porter has extensive experience across inpatient, community, and private practice settings. He is trained in Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy through Polaris Insight Center. His clinical work focuses on relationship issues, particularly infidelity, as well as substance use and recovery, using evidence-informed, relational approaches to support client healing and long-term change.
Vjollca Martinson
Ph.D., LMFT, MBA
Vjollca Martinson, Ph.D., LMFT, MBA, is a successful therapist, author, presenter, instructor, and leader with over two decades of successful experience. Martinson has mentored countless therapists through teaching graduate courses, providing supervision, and sharing her expertise in various professional presentations. Her focus has been on empowering therapists to develop professionally and to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the individuals and families they serve. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, swimming, playing tennis, and spending time with her family.
Kaprena Moore
LCSW
Kaprena Moore, LCSW, is a co-owner of Steps Family Therapy in Spanish Fork. She specializes in trauma-informed care, with expertise in Somatic Experiencing and Internal Family Systems. Moore emphasizes systemic approaches that foster lasting healing by empowering families to act as supportive, therapeutic resources. She regularly presents research focused on understanding the core principles that drive effective therapy, rather than relying solely on specific models or techniques.
Mary J. Nelson
CMI, ART
Mary J. Nelson is the owner and clinical director of Healthier You Counseling Center. Nelson has 20 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families. She specializes in Critical Memory Integration (CMI) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), helping clients with trauma recovery, emotional regulation, and relationship growth. She facilitates empowerment and relationship groups, including Gottman and Layers of Love programs. Her approach emphasizes trust, connection, and resilience, fostering healthier coping skills and self-understanding. Mindfulness is integrated throughout her work to support mental well-being and sustainable personal growth.
Jaylynn Olsen
LCSW, PMH-C
Jaylynn Olsen, LCSW, PMH-C, earned her Master of Social Work from New York University, with post-master’s training in end-of-life and grief counseling. With over 12 years of experience, she specializes in perinatal mental health, trauma, grief, and loss, working with women and families. She holds a Perinatal Mental Health Certification and is committed to trauma-informed care and early intervention. Olsen is the owner of Hopeful Seasons Counseling and serves as an Assistant Instructor at Snow College. Her work focuses on advancing mental health awareness, advocacy, and accessible support for women and families across the perinatal continuum.
Colleen Peterson
Ph.D., LMFT
Colleen M. Peterson, Ph.D., and LMFT, is the Clinical Director and Assistant Professor in the Marriage and Family Therapy master's degree program at Utah Valley University. She is passionate about her work and considers it a privilege to have spent over 30 years helping individuals, couples, and families improve their mental health and relationships, 20 of which involve training MFTs. She is an AAMFT Clinical Fellow and Approved Supervisor. Her areas of professional expertise include ethics, supervision, and working with cancer patients and their families.
Russell Peterson
CMHC
Russell Peterson is a clinical mental health counselor (CMHC) serving with the Utah Army National Guard/19th Special Forces, specializing in mental and emotional health for military members and first responders. He developed a framework that understands emotions as survival-based responses, promoting resilience and reducing stigma around seeking help. Peterson has experience in crisis response, inpatient care, and public mental health. He has presented at the International Association for Suicide Prevention and trained providers and service members across the Intermountain region. His work focuses on emotional regulation, resilience, and improving mental health outcomes in high-stress populations.
Kali Rodgers Lantrip
Psy.D.
Dr. Kali Lantrip is a licensed psychologist specializing in interpersonal violence, trauma, and relational healing. She previously served as the Interpersonal Violence Specialist at UC Santa Barbara, providing clinical care, crisis response, and trauma-informed programming for survivors of violence and acute trauma. She earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Oregon and completed advanced training at UCSB. Now based in Utah, Dr. Lantrip is the founder of Koru Psychological Services, where she provides virtual therapy focused on trauma recovery, relationships, sexual health, and complex identity and relational stressors.
Vicki Sanders
PhD, LMFT
Dr. Vicki Sanders, PhD, LMFT, is a therapist, educator, and speaker specializing in relational trauma, attachment across the lifespan, and the brain-behavior connection. With more than 15 years of experience working with children, families, and complex systems, she is known for reframing behavior through the lens of regulation, safety, and relationship. Dr. Sanders translates trauma and attachment science into practical, compassionate strategies that help caregivers and professionals respond differently and more effectively when behavior is driven by survival rather than choice.
Tanisha Shedden
LCSW
Tanisha Shedden, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker, Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist, and EMDR-certified therapist with experience in private practice, schools, and community mental health settings. She supports adolescents and adults navigating trauma, grief, attachment, and identity development. Shedden develops wellness programming that promotes emotional regulation, executive functioning, and prevention-focused care, while collaborating with families and educators. She is active in public speaking and advocacy across Salt Lake Valley, providing training on trauma-informed and culturally responsive care. Shedden is dedicated to advancing inclusive, ethical mental health services through mentorship, community engagement, and a commitment to long-term systemic impact.
Leanne Stange
LCSW, RPT
Leanne Stange, LCSW, RPT is a play therapist specializing in middle childhood and family work. She is committed to practices that honor difference, deepen dialogue, and cultivate belonging from the inside out. Stange co-authored the chapter "Relational Trauma in the Family System" in "Trauma Impacts" and has presented on assessing suicidality in middle childhood through an Attachment-Centered Play Therapy lens. She is passionate about the powers of play as a meaningful expression of children’s inner worlds. Stange serves as a board member for the Utah Association for Play Therapy and is dedicated to supporting the growth and connection of the play therapy community.
Sarah Stroup
MA, LMFT
Sarah Stroup, MA, is a licensed marriage and family therapist, registered play therapist, and clinical supervisor with a deep commitment to advancing the mental health field. She is the owner of Monarch Family Counseling and the UAMFT legislative chair. She is a passionate advocate for both ethical practice and the long-term health of the profession, including addressing fair reimbursement rates, insurance red tape, and legislation that creates barriers to treatment.
Elissa Sump
LCSW, MSF
Elissa Sump, LCSW, MSF, is a clinical social worker specializing in the intersection of mental health and financial wellness. She integrates clinical practice with financial counseling frameworks to support individuals and couples navigating stress, relationship dynamics, and behavioral health concerns. Elissa develops and delivers workshops and educational programming that address the psychosocial factors influencing financial behavior and decision-making. She has experience across clinical, educational, and community-based settings, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to promote integrated care. Elissa holds a Master of Social Work and maintains licensure as a clinical social worker, providing therapy, consultation, and mental health-focused education.
Lyna Tevenaz Jones
MA
Lyna Tevenaz Jones, MA, is an analytic psychotherapist in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her work integrates analytical psychology, psychoanalytic theory, self psychology, and attachment research. She earned her master’s degree in counseling psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, where her thesis explored archetypal reparenting and the repair of early attachment wounds. Her interests include mother and father wounds, individuation, and internal psychic structure. She focuses on how symbolic processes support adult attachment repair and self-cohesion, and how Jungian and psychoanalytic models can be integrated without reduction. She also curates the online community Women of Depth Psychology.
Joel Wallis
LCSW
Joel Wallis, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Master of Social Work from Brigham Young University and owner of a private practice in Utah County. Grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), he uses a values-driven, experiential approach in both clinical work and training. Wallis specializes in addressing imposter syndrome among therapists, helping clinicians navigate self-doubt and reconnect with their professional identity. His work emphasizes psychological flexibility, self-compassion, and authenticity. Wallis is passionate about supporting clinicians in showing up with clarity, courage, and a deeper sense of purpose in their work.
Caroline Welsh
LCSW
Caroline Welsh, LCSW, is a clinical director and experienced therapist with over 20 years in mental health care. She earned her BS in Marriage, Family, and Human Development from BYU and her MSW from the University of Utah. Caroline specializes in eating disorder treatment and has advanced training in Somatic Embodiment, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Her clinical work focuses on helping clients build self-compassion, resilience, and healthier relationships with themselves and others. She currently serves as Clinical Director at Sunbird Counseling in Draper, Utah.
Austin Young
LCSW
Austin Young, MSW, LCSW, is a practicing therapist exploring how AI may soon outperform average clinicians and what that means for ethical, evidence-based care. He develops AI-assisted tools like TasteTrekker and Lumen while maintaining active clinical practice. Austin is CBT-E Certified, EMDR-trained, and Gottman Level 2 trained, with over six years of experience treating trauma, eating disorders, OCD, ADHD, addiction, anxiety, depression, and high-conflict couples. He works at Equip Health and owns New Atlas Counseling, serving diverse clients in English and Spanish, while challenging the field to rethink professional identity and future standards of competence.
