Staff

BRINGING IN A NEW ERA OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Our team of mental health professionals boasts diverse qualifications and credentials, ensuring comprehensive care for individuals and families grappling with mental health issues. Beyond their impressive credentials, our staff’s genuine dedication and ongoing training ensure personalized support that fosters healing and resilience.

LEADERSHIP

Lennie Knowlton

Lennie Knowlton

Lennie (She/Her) is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor with 15 years of experience working with trauma, anxiety, and relationship issues in the community. She has a strong belief that people do better when they are connected in meaningful ways and founded Project...

Executive Director, CMHC, CDWF

Dawn Benson

Dawn Benson

Dawn (She/Her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 15 years of experience working with children and adolescents as a school-based therapist and emergency room crisis worker. She has served in leadership capacities in settings focused on both program development...

Finance Director, MBA, LCSW

Emily Dixon

Emily Dixon

Emily (She/Her) is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor with 15 years of experience working with families to build resiliency, enhance coping skills and inspire confidence. Emily’s therapeutic influences include Solution-Focused, Narrative, Experiential,...

Clinical Director, Therapist, CMHC

Jennifer Holmberg

Jennifer Holmberg

Jennifer (She/Her) is a business professional with over 20 years of management experience in banking, outdoor retail, business administration, consulting and veterinary hospital management. She loves collaborating with others, solving problems and creating new...

Director of Development & Community Engagement

Tara Pennington

Tara Pennington

Tara (She/Her) double majored in Psychology and Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Utah, and went on to get a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Before entering the therapy field, she aided and developed programs for families who...

Senior Management, Therapist, LMFT

Katherine Allen

Katherine Allen

Katherine (Kate) Allen (She/Her) was raised on a wheat farm in Washington state and joyfully raised a large family in Utah. She completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science / Psychology and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She combines an...

Senior Management, Therapist, LMFT

Emily Altman

Emily Altman

Emily (She/Her) is trained and experienced in supporting individuals suffering with anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, intrusive thoughts and life transitions. She works best with clients who value curiosity and intimacy with themselves and others. In her practice, she...

Youth Club Manager, Therapist, LCSW

Marc Schmitz

Marc Schmitz

Marc's (He/Him) curiosity for how people engage with one another as well as how society is formed and regulated brought him to realize his passion for improving the lives of others. Seeing the many trials and tribulations many are faced with drove him to pursue a...

Social Prescribing Manager & Youth Club Provider

Kaitlin Longfellow

Kaitlin Longfellow

Hello, I’m Kaitlin (She/Her), a Clinical Mental Health Counselor dedicated to supporting individual adults and couples through their healing journeys. I believe that the therapeutic relationship and connection are among the most important tools in therapy. My goal is...

Intake Manager, Therapist, CMHC

Shylah Bowers

Shylah Bowers

Shylah (She/Her) is devoted to providing clients and staff with tremendous service and support. She loves her position in Human Resource and Billing. She has extensive experience in Management, HR, Office Administration, and Insurance Processing/Verification. Prior to...

Accounts Receivable Manager

Mindi Rich

Mindi Rich

Mindi (She/Her) is dedicated to supporting children, adolescents and their families in their journey to become their best selves. She is eager to find ways to link the work done in the therapy room to school and home environments. Mindi holds a Master's of Social Work...

School-Based Therapy Program Manager, Therapist, CSW

Leslie Czerwinski

Leslie Czerwinski

Leslie (She/Her) is passionate about learning, teaching, and growing and is a certified Yoga Therapist, EMDR practitioner. She strongly believes in the power of individuals to change their circumstances when given equitable support, structures, and communication...

Clinical Supervisor, CMHC

THERAPISTS

Emily Dixon

Emily Dixon

Emily (She/Her) is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor with 15 years of experience working with families to build resiliency, enhance coping skills and inspire confidence. Emily’s therapeutic influences include Solution-Focused, Narrative, Experiential,...

Clinical Director, Therapist, CMHC

Katherine Allen

Katherine Allen

Katherine (Kate) (She/Her) Allen was raised on a wheat farm in Washington state and joyfully raised a large family in Utah. She completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science / Psychology and a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She combines an...

Senior Management, Therapist, LMFT

Emily Altman

Emily Altman

Emily (She/Her) is a trained and experienced in supporting individuals suffering with anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, intrusive thoughts and life transitions. She works best with clients who value curiosity and intimacy with themselves and others. In my practice, She...

Youth Club Manager, Therapist, LCSW

Cole Benson

Cole Benson

Cole (He/Him) received an MSW from the University of Utah, as well as an MS in Performance & Sport Psychology. He has spent the last 7 years working with youth, teens, and young adults in the foster care, juvenile justice, and educational systems. Cole has had the...

Therapist, LCSW

Kaitlin Bodily

Kaitlin Bodily

Kaitlin (She/Her) has a strong belief in the power of social connections and strategies creatively tailored to each unique situation. Her experience with individuals from various backgrounds has centered around strengthening self and strengthening community in tandem....

Therapist, LCSW

Alexa Cascio

Alexa Cascio

Alexa (She/Her) immigrated to the US from Sicily, Italy at a young age and was raised close to the beaches of New York. Before moving to Utah she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology/Psychology from SUNY Old Westbury and a Masters in Social Work from Fordham...

Therapist, CSW

Maddie Ceculski

Maddie Ceculski

Madison (She/Her) is passionate about connecting and empowering individuals to be the best versions of themselves. She strives to utilize compassion and empathy to connect with her clients—making sure they feel seen, heard, and valued, as she believes this is integral...

Therapist, LCSW

Allen Conners

Allen Conners

Allen Conners (He/Him) is an LCSW who has worked in mental health for nine years. He has worked with diagnosis ranging from Autism to Schizophrenia and has training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral...

Therapist, LCSW

Marisa Crist

Marisa Crist

Marisa (She/Her) received her master’s degree from the University of Utah’s College of Social Work with a focus on clinical mental health therapy. Most of Marisa’s experience has been spent working with youth who have experienced abuse and advocating for individuals...

Therapist, CSW

Kenwyn Derby

Kenwyn Derby

Kenwyn (She/Her) connects on a human level with her clients, creates safety through acceptance and humor, and centers clients’ goals and values throughout the therapeutic partnering process. She empowers clients to build on their strengths, reduce their suffering,...

Therapist, LCSW

Brok Dixon

Brok Dixon

Brok (He/Him) has a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Social work from the University of Utah. During his last year of schooling, Brok worked in a school-based setting where he served children and families of different backgrounds and emotional and behavioral health...

Therapist, LCSW

Brandee Harris

Brandee Harris

Beginning therapy takes courage. I hope to provide a safe, empathetic space where we can collaborate on your goals. I have a humanistic, person-centered approach, focusing on your strengths, exploring your feelings, and supporting you on your journey. I have...

Therapist, ACMHC

Chandler Judd

Chandler Judd

Chandler (He/Him) is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling intern finishing his degree at the University of Utah, bringing over 7 years of diverse experience in mental healthcare. With a background in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), he prioritizes the...

Therapist Intern, CMHCi

Jackie Katt

Jackie Katt

Jackie (She/Her) believes in the power of compassion, acceptance, and connection within the therapeutic experience.  Just as no two people are alike, therapy won’t look the same for everyone. Therefore, Jackie pulls from a variety of evidence-based, trauma-informed...

Therapist, CSW

Jayme King

Jayme King

Jayme (She/Her) is a believer that connection and a focus on strengths are cornerstones of the therapeutic process. She believes in creating a safe space for empowerment, healing and growth. Jayme is passionate about working with and alongside her clients as they...

Therapist, CSW

Stephanie Liechty

Stephanie Liechty

After teaching middle school and high school for several years, Steph (She/Her) decided to change direction and focus on what she loved best about teaching--connecting with people and helping them create a life they feel good about living. She has always felt a...

Therapist, ACMHC

Kaitlin Longfellow

Kaitlin Longfellow

Hello, I’m Kaitlin (She/Her), a Clinical Mental Health Counselor dedicated to supporting individual adults and couples through their healing journeys. I believe that the therapeutic relationship and connection are among the most important tools in therapy. My goal is...

Therapist, CMHC, Intake Manager

Sasha Loutensock

Sasha Loutensock

Sasha (She/Her) is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor with experience working with adolescents, adults, couples and families. She is passionate about the comfort and healing that takes place when there is understanding, compassion, openness and no judgment. When we...

Therapist, ACMHC

Margot Lundholm

Margot Lundholm

Specialties: Trauma, CPTSD and PTSD, DV/SA, Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQIA+, Neurodivergence, Faith Transitions, Feminist, Anti-Racist and Multicultural Perspective Experience with: Stress, Grief and Loss, Life Transitions, Attachment Theory, Relationships, Self...

Therapist, CSW

Rita McNeil

Rita McNeil

Rita (She/Her) is a licensed psychotherapist that uses a humanistic approach to create a space for clients that is safe, non-judgmental, and compassionate. Rita has always been a social worker at heart- her love for social justice journalism in college transformed to...

Therapist, LCSW

Tara Pennington

Tara Pennington

Tara (She/Her) double majored in Psychology and Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Utah, and went on to get a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Before entering the therapy field, she aided and developed programs for families who...

Therapist, LMFT, Senior Management

Mindi Rich

Mindi Rich

Mindi (She/Her) is dedicated to supporting children, adolescents and their families in their journey to become their best selves. She is eager to find ways to link the work done in the therapy room to school and home environments. Mindi holds a Master's of Social Work...

Therapist, CSW, School-based Therapy Program Manager

Emily Richardson

Emily Richardson

Emily (She/Her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and graduated with a master’s and bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Utah. Emily has 10 years working in the social work field including working in adult residential substance abuse treatment,...

Therapist, LCSW

Marissa Shaver

Marissa Shaver

Marissa (She/Her) received her Master's degree at Roberts Wesleyan University in 2020 with a focus on child and family therapy. Marissa has experience working with teens and young adult when working for outpatient treatment centers, the juvenile justice center in...

Therapist, CSW

Ayla Tedeschi

Ayla Tedeschi

Ayla (She/Her) is a Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Music Therapy intern finishing her degree at Lesley University. She has refined her musical skills through years of practice, study, and performance and integrates piano, voice, guitar, percussion, flute,...

Therapist Intern| MT-BC and CMHC candidate

Susie Thom

Susie Thom

Susie (She/Her) is an Expressive Arts, Clinical Mental Health Counselor (ACMHC). She has been working with children, adolescents and teenagers for over 25 years as an educator, advisor and counselor. Susie holds a Master’s of Expressive Arts and Clinical Mental Health...

Therapist, ACMHC

Alyse Tonon

Alyse Tonon

Alyse (She/Her) is a licensed clinician with nearly 10 years of diverse experience in the mental health field. She has worked in a number of clinical settings at various levels of care, including: residential treatment, substance abuse programs, intensive outpatient,...

Hit To Heal Therapist, CMHC

School Team

Lexie Ainge-Cottle

Lexie Ainge-Cottle

Lexie (She/Her) is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor, licensed in various states, and with over 15 years of experience working with people of varying backgrounds and issues. She uses an integrative approach, pulling from various theories in which she is trained,...

Therapist, CMHC

Celena Linares

Celena Linares

Celena (She/Her) is a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20 of experience currently specializing in school-based therapy. Passionate about supporting students' mental health, she works collaboratively with educators, parents, and students to foster a...

Therapist, LCSW

Mindi Rich

Mindi Rich

Mindi (She/Her) is dedicated to supporting children, adolescents and their families in their journey to become their best selves. She is eager to find ways to link the work done in the therapy room to school and home environments. Mindi holds a Master's of Social Work...

School-Based Therapy Program Manager, Therapist, CSW

Alexa Cascio

Alexa Cascio

Alexa (She/Her) immigrated to the US from Sicily, Italy at a young age and was raised close to the beaches of New York. Before moving to Utah she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology/Psychology from SUNY Old Westbury and a Masters in Social Work from Fordham...

Therapist, CSW

Marisa Crist

Marisa Crist

Marisa (She/Her) received her master’s degree from the University of Utah’s College of Social Work with a focus on clinical mental health therapy. Most of Marisa’s experience has been spent working with youth who have experienced abuse and advocating for individuals...

Therapist, CSW

Kenwyn Derby

Kenwyn Derby

Kenwyn (She/Her) connects on a human level with her clients, creates safety through acceptance and humor, and centers clients’ goals and values throughout the therapeutic partnering process. She empowers clients to build on their strengths, reduce their suffering,...

Therapist, LCSW

Brok Dixon

Brok Dixon

Brok (He/Him) has a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Social work from the University of Utah. During his last year of schooling, Brok worked in a school-based setting where he served children and families of different backgrounds and emotional and behavioral health...

Therapist, LCSW

Brandee Harris

Brandee Harris

Beginning therapy takes courage. I hope to provide a safe, empathetic space where we can collaborate on your goals. I have a humanistic, person-centered approach, focusing on your strengths, exploring your feelings, and supporting you on your journey. I have...

Therapist, ACMHC

Jackie Katt

Jackie Katt

Jackie (She/Her) believes in the power of compassion, acceptance, and connection within the therapeutic experience.  Just as no two people are alike, therapy won’t look the same for everyone. Therefore, Jackie pulls from a variety of evidence-based, trauma-informed...

Therapist, CSW

Stephanie Liechty

Stephanie Liechty

After teaching middle school and high school for several years, Steph (She/Her) decided to change direction and focus on what she loved best about teaching--connecting with people and helping them create a life they feel good about living. She has always felt a...

Therapist, ACMHC

Margot Lundholm

Margot Lundholm

Specialties: Trauma, CPTSD and PTSD, DV/SA, Anxiety, Depression, LGBTQIA+, Neurodivergence, Faith Transitions, Feminist, Anti-Racist and Multicultural Perspective Experience with: Stress, Grief and Loss, Life Transitions, Attachment Theory, Relationships, Self...

Therapist, CSW

Lindsey Nordin

Lindsey Nordin

Lindsey Nordin, LCSW (She/Her) is a dedicated mental health professional specializing in adolescent well-being and emotional resilience. With a strong passion for helping individuals navigate life’s challenges, Lindsey empowers adolescents to build confidence, foster...

Therapist, LCSW

Audri Petro

Audri Petro

Audri (She/Her) is a compassionate, trauma-informed clinician who strives to build a relationship and a connection with her clients. She believes that the therapeutic relationship is the foundation for growth and healing. With her calming demeanor, she utilizes...

Therapist, CSW

Emily Richardson

Emily Richardson

Emily is a Certified Social Worker and graduated with a master’s and bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Utah. Emily has 10 years working in the social work field including working in adult residential substance abuse treatment, Adult Protective...

CSW

Marissa Shaver

Marissa Shaver

Marissa (She/Her) received her Master's degree at Roberts Wesleyan University in 2020 with a focus on child and family therapy. Marissa has experience working with teens and young adult when working for outpatient treatment centers, the juvenile justice center in...

Therapist, CSW

KT Steenblick

KT Steenblick

KT (She/Her) received her MSW from the University of Utah as well as becoming a Clinical Yoga Practitioner. She grounds her treatment in the mind-body connection and its ability to break the vicious cycle of negative thought. KT is devoted to helping her clients feel...

Therapist, LCSW

Susie Thom

Susie Thom

Susie (She/Her) is an Expressive Arts, Clinical Mental Health Counselor (ACMHC). She has been working with children, adolescents and teenagers for over 25 years as an educator, advisor and counselor. Susie holds a Master’s of Expressive Arts and Clinical Mental Health...

Therapist, ACMHC

Jackie Tingey

Jackie Tingey

Jackie Tingey, MSW, (She/Her) holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and is passionate about empowering and uplifting her clients. With a deep belief in the importance of a strong therapeutic relationship, Jackie creates a warm,...

Therapist, CSW

SOCIAL PRESCRIBING

Youth Club

Emily Altman

Emily Altman

I am trained and experienced in supporting individuals suffering with anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, intrusive thoughts and life transitions. I work best with clients who value curiosity and intimacy with themselves and others. In my practice, I incorporate the notion...

Youth Club Manager, Therapist, LCSW

Alejandro Gonzalez

Alejandro Gonzalez

Hello, my name is Alejandro E. Gonzalez (He/Him). I am a Family Studies major, working towards a degree in family therapy and family law. I speak both Spanish and English fluently. I grew up in Chicago, Illinois, moved to Wyoming when I was about 14, and then came to...

Youth Club Provider

Jesse Hooper

Jesse Hooper

Jesse (He/Him) is a game designer that dreams to use his talent for the betterment of society. His passion for improving the lives of others started early on in his life by studying to become an EMS responder and later as a house manager for residential rehabilitation...

Youth Club Provider

Keeva Mahoney

Keeva Mahoney

Hi my name is Keeva Mahoney (She/Her) I and an Exercise science and Psychology major. I want to work with high school and college students as a sports psychologist. I love playing sports and getting all of my energy out. My favorite hobbies are reading and watching...

Youth Club Provider

Marc Schmitz

Marc Schmitz

Marc's (He/Him) curiosity for how people engage with one another as well as how society is formed and regulated brought him to realize his passion for improving the lives of others. Seeing the many trials and tribulations many are faced with drove him to pursue a...

Youth Club Provider, Social Prescribing Program Manager

Trae Wayman

Trae Wayman

Trae (He/Him) is a charismatic, enthusiastic, energetic outdoorsman who wants to bring the excitement of exploration into the minds of others. Trae loves to interact with people and has always had a knack for being a leader and having a creative, outside-of-the-box...

Youth Club Provider

Claudia Williams

Claudia Williams

Claudia (She/Her) was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She is the mother of two boys aged 20 and 8, one stepson aged 13 and one girl aged 18. In 2015 she and her family moved to Seattle where they were living for 2 years, and finally they moved to her...

Youth Club Provider

Business Administration

Shylah Bowers

Shylah Bowers

Shylah (She/Her) is devoted to providing clients and staff with tremendous service and support. She loves her position in Human Resource and Billing. She has extensive experience in Management, HR, Office Administration, and Insurance Processing/Verification. Prior to...

Accounts Receivable Manager

Alaina Dalpiaz-Ottley

Alaina Dalpiaz-Ottley

Alaina (She/Her) is dedicated to traveling and being outdoors. She spends her time outdoors gardening, hiking, playing disc golf, and spending time with her cat and dog. She has a fierce love for finding new experiences and new places to go see.  She was born and...

Office Administrator

Darren Mangohig

Darren Mangohig

Darren (He/Him) is an Office Administrator at Project Connection, where he is involved with office operations and provides administrative support to the team. Darren is a dedicated and detail-oriented professional with a passion for streamlining processes and...

Office Administrator

Jenny Mott

Jenny Mott

Jenny (She/Her) is a professional with over 25 years of experience in the fields of early childhood education, hospitality, and real estate. She loves working in a team environment and excels in providing the best possible customer service to her clients. Jenny has...

Revenue Cycle Specialist

Maralee Vincent

Maralee Vincent

Maralee (She/Her) joined Project Connection in August of 2021 as our office manager. She has spent much of her career working as an administrative assistant for nonprofits and she was a foster parent for many years. Maralee is passionate about contributing to her...

Billing Specialist

BOARD OF DIRECTORS