Owen Fatherree is originally from The Bay Area. He has worked with addict/alcoholics in recovery from the top to the bottom of California for the past five years. Owen has now brought his skills to Utah and to Live Strong House as a Life Coach.
Owen takes a serious, sugar-coat-nothing approach when conversing about sobriety to an addict. He is very well versed in the 12 Steps. Owen draws upon his own past trials and tribulations to connect with the boys and their families and carries a message of depth and weight.
When he’s not preventing fires in the recovery community, Owen enjoys a good coffee, a nice conversation with someone new, increasing his physical health and strength at the gym, snowboarding, traveling, and spending time with his girlfriend and her family.
Mindy Johnson is excited to be a part of the Live Strong House care team. She graduated in 1998 from Weber State University Nursing Program. She has been a nurse for 24 years and loves taking care of people. Mindy has enjoyed getting to know the youth in the program at Live Strong House.
Mindy has always lived in Utah and wouldn’t live anywhere else! She is a married and is the mother to 4 boys and 1 girl. Mindy and her husband love helping with the Goliath Race (established by Mark Spalding) which supports the De Novo Project. She participated in the first Goliath Race 5K and it was a personal best for her. She enjoys reading, watching movies, camping, being outdoors and traveling with friends and family.
Jordan Bybee has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Brigham Young University. He has worked with adolescents for the past several years in different residential settings. He began his journey working with adolescents struggling with substance abuse related issues. He has spent time working in a sex-specific treatment, working with adolescents on the autism spectrum, and assisting adolescents who suffer from trauma through EMDR therapy.
Jordan is passionate about assisting youth and their families in establishing healthy and long-lasting relationships. Jordan takes a strengths-based, solution–focused approach with his clients. He strongly believes that through assisting students in developing emotional regulation, productive hobbies, and interpersonal regulation skills that they are best able to reconnect with what matters most in their lives. Jordan believes that change best occurs through the family unit and providing an environment where the student is comfortable and able to learn and grow.
Outside of work, Jordan enjoys spending time with his wife, mountain biking, fishing, watching sports or a great movie, and just being in the outdoors.
Miller and Jennie Atagi are life coaches for the adult students at Live Strong House. They have been married for 27 years.
Miller has a Master of Social Work and has worked with teenage boys for the last 26 years. Whether in his occupation or in his personal life, Miller has worked with teenagers and young adults throughout his life. He has also worked as a hospice social worker for the last 18 years.
Jennie has a Bachelor of Public Relations. She has worked with youth throughout her career; from running her own preschool to working with junior high kids. Jennie has also worked as an executive assistant for Nilson Homes.
The Atagis’ greatest accomplishment is their family: Wilson and his wife Hannah, Noah, and Ethan. All three sons are enrolled in college. Noah plays football for Weber State University and Ethan plays football for Brigham Young University. The Atagi home is a constant, revolving door with the boys and their friends coming and going. Miller and Jennie are thoroughly enjoying this time of their life!
Stephanie Moeller was born in Arizona to a military family. Her parents’ military service took her all over the world: Japan, Wyoming, Germany, Utah, Texas, and Washington D.C. Stephanie started college when she was 16 years old at Weber State University. She took a Criminal Justice class and decided to be a police officer in the Air Force. Her world-traveling experiences continued and in 2009 she became an instructor with her unit, teaching firearms instruction for all base personnel, as well as Leadership and Development courses. From 2010 – 2011 she worked at Lackland Air Force Base teaching firearms to the new Security Forces recruits, many of whom were away from home for the first time. It was during this time Stephanie realized that teaching was her passion.
Stephanie received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Ashford University in 2014 and then earned her Master of Arts in Education with an emphasis on Curriculum and Instruction. She has continued to grow as an instructor and believes every person is deserving of a great education.
Stephanie currently lives in Roy, Utah, with her husband and their dog, Asia. In her free time, she enjoys camping, hiking, fishing, and catching up with friends.
Michele McConnell grew up and attended colleges in New York State. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education at Buffalo State College and a Master’s Degree in Literacy Cortland State. Later in her career she went back to school to pursue an additional certification in Family and Consumer Sciences. Over the span of her thirty-year career, Michele has taught: Art, Reading, Family and Consumer Sciences (Parenting, Child Development, Psychology, International and Gourmet cooking), ran a tutoring center for Math and Science students, and taught GED and ABE to incarcerated youth. Working with young people and helping them recognize their own growth has brought much joy to her life.
Michele is a mother to three adult children and a grandmother to two little ones. Autumn is her favorite season, and she enjoys being in the outdoors. Michele’s hobbies include: reading, learning, cooking and baking, spending time with family and friends, painting, quilting, drawing and anything related to Art. She even has an art studio in her home! Michele is excited to be a part of the Live Strong team.
Alysa graduated from the Colorado School of Public Health at University of Northern Colorado with a Master’s degree in Public Health, concentrating on Global Health & Community Health Education in 2018. She received her undergraduate degree in Sociology from the University of Utah in 2012.
Alysa comes with four years’ operations experience in RTC. She has a passion for helping vulnerable populations by elevating education opportunities and community partnerships to strengthen community health and wellness.
She currently sits as Chair on the board of The DeNovo Project – a nonprofit with which Live Strong House is involved – which aims to increase access to, and awareness of, evidence-based mental health treatment.
Cade Dopp joins Live Strong House as a Life Coach. Cade believes that the key to an awesome life is to honor the conscience tenaciously. He loves to climb, backpack, fish, ballroom dance, play tennis, ride motorcycles, and practice Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Cade’s previous work has included teaching, project management, wilderness therapy, and directing a non-profit in Ghana. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Family Studies and a Master’s degree in Instructional Psychology and Technology from Brigham Young University.
Lynnette Powell comes to Live Strong House with a vast array of experience that spans 20 years.
Lynnette has worked for an adolescent transport company for 5 years. She played an integral role assisting families throughout the country during the transport process. Some of Lynnette’s other work experience includes working for the TSA, management of Nordstrom and she is a licensed cosmetologist.
Lynnette genuinely cares for the well-being of each student and the families she works with using her caring and loving personality. She is highly trained in many modalities with verbal de-escalation and has been very successful in diffusing traumatic and difficult situations.
In her down time, Lynnette enjoys biking, hiking, and anything outdoors as well as spending time with her family. She is a dual citizen of Canada and the USA!
Desiree White Eyes, a Native to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, graduated from Davis High and attended Weber State University. While studying psychology and sociology, she was given the opportunity to move to Florida to join a team that was about to open a residential treatment facility. This is where she found her passion and purpose in life; helping others and creating bonds that will last a lifetime.
Desiree has over 10 years’ experience working with children, adolescents and young adults in residential treatment programs. She is a mother to 3 children and radiates positivity and love that is felt by everyone around her. Desiree loves snowboarding, mountain biking, boating and loves to be in the mountains and outside enjoying all activities.
Haley has a B.S. in Psychology and Family Studies from Weber State University and an M.S. in Clinical Social Work with an emphasis in mental health from the University of Utah.
She is a trained trauma-informed therapist and has spent time working with individuals and their families who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Haley has worked in a variety of settings and worked with a variety of client demographics, including; adolescents, parents, and families. She especially loves working with adolescents and loves the energy that they bring to the process.
Outside of her professional life, Haley enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing and watching sports (especially University of Utah football), and doing anything outdoors. She loves more than anything spending time with her husband and their four children.
Kim Jensen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LSCW) and received her MSW and certificate in Disabilities Studies from the University of Utah, where she also received her B.S. in Communication/Journalism.
Kim has worked as a clinician in an inpatient psychiatric hospital, on the crisis line/suicide hotline, with MCOT (Mobile Crisis Outreach Team) and with incarcerated youth. She is a governor-appointed board member of the Youth Parole Authority and the Utah Developmental Disabilities Council. She serves on the Autism Council of Utah and provides research and expert testimony for individuals with autism who come in contact with law enforcement and the criminal justice system. Kim has presented at multiple conferences and provides training on autism.
Kim and her husband are the parents of three adult children and two goldendoodles. She enjoys outdoor adventures in the mountains, including skiing, hiking and mountain biking, and enjoys global travel. She is also a published author of a children’s book and freelances for FACES magazine.
Jaden is currently attending Utah Valley University online working towards getting his Master’s in Social Work. He is looking forward to continuing a career with Live Strong House.
Jaden has a passion to help others see their own potential and value. Becoming a Life Coach has changed his life and he looks forward to continuing to change lives and build his own.
Jaden is from Clinton, Utah and he loves the outdoors, camping, hiking, snowboarding, boating, wakeboarding, painting, photography, music, books, movies … and so much more!
Nicole Burnett is originally from Virginia but came to Utah for school 7 years ago and has lived here ever since. Nicole has had a love for working to help others from an early age; she has five younger adopted siblings who have all required extra physical, mental, and emotional care. Since discovering this love, she has worked at treatment centers for young adult males, young adult females, and male and female adolescents alike.
While working in treatment is Nicole’s passion, she also has interests in computer programming and writing. She was privileged enough to publish a children’s book Dream Wisp and has enjoyed going around the country to read it to children’s groups.
Nicole is happily married to her husband, McKay, and the two are excited to be working at Live Strong House.
McKay Burnett has lived in Utah for most of his life, but he also spent time in northern Chile for two years doing volunteer service.
McKay received a degree in Behavioral Science specializing in Psychology. His plan was to become a Behavioral Analyst for the FBI which required three years of work experience in the behavioral science field before being accepted; thus, his introduction to working in treatment. It didn’t take long to realize that this is where McKay was happiest and he put his FBI plans on hold. He has worked with young adults, adolescents and high school seniors.
McKay was also privileged to be on the track and field team in college. Part of his athletic goals and interests were to prepare to make the US Olympic team for the hammer throw. McKay and his wife, Nicole, look forward to working at Live Strong House and making a difference!
Monica Prusse has grown up in Utah and attended Utah State University graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Health Education, with minors in French and English and a Secondary Education certification, in 2001.
She taught English and French for several years before staying at home to raise her 4 children. She began an at home-tutoring business working mainly with math students, acting as an educational liaison between teacher and parents to help students develop their executive functioning skills. She also worked with the Utah State Board of Education to develop Criterion Referenced Tests in Secondary Mathematics, and Pearson Educational Measurement scoring SAT essays for college entrance.
In 2014, Monica returned to the classroom and added a Special Education certification to her teaching license. Her love those exceptional students, identifying their needs and creating educational programs where they can thrive, helped lead her to Live Strong House where the focus is on the success of each student as a unique individual.
Growing up in Utah, she has a love of all things mountain, lake, and desert. She adores science fiction and Masterpiece Theatre, but her most loved activities are camping with her family, backpacking with her girlfriends and biking with her husband.
Kurt brings to Live Strong House over 9 years’ experience of working in the residential treatment environment in a variety of capacities. Kurt has been a clinical team member, lead supervisor, de-escalation specialist and PCS instructor, as well as a Red Cross certified CPR/First Aid instructor. Kurt also brings a vast experience of working with youth as a former high school assistant football coach for 8 years as well as several years coaching little league football.
Kurt attended Weber State University studying Business Administration with an emphasis in finance. Kurt has played semi-pro football for the last 14 years. He has a passion for extreme skiing and fly fishing, enjoys spending time with his family and particularly teaching his niece and nephews how to truly embrace his life motto of, “Work hard, play hard.”
Misti Fleming was born and raised in Kaysville, Utah. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Communications and Political Science. She worked for a few years writing news and producing programs at local radio stations before taking a break from her career to pursue motherhood.
After being raised in a family of 6 girls, Misti was blessed with 4 sons. She enjoys being surrounded by boys and feels right at home working with the boys at Live Strong House.
Gage is currently a student at Weber State University. He is working on getting his generals and trying to finalize on the career path he would like to take.
Gage started working at Live Strong at the beginning of this year. He has recently started a new position here as a full time life coach. He has loved getting to know each of the young men and forming a personal relationship with them.
Blair received her Bachelor’s degree in Family Studies from Brigham Young University, where she was also trained as a Family Life Educator.
Since graduating, she has worked within residential treatment for two years as a Life Coach and Executive Functioning Coach and loves assisting individuals in lifelong learning to help them with their educational, occupational, and personal goals.
She is currently enrolled in Utah State University’s Psychology School Counseling Program to receive her Master’s in Education. Blair is from Portland, Oregon, and appreciates nature, music, books, and a good find at a thrift store.
Joshua holds an MA and PsyD in Clinical Psychology from the American Psychological Association accredited John F. Kennedy University. In addition to providing consultation services with Live Strong House, he is the lead psychologist of ClearView Psychological Services; a dynamic team of psychologists who provide comprehensive psychological assessment and consultation services to clients in treatment and out.
After his first season working in wilderness therapy in 1994, Joshua knew he wanted to focus his life’s work on supporting adolescents, young adults, and families in transition. He has worked as a transporter, a line staff, a therapist, a staff psychologist, and clinical director in his 24 years working in mental health.
To his work as a psychologist, Joshua brings a wide variety of unique life experiences, including several years as a soldier in a Special Forces unit, overseas work with the Drug Enforcement Agency, rowing for his college varsity crew team, traveling solo through Asia, starting an environmental education program for inner-city youth, and being a parent himself. He and his family work to spend as much time outside and traveling as possible. When he can’t get out, he enjoys wrenching on Land Cruisers and American muscle cars. He lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with his wife and two children.
BIKER’S EDGE
Biker’s Edge is a full-service bike shop catering to the cycling enthusiasts of Northern Utah. In addition, Biker’s Edge has partnered with Live Strong House to build character and community. Live Strong House students help build and maintain biking trails in Northern Utah, allowing them to get outside and serve. To learn more about Biker’s Edge, visit www.bebikes.com.
The Denovo Project
The De Novo Project is a non-profit that provides scholarships for the Live Strong House and other residential treatment centers (RTCs) that are out of reach for most. The De Novo Project also provides funding to local individuals with mental health needs that traditional insurance does not cover.
The De Novo Project was inspired by the need for mental health services for those suffering from severe depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, and other concerns. Ironically, mental health receives limited attention and funding, yet it is one of the most important aspects of our lives.
It takes family, friends, community, and skill building to overcome these mental Goliaths. To learn more about how the De Novo Project is helping local individuals, as well as adolescents and young adults all over the country, visit www.thedenovoproject.org.
Mark has a B.S. in Family Studies and Psychology from Weber State University and an M.S. in Clinical Social Work with an emphasis in Forensic Clinical Social Work from the University of Utah. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Family Life Educator, trained Neurotherapist, and Field Instructor at the University of Utah. Mark is also the founder of the De Novo Project, a charity that provides mental health services and scholarships for therapeutic boarding schools.
One of Mark’s hobbies is competing in endurance events. Mark refers to these hobbies as self-therapy. He runs, bikes, or swims most days and has competed in marathons, Ironman triathlons, and ultra-distance cycling events. He created his own ironman-distance (140.6 mile) triathlon called The Goliath Race, which funds the De Novo Project. He’s also a mediocre skier and rock climber. What Mark enjoys most is spending time with his wife Amy and their five children, Devin (18), Sam (16), Ty (12), Noah (10), and Drue (8). Mark and Amy were high school sweethearts and have been married for 22 years.
mspalding@livestronghouse.com
801-725-7451
Aubrey has a B.S. in Exercise Science from Weber State University. After working at a residential treatment center, she found she loved being around the high-energy and enthusiastic adolescents. She returned to Weber State University, this time graduating with a B.S. in Physical Education Teaching and Health.
Aubrey enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing sports, spending time in the outdoors, exercising, and camping. She is particularly passionate about service. Aubrey spent time serving the people of Peru by educating the locals about sanitation and health, as well as helping to build playgrounds, parks, and a daycare for the impoverished community.
At Live Strong House, Aubrey works to educate, mentor, and strengthen youth by establishing what she hopes will be life-long relationships. As a teacher, she works with each resident to design a curriculum that meets their unique social and academic needs.
ataylor@livestronghouse.com
801-660-0324
Marilyn Siegel LCSW-R holds an undergraduate degree in psychology and education. In 1991, she completed her Masters in Social Work at New York University. She is certified in the Bayley Scales of Infant Assessment, Vineland Training, and the Conners Scale. Marilyn completed postgraduate training in family therapy and in Siphy certification. She completed additional coursework in the areas of Mood Disorders, Substance Abuse, Object Relations, and CBT, to name a few.
Marilyn holds professional affiliations numerous organizations, including NAEYC, NASW, NCCIP, and NATSAP. She holds NYS certification in Elementary Education (1987) and NYS certification in Social Work (1991). She is an Associate Adjunct Professor at NYU and a supervisor of graduate students in Social Work/Psychology (1991).
Marilyn has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. She has developed a residential program and, since her return to private practice, has dedicated a portion of her practice to helping teens and their families prevent higher levels of intervention. She collaborates with educational consultants, wilderness therapists, and treatment facilities. Marilyn works therapeutically with the family as a whole and frequently assists the reunification process after therapeutic placements.
Shannon holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Utah as well as a B.S. in Nursing from Weber State University. She received her Masters in Nursing from the University of Cincinnati and is accredited through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioner’s (AANP) as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and licensed with prescriptive authority through the State of Utah as an Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner.
Shannon has 25 years of experience working in the mental health field with adolescents and adults. She strives to provide the skills, resources, and tools needed for patients to develop their fullest potential. Outside of work, Shannon spends time in the outdoors mountain biking, soaking in the sun by the beach, hiking, playing with her dog, and enjoying the company of her children, Avery and Zach. She is always up for a new adventure.
Aaron Edwards has a B.S. in Technical Sales and Marketing from Weber State University. For nearly 20 years, Aaron was an owner of a successful business, acting in many capacities, including project manager, sales manager, general manager, and the association president of the industry. Aaron was the lead on innovation and bringing new technology to the industry.
Aaron has always enjoyed mentoring adolescent boys and has been involved with youth programs for more than fifteen years. During this time, he developed a true passion for youth and now dedicates his career to helping youth with their challenges. Aaron’s business expertise and real-life application helps youth better understand the dos and don’ts of life. Aaron knows what it means to become a contributing member of society, not just emotionally but also by learning practical skills like writing a resume, interviewing for a job, developing and keeping a budget, and handling life’s challenges. At Live Strong House, Aaron provides opportunities for residents to gain these skills.
Aaron loves to bike, run, hike, ski, and camp—anything that involves the outdoors. He has completed many long-distance races and events and enjoys any athletic challenge. Aaron is married and enjoys family time with his wife and four daughters.
aedwards@livestronghouse.com
801-430-1280
Paul brings to Live Strong House 28 years of experience and knowledge in the residential treatment industry. His roles have included special education teacher, group facilitator, and director of academics, residential and marketing. He has served as an executive director for the last 10 years.
Paul earned his B.S. in Psychology and Sociology, and a Master of Science in Special Education from the University of Utah, where he also earned distinction as a Comprehensive Behavior Specialist. He has specialty training in behavior management, behavior consulting, assessments and testing, and vocational training. Paul holds a Special Education teaching certificate from Utah State University. He has six children and a wife he loves doing everything with. He enjoys the outdoors, running, and biking, but his favorite thing of all is playing with his kids and dancing with his wife, Sara.
ptaylor@livestronghouse.com
928-300-5699
The Goliath Race is a one-of-a-kind 140.6-mile full-distance Ironman triathlon relay race. (The swim is 2.4 miles; the bike is 112 miles, and the run is 26.2 miles.) This will be the most fun, spectator-friendly race in the state of Utah. The Goliath may sound intimidating, but when done as a team, conquering the Goliath is easier than you think.
The Goliath Race supports the De Novo Project, which generates scholarships for the Live Strong House and other residential treatment centers (RTCs) that are out of reach for most. The De Novo Project also provides funding to local individuals with mental health needs that traditional insurance does not cover. The students at Live Strong House, along with their families, participate in this epic, unforgettable adventure.
To find out more or to register for the Goliath Race, visit
THEGOLIATHRACE.ORG