491 E Riverside Drive, Saint George, Utah 84790, United States
Jennie Pool MS, LCMHC, BSP, LMT
Clinical Director & Therapist - MEND Founder, Partner Owner
Jennie Pool, Founder and Clinical Director of MEND Counseling Center, has over twenty years of experience in the mental health field and brings a deeply integrative, relational, and nervous-system-informed approach to healing. Her work is rooted in the belief that true transformation occurs when the mind, body, and relational system are addressed together—gently, intentionally, and with deep respect for each person’s lived experience.
Jennie’s professional background spans wilderness therapy, residential treatment facilities, and private practice, experiences that shaped her clinical philosophy and leadership style. Working in high-acuity and nature-based settings refined her ability to attune to nervous system states, foster emotional safety, and build strong therapeutic relationships grounded in trust. As a leader, she emphasizes presence, integrity, and embodied wisdom—values that guide both her clinical work and the culture she has cultivated at MEND.
She has advanced training in somatic trauma-release and neuroscience-informed modalities, including Brainspotting, Neurofeedback, and Trauma Release Bodywork. Jennie specializes in trauma, anxiety, and depression, with a particular focus on helping clients understand how their nervous systems adapt to stress, attachment wounds, and lived experiences. Her work supports clients in learning to regulate, restore, and reconnect with themselves from the inside out. She works across the lifespan—supporting children, adolescents, adults, couples, and individuals with complex trauma & co-occurring diagnoses.
At the core of Jennie’s approach is the understanding that the brain and body are constantly shaping one another through experience. She helps clients explore how early attachment patterns, relational dynamics, and trauma shape neural pathways—and how, through safety, attunement, and somatic awareness, those pathways can be gently rewired. Her work honors both science and intuition, blending neuroscience with a spiritual-somatic lens that recognizes the body as a keeper of wisdom, memory, and resilience.
As Clinical Director, Jennie is deeply committed to cultivating a therapeutic environment that values ethical care, collaboration, and nervous-system-informed practice. She mentors and supports clinicians in developing embodied clinical presence, honoring the complexity of trauma work, and maintaining sustainable, regulated practices. MEND Counseling Center was founded with the intention of creating a space where both clients and clinicians feel supported, respected, and deeply human.
Nature plays an integral role in Jennie’s own grounding and healing, and she believes strongly in the restorative power of the natural world. She values spaces—both internal and external—where people can slow down, listen inward, and reconnect with themselves. As Jennie often shares, “There is a deep unwinding that happens when we create enough safety to be with ourselves. Healing is not about fixing—it’s about remembering what was always there.”
Outside of her professional role, Jennie is the mother of four boys and considers presence, connection, and curiosity to be some of life’s greatest teachers. She enjoys being outdoors, running, working out, reading, and staying active—practices that support her belief that movement, play, and connection are essential to nervous system health and long-term wellbeing.
Hannah Frehner
Program Director/Office Manager - MEND Partner Owner
Hannah has extensive work experience in the mental health field and plays an essential role in ensuring that clients and clinicians at MEND Counseling Center feel supported, informed, and genuinely cared for from the very first point of contact. She brings a calm, grounded presence to her work and is deeply committed to helping both clients and therapists navigate the often-complex administrative side of mental health care with clarity and ease.
Hannah has developed strong expertise in credentialing, billing, and insurance coordination, and she understands how overwhelming these systems can feel for clients and clinicians alike. She approaches this work with care, patience, and precision—helping clients understand their benefits, answering questions with transparency, and advocating for smooth processes whenever possible. Her attention to detail and commitment to ethical, accurate systems help protect the integrity of care and allow therapists to focus fully on their clinical work.
What sets Hannah apart is not just her knowledge, but the way she shows up. She values authentic connection and believes that administrative support is an extension of the therapeutic experience. Clients often experience Hannah as warm, approachable, and reassuring—someone who takes the time to listen, explain, and offer support during moments that can feel confusing or stressful. Her steady presence helps create a sense of safety and trust that reflects MEND’s commitment to whole-person care.
Hannah also works closely with therapists and leadership to support credentialing processes, onboarding, and ongoing operational needs within the practice. She brings a collaborative spirit to the team and takes pride in helping create systems that are both efficient and human-centered. Her work behind the scenes is foundational to the smooth, ethical functioning of the practice and the high standard of care MEND provides.
At the heart of Hannah’s role is her belief in healing and growth. She finds deep fulfillment in witnessing the transformation of the clients MEND serves and in supporting the clinicians who walk alongside them. She understands that every interaction—whether clinical or administrative—matters, and she approaches her work with sincerity, compassion, and professionalism.
Outside of the office, Hannah enjoys spending time with her family and finding joy in simple, grounding moments. She also loves playing with her puppies, who bring laughter, presence, and a sense of balance to her life. These connections reflect the same values Hannah brings into her work: care, consistency, and genuine connection.
Jessica Cowan, MSW, LCSW
Therapist
Jessica Cowan is a compassionate and skilled therapist who works with individuals, couples, and families navigating trauma, substance use, and complex relational dynamics. Born and raised in Farmington, Jessica brings a grounded, authentic presence to her work and believes that healing happens best in relationships built on safety, trust, and respect.
Jessica earned both her Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work from the University of Utah in 2018. Prior to entering private practice, she worked in a range of community and clinical settings, including Odyssey House of Utah, Second Chances, and Hope Rising. In these environments, Jessica supported individuals experiencing substance use disorders, veterans coping with trauma, and clients facing a wide range of mental health challenges. These experiences shaped her trauma-informed lens and deepened her understanding of how stress, loss, addiction, and relational wounds impact both the nervous system and relationships.
Jessica has a strong foundation in trauma-focused care, supporting clients as they process painful experiences at a pace that feels safe and empowering. She understands that trauma often shows up not only in thoughts and emotions, but also in the body, behaviors, and relationships. Her approach emphasizes stabilization, skill-building, and compassionate exploration—helping clients reduce shame, increase self-awareness, and reconnect with their sense of agency and resilience.
She also brings meaningful experience working with individuals and families affected by substance use. Jessica views substance use through a non-judgmental, relational lens, recognizing it as a coping strategy often rooted in trauma, stress, or unmet emotional needs. She supports clients in exploring underlying patterns, strengthening healthy coping skills, and rebuilding trust with themselves and others. Her work honors harm-reduction principles while supporting sustainable recovery and long-term healing.
In addition to her individual work, Jessica is deeply skilled in couples therapy. She helps partners navigate communication breakdowns, trust injuries, emotional disconnection, and the impact of trauma or substance use on relationships. Drawing from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and other evidence-based approaches, Jessica supports couples in slowing down conflict cycles, increasing emotional safety, and developing more secure, responsive connections. She believes couples therapy is not about assigning blame, but about understanding patterns and helping partners feel seen, heard, and supported.
Jessica integrates a variety of evidence-based modalities into her work, including CBT, ACT, EFT, DBT, and TF-CBT. She tailors her approach to each client and relationship, collaborating closely to ensure therapy feels relevant, respectful, and aligned with each person’s goals. Clients often describe Jessica as warm, steady, and easy to talk to—someone who offers both empathy and practical tools for change.
Outside of the therapy room, Jessica values movement, connection, and adventure. She enjoys snowboarding, hiking, traveling, and playing softball with her team. These activities reflect her belief that healing is not only about doing deep work, but also about reconnecting with joy, strength, and the fullness of life.
Shannon Sinclair, MSW, LCSW
Therapist
Shannon received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Dixie State University. She then went on to get her Master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California where she graduated with PHI ALPHA Honors. During her time at DSU she was named treasurer of the NAMI on Campus chapter and played an integral part in getting the chapter up and running. As part of NAMI onCampus Shannon was able to facilitate access to free QPR training for students and faculty at DSU. Shannon also served for a year as a court-appointed special advocate for the Utah office of Guardian ad Litem.
During her internship in her Master’s program, Shannon worked with clients who found themselves stuck in addiction seeking a healthy way through to sobriety. Shannon has spent many years working with adolescents and their families who struggle with a variety of mental health challenges from depression and anxiety, to addiction and trauma. Shannon is EMDR trained as well as fluent in numerous other modalities, such as CBT, DBT, Solution-Focused therapy, Family therapy, and Psychotherapy.
Shannon believes that the foundation for any therapy to have a positive effect there needs to be trust and a positive relationship with the therapist. Healing cannot take place if one does not feel comfortable enough to be open and honest with their therapist. Shannon feels strongly that the therapy environment should be one of healing that feels like a safe space to talk about everything that everyone tries to hide. Shannon is committed to working hard on building a solid rapport with her clients as a foundation for healing and growth.
Shannon grew up in Southern California and has lived in Nebraska, Colorado, and Arizona, and has been in Southern Utah for the past 18 years. She has a blended family that includes six adult children and four grandchildren and a large Neopolitan Mastiff. When not at work she enjoys spending time with her grandkids, off-roading in her Jeep, or floating in the pool.
Ken Middleton, PhD, LMFT
Therapist
For the past 30 years I have worked extensively with those who have suffered grief, loss & trauma in the mental health field. I have a proven track record of discovering new ways to reduce stigma, and educating those who want to serve others in the mental health field. My experience includes implementing and managing programs aimed at fostering a culture of authenticity, trust, and hardiness among those exposed to trauma. I am adept at providing training, confidential and empathetic counseling, crisis intervention, post-trauma services, and am committed to helping others heal and build resilience.
I stand in awe of people I have witnessed who experienced the worst I could imagine, and who, through hard work, learned to see as complex – not good or bad, and face it with composure, creativity, and gentle strength.
In my nearly three decades of walking with people experiencing great discomfort, I have learned to hold closely to these fundamentals:
1 - People cannot be, and DO NOT WANT to be, rescued from their pain. Perhaps that pain
came directly at the hands of another, or vicariously, as they tried to help someone in need and were exposed to the dark underbelly (if you know, you know). Regardless of its origin, the pain is real. No one can take it from them, and they don’t want anyone to take it from them; it is part of their journey.
2 - The real enemy of their resilience and happiness was not the trauma in and of itself, but the isolation they felt as they did what they needed to do to survive. Nothing is worse than feeling alone and helpless. Nothing gives more hope than a connection with loving, compassionate co-travelers; someone from whom they receive, and to whom they offer, genuine support.
If you believe that now is the time to begin or resume therapy, I invite you to come work with me. Please know that my goal is not to take your pain away from you, but to help you find your own physical and mental peace in your quiet moments. My job is to use evidence-based treatment to help you build relationships that are helpful to you and to important people in your life. I work also with high performance athletes of all ages to improve their mental and emotional strength. I am also fluent in Spanish.
Jodi Bean, MS, LCMHC
Therapist
Jodi has spent over twenty years working closely with children and parents, bringing deep compassion, clinical skill, and steadiness to families navigating early childhood trauma and developmental challenges. Her work is rooted in an understanding of how early experiences shape a child’s nervous system, emotional regulation, and ability to form secure, healthy relationships. Jodi is especially attuned to the subtle ways trauma can show up in young children—often through behavior, play, attachment patterns, or emotional expression rather than words.
Jodi specializes in working with children of all ages, including very young children, and is highly skilled in play therapy, sand tray, and other developmentally appropriate, evidence-based interventions. She believes children communicate through play, movement, and imagination, and she creates therapeutic spaces where children feel safe to express themselves, process experiences, and build internal resources. Through carefully guided play, sensory-based activities, and relational attunement, Jodi helps children develop emotional awareness, resilience, and a stronger sense of safety within themselves and with others.
Her work with parents is equally intentional and collaborative. Jodi understands that healing in early childhood happens best when caregivers are supported alongside their children. She partners closely with parents to help them understand their child’s behaviors through a trauma-informed lens, strengthen attachment, and build practical tools that support connection, regulation, and emotional growth at home. Families often experience Jodi as calm, grounding, and deeply validating—someone who meets both children and parents with respect and care.
Jodi holds a Master’s degree from Westminster University and has completed extensive postgraduate training in EMDR, DBT, EFT, and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, with a strong emphasis on work with children and adolescents. Her integrative approach allows her to thoughtfully tailor treatment to each child’s developmental stage, temperament, and unique needs. She values interventions that are both evidence-based and relationally rich, ensuring therapy feels effective, supportive, and attuned.
In addition to her work with children and families, Jodi is currently pursuing certification in mental sports performance, expanding her ability to support young athletes and performers with focus, confidence, emotional regulation, and resilience. This work reflects her belief that mental health, performance, and wellbeing are deeply interconnected—especially for children and adolescents navigating pressure, expectations, and identity development.
Outside of her professional life, Jodi is a lifelong learner who finds nourishment in curiosity and exploration. She loves to travel, read, and spend time in libraries, live theater, and nature—spaces she sees as deeply restorative and inspiring. Jodi is also an avid tennis player and enjoys watching all kinds of sporting events with her family, valuing shared experiences, movement, and connection as essential parts of a balanced life.
Kandace Andrews, MA, LCMHC, RPT
Therapist
Kandace specializes in play therapy and holds the Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credential. She is highly skilled in creating therapeutic environments where children can express themselves through play, creativity, movement, and imagination—often long before they have the words to explain what they are feeling. Kandace understands that children communicate through behavior and play, and she gently helps them process big emotions, traumatic experiences, and attachment disruptions in ways that feel developmentally appropriate and empowering.
In addition to play therapy, Kandace is trained in EMDR and Brainspotting, trauma-focused modalities that support the brain and nervous system in processing overwhelming experiences. She thoughtfully integrates these approaches with children and teens when appropriate, always prioritizing emotional safety, pacing, and readiness. Her trauma-informed lens allows her to support clients experiencing anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, and the impacts of early or relational trauma.
Kandace has extensive experience working with foster and adopted youth and is a nationally registered Adoption Competent Therapist through the Center for Adoption Support and Education (CASE). She understands the unique complexities of adoption, foster care, and attachment-related wounds, and she brings sensitivity, knowledge, and compassion to this work. Kandace supports children and teens in navigating identity, grief, loss, trust, and belonging, while also helping caregivers understand these experiences through a trauma-informed and attachment-based framework.
Supporting parents and caregivers is a central part of Kandace’s work. She believes the parent–child relationship is foundational to healthy development and healing, and she works closely with caregivers to strengthen connection, co-regulation, and emotional safety at home. Kandace provides trauma-informed parenting support and teaches Child–Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT), empowering parents with practical tools to deepen attachment, respond to challenging behaviors, and foster emotional growth. Her guiding philosophy—connection before correction—is woven throughout her clinical work.
Families often experience Kandace as warm, steady, and deeply attuned. She brings curiosity, patience, and collaboration into each session, helping children feel understood and parents feel supported rather than judged. Kandace believes that when children feel safe and connected, growth and resilience naturally follow.
Outside of the therapy room, Kandace values movement, nature, and balance. She enjoys hiking with her dog, rock climbing, and paddleboarding—activities that reflect her belief in the importance of embodiment, play, and nervous system regulation for overall wellbeing.
Chantel Peterson, MSW, CSW
Therapist
It is an honor for me to walk alongside people during some of the most painful and vulnerable moments of their lives. Many individuals come to therapy feeling exhausted, disconnected, or believing that they—or their relationships—are beyond healing. I consider it a privilege to hold hope for my clients during those moments, often before they are able to hold it for themselves. My goal is to help you reconnect with your inner strength, experience deeper and more fulfilling relationships, and move toward clarity, acceptance, and meaningful healing.
I bring a naturally empathetic and nonjudgmental presence into the therapy space. Both my personal and professional experiences have shaped my ability to meet people exactly where they are, with compassion and curiosity rather than judgment or expectation. I believe deeply in the goodness of people and in their capacity to grow, even when life experiences have made that difficult to see.
My therapeutic lens views behaviors not as problems to be eliminated, but as meaningful expressions of unmet needs, protective strategies, or attempts to survive challenging circumstances. Together, we work to gently identify and understand these needs while creating space for healthier, more supportive ways of coping. I strive to offer a compassionate, collaborative therapeutic relationship where your values, perspectives, and lived experiences are respected and honored.
I am especially passionate about helping clients build self-esteem, emotional awareness, and a sense of empowerment in their lives. Therapy is not about fixing what is “wrong,” but about strengthening what is already within you. I enjoy supporting individuals as they gain insight, learn practical coping tools, and develop confidence to take ownership of their lives and choices in ways that feel authentic and aligned.
I have worked in the mental health field for over ten years and recently earned my Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Utah. Throughout my training and professional experience, I have come to believe that therapy should never be one-size-fits-all. I value collaboration deeply and work with each client to create a personalized therapeutic experience that reflects their unique goals, needs, and strengths.
At its core, my approach is relational, compassionate, and client-centered. I believe healing happens within safe, respectful relationships—and that when people feel truly seen and supported, change becomes possible.
Tina Stallard Hartman, CMHCI
Therapist
Tina was born and raised on the East Coast and has called the red rocks of the Southwest home for the past six years. She feels deeply connected to the land and believes our environments—both internal and external—play an important role in healing, regulation, and restoration.
Mental health has been a central focus of Tina’s life and work for many years. She has had the opportunity to serve in impactful and innovative settings, including managing patient care in a Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) clinic, where she witnessed the powerful intersection of neuroscience, compassion, and hope. Tina has also explored integrative approaches such as the use of essential oils in therapy, appreciating how sensory experiences can support grounding, emotional safety, and nervous system regulation.
Tina is especially passionate about the brain–body connection and the promise of somatic healing modalities. She believes that healing does not live solely in words, but in the body’s ability to feel, sense, and gently reorganize after trauma. Her work is rooted in helping clients slow down, reconnect with their internal signals, and develop a deeper sense of safety within themselves. Tina is trained in Brainspotting and brings a calm, attuned, and collaborative presence to each session.
She feels particularly drawn to working with individuals navigating betrayal trauma, existential questions, and substance use concerns. Tina understands that these experiences often impact identity, trust, and one’s relationship with self and others. She strives to create a therapeutic space where clients feel deeply seen, respected, and supported as they move toward clarity, self-compassion, and meaningful change.
Outside of the therapy space, Tina finds nourishment through movement, creativity, and play. She enjoys mountain biking, listening to music, reading, and spending time doing things that invite curiosity and joy. She believes that play and pleasure are not luxuries, but essential parts of a regulated, resilient, and connected life.
