491 E Riverside Drive, Saint George, Utah 84790, United States
Jennie Pool MS, LCMHC, BSP, LMT
Clinical Director & Therapist - MEND Partner Owner
Jennie has worked in the therapeutic industry for over two decades and has spent much of her time developing her therapy skills in wilderness therapy, residential treatment facilities, and in private practice settings. She has a creative approach, and in this arena she honed her skills to build a strong empathetic approach and therapeutic relationship with each client.
She has advanced training in somatic trauma release therapies including Brainspotting, Neurofeedback, and Trauma Release Bodytalk. She specializes in trauma, anxiety, and depression helping clients learn to recognize and regulate their nervous systems. She also works with children, adolescents, couples and all ages of clients with co-occurring diagnosis.
Jennie works extensively with each client to help them gain more emotional awareness while providing them with beneficial coping skills to help them manage and regulate their emotions. In her approach she discusses the importance of secure attachments, and does deep relationship work. She also explores how the brain wires for experiences, both negative and positive. Each client has the opportunity to learn how to rewire for positive based experiences to create a balanced life.
Jennie loves to be outdoors and takes advantage of being in nature as much as possible. She believes we all need places we can retreat to for healing and re-connection of ourselves. She notes, “There can be such a deep unwinding, calming and peace that can come with sitting with one’s self and exploring our depths.”
Jennie has four boys and believes one of her greatest jobs is to be present, connected, and learn as much from them as they from her. She also likes to read, and loves to run, workout and be as active as possible.
Beau Hayes
Marketing Director - MEND Partner Owner
Beau has been a successful owner and business manager for multiple companies. He brings his extensive knowledge in customer/client relations and marketing expertise. He comes to MEND with a desire to help increase awareness for mental health resources. Beau understands the growing need for mental health support services and works in collaboration with our referral partners to build relationships so as to create a pathway for clients to find the necessary support they need.
Beau has two of his own sons and two step sons he loves dearly. One of his greatest joys in life is playing in the dirt and riding bikes with his sons. In his past he rode motocross/enduro racing professionally and on his time off can be found riding trails on his motocross bikes, mountain biking, or hiking with his family.
Hannah Frehner
Program Director/Office Manager - MEND Partner Owner
Hannah has worked in the mental health industry for over four years. She loves seeing people we work with heal and become the best versions of themselves. Hannahs calm and caring nature is felt everywhere she goes. When she isn't busy at work she enjoys spending time with her family and playing with her puppies.
Jessica Cowan, MSW, LCSW
Therapist
Jessica Cowan was born and raised in the beautiful town of Farmington, Utah. After graduating from Viewmont High School, she headed east where her passion for working with people began as an Aupair in New York. She then returned to Utah to earn her BSW and MSW from the University of Utah in 2018. Jessica has worked at Odyssey House of Utah, Second Chances, and Hope Rising, where she has helped individuals struggling with substance use disorders, veterans, and mental health disorders.
Now working in private practice for the first time, Jessica enjoys working with all ages and is well-versed in various therapeutic techniques such as CBT, ACT, EFT, DBT, and TF-CBT. When she's not helping others, you'll find Jessica hitting the slopes for some snowboarding, exploring the great outdoors through hiking, traveling, or dominating on the softball field with her team.
Krystal Jones, MS, LCMHC
Therapist
Krystal has spent her whole professional life working with kids and families who come from hard places. She spent 14 years with the State of Utah serving as a foster care caseworker, Transition to Adult Living Coordinator for foster youth aging out of the system, and as a Clinical Adoption Specialist trying to keep adopted youth in their home with the challenges that adoption and trauma compound.
In 2019, Krystal was sent to Texas to be trained in Trust Based Relational Interventions (TBRI®) . Since being trained, she has worked with hundreds of professionals and families to regain connection, hope, and joy in their homes and within their families. Krystal believes that ALL behavior originates from a need. She also believes that building a culture of TBRI within your home will transform your relationships and your life. (TBRI®) is a set of principles and interventions designed to help caregivers and professionals disarm fear-based behaviors and build a connection with children to help them reach their highest potential and regulate difficult behaviors. Krystal firmly believes that it takes a village/tribe to raise children and she hopes that one day, everyone will know about TBRI®. As a therapist, she hopes to help those struggling find purpose, joy, and be actively engaged in a mindful existence.
Dr. Karyn Purvis is quoted for saying, "We cannot teach our children something we do not live." Krystal spends her spare time mindfully engaged in play with her son and the oodles of friends he brings. She enjoys gardening and swimming but spends more time camping in her RV, riding RZRs and dirtbikes, and getting lost in the wilderness.
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.
Bradley Francis, MSW, LCSW
Therapist
Brad received his Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Utah in 2014. He has enjoyed providing therapy in a variety of settings including public school systems, and private practice. He is excited to be a part of the Mend team.
His specialties include:
Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy for children and adults (Asperger’s, Autism Spectrum 1, High Functioning Autism, ADHD, OCD, and Sensory Processing Disorders.) Treatment for Depression, Anxiety, Trauma Recovery, Addiction Recovery, Grief and Loss, Divorce and
Separation, Reconciliation, and Building Resiliency.
Brad is always seeking knowledge on new strategies and therapies and loves to celebrate small victories. He relies on traditional approaches that focus on acceptance and affirmation, as well as solutions, including Trauma Informed CBT, Solution Focused Therapy, Education, Motivational Strategies, Somatic Sensory Strategies, Relaxation, and Mindfulness. Brad loves what he does and works hard to help clients feel relaxed and calm while working through difficult emotions.
What Is Neurodivergence?
Although ND has come to include a variety of diagnosis, most of my clients have official or self-diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Level 1 (High Functioning Autism or Asperger’s), ADHD, Social Anxiety, and Sensory Processing challenges, along with co-occurring depression, anxiety, and post trauma stress. A neurodivergent person has one or more ways in which their brain functions outside the "typical" way. Every person’s brain develops differently, and as such it impacts how we think, feel, and behave in different ways. It also impacts how we perceive the world around us. Neurodivergence by itself is not an illness that needs to be treated. Neurodivergence comes with strengths and advantages. The Harvard
Business Review has called neurodivergence a "competitive advantage,” in the workplace.
What Is Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy?
Many people do not have an official medical diagnosis but rather are self-diagnosed after doing much research on their own. An official ASD diagnosis can be cumbersome and expensive. Brad can discuss what steps can be taken to receive an official diagnosis, as well as responsible steps towards self-diagnosis, and the pros and cons of both. Brad takes great care to not stigmatize differences as wrong just because they may not fit with what is typical. Just like neurotypical minds, neurodivergence is not without deficits. Brad can assist clients in the process of getting to know yourself better, understanding how your brain works, and how it affects your day to day life including challenges and successes . Brad holds the space to honor a clients full experience, and together discover what might work for clients so they can live an authentic life and feel competent in facing challenges.
Topics Brad can address include masking, introspection, burnout, executive functioning, sensory sensitivities, body/muscle tension, sleep problems, navigating relationships, co-occurring depression and anxiety, including social and rejection trauma.
Melissa Bradford, MA, CMHC
Therapist
For the past 16 years, I've had the privilege of guiding clients on the journey to craft lives filled with meaning and fulfillment. My passion lies in empowering individuals to uncover their truest selves and navigate life's complexities with resilience and grace. My approach is deeply rooted in compassion and understanding, particularly in addressing life transitions, trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, and attachment challenges utilizing a trauma informed framework that is specialized to your needs.
I engaged in a year-long training and I've dedicated myself to mastering ketamine assisted therapy and ketamine integration therapy, a groundbreaking modality that offers transformative shifts in thought patterns, potentially catalyzing profound life changes.
Furthermore, my expertise extends to somatic techniques, where I integrate the wisdom of the body into healing practices. Through methods such as the vibroacoustic table, meditation, and breathwork, I facilitate the harmonious alignment of mind and body to create a more holistic healing.
As a parent who has navigated the intricacies of adoption through DCFS, I intimately grasp the nuances of attachment issues. This personal experience fuels my commitment to guiding others through their own attachment journeys with empathy, compassion, and insight.
Life's journey is unpredictable, often fraught with challenges. My mission is to illuminate the path to healing by harnessing the transformative power of the mind, body, and soul. Together, let's embark on a journey of growth, resilience, and profound self-discovery."
Jodi Bean, MS, LCMHC
Therapist
Jodi has spent the last 20 years working with children and parents, specializing in early childhood trauma and its impact on a child's development, particularly their ability to relate and connect with others.
She holds a Master's degree from Westminster University and has completed postgraduate certifications in EMDR, DBT, EFT, and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, with a focus on children and adolescents. Currently, she is working on a certification in mental sports performance to assist athletes.
When not pursuing further educational opportunities, Jodi loves to travel, read, and spend time in libraries, live theater, and nature. She is an avid tennis player and enjoys watching all kinds of sporting events with her family.
Dawn McComb, ACMHC, SUDC, CLC
Therapist
Dawn focuses much of her therapeutic work on somatic therapy and a believes finding happiness and fulfillment are available when we heal the nervous system and can return to being grounded and balanced. Gaining insight to what is driving behavior and aligning heart, mind and body can be challenging. You don't have to go through this challenge alone. Behavior is driven by many factors, emotional, intellectual, spiritual and neurological. We can believe something and act in a manner contrary to what we want or believe. That dissonance can cause suffering. Understanding what drives your behavior can be foundational to feeling peace.
Working somatically as well as spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually we can explore behaviors that change thinking patterns as well as belief systems that change behaviors.
Giving yourself and others the love and compassion you want from the world and learning how to lean into the joy of life. Learning how to walk, centered in your truth through all the challenges life has to offer is the greatest of all work. - The best way out is through - Robert Frost
