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Karen Nickel, MS Ed, MS
Owner, Director of Residential Treatment Programs
Karen has 18 years of residential treatment center experience and specializes in treating adolescents and families. She also specializes in cognitvely impaired adolescent program development. Karen recieved her BS degree in Administration of Justice from Wichita State University. She has a Masters of Education, as well as a Masters of Counseling from University of Phoenix. Karen is a Certified Lifeguard and Safety Trainer and is a Certified USA Swimming Coach.
Karen@waterfallcanyon.com
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Kathy Nickel Sotomayor, BS
Owner, Director of Human Resources/Finances
Kathy has served as HR Director and Treasurer of the company since 1996. She has 14 years of experience in human resources, bookkeeping, and quality assurance. Kathy recieved her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Weber State University. She is also a Certified USA Swimming Coach.
Kathy@waterfallcanyon.com
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Richard Dimick, MSW
Owner, Director of Independent Living Program
Rich has served as the Excecutive Director of the company since 1996. He was previously the President of Utah Youth Providers Network and is a past Board Member of Utah State Office of Licensing. Rich has provided services to troubled teens since 1988 and has served on numerous committees with a focus on improving services to Utah youth and families. He recieved his BS degree in Psychology from Utah State University and his Masters of Social Work from the University of Utah. Rich has lifelong experiences in hunting, fishing and the outdoors.
Rich@waterfallcanyon.com
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Frank Nickel
Chairman of the Board
- Employed by American Standard Corp. from 1964 to 1990; 13 years as Manager of Engineering and 10 years as General Manager
- Partner with Los Angeles Fireproof Door Company from 1990 to 1999
- Owner of B&F Supply Co. from 1999 to 2003
Frank@waterfallcanyon.com
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Laura Kemper, MSW, LCSW
Director of Admissions
Laura joined Waterfall Canyon Academy having worked in the mental health field since 1999. Laura was most recently an Educational Consultant helping families in crisis and researching and evaluating therapeutic programs on a national and international level. Prior to consulting, Laura worked as a wilderness therapist providing therapy to adolescents at an outdoor wilderness program. In addition, Laura has worked as a Crisis Intervention Specialist at the University of Utah Hospital, worked as a case-manager at a local homeless shelter and conducted research on drug and alcohol programs for the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Consortium, Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Utah. Laura holds a BS in Speech-Language Pathology and Hearing Science and MA in Social Work from The University of Utah. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. In her free time, Laura enjoys running, swimming, pilates and hiking in the foothills with her two black labs, Ellie and Sue. Laura is originally from the South but has been a resident of Utah since 1997.
Laura@waterfallcanyon.com
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Ryan Richter, MS, LPC
Clinical Director
Ryan has been working with youth and their families since 1996. He has worked in several different positions during his career. He has been a supervisor over several residential programs at Progressive Youth, director of these same programs, and is currently working with the great clinical team at Waterfall Canyon. Ryan is a certified MRT (Moral Reconation Therapy) counselor, a Certified Positive Control Instructor and was recognized by The Utah Counseling Association, Utah Mental Health Association and University of Phoenix as Counselor of the Year in 2006. He has also enjoyed working with adult substance abusers in the community and aiding them in their quest for sobriety. Ryan is married and has three wonderful children. He enjoys spending time with family, camping, fishing, and running.
Ryan@waterfallcanyon.com |
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Felicia Fernandez, MSW
Medication Coordinator
Felicia has worked for the company for 7 years. She began as a Lead Staff in the residential programs while finishing her BA degree in Social Work from Weber State University. She left to pursue a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work at Michigan State University. Upon graduation, Felicia moved back to Utah and returned to the company as the Clinical Coordinator. Felicia has held the position of Medication Coordinator since 2007. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her husband, two daughters, and large extended family.
Felicia@waterfallcanyon.com
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Danna Schow, MSN, APRN, FNP-C
Danna attended Napa Valley College in California and obtained her Associates Degree in Nursing and passed her RN boards in 1994. After several years working in geriatric settings, hospitals, and psychiatry, she enrolled with University of Phoenix for her BSN, then later obtained her MSN with an emphasis on Family Nurse Practioner. During her Master's courses she would travel to California and/or Phoenix each week. After completing graduation she sat for certification with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Utah licenses NP's as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN).
Danna@waterfallcanyon.com
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Kate Lovatt, LCSW
Therapist
Kate joined our Waterfall Canyon team in 2009, from her previous home of Maui. Originally from Michigan, Kate is enjoying being able to again take advantage of the full four seasons back on the mainland. In her free time, you often find Kate outdoors with her husband- hiking, biking, rollerblading, camping, and skiing. Kate is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been working as a therapist with adolescents and families for over six years. She has worked with inner city children in Chicago and Michigan. She recently worked as a therapist on Maui at a public high school. She is very passionate about her work and thoroughly enjoys our youth.
Kate@waterfallcanyon.com |
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Dusty Edgerton, LMFT
Therapist
Dusty has worked as a therapist on our clinical team since 2007. Dusty has worked in various capacities in the mental health field since 1997. Dusty received his Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Family Studies from Weber State University and his Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Utah State University.
Dusty@waterfallcanyon.com
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Travis Christensen, LPC
Therapist
Travis has been a therapist with Waterfall Canyon Academy since 2008. Travis has worked in the mental health field either as a direct care line staff, supervisor, director, therapist, and associate clinical director for the past 14 years. He has worked in a variety of settings and populations. These include working in wilderness programs, residential programs, and therapeutic boarding schools for adolescents. He also has experience in crisis work at hospitals for adults and adolescents. Travis has been a therapist since 2005 and loves his job.
Travis@waterfallcanyon.com |
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Darlene Pinkston, LCSW
Therapist
Darlene was born in Southern California but has lived the majority of her life in Northern Utah. She started her career in Social Work in 1985, working for the Kansas state foster care system. Since then she has worked in a variety of therapeutic settings, both outpatient and residential, with persons who are challenged with addiction, chronic mental illness, correctional issues, as well as cognitive, behavioral and physical challenges. Darlene recieved her Bachelor's Degree from Utah State University and her Masters from University of Utah. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Darlene is happy to return to the company, having previously worked here for nine years. She is married with two wonderful daughters.
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Emily Daughton, BS
Lead Certified Teacher
Emily has been with OakGrove School since 2005 and Waterfall Canyon Academy since 2007. She worked in science education for 10 years before coming to work for Oak Grove School. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Middle Tennessee State University and her Utah Teaching Certification from Western Governors University. Emily has also been a certified Yoga Instructor since 2002. Her interests include animals, science, music, backpacking, reading, kids, and spending time with her husband. |
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Heidi Perry
School Coordinator
Girls Program Director
Heidi has worked for our company since 2000. Prior to working for us she spent two years supervising a boys and girls residential program for Youth and Family Centered Services and three years working on Intermountain Health Care's Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Residential and Acute Units (coed). She is a working mom of husband, three kids, and three creatures. She enjoys hiking, camping, reading and playing with her kids. |
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Carson Ray
South Campus (700) Coordinator
Carson has worked for our company since 2000. Prior to working for the company, Carson worked for McKay-Dee Behavioral Health in their Adolescent Substance Abuse Unit. He also worked for five years in a state detention center for Juvenile Justice Services. Carson has attended many conferences on gang/youth violence, mental health, and behavior management. He has also served on community chairs for Ogden City and Ogden-Weber Community Action Agency. He has also been involved with the local Youth Impact program. Carson is a third generation journeyman baker and has worked as a Pastry Chef and Bakery Manager. Carson is the father of two children and enjoys quality time with family and friends. He also enjoys outside summer and winter recreation.
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Bree Green
North Campus Coordinator
Bree has worked for Waterfall Canyon Academy since 2006 as the Program Coordinator of the North Campus. Prior to that she worked for two years as a Case Manager at Weber Human Services, a county mental health agency, assisting transition aged teens find independence and build self-esteem. She is currently pursuing her Bachelors Degree in Human Services. Bree is a certified instructor for Positive Control Systems and CPR and First Aid. She has two children who are the light of her life. She enjoys reading, movies, camping, and spending time with her children and her students, who keep her laughing all the time.
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