Our People

Catalyst was formed by people who value the worth of individuals and know the importance of family and a balanced lifestyle. Each is dedicated to helping students and families achieve success as they work toward a healthier lifestyle.


 

Executive Director
Therapist/Owner

Ph.D. Family and Human Development—Utah State University
M.S. Marriage and Family Therapy—Auburn University

Kreg began his studies in psychology in 1989, and quickly gained an interest and passion for working with people in general, and teens and families in particular. He loves spending time with his wife Maryn, two little girls Kamryn and Kenzie, and other family and friends. He also loves the outdoors, hiking, camping, snow skiing, and almost any other outdoor recreation. He likes endurance sports and has completed two marathons so far. He has worked with struggling adolescents and their families for the past 14 years and specializes in treating mood disorders, addictions, and family relational problems.


Marketing Director
Therapist/Owner

M.S. Social Work—Brigham Young University

Seth has worked with at risk and troubled youth for 13 years in various capacities.  He has been a gang prevention specialist, group leader for day treatment, therapist, and administrator for children and youth programs.  Seth has worked as a therapist and administrator in outpatient settings, residential treatment, and community mental health and substance abuse programs.


Clinical Director
Therapist/Owner

M.S. Marriage and Family Therapy—Utah State University

Adam has been working with youth for over 10 years.  He has been both a Clinical Director and Program Director for an adolescent drug and alcohol residential treatment center.  His focus is change within the whole family system.  He thrives to find each client's theory of change and help use his or her strengths to become healthier.  He specializes in substance abuse, anger management, family issues and conduct disorder treatment.


Admissions Director
Therapist/Owner

For the past 12 years, Jordan has been working extensively with adolescents and their families in various therapeutic settings and schools.  His style is straightforward and he has a caring and insightful approach to therapy and his relationships with others.  Jordan graduated from the University of Utah with a BA in Psychology and a Masters degree in Social Work.  Throughout school, Jordan’s clinical experience included working with adolescents and adults involved in domestic violence, sexual perpetration and substance abuse. 

Prior to joining the Catalyst team, he was the Clinical Director at Academy at Canyon Creek (a clinical boarding school for adolescents), and prior to that, he was at Gateway Academy for 4 years and Lifeline adolescent Center in Salt Lake City for 5 years. more

Jared Whipple

Program Director
Therapist/Owner

B.A. Sociology—University of Calgary
LSAC—University of Utah

Trevor is a Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor with over ten years of experience working with adolescent boys and their families. Born and raised in Calgary Alberta Canada, he has lived in Utah for the past twelve years where he has run other adolescent programs. Trevor specializes in substance abuse and addiction treatment, including individual, group, and family counseling, as well as substance abuse education. Trevor is married and has two daughters, so when he is not spending and enjoying time with the boys at Catalyst, you can find him doing so with his family at home. Trevor loves the outdoors and enjoys many activities from golfing and water sports in the summer, to skiing and snowboarding in the winter. Trevor is looking forward to the triathlon training that he will be doing with the boys at Catalyst.


Executive Board Member
Co-Owner

Craig obtained a MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Brigham Young University. He has over 17 years of experience working in the mental health field, including several years experience in residential treatment. Craig has founded, owned and operated a number of residential treatment centers and is known for his valuable consultation skills in the industry. Craig is President-elect of the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP). As part of his career and as recreation, he is passionately involved in sports, including: triathlon training, coaching, and racing; and coaching soccer, football, baseball, and wrestling.


Executive Board Member
Co-Owner

Tony has a MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from the Utah State University. He grew up in Colorado and Idaho and currently lives in Lehi, Utah. He has had experience leading treatment teams in residential treatment centers. He and his wife Cassie have four energetic children (Adelade, Truman, Beckett, and Lucy) who contribute to a very active home life. Tony's interests include photography, writing, and training for triathlons with the Telos boys. Rumor has it he does a great Yoda impersonation.


Executive Board Member
Co-Owner

Dr. Coates is an adolescent psychiatrist. Dr. Coates takes a conservative stance regarding diagnoses and patiently works toward a deep and comprehensive understanding of what each boy is dealing with. Dr. Coates is a father of five and loves spending time with his children and grandchildren.


Executive Board Member
Co-Owner

Tony has a M.Ed. in Educational Psychology from the University of Utah. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has spent his career working with youth. He has worked in various treatment programs including residential and wilderness programs. Tony grew up on the Central Coast of California. He is married to Leah, and they have four wonderful children—Anela, Taylor, Mark, and Tia. Tony enjoys playing soccer, running, biking, swimming, and spending time with his children. When Tony has time for hobbies, he enjoys working on landscaping and home construction projects.


Executive Board Member
Co-Owner

Greg has a MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Central Texas. He was born in Utah, but has spent his teenage years on the Central Coast of California. He is married to Cherry, and they have five beautiful girls at home: Kaylie, Brooklyn, Angelie, Madelyn, and Olivia. His favorite thing to do is spend time with his family. He also enjoys working on construction projects, drafting house plans, playing racquetball, and mountain biking.


Director of Medical Services

Medical Degree—University of Arizona
Masters in Public Health Degree—University of Minnesota

"Doctor Donna" as she is known at Catalyst is the Director of Medical Services. She has over 12 years of clinical experience in her—preventive medicine focused—practice. She is a member of the American College of Physicians, and the American Public Health Association. She has been an Instructor of Medicine at the Mayo Clinic, as well as a national speaker and medical consultant. Doctor Milavetz is currently licensed in the State of Utah as a Physician and Surgeon. Doctor Milavetz enjoys spending time with her family, exercising, and karaoke. She has competed in half marathon races, and is excited about the triathlon component for the boys at Catalyst. "Doctor Donna" always looks forward to working with the students, staff, and families at Catalyst.


Director of Psychiatric Services

M.D.—University of Utah

Dr. Gardiner has had an interest in medicine since his youth. His fascination with the brain and psyche led him to pursue psychiatry. He completed his psychiatric internship and residency from Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona in 2000, and has been board-certified in general psychiatry since 2002. Dr. Gardiner has been employed with a community mental health center; has been involved in the part-time private practice of psychiatry since 2001 where he has treated general psychiatric problems in adult and adolescent outpatients. Dr. Gardiner has taken a particular interest in treating adolescents in long-term care residential treatment centers given the intensity of treatment, the team approach, and the length of time allowed which all work together to effect true behavioral change in these patients. He believes in a holistic approach to practicing psychiatry which addresses biological, psychological and social causes of "dis-ease" in patients. He has a particular interest in treating mood, anxiety, and addictive disorders and has expertise in treating those that have been refractory to previous treatments. Dr. Gardiner strongly believes in an integrated approach to treatment and regularly provide both the psychotherapy and medication management for his patients. He prides himself in providing comprehensive, competent, compassionate, and respectful care for each patient that enters his practice.


Mentor

B.S. Psychology—Utah State University

Jared's passion is the science of happiness, and truly enjoys working with adolescents and their families. He has worked as a youth and family counselor with Juvenile Justice Services here in Brigham City. His graduate work was completed at Utah State University and Liberty University in Psychology and Counseling. Jared grew up in Northern Utah and Southern Idaho. He is the proud father of a remarkable boy. Jared is an amateur astronomer, likes to cook, enjoys water sports, and snow skiing and snowmobiling in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Jared enjoys playing soccer, softball, BMX, and spending time with his son.

Jared Whipple

Catalyst