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 17 years and specializes in treating mood disorders, addictions, and family relational problems.

Marketing Director
Therapist/Owner

Master of Social Work—Brigham Young University

Seth has worked with adolescents for 16 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. Getting out of town is Seth's favorite free time event and he enjoys running amok in the mountains of Utah with his wife and four children.

Clinical Director
Therapist/Owner

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

Adam has been working with youth for over 12 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 14 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

Primary Therapist

Batchelor of Science —Universtiy of Utah
Master of Social Work—University of Denver

Colleen joined the Catalyst team in 2008 and brought 11 years of experience in working with adolecents in a variety of settings from outpatient therapy to residential treatment. Colleen specializes in treating addictive behaviors and difficulties related to attachment and adoption. Throughout Colleen's career, she has been known for her caring, no-nonsense manner that enables her to get in the "student's world" and connect with the families she serves. In her free time, Colleen enjoys being with her husband, daughter, and son in the great outdoors.

Program Manager

Bachelor of Music—Utah State Univeristy

Mike came to Catalyst as a mentor in 2008 with a wealth of experience in education, music performance, and music theory. In addition to teaching our music theory class, Mike has taken over the duties of managing our milieu in order to create a safe and fun environment in which the young men at Catalyst can thrive. Mike trains our mentors, educates the young men in musical theory, and works along side the boys on a daily basis. Mike is a drummer in a local "ska" band and likes to spend his free time hiking the mountains with his wife and riding his bike on the rural roads of Cache Valley.

Recreation Therapist/Mentor

B.S. Recreation Management and Youth Leadership,
emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation—Brigham Young University

Kylie completed her studies in Recreational Therapy at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Over the past four years, she has worked in several adolescent treatment settings such as residential treatment centers, juvenile correctional facilities, and wilderness programs. Her passion for the outdoors and for people led her to begin her career at Catalyst Residential Treatment Center in the summer of 2008, where she completed her first triathlon. Kylie enjoys spending time with her husband participating in sports such as snow skiing, backpacking, mountain biking and wakeboarding as well as many other competitive and leisure sports.

Academic Director
English Instructor

M.S. English Literature and Writing—Utah State University

Nicole teaches an English composition and literature class at Catalyst. She also works with Catalyst students as the Academic Director, helping students create their educational plans and get prepared for graduation and college. She is also an adjunct lecturer at Salt Lake Community College and Utah State University Brigham City campus, where she is currently the interim director of the Writing Center. Nicole enjoys running, reading, cooking, and writing, and she loves spending time with her family.

Matt Gardiner, MD

Director of Psychiatric & Medical 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.

Medical Service Coordinator/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