Jon Larsen, M.S. LMFT
Executive Director
Jon received his Master of Science Degree from Auburn University in Marriage and Family Therapy. Prior to coming to Mountain Springs Academy, he worked as a therapist and clinical director at two different residential treatment centers (one large co-ed facility and one smaller girls-only facility).
Jon Larsen, M.S. LMFT
Executive Director
Shawnale Wilson
Admission's Director
Shawnale has over two decades of experience in Admissions for adolescent treatment programs and is excited to work with families and students at Mountain Springs.
Shawnale Wilson
Admission's Director
Becca Black, BS
Academic Director
Becca was born and raised in Blanding, Utah. She attended Southern Utah University here in Cedar City, where she received a Bachelors Degree in Mathematics with a minor in Physics.
Becca Black, BS
Academic Director
Ariel Rhoades, M.Ed.
Assistant Executive Director
Ariel has worked at Mountain Springs since 2006. She is dedicated to helping youth transform their lives through meaningful relationships and experiences. She has always worked—and plans to always work—with youth in both educational and recreational settings.
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Ariel Rhoades, M.Ed.
Assistant Executive Director
Megan Henningson
Director of Operations
Megan has been with Mountain Springs since 2006. She began her MSPA career as a line staff/mentor, has cooked for the students, was the Morning Team Leader, Staff Manager and now the Director of Operations. Megan graduated Southern Utah University in May 2007 with a Bachelor's in Psychology.
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Megan Henningson
Director of Operations
Taylor Krumm
Program Manager
Taylor joined the Mountain Springs Team in 2020. She started as a Mentor, then was our Bridge Manager for two years, and is now working as our Program Manager. Taylor discovered her passion in serving troubled youth when she worked at an agency for disabled youth.
Taylor Krumm
Program Manager
Tawny Thomas, LCSW
CERTS Chief Operating Officer
Tawny is CERTS Chief Operating Officer. Prior to this position, Tawny served in other capacities at CERTS. She was the Executive Director of Kolob Canyon and Moonridge Academy for over 10 years. Most recently she was the CERTS Director of Marketing and Business Development.
Tawny Thomas, LCSW
CERTS Chief Operating Officer
Marcy Clark
Director of Marketing and Outreach
After raising her kids to the age of elementary school, Marcy decided to put some time and energy into being a part of something bigger. She started working as a mentor in a residential setting. Shortly after that she transitioned to the admission team and then to the position of Admissions Director.
Marcy Clark
Director of Marketing and Outreach
Ariel Rhoades, M.Ed.
Assistant Executive Director
Ariel has worked at Mountain Springs since 2006. She is dedicated to helping youth transform their lives through meaningful relationships and experiences. She has always worked—and plans to always work—with youth in both educational and recreational settings.
Ariel Rhoades, M.Ed.
Assistant Executive Director
Kensie Savage
Advisor
Kensie graduated from Southern Utah University with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Family Life and Human Development and a minor in Psychology. Kensie has worked with children and teenagers at DCFS and in a Residential Treatment Center, working with students who come from many different backgrounds. All have experienced various types of trauma and struggle to find the best versions of themselves.
Kensie Savage
Advisor
Russell Cowley, MFA
Advisor
Russell began his own adult journey by earning a degree in Music Performance from DePaul University, and an MFA from the California Institute of the arts. Since then, he has worked with teens as a teacher and mentor. He first began teaching college music courses at CalArts, and as a private music instructor.
Russell Cowley, MFA
Advisor
Brooklyn Blanchard
Advisor
Brooklyn carries an unwavering passion for empowering youth to triumph over life’s hurdle. Brooklyn’s mission is to guide, support, and uplift youth to help them conquer challenges and embark on a journey towards success...
Brooklyn Blanchard
Advisor
TJ Penrod
Advisor
TJ Penrod has worked mentoring teens for over 20 years in residential programs and in the community. Prior to joining the Advisor Team at Mountain Springs, TJ worked as a Residential Director at another one of the CERTS Programs. At that same program, TJ taught Social Studies for a few years.
TJ Penrod
Advisor
Becca Black, BS
Academic Director/Physics Teacher
Becca was born and raised in Blanding, Utah. She is received her Bachelor's degree through Southern Utah University, where she is majored in Mathematics. She is also receiving a minor in Physics as it is her “guilty pleasure”. Becca is passionate about math and science and loves making these subjects fun for her students.
Becca Black, BS
Academic Director/Physics Teacher
Mark Howard, BS
Social Studies Teacher
Mark graduated from Utah State University with a B.S. in History and Geography. He has taught Social Studies, computers, language, and coached sports teams and academic teams for 35 years in Nevada. While teaching there he received Teacher of the Year award from the district and his academic team won two state championships.
Mark Howard, BS
Social Studies Teacher
Denice Daughton, BS
Science Teacher
Denice graduated from Southern Utah University with Bachelor's in Science in Science & Health with an emphasis in teaching. In 2012 she was awarded Outstanding Educator of the Year. Denice's philosophy on education is "I aim to bring an open mind, a positive attitude, and high expectations to the classroom each day".
Denice Daughton, BS
Science Teacher
Rebecca Jorgensen, M. Ed.
English Teacher
Rebecca built her career teaching English in Iron County School District’s alternative programs where her passion for helping at-risk teens develop skills in literacy and critical thinking was honored with the prestigious Power of the Dream award. She has a B.A. in English and an M.Ed. in Instructional Design from Southern Utah University.
Rebecca Jorgensen, M. Ed.
English Teacher
Carlie Hulet, BS
Art and Special Education Teacher
Carlie Hulet is from Hurricane, Utah. She received her Bachelor's in Math Education with an Art minor from Southern Utah University in 2009 and has been teaching in Iron County ever since. Carlie has a passion for learning and continued her education taking masters classes at SUU and received a Special Education Endorsement during her first year of teaching.
Carlie Hulet, BS
Art and Special Education Teacher
Erin Ashdown, M.Ed.
Math Teacher
Erin has built her professional career working with adolescents in both the Residential Treatment setting and in the public schools of Oregon, Utah and Arizona. She graduated from Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR in 2004 with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Psychology, and in 2008 with a Master’s degree in Secondary Education
Erin Ashdown, M.Ed.
Math Teacher
Nancy Ward, BS
Math Teacher
Nancy was born and raised in Southern California, she moved to Cedar to attend college at Southern Utah University and pursue a degree in Pure Mathematics.
Nancy Ward, BS
Math Teacher
Diana Mitchell, BS
Spanish Teacher
Diana is a native of Southern California. She came to Cedar City on a track and cross country scholarship and was a star runner during her years at Southern Utah University. She was a five time NCAA all academic athlete. She graduated with a math education major and Spanish minor. She is fluent in Spanish and loves teaching her native language to her students.
Diana Mitchell, BS
Spanish Teacher
Emma Jo Adams
Admissions Counselor/Registrar
Emma Jo began her career at Mountain Springs Preparatory Academy in 2020. She attended the culinary program at Southwest Tech and started out as a weekend cook at Mountain Springs Preparatory Academy. She transitioned into the mentor position, eventually becoming the morning team leader and held that position for over 2 years.
Emma Jo Adams
Admissions Counselor/Registrar
Samantha Tiul, RN
Nurse
Sam graduated from Southern Utah University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a minor in Psychology. She loves mental health as well as working with teenagers. Born and raised in a small town in Connecticut, Sam enjoys hiking through the scenic views southern Utah has to offer. She also loves spending time with her family, friends, dogs, and cats.
Samantha Tiul, RN
Nurse
Dr. Ryan Williams, MD
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Dr. Williams is board certified in both psychiatry and pediatrics and has also completed training in child psychiatry as well as child abuse and neglect. He completed his adult and adolescent psychiatric as well as pediatric training at Tufts University in Boston MA, where he worked for two years as the chief resident. There he learned from prominent members of the field of psychiatry.
Dr. Ryan Williams, MD
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Lisa Anderson, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Lise is board-certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and is licensed in Utah and Arizona as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
Lisa Anderson, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Taylor Krumm
Program Manager
Taylor joined the Mountain Springs Team in 2020. She started as a Mentor, then was our Bridge Manager for two years, and is now working as our Program Manager. Taylor discovered her passion in serving troubled youth when she worked at an agency for disabled youth.
Taylor Krumm
Program Manager
Shaylee McDonald
Staff Manager
Shaylee is a dedicated professional with five years of experience in leadership roles within the health and wellness industry. A proud graduate of Southern Utah University with a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science. Read More
Shaylee McDonald
Staff Manager
DeeDee Mitchell
Office Manager
Deidra, known as Deedee by most, moved to Cedar City with her family, from southern California in 1993, graduating from Cedar High School. Deedee and her husband have raised 3 sons together.
DeeDee Mitchell
Office Manager
Jacob Almeida
Bridge Coach
Jake Almeida joined the Mountain Springs team in 2022 and started as a mentor. He then transitioned to the Team Coach position. During his year at MSPA, Jake has gained a passion for helping our students grow into the best version of themselves.
