Havenwood Academy Podcast

Josh Gardner
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Hosted by Josh Gardner - CFO of Havenwood Academy - this show takes you behind the scenes of Havenwood Academy, a world-class residential treatment center in Cedar City, Utah. Each episode shares real stories from our dedicated care providers - the people on the front lines helping young women heal from complex trauma, rebuild trust, and reclaim hope. You’ll hear the challenges, breakthroughs, and deeply human moments that make this work life-changing. If you care about mental health, trauma-informed care, and the power of community, this is your inside look at how resilience is built and lives are transformed.

  1. Andrea Morgan – Assistant Academic Director at Havenwood Academy

    1D AGO

    Andrea Morgan – Assistant Academic Director at Havenwood Academy

    What if the problem isn’t that students can’t learn… but that traditional school systems were never designed for them in the first place? In this episode, we sit down with Andrea Morgan, Assistant Academic Director at Havenwood Academy, to explore how education changes when emotional safety comes before academic performance. Andrea shares how Havenwood is redefining what school looks like for students who have experienced trauma, failure, or deep frustration with traditional education. From small class sizes and individualized pacing to integrating therapy with academics, this conversation challenges long-held assumptions about how students learn and succeed. They dive into what it really means to measure academic success, why confidence often has to come before achievement, and how giving students even small choices can completely shift their relationship with learning. This episode is a powerful reminder that when students feel safe, supported, and seen, everything else can follow. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why emotional regulation is the foundation for learningHow Havenwood structures school differently to rebuild student confidenceWhat academic success looks like beyond grades and transcriptsThe role of flexibility, choice, and individualized supportWhy healing often needs to come before academic progressWhether you're an educator, parent, or leader in behavioral health, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on what’s possible when we rethink the purpose of school.

    8 min
  2. Preeya Alestas – Admissions Specialist at Havenwood Academy

    MAR 17

    Preeya Alestas – Admissions Specialist at Havenwood Academy

    What does the first day of trauma treatment look like for a young person arriving at Havenwood Academy? In this episode, Josh Gardner sits down with Preeya Alestas, Admissions Specialist at Havenwood Academy, to talk about the role admissions plays in creating a safe and supportive start to the healing journey. Preeya shares how her own background and passion for mental health led her to Havenwood, and why the intake process can be one of the most important moments in a student’s treatment experience. From anticipating needs to building trust with both students and families, she explains how small, intentional actions can make a big difference. They also discuss the culture at Havenwood, the importance of trauma-informed care, and the behind-the-scenes work teams do to support both students and parents during difficult transitions. In this conversation, you’ll hear about: Why innovation and systems matter in trauma treatmentHow the admissions process sets the tone for healingThe importance of anticipating the needs of students and familiesWhat trauma-informed care looks like in everyday interactionsWhy healing is rarely linearThe culture and mission that make Havenwood uniquePreeya also shares a powerful full-circle moment from her own life that deepened her connection to the work. If you want a closer look at the people behind trauma treatment and the intentional care that goes into supporting families, this episode offers an honest and thoughtful perspective from the front lines of admissions at Havenwood Academy.

    11 min
  3. Russell Williams – Director of Quality Assurance at Havenwood Academy

    MAR 10

    Russell Williams – Director of Quality Assurance at Havenwood Academy

    How do you use data to improve care without losing sight of the human story behind it? In this episode, Russell Williams, Director of Quality Assurance at Havenwood Academy, shares how thoughtful systems and real-time feedback help create safer, higher quality environments for youth in residential treatment. Russell explains how Havenwood tracks quality behind the scenes while keeping relationships at the center of care. From walkthroughs and maintenance reporting to root cause analysis and staff feedback loops, he breaks down how the team identifies problems early and turns lessons from failure into better systems. The conversation also explores how transparency builds trust with staff, families, and youth, why psychological safety is critical for honest reporting, and how leadership balances standardized processes with the relational side of treatment. If you care about improving outcomes in behavioral health while protecting the human side of care, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how quality systems can support both.

    6 min
  4. Stacy Holbrook - Therapist at Havenwood Academy

    MAR 3

    Stacy Holbrook - Therapist at Havenwood Academy

    In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Stacy Holbrook, a Licensed Marriage and Family Child Therapist and clinician at Havenwood Academy. Stacy shares her journey from aspiring neonatal surgeon to passionate trauma therapist, and why she was drawn to Havenwood's unique ranch-based, experiential approach to healing. Discover what makes Havenwood stand out: deep compassion, unconditional support, Bruce Perry's Neurosequential Model principles (Relational, Relevant, Repetitive, Rhythmic, Respectful), world-class trauma treatment delivered with hotel-level care, and the power of everyday moments—like taking a student shopping for her first personal clothes or watching stress melt away during time with the animals. Stacy opens up about building safe, trusting relationships with girls who've often been let down by the world, navigating tough days with nature resets on the ranch, and the joy of seeing transformation through consistency, patience, and genuine connection. She also highlights exciting updates like new school integrations with Iron County School District, expanded extracurriculars (swim team, speech & debate, theater, and more), and the message she has for students, families, and staff: healing happens when you engage for yourself. Whether you're a parent, professional in behavioral health, or simply interested in trauma recovery and residential care, this conversation showcases the real impact of compassionate, individualized treatment in a nurturing environment.

    18 min
  5. Caleb Cluff – Therapist at Havenwood Academy

    FEB 24

    Caleb Cluff – Therapist at Havenwood Academy

    What does world-class trauma treatment actually look like in practice? In this episode, Caleb Cluff, Therapist and Equine Therapist at Havenwood Academy, shares what drew him to trauma work and why Havenwood stands out. From creating emotionally safe environments to integrating equine therapy, structured rhythms, and continuous improvement, Caleb offers a grounded look at how healing really happens. He talks about why trauma treatment isn’t about “fixing” people - but creating growth opportunities. Why healing looks more like a scatterplot than a straight line. And how long-term perspective, grit, and a growth mindset shape both client outcomes and staff development. You’ll hear: Why culture and continuous improvement matter in trauma careHow Bruce Perry’s trauma-informed principles are lived out dailyThe power of structure, repetition, and relational safetyWhat outsiders never see about the real work behind healingWhy focusing on values—not external success—leads to lasting fulfillmentThis conversation is a thoughtful, behind-the-scenes look at the intentional work that supports real, lasting healing.

    11 min
  6. Jake Clayton – Executive Director at Havenwood Academy

    FEB 17

    Jake Clayton – Executive Director at Havenwood Academy

    In this episode, Jake Clayton, Executive Director at Havenwood Academy, takes us inside the daily realities of running a world-class behavioral healthcare program. Jake shares how he balances guest satisfaction, employee engagement, and program growth while making tough strategic decisions that prioritize mission over short-term efficiency. From navigating personnel challenges to overhauling training systems, Jake explains the uncomfortable truths he’s faced as a leader and how those lessons shape a culture of excellence. He also reveals the key indicators he monitors to ensure Havenwood remains a top destination for both clients and talented professionals. Whether you’re a leader in healthcare, education, or any mission-driven organization, Jake’s insights on leadership, culture, and sustainable growth are both practical and inspiring.

    8 min
  7. Connor Spellman - History & Social Studies Teacher at Havenwood Academy

    FEB 10

    Connor Spellman - History & Social Studies Teacher at Havenwood Academy

    In this episode, we sit down with Connor Spellman, History and Social Studies Teacher at Havenwood Academy, to talk about what it’s really like to support students through consistency, connection, and everyday classroom moments that quietly change lives. Connor shares what drew him to Havenwood, how a year-round school model shapes his teaching, and why routine and reliability can be just as healing as any formal intervention. From helping students rebuild academic confidence to creating a classroom culture where peers support each other, Connor offers a thoughtful look into how education plays a critical role in a student’s healing journey. You’ll also hear how small, intentional practices - like connecting lessons to students’ personal histories - help create a sense of belonging, pride, and safety. Connor reflects on what Havenwood has taught him about patience, trust, and the long game of healing, along with some lighter moments that make the culture special. This episode is a powerful reminder that sometimes the most meaningful impact happens in the everyday rhythms of showing up, staying consistent, and meeting students exactly where they are.

    10 min
  8. Shavonne Harris, RN – Nurse Manager at Havenwood Academy

    FEB 3

    Shavonne Harris, RN – Nurse Manager at Havenwood Academy

    In this episode, we sit down with Shavonne Harris, Nurse Manager at Havenwood Academy, to explore what it truly means to provide world-class trauma treatment. Shavonne shares her journey into behavioral health, the daily joys and challenges of working with youth, and the small, intentional acts—like the “mom hugs”—that make a lasting impact on the lives of the kids she cares for. From building trust and individualized care plans to fostering hope for families, this conversation is a heartfelt look into what makes Havenwood Academy different and why patience, compassion, and connection are at the core of healing. Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of trauma-informed care, the power of relationships in mental health, and the unwavering dedication it takes to help young people thrive.

    8 min
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About

Hosted by Josh Gardner - CFO of Havenwood Academy - this show takes you behind the scenes of Havenwood Academy, a world-class residential treatment center in Cedar City, Utah. Each episode shares real stories from our dedicated care providers - the people on the front lines helping young women heal from complex trauma, rebuild trust, and reclaim hope. You’ll hear the challenges, breakthroughs, and deeply human moments that make this work life-changing. If you care about mental health, trauma-informed care, and the power of community, this is your inside look at how resilience is built and lives are transformed.

Information

  • Creator
    Josh Gardner
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Havenwood Academy Podcast
  • Show Website
    Havenwood Academy Podcast