4d ago

Lydia Douglas – Recreation Specialist at Havenwood Academy

What role can recreation play in healing from trauma? In this episode, we sit down with Lydia Douglas, Recreation Specialist at Havenwood Academy, to explore how recreation therapy creates meaningful opportunities for healing, connection, and personal growth. Lydia shares her own journey with mental health, what inspired her to join Havenwood, and how hands-on experiences - from art and hiking to rock climbing and outdoor adventures—help students build trust, develop healthy coping skills, and rediscover joy. The conversation explores what world-class trauma treatment looks like through the lens of recreation therapy, the importance of individualized care, and why creating safe, engaging experiences can have a profound impact on a student's healing journey. In this episode, you'll hear about: • How recreation therapy supports trauma recovery • Using hobbies and outdoor experiences as coping skills • Building trust, safety, and resilience through experiential activities • The importance of individualized, trauma-informed care • Why helping students reconnect with their inner child matters Lydia also shares exciting initiatives happening at Havenwood, including outdoor adventures, life skills experiences, and future opportunities designed to prepare students for success beyond treatment. This inspiring conversation highlights the powerful role recreation can play in helping young people heal, grow, and thrive.

19 min

Jun 17

Jeff Janes - Therapist - Havenwood Academy

What does it take to help teens and families heal from complex trauma? In this episode, Havenwood Academy therapist Jeff Janes shares his perspective on trauma treatment, the importance of staying curious as a clinician, and why meaningful healing requires both flexibility and deep expertise. With nearly two decades of experience working with teens and families, Jeff discusses what drew him to this work, how therapists create safe spaces for students to process difficult experiences, and why world-class trauma treatment means being willing to go beyond traditional approaches to meet each student's unique needs. Jeff also reflects on Havenwood's culture of autonomy, collaboration, and relentless commitment to students, explaining why he believes the organization is willing to do whatever it takes to help young people succeed. Throughout the conversation, he shares insights on professional growth, avoiding rigid thinking, managing the emotional challenges of therapeutic work, and the fundamental principles that support lasting healing. Topics discussed include: • What makes Havenwood Academy different from other treatment programs • The role of therapy in helping students feel safe and understood • What world-class trauma treatment looks like in practice • Bringing Bruce Perry's Six R's trauma-informed care to life • Why therapists must remain open-minded and committed to lifelong learning • The importance of vulnerability in helping professions • How Havenwood creates unique opportunities and experiences for students • Jeff's advice for anyone considering a career in trauma treatment Whether you're a parent, clinician, educator, or someone interested in trauma-informed care, this conversation offers an honest look at the mindset, skills, and dedication required to support meaningful healing. Learn more about Havenwood Academy and its mission to provide world-class trauma treatment for teens and families.

10 min

Jun 9

Tana Frey - Therapist - Havenwood Academy

What if the behaviors that frustrate parents and clinicians the most are actually survival skills developed through trauma? In this episode, Tana Frey, Therapist at Havenwood Academy, explores how trauma reshapes the way adolescents see the world, why traditional punishment-based approaches often fall short, and what real progress looks like long before behavior visibly changes. Tana shares how Havenwood designs treatment around the nervous system, the importance of relational safety, and why healing often begins when young people move from blaming others to recognizing their own role in their struggles. She also discusses experiential therapies, the role of safe touch, clinician burnout, and the shift from consequence-based treatment to relationship-based care.

33 min

Apr 7

Nathan Hofeling - Admissions Director at Havenwood Academy

What actually happens behind the scenes when a family reaches out for help? In this episode, Josh Gardner sits down with Nathan Hofeling, Admissions Director at Havenwood Academy, to break down the reality of admissions in behavioral health, from first call to life-changing care. They dive into what families are really going through in that moment of crisis, how trust is built early, and what separates programs that truly help from those that don’t. Nathan shares how Havenwood is working to make high-quality trauma treatment more accessible, and why the admissions process is one of the most critical parts of the entire journey. This is a candid look at the human side of behavioral health, where decisions carry real weight and outcomes matter. If you’re a parent, operator, or someone working in this space, this conversation will give you a clearer understanding of what great care actually looks like from the very first interaction.

14 min

Mar 24

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

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

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

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

Havenwood Academy Podcast

Lydia Douglas – Recreation Specialist at Havenwood Academy

Jeff Janes - Therapist - Havenwood Academy

Tana Frey - Therapist - Havenwood Academy

Nathan Hofeling - Admissions Director at Havenwood Academy

Andrea Morgan – Assistant Academic Director at Havenwood Academy

Preeya Alestas – Admissions Specialist at Havenwood Academy

Russell Williams – Director of Quality Assurance at Havenwood Academy

Stacy Holbrook - Therapist at Havenwood Academy

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Havenwood Academy Podcast

Episodes

Lydia Douglas – Recreation Specialist at Havenwood Academy

Jeff Janes - Therapist - Havenwood Academy

Tana Frey - Therapist - Havenwood Academy

Nathan Hofeling - Admissions Director at Havenwood Academy

Andrea Morgan – Assistant Academic Director at Havenwood Academy

Preeya Alestas – Admissions Specialist at Havenwood Academy

Russell Williams – Director of Quality Assurance at Havenwood Academy

Stacy Holbrook - Therapist at Havenwood Academy

About

Information