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. 2d ago

    Charity Lynch - Therapist at Havenwood Academy

    In this episode of the Havenwood Academy Podcast, we sit down with Charity Lynch, a therapist at Havenwood Academy, to explore the personal experiences that led her to a career in trauma treatment. Charity shares how her own experiences as a teenager and later as a parent shaped the way she connects with young people and their families. She takes us inside her work with trauma and attachment, including her use of somatic approaches such as Brainspotting, and explains why continued learning and consistent care are so important to effective treatment. She also opens up about Havenwood’s collaborative culture, the importance of staying curious as a therapist, the rituals that help her reset after difficult sessions, and some of the lighter traditions that bring the Havenwood community together. Charity closes with a simple lesson for parents and staff working with teenagers: validation can go a long way. When young people feel heard and understood, it can change the way they connect, listen, and show up in their relationships.

    Charity Lynch - Therapist at Havenwood Academy

  2. Aug 5

    Preeya Alestas – Admissions Specialist at Havenwood Academy

    The admissions process is often a family's first experience with Havenwood Academy—and for many, it's one of the hardest decisions they'll ever make. In this episode of the Havenwood Academy Podcast, Admissions Specialist Preeya Alestas shares how compassion, intentionality, and thoughtful planning help create a sense of safety long before treatment begins. From personalizing each student's arrival to collaborating behind the scenes on every placement decision, Preeya explains how even the smallest details can make a meaningful difference in a family's healing journey. She also reflects on her own connection to trauma work, the importance of resilience and healthy boundaries, and why healing is never a one-size-fits-all process. In this episode, you'll learn:  How Havenwood creates a warm and welcoming admissions experience  Why intentionality matters in every step of trauma treatment  The behind-the-scenes work families rarely see  What Preeya has learned about healing, grit, and preventing burnout  A fun look at Havenwood's culture—including exciting plans for puppies and the campus garden Whether you're a parent, mental health professional, or someone passionate about trauma-informed care, this conversation offers a meaningful look at the people and purpose behind Havenwood Academy.

    Preeya Alestas – Admissions Specialist at Havenwood Academy

  3. Jul 28

    Megan Quintana – Nurse, Havenwood Academy

    What does healing look like through the eyes of a nurse in a trauma-informed residential treatment program? In this episode of the Havenwood Academy Podcast, Megan Quintana, Nurse at Havenwood Academy, shares how her unique upbringing in a foster family shaped her passion for serving teens who have experienced trauma. She offers a behind-the-scenes look at the vital role nursing plays in creating safety, building trust, and preparing students for life beyond Havenwood. Megan discusses the importance of holistic healing, empowering students with lifelong health skills, the culture of continuous improvement at Havenwood, and why no one should have to struggle alone. Along the way, she also shares a few lighthearted stories, including her love for Sandwich Day and how working in underground mines became one of the most unexpected chapters of her healthcare career. Whether you're a parent, clinician, educator, or someone passionate about trauma-informed care, this conversation offers an authentic look at the people who help make healing possible every day. In this episode, you'll learn:  How Megan's personal story led her to trauma-informed nursing  The day-to-day role of a nurse at Havenwood Academy  Why healing takes an entire team, not just one professional  How Havenwood prepares students for healthy, independent lives  The culture and relationships that make Havenwood unique  Megan's message of hope for students, families, and caregivers

    Megan Quintana – Nurse, Havenwood Academy

  4. Jul 20

    Julie Foster – Executive Chef | Havenwood Academy

    Every meal at Havenwood Academy is about more than nutrition - it's about creating safety, consistency, and trust. In this episode of the Havenwood Academy Podcast, Executive Chef Julie Foster shares how nearly eight years of serving students has shown her that healing often begins with the small, everyday moments. From preparing more than 100 meals a day to building relationships with young women recovering from trauma, Julie explains why compassion, patience, and consistency are just as important as the food on the plate. She also reflects on Havenwood's trauma-informed culture, what makes the academy different from traditional treatment programs, and why every staff member plays a vital role in a student's journey toward healing. Whether you're a parent, educator, clinician, or someone passionate about helping young people thrive, this conversation offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at how world-class care is lived out every single day.

    Julie Foster – Executive Chef | Havenwood Academy

  5. Jul 13

    Caleb Cluff - Therapist at Havenwood Academy

    What does world-class trauma treatment look like through the eyes of a therapist? In this episode of the Havenwood Academy Podcast, Caleb Cluff, Therapist at Havenwood Academy, shares his journey into trauma treatment and the experiences that continue to fuel his passion for helping young people heal. As both a traditional therapist and equine therapist, Caleb offers an inside look at how Havenwood helps students build safety, trust, and emotional regulation before engaging in deeper trauma work. He discusses the role of Brainspotting, DBT skills, and experiential therapies in supporting lasting change, and explains why relationships remain the foundation of effective treatment. Caleb also shares:  Why he believes growth is the word that best describes Havenwood  How equine therapy helps students practice therapeutic skills in real time  What world-class trauma treatment means to him  How Havenwood incorporates Bruce Perry's Six R's into everyday care  Why maintaining a growth mindset is essential for both healing and personal development  The moments that remind him why Havenwood is different Whether you're a parent, clinician, educator, or someone interested in trauma-informed care, this conversation offers a meaningful look inside the people, culture, and philosophy that make healing possible at Havenwood Academy.

    Caleb Cluff - Therapist at Havenwood Academy

  6. Jul 3

    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.

    Lydia Douglas – Recreation Specialist at Havenwood Academy

  7. 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.

    Jeff Janes - Therapist - Havenwood Academy

  8. 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.

    Tana Frey - Therapist - Havenwood Academy
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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
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Havenwood Academy Podcast
  • Show Website
    Havenwood Academy Podcast