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Click a category to view all staff in a specific department, or click a photo to view individual bio information.
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Staff Bio Information:
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H. Matthew Dixon, MA and Memory Dixon
Founders, Board of Directors, Partners Matt has a passion for working with adolescents. In 1991 he opened Vista with a vision of assisting adolescents in making positive changes in their lives. By providing a clinically intense residential treatment setting coupled with a loving and caring environment, it was his belief that adolescents would make significant personal growths. Together Matt and Memory have created such an environment. Matt has worked in several settings within the mental health industry. While attending BYU, he worked seven years for a public mental health center in Provo, Utah working with children from Youth Corrections and Family Services. He was the Program Administrator for a private residential treatment center prior to starting Vista. Matt has served as a member of various committees at local and regional levels, and is a Certified Employee Assistance Professional. Memory completed her Associates Degree at Utah Valley Technical College. Prior to working at Vista, Memory worked extensively in public relations and marketing with Custom Follow-Up, Inc., and the Ford Motor Company. She has extensive knowledge in our admissions process and she coordinates with both parents and referring agencies to accommodate the Vista admissions.
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Executive Director, Primary Therapist
Board of Directors, Partner Ryan has been with Vista since 1999. He attended the University of Utah and graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Psychology and a Master Degree in Social Work. Ryan is a member of the PHI KAPPA PHI Honors Society, the National Association of Social Workers, and the University of Utah's 2003 Recipient of the Sharon Goodwill Memorial Award for Mental Health. Ryan has worked as the Administrative Director, Line Staff Supervisor, and a Client Mentor with Vista Adolescent Treatment Centers. He has served as a Primary Therapist Intern for Valley Mental Health in their Children’s Behavioral Treatment Unit and has worked as a Volunteer Grief Counselor for Primary Children’s Medical Center. Ryan is currently functioning as a Primary Therapist and the Executive Director of Vista at Dimpledell Canyon. Ryan has a variety of experience working with adolescents suffering from traumatic stress, personality disorders, addiction issues, depression, anxiety, self mutilation, eating disorders, poor self-esteem, and oppositional defiant disorder. Ryan is a fundamental part of the therapeutic and administrative process throughout all of Vista's treatment facilities.
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Matthew B. Checketts, MSW, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Board of Directors, Partner Matt has been with Vista since 2000. He attended Utah State University where he earned an area studies certificate in Law and Society and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology and Political Science. He then attended the University of Utah where he received a Master's Degree with an emphasis in Social Welfare Policy. Matt has completed additional graduate work at the University of Utah specializing in adolescents and adolescent self-mutilation. He has served as an English tutor for non-English speaking immigrants, worked as a "Big Brother" for the United Way, and has been employed by the Utah State Legislature as a legislative aid. He has gained clinical social work experience through his work with Murray School District, the Utah Division of Child and Family Services, the Utah Department of Workforce Services, Valley Mental Health, and Vista Adolescent Treatment Center. Matt is experienced in treating a variety of emotional difficulties including personality disorders, anorexia and bulimia, depression, sexual abuse, substance abuse, adoption, family discord, and conduct problems. Matt is a member of the National Association of Social Workers.
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 Ryan S. Pepper, MSW, LCSWLicensed Clinical Social Worker
Executive Director, Primary Therapist
Board of Directors, Partner Ryan has been with Vista since 1999. He attended the University of Utah and graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Psychology and a Master Degree in Social Work. Ryan is a member of the PHI KAPPA PHI Honors Society, the National Association of Social Workers, and the University of Utah's 2003 Recipient of the Sharon Goodwill Memorial Award for Mental Health. Ryan has worked as the Administrative Director, Line Staff Supervisor, and a Client Mentor with Vista Adolescent Treatment Centers. He has served as a Primary Therapist Intern for Valley Mental Health in their Children’s Behavioral Treatment Unit and has worked as a Volunteer Grief Counselor for Primary Children’s Medical Center. Ryan is currently functioning as a Primary Therapist and the Executive Director of Vista at Dimpledell Canyon. Ryan has a variety of experience working with adolescents suffering from traumatic stress, personality disorders, addiction issues, depression, anxiety, self mutilation, eating disorders, poor self-esteem, and oppositional defiant disorder. Ryan is a fundamental part of the therapeutic and administrative process throughout all of Vista's treatment facilities.
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Primary Therapist
Bio coming soon...
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Jeff Kovnick, M.D.
Adult, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Medical Director
Dr. Kovnick has been with
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Registered Nurse
Director of Nursing
Michelle has been with Vista since 1997. She began with Vista as a mental health worker and through hard work and diligence became our Joint Commission Specialist. In 2002 Michelle returned to the University of Utah School of Nursing to work toward a bachelor’s degree in nursing. In August of 2005 she graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Utah, then returned to Vista as the Director of Nursing and Quality Improvement. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the International Honor Society of Nursing, and Golden Key Honor Society. Michelle's energy and dedication to the program and clients coupled with her compassion and attention to detail make her an integral part of the Vista Treatment Team.
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Steve Sawyer, MSW, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Primary Therapist
Bio coming soon...
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 Allen Fife, Ph.D.Licensed Clinical Psychologist Treatment Team Leader
Dr. Fife has been with Vista since 1991. Dr. Fife graduated from Brigham Young University in 1970 with his Bachelors of Science Degree in Psychology. In 1975 Dr. Fife received his Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Family and Child Therapy. Dr. Fife has worked with many different populations ranging from the Veterans Administration Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah to the Mental Health Sector where his duties focused on Assessment, and Child /Family Therapy. Over the last 14 years Dr. Fife has been a staff psychologist in an inpatient and outpatient hospital setting. Dr. Fife is a member of the Utah Psychological Association as well as a member of the National Register of Psychology. Dr. Fife is a core member of our treatment team. His expertise and knowledge of the children is key component to applied interventions and treatment modalities used at Vista RTC.
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Ryan S. Pepper, MSW, LCSW Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Executive Director, Primary Therapist
Board of Directors, Partner Ryan has been with Vista since 1999. He attended the University of Utah and graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Psychology and a Master Degree in Social Work. Ryan is a member of the PHI KAPPA PHI Honors Society, the National Association of Social Workers, and the University of Utah's 2003 Recipient of the Sharon Goodwill Memorial Award for Mental Health. Ryan has worked as the Administrative Director, Line Staff Supervisor, and a Client Mentor with Vista Adolescent Treatment Centers. He has served as a Primary Therapist Intern for Valley Mental Health in their Children’s Behavioral Treatment Unit and has worked as a Volunteer Grief Counselor for Primary Children’s Medical Center. Ryan is currently functioning as a Primary Therapist and the Executive Director of Vista at Dimpledell Canyon. Ryan has a variety of experience working with adolescents suffering from traumatic stress, personality disorders, addiction issues, depression, anxiety, self mutilation, eating disorders, poor self-esteem, and oppositional defiant disorder. Ryan is a fundamental part of the therapeutic and administrative process throughout all of Vista's treatment facilities.
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Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Primary Therapist
Karen has been with Vista since 2005. She began her life long learning at Weber State University where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. From Weber State Karen entered the Pennsylvania State University where she completed both her Masters degree and a Doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology. Karen is a member of the Chi Sigma Iota International Honor Society and past president of the Psi Chi National Honor Society at Weber State University. As a graduate student she was a recipient of the Rehabilitation Services Administration Training Fellowship. She is a current member of the American Psychological Association and the Utah Psychological Association. Dr. Checketts began working with teens and their families in 1989 on an adolescent substance abuse unit. Since then she has worked with adolescents and their families in a variety of treatment settings. Karen has been an administrator, therapist and line staff member. Dr. Checketts is an expert in treating women’s issues including personality disorders, eating disorders and body image problems, depression, anxiety, sexual abuse, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, substance abuse, adoption issues and family problems. In her spare time Karen spends time with her family and friends. She also enjoys reading mystery/suspense novels, yoga, singing and spending time in the great outdoors. |
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Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor
Addiction Counselor
Nicole has been with vista since 2004. Nicole found her way to vista after working with at risk youth and traumatic brain injury sufferers in varied settings. She has earned a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and is currently enrolled in the Masters of Social Work Program at the University of Utah. Nicole’s diverse training and experience before reaching Vista include; equine therapy, experiential group facilitation, addiction assessment and T.B.I. case management. Nicole is a member of the National Association of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counselors. Nicole enjoys working with female youth populations and helping them become strong independent women.
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 Mike Larson, M.ed., TRS, CTRSRecreational Therapist
Mike has been with Vista since 2003. He attended the University of Utah where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Park, Recreation, and Tourism with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation. He has been a licensed therapeutic recreational specialist for three years. He later received a Master’s Degree from the University of Phoenix in Secondary Education with a Psychology emphasis. He is also a member of the Utah Recreational Therapy Association. He has been working with troubled youth and adolescents for six years in a variety of different settings. Mike’s relaxed demeanor and outgoing personality create a comfortable environment for our youth. Mike is an avid sports fan and outdoorsman. He enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, camping, and playing basketball. He is able to carry his love and enthusiasm towards his leisure interests and incorporate them into the recreation program at Vista. Mike has brought an exciting change to Vista’s recreation program. He has been able to start recreation modules that include fly fishing, snow shoeing, golf, yoga, hiking, and rock climbing. He enjoys seeing the change that these programs bring about in our youth.
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Principal
Photo coming soon...
Ron Crossman is the principal of Vista Private School. Mr. Crossman received his B.S. degree in Mathematics from Brigham Young University and a M.S. in Physics from the University of Utah. He has also earned an M.Ed. from Brigham Young University in Educational Leadership and Policy. He has finished the course work for his doctorate and is currently in the dissertation phase for his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Utah. Mr. Crossman retired from the public school system after 26 years of teaching and administrating in the state of Utah. Mr. Crossman’s love of education remains in the classroom where both teaching and learning are accomplished. To him, nothing will ever surpass the thrill of students learning the subject matter and expressing confidence in their knowledge. In addition to teaching math and science at the high school level, including Calculus AP and Physics AP, Mr. Crossman taught the Statistics series for the University of Utah’s Business Department for six years in their evening classes. Mr. Crossman has been the principal of Vista Private School since 1997. His goal is to provide a quality education in each course offered at Vista. Curriculum is examined each year to assure its compliance to state core. He has been a member of the Utah State Accreditation Committee for eight years and is well aware of the standards required for accreditation by the Northwest Accreditation Association. He demands that Vista Private School meets or exceeds those requirements on a yearly basis.
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Kris Carlson, BS
Academic Director Kris has been with Vista since the beginning of 2001. Kris graduated with a double major in History and Secondary Education from Idaho State University. Kris has been in the teaching field for 24 years. She has taught elementary, middle school, and high school aged children in many different school districts, both in Utah and Idaho. Kris has an amazing aptitude to teach and relate with her students. Her outgoing personality and ability to build trusting relationships allows her students the opportunity to succeed in present and future educational endeavors. Kris takes the time to tailor the school curriculum to meet each distinguished need of the student. Kris combines the much need therapeutic program with the imperative nature of education and creates an atmosphere of learning her students will remember. Vista is proud of the educational environment and activities we provide for our students.
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Amy Higbee, BS
Teacher Amy has been with Vista since the beginning of 2001. She has many years of experience as a tutor of both high school and university levels. Additionally, Amy was a significant part in the Education Department at the Children’s Museum of Utah where she wrote and developed scripts, signboards and curriculum for a variety of classes, workshops and exhibits. Amy attended the Summer Enrichment Program for high school students at the University of Northern Colorado in Greenly. As an undergraduate, she participated in International Study Abroad at Cambridge University and earned Scholastics Honors and Membership in Phi Eta Sigma. Amy is a valued member of our educational team. Amy has an amazing talent with adolescents. Her ability to teach the hard sciences to her students is second to none. Amy’s passion for teaching is evident and felt by each of her students. This trusting relationship is a major contributor to the educational and therapeutic success of all she teaches.
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Teacher
Dana graduated from Utah Valley State College with her Associate of Science and continued on to the University of Utah where she earned her Bachelors of Science in Exercise and Sports Science. After personal training and sports training she decided to go to Utah College of Massage Therapy and has been a Licensed Massage Therapist for the past 10 years. After years of working in the massage therapy field as well as other professions she wanted to give back. She has a love of children so decided to get her teaching license along with her Masters of Education from the University of Phoenix.
Dana joined the Vista teaching staff in November of 2003 after completing her Masters Degree in Education and a Certificate with NASPE. She has a great love for sports and teaching others the importance of staying healthy. She also enjoys opening the students eyes to activities they may use to stay active and possibly develop more fully. Many times students find they have a hidden talent and/or love for an activity they may have never found on their own. |
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Soni Spencer, BS, RD, CD
Director of Nutrition Soni has been with Vista since 1999. Soni graduated from Utah State University with her Bachelors Degree in Chemistry and Medical Dietetics. She has been a Registered Dietitian for the last five years. Soni has extensive work experience in the areas of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Wellness, Diabetes, Hospice, and Adolescent nutrition. Additionally, she is a consultant dietitian who specializes in working with children suffering from various eating disorders. Soni provides a great base of knowledge for the residents with regard to healthy eating. She meets with each resident on a bi-weekly basis to assess his or her current eating habits and possible areas of improvement. Additionally, Soni allows the residents suffering from eating disorders to establish health meal planning and build confidence around issues of food. Soni is a valued member of the treatment team and her knowledge and understanding of the kids is a critical tool in the establishment of healthy living.
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