Our Mental Health Team

Our compassionate mental health experts are here to help you reach your full potential.

Our comprehensive mental health team consists of pediatric neuropsychologists, mental health therapists, licensed psychologists, speech therapists, and school psychologists.

Jennifer Cardinal, Ph.D., NCSP, BCBA

Licensed Psychologist, CEO & Founder

CEO@neurobcg.com

Dr. Cardinal is a doctoral level psychologist with areas of specialization in neuropsychology, school psychology, and autism. She is licensed as a psychologist and is also nationally certified as a school psychologist by the National Association of School Psychologists. Dr. Cardinal completed a master’s degree in Educational Psychology Counseling and Guidance from Brigham Young University and later completed a Doctorate Degree in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Neuropsychology. She was a school counselor at Salt Lake School District and spent several years as a school psychologist working at Jordan and Davis School districts. She completed a post-doctoral residency in pediatric neuropsychology at the Neuropsychology Center of Utah and participates regularly in ongoing case consultations with other neuropsychologists.

Dr. Cardinal opened the Neurobehavioral Center for Growth in 2011. Dr. Cardinal has experience assessing and treating children, adolescents and adults who present with a variety of brain-based disorders such as ADHD, nonverbal learning disorders, learning disabilities, depression, anxiety, Tourette’s, trichotillomania, bipolar disorder, traumatic brain injury and dementia.

In addition, Dr. Cardinal continues her research interest in developing executive functioning interventions for those with executive functioning deficits commonly associated with ADHD, autism, TBI and other disorders. She has also completed research related to the subject of using technology in enhancing the implementation of evidence-based practice for autism in the school setting.

More recently, Dr. Cardinal attended FIorida Tech- Florida Institute of Technology and gained additional training in applied behavioral analysis and is a licensed Board Certified Behavior Analysist and supervisor. This furthered her abilities to support individuals with autism with individual treatment and support plans.

  • Bree Anderson

    Bree Anderson

    Bree completed her undergraduate degree in economics at Westminster College. After several years of coaching and working with young children, Bree went back to school to received her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. She completed her practicum and internship at the Utah Youth Village where she works with foster children, families and youth groups.

    Bree enjoys working with diverse clients from all backgrounds and needs. She has a certification in Trauma-Focused CBT, but likes to take a Person-Centered approach to help her clients utilize their own strengths through the therapeutic process and in every day life.

    Her clinical experience includes sports therapy, trauma, attachment disorders, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, family dynamics and coping with stress.

  • Coleen O’Reilly, LCSW

    Coleen O’Reilly, LCSW

    Mental Health

    Worked with teens and adolescents for the last 10 years.

    Graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor ’s and master’s degree in Social Work.

    Modality of practice: Cogitative Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, Art, Music , Trauma Focus CBT. and Experiential .

    Love the creative process of therapy and working with clients and families to think outside of the box to create.

    Assisted in developed and open a new program to serve children from the ages of 3 to 18 years old.

    Training in attachment and trauma treatment: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Trauma Focused Cogitative Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT). Family Systems, Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). and Art Therapy

    Worked for the State of Utah as a Family Preservationist keeping at risk families together.

    Love working with family to learning how to hear with greater understanding, have stronger bonds, and better communications.

    Born in Los Angeles and raise in Orange County.

    Loves the outdoors, Camping, Canoeing, cooking and being with my family.

  • Courtney Slater, LCSW

    Comprehensive DBT Therapist

    Courtney graduated with her Bachelor’s from Weber State and her Master’s from University of Nevada, Reno, both in Social Work. Courtney since has spent her time rummaging through homeless camps to provide support, providing therapy for teens experiencing homelessness and strengthening clients and families who are experiencing severe behavioral barriers. Courtney has significant experience with crisis intervention and de-escalation, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, client centered therapy and behavioral support. Courtney’s experience has been primarily in working with at-risk youth and adolescents, individuals on the Autism Spectrum, youth adopted from the foster care system, individuals experiencing (or at risk of) homelessness, LGBTQQI+ individuals and clients in need of crisis intervention assistance. Courtney loves working with clients of all backgrounds and ages and tries to make therapy something the client looks forward to on their appointment day!

  • Debbi D Allred,  CMHC

    Debbi D Allred, CMHC

    Debbi Allred earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, with a minor in Psychology from Truman State University in Kirksville, MO. She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University, based in Minneapolis, MN. Debbi has a strong background in social services. As a social service worker, she responded to child abuse and neglect investigation referrals, as well as tasked with the subsequent treatment needs of the child/family. Debbi has two years of experience as an academic advisor at a major university. Debbi has developed a special interest and aptitude in counseling with troubled youth, having had two years’ experience as a volunteer with juvenile sex offenders. Debbi demonstrated the ability to improve outcomes and overall client well-being, through re-framing negative core beliefs and restoring confidence and hope for the future. Debbi completed internships in both residential and intensive out-patient treatment agencies, with focus on substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Debbi has experience in both group and individual psychotherapy.

    Debbi is a strengths-based therapist. She sees the good in each individual and believes that hope is the foundation for all personal transformation and change. Debbi is insightful and intuitive. Informed by an eclectic blend of modalities, such as Internal Family Systems, Motivational Interviewing, and person-centered counseling. Debbi identifies most strongly with Supportive Psychotherapy. Research supports the findings that developing the therapeutic alliance between patient and therapist is the key to optimal outcomes. Having fun is also key and Debbi enjoys infusing clinical relationships with humor and respect.

  • Deven West, LCSW

    Deven West, LCSW

    Mental Health Therapist

    Deven graduated with his Bachelors of Social Work from Weber State University and Masters of Social Work from Walla Walla University.

    He completed his clinical supervised hours at We Care Behavioral Health in Missoula Montana. There he experienced working with clients and their families struggling with an array of mental, emotional, and relationship difficulties.

    He has experience working with individuals struggling with substance abuse through Crossroads Academy and Lakeview Intensive Outpatient program.

    Deven enjoys working with families, couples, and individuals (adult and children) with evidence-based models such as CBT and DBT that address depression, anxiety, trauma, borderline personality, bipolar, etc. He works to create a trusting and safe place for healing and growth.

    He is also certified in Gottman Couples Therapy and Brainspotting. He is a practicing Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

  • Eden Steffey, Ph.D., NCSP

    Eden Steffey, Ph.D., NCSP

    Certified School Psychologist

    Eden Steffey is a nationally certified school psychologist and is currently completing her postdoctoral fellowship. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Utah Educational Psychology program. Dr. Steffey has extensive experience working with children and families across the lifespan. She has been an elementary school teacher and a gifted and talented district director and has experience working with children who are twice-exceptional and children with disabilities.

    Dr. Steffey has experience conducting psychological evaluations and providing therapeutic services to preschool, elementary, middle school, and high school students. Her experience includes autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and depression and other mood disorders, noncompliance disorders in children and youth, specific learning disorders, and intellectual disabilities.

    When she is not working Dr. Steffey enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She also enjoys reading and playing and watching sports.

  • Elisabeth Clonts

    Mental Health Therapist

    Elisabeth is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Master's Degree in Counseling from Idaho State University. Elisabeth spent several years working for a sex offender treatment center and has the unique experience of providing treatment for both the offender and supporting and providing counseling to the families affected. Additionally, Elisabeth has experience working with those struggling with unwanted pornography usage. Elisabeth excels in helping those struggling in their career paths and navigating through life and career changes. Elisabeth has worked with many different mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorder, trauma, and drug addictions. Elisabeth has worked with both women and men of all ages and strives to provide a supportive and compassionate environment. Elisabeth's counseling modalities are Strength-Based, Person-Centered, Solution-Focused, and Cognitive Behavioral Theory.

  • Franchesca "Frannie" Spangler, MSW, CSW

    Franchesca "Frannie" Spangler, MSW, CSW

    Meet Frannie, a social worker passionate about empowering individuals and communities through strength-based interventions. Frannie holds a Bachelor's Degree from Weber State University, a Master's degree in Social Work From Boise State University. She is a Certified Social Worker (CSW) with several years of experience working in various settings, including schools, clinical, and community organizations. Currently, is undergoing specialized training to become a registered play therapist through Capella University and the Association of Play Therapy. She is excited about the possibilities this will bring in helping her clients heal and grow, as she believes it will enhance her ability to connect with and support them. She believes in the importance of building strong relationships with her clients and works collaboratively with them to create personalized treatment plans that meet their unique needs and goals.

    Frannie believes every individual has inherent strengths and abilities that can be harnessed to promote growth and change. She utilizes a variety of evidence-based interventions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, TF-CBT, dialectical behavioral therapy, mindfulness, Adlerian and child-centered play therapy, polyvagal theory, Internal Family Systems, narrative therapy, positive psychology, and sand tray interventions, to empower her clients and help them overcome challenges. She has specialized training in trauma-informed care and is skilled in working with families experiencing conflict or difficulty with communication and crisis intervention.

    In her work with children, individuals, and families, Frannie understands the importance of meeting them where they are and using play to engage them in the therapeutic process. She is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment where children can express themselves freely, explore their emotions, and develop new coping skills. She is particularly interested in working with children and adolescents experiencing behavioral or emotional difficulties.

    Frannie is a compassionate and dedicated social worker committed to helping individuals and communities thrive. Her approach is collaborative and tailored to the individual needs of each client. She is excited to continue her training as a play therapist, as she believes play is an essential component of healthy development for children.

    Outside of work, Frannie enjoys spending time with her family and pets. She loves art, camping, training her horse, paddleboarding, and she finds joy in the simple pleasures of nature. Frannie believes that self-care is essential to maintaining balance and wellness, and she encourages her clients to prioritize their own self-care as well.

  • Giannina Fuentes, LCSW

    Giannina Fuentes, LCSW

    Mental Health Therapist

    Giannina Fuentes, LCSW, earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology (2010) and a master’s degree in social work (2017), both from University of Utah. In graduate school, she has completed two internships, one of them with Community Health Centers and the other one with Child and Family Empowerment Services, where she served children, adolescents, adults and families. Giannina had the opportunity to work with range of personal and family problems including childhood and adult trauma, domestic violence, conduct disorder, anxiety, depression, stress, and relationships. She also worked extensively with children and family of all ages as a child welfare worker for DCFS, and with children with autism, ADHD and people with disabilities. She is also EMDR certified.

  • Dr Jason Swift

    Dr Jason Swift

    Dr. Jason Swift, a Utah native, is a licensed psychologist with specialization in neuropsychology. He received his doctorate degree in psychology from Pacific University, specializing in clinical neuropsychology. He received training at Oregon Health & Sciences University and Randall Children’s Hospital in the Portland area. He completed a one-year pre-doctoral internship in pediatric neuropsychology in Austin, Texas in association with Dell Children’s Hospital and the University of Texas at Austin. He completed a two-year postdoctoral fellowship in pediatric clinical neuropsychology at Wasatch Pediatric Neuropsychology in Salt Lake City.

    He is trained in the assessment of various neuropsychological concerns including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder, specific learning disorders (e.g., dyslexia), intellectual disabilities, mood disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression), trauma-related disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, and various medical concerns such as epilepsy, neuro-oncology, genetic syndromes, and concussion/traumatic brain injury. He has training in multicultural assessment and speaks Spanish. He also has experience providing psychotherapy and behavior management.

    He spends most of his free time with his wife and children. He has experience in carpentry and computers and enjoys fixing things around the house. He also enjoys watching professional soccer.

  • Gage Woodward, B.S.

    Gage Woodward, B.S.

    Psychometrist, South Ogden

    Gage Woodward, a Utah native, worked for 5 years at a mental health treatment center for youth. While working for the company Gage graduated from Weber State University with a bachelor's degree in Athletic Training. While studying Athletic Training Gage become interested in the neurological side of the program and started to pursue different types of neurological careers. After working the 5 years at the mental health treatment center Gage transitioned into Neurofeedback for the company. Gage worked as the lead neurofeedback technician for about 2 years before leaving to join NBCG as a Psychometrist.

  • Jen Monson (she/her), CSW

    Jen Monson (she/her), CSW

    Jen Monson (she/her), CSW, earned a master’s degree in social work with a global focus from the University of Utah. For the last two years, Jen has been working with young adults and teens that have experienced foster care, migrant and refugee families, and various healthcare professionals. She has had the opportunity to work with a range of mental health issues including anxiety and depression, mental illness, grief and loss, childhood trauma, domestic violence, eating disorders, PTSD, and personality disorders.

    Jen values creating a safe and supportive space for members of the LGBTQ+ community to help address concerns that they may be facing regarding identity and sexuality. She has facilitated NBCG’s LGBTQ+ Youth Support Group for the last four years. Jen seeks to humanize therapy by centering the client’s identity, culture, and systems of oppression into her practice and analysis. She incorporates various forms of evidence-based practices including Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Solution-focused, and Strengths-based therapy. In her spare time, Jen enjoys shopping at local farmer's markets, challenging friends to trivia games, and taking her two Australian Shepherds for walks, then treating them to puppuccinos!

  • Jessica Todd,  LCMHC

    Jessica Todd, LCMHC

    Mental Health Therapist, Program Manager of Children & Tween Programming

    Jessica Todd, LCMHC has extensive experience working with youth and their families in a variety of partial hospitalization and residential facilities, emphasizing behavioral interventions, play, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, dialectical behavioral, and attachment based approaches. With a passion for helping to increase quality of life for others.

    She has the privilege of working with a wide variety of age groups including children, adolescents, and adults in individual, group, and family therapy contexts. Jessica specializes in working with individuals with autism, sensory processing disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, ODD, ADHD/ADD, and other mood disorders.

  • Jonathan Ryal

    Jonathan Ryal, Counselor, ACMHC, EMDR, CCTP 1&2

    Mental Health Therapist

  • Lacey Duke, B.A.

    Lacey Duke, B.A.

    Psychometrist, Bountiful

    After completing her bachelor's degree in Communication Disorders from BYU, Lacey was a stay-at-home mom for a few years before jumping into the work field. She was a Speech-Language Technician for a couple of years before switching gears to Impact Testing for Davis School District. Now, as a psychometrist, she loves helping people get to know themselves better by administering neuropsychological, psychological and academic assessments.

  • Laura Lucky, MS, ACMHC, NCC

    Laura Lucky, MS, ACMHC, NCC

    Laura Lucky is a Nationally Certified and Licensed Clinical Mental Health counselor, with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Laura is currently working on a National Certification in Play Therapy. With a previous career in Hospital Health Administration, Laura has worked with health care providers, first responders, students, adults, adolescents, and children. Using strength-based perspectives Laura works with clients of all ages with depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADD/ADHD, Autism, ODD, Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and parent training. In her free time, Laura enjoys spending time with kids, her dog, swimming, cooking, and yoga.

  • Lauren Rankin, M.Ed.

    Lauren Rankin, M.Ed.

    Lauren Rankin, M.Ed., is a doctoral candidate at the University of Northern Colorado. She completed her doctoral internship with Jordan School District in West Jordan, Utah. She has experience evaluating and providing therapeutic services to elementary and junior high students. Lauren has worked with children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Specific Learning Disabilities, anxiety disorders, and other mood disorders, and has experience facilitating Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) groups. Currently, Lauren specializes in psychological evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults. She is currently finishing her dissertation on standardized testing and equal opportunities for diverse populations. When not working, she enjoys paddleboarding, painting, and spending quality time with her friends and family.

  • Lyndsey Evans, Ph.D.

    Lyndsey Evans, Ph.D.

    Licensed Psychologist

    Dr. Lyndsey Evans graduated from the University of Northern Colorado before completing her internship and postdoctoral fellowship in Salt Lake City, Utah. In addition to experience in the hospital setting where she provided individual and group therapy to women experiencing mood and anxiety disorders within the perinatal period, she has experience evaluating and providing therapeutic services to preschool, elementary, and junior high students within the school and clinical settings.

    Dr. Evans has worked with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, Specific Learning Disabilities, Anxiety Disorders, and other mood disorders. Currently, Dr. Evans specializes in psychological evaluations across the lifespan. When not working, she enjoys hiking and reading.

  • Maegin Smith

    Maegin Smith

    Therapist, LCSW, SUDC

    Maegin is a Licensed Clinical Social worker as well as a Licensed Substance Use Disorder Counselor, with a Master’s degree in Social Work and a Bachelor’s in Substance Abuse Counseling. Maegin believes that an authentic relationship and attachment-based approach is essential in order to help someone begin to grow and recover from a mental health or substance abuse disorder.

    She believes in the power of the individual and the innate knowledge within us, and aims to help her clients access this in themselves. She’s worked in the addiction and mental health fields since 2017, and has experience with diverse populations of all ages struggling with severe and persistent mental illness, substance use disorders, trauma, and as an advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. She’s also developed a wilderness therapy program in Oregon as well as utilized Equine Assisted Psychotherapy techniques in her practice.

    Maegin uses experiential therapy techniques to employ the theories of somatic experiencing, Gestalt therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy, existential psychotherapy, DBT, CBT, and Mindfulness in her practice.

    Maegin finds her solace in alpine climbing, backcountry skiing, and communing with nature.

  • Magenta Silberman, PhD

    Magenta Silberman, PhD

    School Psychologist

    Magenta Silberman earned her undergraduate degree at Syracuse University and completed her PhD at the University of Utah in School Psychology. She completed a school-based internship in Davis School District and her clinical internship at a mental health clinic in rural Nebraska.

    Dr. Silberman has extensive experience providing clinical services and psychological assessments across the lifespan. She has experience across several settings, including schools, hospitals, and clinics. This gives her experience and understanding of the continuum of mental health services to best serve her clients. Dr. Silberman has extensive experience working with a variety of mental health concerns, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, learning disabilities, mood disorders, and PTSD and trauma spectrum disorders. Dr. Silberman strives to provide psychological services through a trauma-informed and culturally competent lens.

    When not working, Dr. Silberman loves to try new recipes in the kitchen, get outside, and spend quality time with her family, friends, and pets.

  • Misty Mayfield

    Misty Mayfield, MSW, Intern

    Mental Health Therapist

    Misty is completing her Masters degree in Social Work at Utah State University, and is excited to be working with clients at NBCG. She interned with Weber Human Services on their children & youth team, and has also worked with adult clients recovering from trauma and substance abuse. She works with youth, teen, and adult clients dealing with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, faith transitions, and trauma. She also counsels with LGBTQ+ youth and their families. Misty is trained in EMDR, and also implements cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, solution and strengths-based approaches in her treatments. She is passionate about helping clients improve and make positive changes in their lives.

  • Nick Mathis, LCMHC

    Nick Mathis, LCMHC

    Mental Health Therapist

    Nick Mathis graduated with honors from the University of Phoenix in August 2018. As a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor at NBCG, Nick assists clients who have difficulties with anxiety, depression, addiction, parenting, Autism, ADHD, OCD, ODD, and attachment. Nick uses a client-centered approach and pulls from existentialism, poly vagal theory, internal family systems, and cognitive behavior therapy to help children, adolescents, and adults find compassionate management strategies for their challenges. Nick draws inspiration from Carl Rogers, Deb Dana, Brené Brown, Gabor Maté, and Sarah Baldwin.

  • Paul Black, Ed.S.

    Paul Black, Ed.S.

    School Psychologist

    Paul Black, Ed.S., NCSP earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Utah and holds advanced degrees in Human Exceptionality and School Psychology from Idaho State University. He has practiced as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist for the past 20 years, including 5 years as an adjunct professor. Paul has extensive experience in educational psychology, literacy, and technology and has been published recently in District Administration and eSchool News. He has conducted training and workshops in diverse settings around the country and is also an often-requested speaker at educational conferences.

    Paul is beginning his doctoral studies in the Fall of 2023 at Loyola University Chicago where he will focus on the role anxiety plays in peer relationships and academic performance.

    When not working, you will find Paul outdoors with his family hiking, camping, or skiing. And when he’s really stressed out, you’ll find him riding his motorcycle through one of the many beautiful canyons Utah has been graced with.

  • Rita Zimmerman, LCMHC

    Rita Zimmerman, LCMHC

    Mental Health Therapist & School Psychologist

    Rita works with people of all ages assisting clients to choose thoughts and behaviors that encourage satisfying relationships and healthy functioning across their life settings. Rita consults with parents and school teams to advocate for children’s special needs, teaches clients how to manage anxiety and depression, facilitates effective couple communication and role division, and gives parents positive strategies for raising compliant, happy kids.

  • Sarah Yost, B.S.

    Sarah Yost, B.S.

    Lead Psychometrist

    Sarah grew up in a military family which gave her the opportunity to live overseas and several locations around the United States. Her favorite places were Alaska and Northern Japan where she would love to visit again one day. Because she moved around so much while growing up, she developed a love for travel and experiencing different cultures. She also enjoys photography, the outdoors, and spending time with her Sheepadoodle, Harry Pawter. Sarah has always been interested in how the brain works which fueled her desire to earn a bachelor's degree in psychology from Utah State University in 2020.