Brent Hall, LMFT

Executive Director

Brent came to Discovery Academy in 2000 after completing his graduate studies in marriage and family therapy at San Diego State University. While in Southern California, Brent worked with adolescent females in a residential setting specializing in sexual trauma and victim issues.

Prior to that, Brent completed his undergraduate degree at Brigham Young University where he worked for three years as a summer camp counselor with teens visiting the college for sports, music, dance, and academic programs.

Originally from Idaho, in his spare time, Brent likes to ski, hike, and read.

Tessa Butterfield, CMA

Certified Medical Assistant

Tessa came to Discovery Academy in April 2018. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University Idaho in Health Sciences with an emphasis in Public Health and an Associates in Medical Assisting. She worked as a medical assistant and research coordinator at a fertility clinic prior to coming to Discovery Academy. Tessa enjoys working with people from various backgrounds and has spent time in Peru and Ecuador volunteering with families and in orphanages. As an Idaho native, she loves being outside as much as possible.

Suzy Moom

Account Manager

Suzy attended Brigham Young University and has been with Ascent Companies since 2013. She has five children ranging in ages from 11-25 years old. Suzy also has a child on the Spectrum and can relate to our parents in a very unique way. Suzy’s family enjoys vacationing together. They are a very close-knit group and enjoy spending time at home doing various projects. Suzy was also recommended to Ascent by a fellow staffer and truly enjoys her position. She knows that the finical responsibility of having a child in a program can feel a little overwhelming. Suzy enjoys helping parents understand our policies and procedures and making it a very positive experience for them.

Cassi Kissell, ACMHC

Therapist

Cassi Kissell is an Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor (ACMHC) currently employed at Discovery Academy as a therapist. She completed her Master’s degree in 2019. Before Cassi came to Discovery Academy, she was employed as a clinician at a treatment center for adolescents. Cassi has experience in working with adults and adolescents who are struggling with Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), suicidal thoughts, and a variety of other mental health conditions. Cassi has been trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Crisis Prevention, and treatment of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder among other therapeutic techniques.

Cassi enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, fishing, and camping. She also enjoys spending time with her family, especially wrestling with her two little boys. Cassi’s other diverse interests include finding and cooking new recipes, attending boxing classes, and giving back to her community.

Lindsey Robertson

Controller

A graduate in Accounting from Utah Valley University, Lindsey handles the daily cash flow and manages the assets of Ascent. She has been with Ascent Companies for over 6 years and married for five. Lindsey and her husband are outdoor enthusiasts. They enjoy camping, fishing, and snowboarding to name a few. Lindsay loves participating in Parent Days and watching the progress students make as a result of being at one of our programs. She is so grateful to be part of an organization that truly changes lives.

Jenica Limb

Accounts Receivable

Jenica has a unique perspective here at Ascent Companies because she moonlights as a Recreational Therapist at one of our programs in addition to her accounting duties. Originally from Idaho, Jenica enjoys a rich family life nearby. She graduated from Brigham Young University in Therapeutic Recreation. Jenica loves sports and being outside. Her passions include basketball, racquetball, photography, hiking, and biking. Jenica has been really impressed with the culture here. She loves working for a company that cares just as much for their staff as they do their students. She loves being part of the outcomes we produce and working with students directly.

Hannah Yeates

Admissions Counselor

Hannah Yeates began working at Discovery Academy in 2016, first as a mentor in our girl’s program and later as our Family Services Coordinator. She is in the process of earning a Bachelor’s Degree from Brigham Young University in Sociology and currently hold the position of Admissions Coordinator.

Hannah is from Riverton, Utah. She loves reading, being active outdoors, being with her friends and family, watching movies, and traveling. She speaks both English and Spanish.

Brittany York

Family Services Coordinator

Brittany York began working as the Family Services Coordinator at Discovery Academy in 2019. She graduated from Pace University in New York, New York with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film and Screen Studies and a minor in History in 2010. Earning a degree in Film and Screen Studies taught her the aesthetics and psychology that goes into telling a story. Brittany brought her skills to a variety of fields including creating wedding videos, working on reality TV programs, commercials, and family history documentaries. She also has worked for an author, therapist, and motivational speaker. These careers gave Brittany experience in helping families to have enjoyable and therapeutic experiences.

Brittany was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. She married her high school sweetheart. She loves watching movies, traveling, and learning about history.

Annette Davis, M.Ed

Principal

Annette Davis offers students of the Discovery Academy system of academics many years of experience and leadership in residential treatment settings as well as private schools. Her Masters Degree in Education (M.Ed) focused on Leadership. Along with her bachelor’s in English and History, Annette has been well equipped over the years as she has led educators and influenced students.
Annette has worked with numerous student populations in the private and public setting. In her travels, she has had the opportunity to work with the Department of Defense Dependents Schools in Panama and Central America.
Her Special Education Certification has influenced and contributed to her caring and compassionate demeanor. She loves to be personally engaged in the education of students who find themselves enrolled in a therapeutic environment with emotional and developmental concerns.
Annette adores working with Junior high and high school students from different parts of the country as well as from around the world. She enjoys the interactions and personal engagement that accompanies their diverse talents and challenges. She believes as relationships develop, student confidence improves and academic proficiency increases. Throughout the years, hiring talented faculty and encouraging quality curriculum development have been two of her major priorities.

Cole Gruensfelder

Human Resources Director

Cole Gruensfelder came to Discovery Academy in July 2018 as our Human Resources Director. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) in Human Resources (HR) from Colorado Technical University and is HIPAA Certified.
Cole served in the US Armed Forces for nine years. During his service, he held two different military occupational specialties. He was an Army Cavalry Scout and Aviation Operation Specialist. He completed two tours of duty in Iraq where he earned several awards and medals that include the Iraq Campaign Medal with three-star accommodation, Combat Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Good Conduct Medal, among others.
Cole was born in Pendleton, Oregon. He is the oldest of seven siblings. He is also the father of two wonderful children. He enjoys visiting the outdoors, reading, listening to music, attending family reunions, as well as barbecuing whenever the occasion allows.

Matt Kiefer, ACMHC

Therapist

Matt Kiefer first came to Discovery Academy in 2008 where he worked extensively in our boys program as our Boys Program Coordinator until 2014. Matt returned to Discovery Academy in the Fall of 2017 after obtaining his Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University. Prior to achieving his Master’s Degree, Matt earned a Bachelors of Healthcare Administration. Matt has worked with adolescents in residential settings for over ten years. He has experience working with a broad variety of emotional, sexual and behavioral issues. Matt believes in the power of experiential therapy, using a variety of art, music, play and adventure based therapies to help the youth grow and heal. Matt is originally from Utah and has a passion for the outdoors. Matt spends much of his spare time cycling, rock climbing, hiking with his dog, and spending time with his wife and three children.

Megan Bedard

Career Coordinator

Megan came to Discovery Connections in 2018. After receiving her Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreational Therapy from Brigham Young University, Idaho, she worked as a recreational therapist. While completing her degree, Megan interned in a residential treatment center in Utah County. The experience gave Megan a better understanding and opportunity to work with teens. Megan grew up on a small farm in Oregon. In her leisure time Megan, enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding,camping, and spending time with loved ones and friends.

Joseph Tenny, LCSW

Therapist

Joseph Tenney came to Discovery Academy in summer 2018. He graduated with a Masters Degree in Social Work from Brigham Young University in 2004. In the last 15 years, Joe has provided over 10,000 hours of therapy by working in residential treatment, hospitals, care centers, intensive and outpatient treatment, and in his own private practice. He is experienced in helping clients recover from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), sexual trauma, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety, depression, anger, and addictions. He employs a wide variety of therapeutic practices which include Experiential, Rogerian, Mindfulness, Humanistic, Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Outside of work, Joe enjoys building character in youth as a volunteer basketball coach, spending time with his family, sports, spirituality, gardening, music, theater, literature, and technology.

Bronson Garcia

Boys Program Coordinator

Bronson Garcia began his career at Discovery Academy in September 2016 as a boys’ mentor and then boys’ shift supervisor. He is now the Boys Program Coordinator.

Bronson is a native of Payson, Utah. He loves working with teenagers and has three years of experience coaching junior high school wrestling. Bronson also enjoys fishing and spending time with his family and especially his young son.

Craig Rollo, LMFT

Therapist

Craig came to Discovery Academy in 2017 with more than twenty years of experience in the adolescent treatment field. He holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Nevada, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at UNLV. Prior to joining Discovery Academy, Craig ran group homes for state-mandated children and has worked as a therapist in other residential treatment settings. He has also worked in outpatient therapy for many years. He is a popular guest speaker for seminars, retreats, and cruises speaking to couples about marriage. Craig grew up in southern Utah and loves the mountains, camping, hunting, fishing, wrestling, baseball, track, and football. He also owns a karaoke and DJ business and has sung in many bands over the years. Craig has also performed in several plays over the years, including everything from musicals to melodrama.

Haley Bjornberg

Office Manager

Haley joined Discovery Academy in November of 2017 as our Office Manager. She is excited to be with us while she studies sign language and deaf studies/interpretation as a full-time student at Utah Valley University. Haley has worked in libraries and as student loan account manager. As a newlywed, Haley enjoys spending time with her husband when she can find breaks in her schedule. Haley was born and raised in Utah and has a passion for reading and writing her own stories, doing origami, interpreting music into sign language and hiking.

Arthur Kleinfelder, ACMHC

Therapist

Arthur came to Discovery Academy in 2018. He earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology at Utah Valley University and then his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Argosy University. He had been teaching in the psychology department at UVU for 5 years while also working at the Utah State Prison. Arthur also worked in an outpatient clinic where they rehabilitated children in the juvenile drug court system. His preferred style of therapy is helping individuals find their deeper meaning that will motivate them to their future goals. Arthur specialized in and holds a certification in non-verbal communication and Micro-expressions of the face. He moved to Utah from Los Angeles and enjoys the outdoors at a beach or in the mountains. Arthur has gained a reputation with the students as a “jack of all trades”. He has experience in many areas of music, sports, and health. His passion outside of therapy and education is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where he also teaches children and adults at a local gym.

Laura Steffens

Residential Director

Laura has been with Discovery Academy since 1992. She began as a mentor, served as the Girls’ Program Coordinator for over ten years, and is currently the Residential Director. Laura is responsible for a large department of dedicated mentors and the development of student daily programming. Believing that building relationships is a key principle to working with youth, Laura has integrated community service, theater, athletic teams, and student clubs into the student schedule where staff and students work together to build supportive relationships. Laura is originally from Reno, Nevada and enjoys traveling and antiquing with family, snowboarding, and boating.

Nick Pakidko, M.Ed.

Curriculum specialist

Nick came to Discovery Academy in 2014 and he brings with him 34 years of therapeutic educational experience including a wealth of information and wisdom to our school and industry.

Nick has earned two masters’ degrees in special education, art, and design from Brigham Young University and he also holds a third graduate degree in educational administration and supervision. He has spent over three decades working in residential treatment schools with adolescents experiencing behavioral and learning difficulties. The father of five boys, Nick enjoys Australian Rules football, sixties music, geopolitics, religious reading, fine arts, including Kenpo karate and surfing.

Melanie Evans

Admissions Director

Melanie has been with Discovery Academy since 2014 beginning as the Office Manager, later as our Admissions Coordinator and now is the Admissions Director. Prior to Discovery Academy, Melanie worked in the career college industry for over seven years where her focus was supporting student success. Melanie enjoys traveling, crafting, shopping, music, watching cooking shows with her young adult sons and spending time with her extended family at their lodge in Idaho.

Laurie Laird, M.Ed.

Headmaster

Laurie recently joined the Discovery Academy team after serving as Education Director for fifteen years at an adolescent female residential program along with one year as Executive Director for a preteen program. Prior to working in residential treatment, Laurie taught in the public school system, both in junior high and high school. Laurie graduated in secondary education from Brigham Young University and has a Master’s Degree in Educational Counseling. Laurie taught on the college level for six years at the University of Phoenix, in the education and math departments. Passionate about providing quality education experience for youth, Laurie brings her education and experience to best serve the academic program at Discovery Academy. Laurie enjoys the outdoors, reading, and spending time with her four children and two grandchildren.

Bill Cluff, MS

Teacher

Bill came to Discovery Academy in the fall of 2015. He received a BS degree in electrical engineering from Brigham Young University in 1983, and an MS in electrical engineering from Cal State Fullerton in 1988. Bill worked in aerospace and software development for 20 years before returning to Utah Valley University to study math and science education in 2003. He received his Utah state secondary education teaching license with endorsements in math (level 4) and physics in 2004. He then taught math in Utah public high schools for eight years. Bill enjoys the challenge of playing trumpet and performs in civic and dance band groups. He also likes motorcycle riding, fiber arts, puzzles, and reading.

Bill Bunn, D.O.

Psychiatrist

Dr. Bunn attended medical school at Des Moines University with clinical training at Ohio University. His psychiatry training was completed at the University of Utah, where he received outstanding Junior and Senior Resident Awards and the Arnold P. Gold Foundation for Humanism and Excellence in Teaching. Dr. Bunn has written publications in the area of doctor-patient communications and medical education including an article discussing how to help medical students develop more empathy for the mentally ill. He is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Psychiatry and Neurology and takes a conservative approach to medication management.

Derek Farr

Teacher

Derek has taught at Discovery Academy since 2014. Derek earned his Bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Idaho State University with a major in PE and a minor in Social Studies. Derek has taught for over 20 years in the public schools and is highly qualified as an educator in the areas of history, US Government and reading. Derek has coached football, basketball and track for over 20 years and has twice received the honor of being coach of the year. He also received teacher of the year in 1997. He enjoys teaching at Discovery Academy because of the smaller classes and the opportunity to teach one-on-one.

Adam Richards

P.E. Teacher

Adam came to Discovery Academy in August of 2017 after graduating from the University of Utah with his Bachelors Degree in kinesiology. In the Spring of 2017 Adam did his student teaching experience at East High School in Salt Lake City. Adam has been able to substitute teach and coach PE for three years and continues to be passionate about the quality of education and loves being an educator. As a native of Northern Idaho, he loves bike riding, fishing, snowboarding, and essentially any team sport.

Alan Barrett

Business Manager

Alan joined Discovery Academy as the first person hired when the program opened its doors in 1989. He was born and raised in Orem, Utah and has lived in Utah all his life. Alan attended Brigham Young University where he graduated with a degree in business management. He and his wife Kathy are the parents of ten children.

Dorothy AhQuin, CMHC

Therapist

Dorothy has been with Discovery Academy since 1992. She is a certified Special Education teacher and a Licensed Professional Counselor. In addition to her therapeutic experience, she taught high school for twenty years, where she had a passion for motivating students who had fallen behind academically. Dorothy believes that academics and therapy work together in treatment of adolescents. It often takes success in both for students to begin the discovery of who they are and what they can become. When Dorothy isn’t busy fulfilling her unique role at Discovery Academy she enjoys cooking, reading, quilting, traveling, spending time with family, and camping.

Brian Allred, CMHC

Clinical Director

Brian came to Discovery Academy in 2012 with over 26 years of experience working with youth in a variety of treatment settings. He is a licensed professional counselor and over the course of his career he has worked as a therapist, clinical supervisor, program director, and clinical director. Brian has helped hundreds of youth and their families work through problems that include chemical addictions, mental health issues and behavioral problems. A self-described “gym rat,” Brian enjoys a variety of sports and recreational activities, but his favorite pastime is watching his children perform in band and show choir competitions.

Nate Porter, AMHC

Therapist

Nate joined the Discovery Academy team in 2006 where he worked first as a front line mentor, then a supervisor, and then as the Boys Program Coordinator for four years while working on his Master degree and joining the clinical department as a therapist. Prior to working at Discovery Academy, Nate worked at the Utah State Hospital where he received extensive training in adolescent care in relation to mental and social issues.  Nate and his wife have two sons. When he’s not working or studying, Nate loves coaching high school football, watching sports, going on dates with his wife, and playing video games with his boys.

Ann Ngatai, Ed.D.

Therapist

Ann came to Discovery Academy during the summer of 2014. She received her Masters degree in Psychology from Brigham Young University before going on to earn her Doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology. Before joining the Discovery Academy team, Ann worked with adolescents and early adolescents in multiple settings. Ann’s philosophy is that when more senses are integrated in therapy, as in experiential therapy, a long-lasting impact is made. Ann is originally from California but has lived in Japan and Hawaii before settling in Utah. She enjoys biking through the canyons of Utah with her children, watching documentaries with her husband and quilting.

Austin Haacke, LMFT

Therapist

Austin began working at Discovery Academy in 2016, Austin has many years of experience working with youth; four years as a frontline staff and two years as an IEP and testing coordinator at a residential treatment center while earning his master’s degree in counseling. Austin is fluent in Spanish and was a Cued Language Translator working with deaf individuals in a school setting. Throughout his career, Austin has developed a passion for experiential therapy and places a great deal of importance in new experiences–especially seeing how individuals and families react in new situations. When he is not doing therapy, he is enjoying time with his wife and two children fishing, working the bees, training service dogs and gardening.

Corey Dixon,

Assistant Special Ed Coordinator/Teacher

#Cory is the Assistant Special Ed Coordinator/Teacher. He came to Discovery Academy in 2010, he helped start the Discovery Connections program. He has a bachelor’s degree in technology management from Utah Valley University. His special education teaching certificate is from Prescott College. Cory has a dual teaching license in special education and computer science. Before starting to work in the education field, Cory worked in the computer industry for 20 years in quality assurance for hardware, networking and computer programs. He worked with special needs students for 6 years in public schools. He and his wife live on a small farm and enjoy spending time with their 5 children and new granddaughter. He also enjoys science fiction fantasy movies & books, talk shows, outdoor activities and is an all-around handyman.