Meet our Therapists

Greetings and Aloha! I'm originally from Hawaii but spent the last 20 years in Montana, where I taught sociology at Montana State University-Billings. My private practice in Montana focused largely on young LGBTQI+ individuals, many located in rural communities.

In my therapeutic work, I embrace a relational-cultural perspective, influenced heavily by feminist theory and a strong belief that humans want and need connection. I graduated from Boise State University with a degree in Social Work. I enjoy working with clients experiencing anxiety/depression, trauma, ADHD, and faith transitions, and I am particularly passionate about psychoeducation. I am trained in a variety of modalities and hold certifications in TI-CBT and EMDR.

However, I believe that approach is less important than the knowledge that your therapist both understands and accepts you deeply. Recent research states, "The emerging picture suggests that the quality of the client–therapist alliance is a reliable predictor of positive clinical outcome independent of the variety of psychotherapy approaches and outcome measures." (Ardito & Rabellino, 2011) I believe that the therapeutic relationship is essential in order for our work to progress.

My personal interests include travel, pop culture, swimming, and spending time with friends and family. I'm honored to accompany young LGBTQI individuals on their joyful journey toward self-actualization.

I hail from the Buckeye Nation — also known as Ohio. I am a graduate of Colorado State University where I earned my MSW. I have been working as a therapist with teens, young adults, and their families since 2001. I first started as a wilderness therapist and then moved onto residential treatment for adolescent humans. I have been a part of the Encircle Family since July 2019. I am well-versed in working with trauma, attachment, anxiety & depression, and family conflict. In addition, I have been trained and use EMDR to address trauma with my clients. I have training in sand play therapy, writing therapy, and psycho-drama and use these expressive therapies to help my clients connect and heal.

Fundamentally, I find that everyone I work with feels a bit lost and unsure how to make their way and wondering if a way is possible for them. Having spent a lot of time in the woods and in particular being lost, I know that people can and do find their way. I know from my own journey and the journey of my LGBTQ clients that there is a place to find shelter, connection, and light. I firmly believe that we are here to answer the question that Mary Oliver has asked, "What will you do with your one wild and precious life?" I love watching my clients find their answer and living a life that is full of goodness and love. When I am not sitting in a therapy office, I love reading, writing, walking, being with my partner and our dog who is the perfect Springer Spaniel.

Hello hello! My name is Konner and I’m an Associate Therapist at Encircle.

I grew up in a small farming community in Idaho, but Utah has been home for nearly a decade. I earned bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Nutrition Science from Utah State University, then expanded my clinical foundation with a Master’s of Social Work from New Mexico State University.

Over the years, I’ve worked in a residential treatment center, a domestic violence shelter, and an intensive outpatient clinic for OCD and anxiety disorders. These experiences taught me the importance of meeting people exactly where they are, especially during moments of vulnerability, identity exploration, or deep transition.

As someone who is part of the LGBTQ+ community, I understand how powerful it can be to feel seen and supported by someone with shared lived experience. I feel especially honored to walk alongside those navigating faith transitions, exploring identity, or simply facing the very real challenges of being human. Having grown up in a religious community, I also understand the delicate balance that can show up in mixed-faith relationships and shifting belief systems, especially here in Utah.

My approach to therapy is trauma-informed, with a strong emphasis on nervous system regulation, self-compassion, and the mind-body connection. I often incorporate DBT and mindfulness practices, and I’m currently pursuing additional training in EMDR and Internal Family Systems.

In sessions, I bring a grounded, compassionate energy and help clients tune in to what their bodies and emotions are communicating. Outside of work, I enjoy staying active, trying new foods, traveling, and spending time with friends, family, or simply with myself. I’m also hoping to add a small, friendly dog to my life soon, so stay tuned.

Hi, I’m Kristina, an Associate Therapist at Encircle. Originally from Orlando, Florida, I’ve had the opportunity to live in a variety of places—including Texas, Germany, North Dakota, and now Utah—all of which have shaped the way I connect with people, embrace difference, and value community.

I earned my Master of Social Work (MSW) from Weber State University, where I focused on trauma-informed, inclusive, and strengths-based clinical practice. My therapeutic approach integrates a biopsychosocial perspective with evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing. At the core of my work is the belief that healing begins in spaces grounded in safety, compassion, and collaboration.

As both a clinician and a member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, I understand the importance of working with someone who shares aspects of your lived experiences, someone who offers empathetic, affirming support, and honors your whole, authentic self.

In my practice, I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported. I enjoy working with individuals navigating a range of experiences, including anxiety, depression, grief/loss, identity development, life transitions, and neurodivergence. Whether you’re processing trauma, exploring your identity, or simply looking for a space that feels affirming and grounded, I’m here to walk alongside you as a collaborative and compassionate guide.

Outside of therapy, I enjoy watching Criminal Minds, Modern Family, and sports (especially the NWSL, WNBA, and USWNT), skiing, listening to music, and cooking. Most days, you’ll find me relaxing at home with my family.

I believe that everyone needs a space where they feel seen and heard. My goal as a therapist is to create safety for my clients to tell their stories and be met with empathy and understanding. I use an anti-oppressive, multicultural and empowering therapy approach to help clients feel safe in every identity they hold and an equal in the therapy room. My approach is to follow the client’s lead in what we focus on in therapy, and to create a space for all the emotions that come up in life. I’m trained in a variety of modalities and can customize treatment for the client’s needs and preferences. My goal is to help each person I see feel safe enough to heal and progress, and everyone deserves a personalized approach to that healing.

In my free time I’m an avid reader and advocate. I also enjoy playing video games and watching the latest movie releases with friends.

I grew up in Davis County, UT and now live with my family in Utah County. In between I’ve claimed Canada, Florida, and Virginia as temporary homes. I am a recent MSW graduate of National University, where Encircle was my very first internship. I worked in programs and community education, and developed a small obsession with the people, culture, and mission of this organization. Every human deserves a place that speaks belonging. I am incredibly grateful to be back. My time in the clinical field has been rooted in trauma work with adolescents, adults, and couples. I am experienced in attachment work, grief/loss, life transitions, anxiety, depression, OCD and eating disorders.

I believe that humans have the intrinsic capacity to heal. I have a deep appreciation for the tender feelings and complex experiences that sit at the intersections of identity. In the therapy room I prioritize trust, safety, and authenticity. In our sessions, you can expect a collaborative and empathetic environment where your goals guide the work we do together. My job is to create a space that supports vulnerability and possibility. As a clinician I often draw from ACT, IFS, DBT, Somatics, and EFT. I am also EMDR trained to work with traumatic reprocessing.

Outside of the therapy room I love binge-worthy TV, laughing, telling stories as dramatically as possible, reading, farmers markets, Marvel, writing bad poetry, and all the hours I can get with my partner and our kids. I also spend unreasonable amounts of time trying not to kill house plants. My cactus, Carl, recently died after a record breaking lifespan of 14 months. RIP Carl. I now have a new cactus, Cora. Please wish her luck.

My name is Emily Harvey (she/her), and I’m a second-year Master of Social Work student at the University of Utah. I know the Encircle strives to make a loving and welcoming place for all. They align with what I want to encompass as a growing social worker. I am excited to have the opportunity to work with you and be part of the Encircle team as I grow as a social worker.

I have a passion for supporting children, young adults, and families within the community. Through my experience working in after-school programs and private practice specializing in Play Therapy, I have had the opportunity to support children and young adults navigating anxiety, depression, OCD, autism, and various types of trauma. I earned my bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Gender Studies. This gave me a strong foundation in the science and development of human behavior and mental health while deepening my understanding of the social and cultural contexts that shape an individual's experience. My approach to working with clients is guided by leading with curiosity, empathy, and a commitment to understanding each person's experience from their own perspective. Each individual has a unique story, and I strive to create a space where you feel supported and understood.

In my free time, you'll find me in the pool swimming or hanging out with my friends and family. I also really enjoy the outdoors, camping, and hiking.

Hello, I’m Paige and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I’m a Social Work Intern here at Encircle!

I’ve lived in Utah County for practically my entire life, minus a short time spent living in Salt Lake County for school. I graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, and I’m in the midst of my Master of Social Work program there right now to work toward becoming an LCSW.

I became familiar with Encircle in high school when my friends and I attended a few community events hosted at the Provo house. Immediately, I noticed the warm sense of familiarity and inclusion that filled the space, so when given the opportunity to join the team, I was ecstatic! Encircle stands for love, compassion, and acceptance in all that we do, and I’m so honored to be bringing those values into the therapy space.

My approach to therapy is very humanistic. I am based in trauma-informed and client-centered practices and utilize other modalities as they seem fitting for a particular client’s situation. Most often that shows up as ACT or DBT, though the approach is flexible and collaborative at all times.

In my spare time, you’ll often find me reading a book, playing board games, spending time with friends and family, or doing something crafty. My favorite book genre is mystery, and I’m always accepting reading recommendations to add to my list!

Hi there! My name is Quincy Jackson (she/her) and I'm currently a Masters of Social Work student at the University of Utah. Before starting graduate school, I worked in early childhood education, community advocacy, curriculum development, and family programming. I became interested in pursuing a career in mental health because I feel strongly that everyone deserves the time and space to be empowered through exploring their relationship with themselves and the world around us.

As a member of the queer community myself, I wanted to be a part of Encircle's team because I am particularly drawn to their mission's emphasis on belonging and authentic connection as a form of healing. Our queerness can sometimes be spoken about as a burden or a challenge to overcome, but I feel confident that queerness is a gift to ourselves and this world; I feel passionate about healing and discovering one's self through belonging and community, and I deeply value creating spaces where everyone feels welcome to show up as their truest, most authentic selves. I am thrilled to be joining the Encircle community and its prioritization of meeting everybody without judgement no matter where we are on our journey.

In my free time, I like to play music, read, and learn from the natural world.

Our Therapy Team

Malia Burgess, MSW, MFA, LCSW

Sandra Priedeman, MSW, LCSW

Konner Simmons, MSW, CSW

Kristina Kaleel, MBA, MSW, CSW

Bekah Roberts, ACMHC

Nicole Thorpe, CSW

Emily Harvey, MSW Graduate Intern

Paige Ralls, MSW Graduate Intern

Quincy Jackson, MSW Graduate Intern

Allie Verdoon

Holly Taylor

Get in touch