Our Therapy Team

We are dedicated to finding competent, ethical, and affirming therapists

Providing compassionate care for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Meet the team

Sandra Priedeman, MSW, LCSW
she/her
Clinical Director
Works with clients ages 14+
Locations: Provo/Salt Lake/Online

  • Aetna: EPO/PPO/MANAGED CHOICE

    BCBS: Yes

    Cigna: Yes

    EMI: Yes

    Medicaid: Traditional, Select Health, and Healthy U plans. *If you are not sure which mental health plan you have, please call the phone number on the back of your Medicaid card. 

    PEHP: Yes

    Select Health: CARE, CHOICE, SIGNATURE VALUE, MED

    University of Utah Health Plans: Healthy Preferred, Healthy Premier, HealthyUChip

    UHC/UMR: Yes

    Self Pay: $125-HSA card, credit cards and debit cards are accepted

  • 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.

Malia Burgess, MSW, MFA, LCSW
she/her
Director of Clinical Operations
Works with clients ages 12+
Locations: St.George/Online/Rural

  • Aetna: EPO/PPO/MANAGED CHOICE

    BCBS: Yes

    Cigna: Yes

    EMI: Yes

    Medicaid: Traditional, Select Health, and Healthy U plans. *If you are not sure which mental health plan you have, please call the phone number on the back of your Medicaid card.

    PEHP: Yes

    Select Health: CARE, CHOICE, SIGNATURE VALUE, MED

    University of Utah Health Plans: Healthy Preferred, Healthy Premier, HealthyUChip

    UHC/UMR: Yes

    Self Pay: $125- HSA card, credit cards, and debit cards are accepted

  • 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.

Konner Simmons
he/him
MSW, CSW

  • Aetna: EPO/PPO/MANAGED CHOICE

    BCBS: Yes

    Cigna: Yes

    EMI: Yes

    Medicaid: Traditional, Select Health, and Healthy U plans. *If you are not sure which mental health plan you have, please call the phone number on the back of your Medicaid card. 

    PEHP: Yes

    Select Health: CARE, CHOICE, SIGNATURE VALUE, MED

    University of Utah Health Plans: Healthy Preferred, Healthy Premier, HealthyUChip

    UHC/UMR: Yes

    Self Pay: $125-HSA card, credit cards and debit cards are accepted

  • Konner Simmons, MSW, CSW (he/him)

    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.

Holly Taylor
she/her
Therapy Intake Coordinator

  • Holly is the Intake Coordinator at Encircle Therapy, where she helps to connect LGBTQIA+ individuals with affirming mental health resources. She is dedicated to supporting human connection through a more inclusive community, to ensure that every client recieves the specialized care they deserve. 

    Having grown up in Utah, she understands the challenges of accessing diverse resources in a religious environment and is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive space for all. 

Allie Verdoon
she/her
Therapy Office Manager

  • While I might have California blood, Utah has been my home for most of my life. Living in Provo, Utah with a sister part of the LGBTQ+ community means Encircle, and their mission, has held a very special place in my heart since their beginnings. My goal as the Encircle Therapy office manager is to ensure everything on the administrative side is running smoothly so you, and the therapy team, can focus on more important things. I am happy to be your first point of contact for any questions about scheduling, insurance, billing, or Encircle Therapy altogether.I love to read, write, host game nights, and plan dinner parties!

    During the winter I will spend my weekends in the Wasatch mountains on the slopes snowboarding and in the summer I am going to take whatever chance I can to paddleboard or lay by the lake.I regard being part of the Encircle team an honor and am excited to aid you in your experience with Encircle Therapy.

Providing care for you.

Our therapists are trained in various therapeutic styles (CBT, ACT, FMT, FS/IFS, narrative, etc.) and interventions for individuals, couples, and families.

Find the right therapist for you.

We believe that LGBTQIA+ youth should receive quality and compassionate care from specialists who wholly validate and understand the diverse experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

You are not alone.

If you’re thinking about suicide or are worried about someone else, please know you are not alone. Reaching out for help is a big step, and we encourage you to seek support as soon as possible.

We do not currently have a 24-hour crisis line or drop-in hours. If you believe someone is in immediate danger to themselves or others, CALL 911.

What do we do?

Our diverse team of passionate and committed professionals provides life-affirming therapy, connection & support for LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families.