JACK HINMAN, PSY.D.
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Jack Hinman is the Founder and Executive Director of Engage Transitions. He has been providing mental health and administrative services to individuals and families in a variety of treatment settings including hospitals, wilderness therapy programs, residential...
Jack Hinman is the Founder and Executive Director of Engage Transitions. He has been providing mental health and administrative services to individuals and families in a variety of treatment settings including hospitals, wilderness therapy programs, residential treatment centers and community mental health for over 20 years. Jack is a licensed clinical psychologist who is a passionate and committed clinician and administrator in helping young adults cross that bridge into healthy and engaging independence. This blend of clinical and administrative experience has provided Jack a comprehensive perspective of the therapeutic journey. He believes through the power of connection we thrive. Jack’s clinical foundations are driven in attachment theory and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Jack has also served on the board of directors for the National Association of Therapeutic Programs and has a local private practice working primarily with young students from the local community. Jack loves living in the outdoor rich area of Cedar City with his wife of 23 years and their two teenage children. Jack is an avid mountain biker and a coach for his son’s high school mountain bike team.
BREANNA BERNARDUCCI
Director of Student Life
Brea brings 7 years of experience as a field instructor, mentor and recruiter in the wilderness therapy world to the Engage team. Brea facilitated group therapy and emotional education and taught empowering leadership...
Brea brings 7 years of experience as a field instructor, mentor and recruiter in the wilderness therapy world to the Engage team. Brea facilitated group therapy and emotional education and taught empowering leadership skills in a backcountry setting, primarily with teenagers and their families. Brea has always found joy in guiding people to get outside their ‘comfort zone’ and into the ‘growth zone’ both physically and emotionally. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from University of Tennessee in Chattanooga, with a minor in Outdoor Education. These days, Brea gets excited about rock climbing, skiing, backpacking, mountain biking, dancing to live music, paddle boarding, camping with her husband and 3 year old son, and feasting with friends. Brea is our Director of Student Life and is incredibly excited to be here.
LACEY HEINZELMAN, LMFT
Clinical Director
Lacey comes to Engage with extensive clinical experience from highly regarded treatment programs. Lacey received her Master's Degree from Abilene Christian University. She was a wilderness therapist and most recently the clinical director for Moonridge Academy...
Lacey comes to Engage with extensive clinical experience from highly regarded treatment programs. Lacey received her Master's Degree from Abilene Christian University. She was a wilderness therapist and most recently the clinical director for Moonridge Academy.
Lacey is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist as well as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor with advanced training in Brainspotting, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Trauma Center Sensitive Yoga, Natural Lifemanship and Heart Math. Lacey is an esteemed therapist with over 10 years of experience leading teams, training and supervising, and speaking at national conferences.
Lacey’s attunement to young people and their families makes her a great addition to the Engage team in guiding young adults with attachment distress to reach their full potential. Lacey's vast clinical knowledge of treating trauma in residential and wilderness settings will be instrumental in creating an engaging therapeutic environment for young adults with attachment and relational trauma to experience safety and confidence as they explore the world.
Lacey is a clinician that blends traditional therapeutic approaches in experiential and outdoor settings. She is an outdoor enthusiast spending most of her time exploring and playing in national and state parks. Lacey is a die hard Packers fan and enjoys listening to live music.
SIDNEY DANG, PSY.D.
Consulting Psychologist and Group Therapist
Dr. Sidney Dang is a graduate of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Chicago with a specialization in working with children, adolescents, and families. He approaches his work...
Dr. Sidney Dang is a graduate of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Chicago with a specialization in working with children, adolescents, and families. He approaches his work from a culturally responsive, strengths-based perspective while integrating evidence-based practices. Dr. Dang conducts psychological evaluations similarly in order to provide a comprehensive assessment and practical recommendations for the individual. Since 2009, he has worked with clients from diverse backgrounds and a variety of treatment settings including but not limited to residential treatment, hospitals, and schools. Dr. Dang has Foundational Certification in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and has been trained in the following evidence-based practices: Managing Adaptive Practices (MAP), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Crisis Oriented Recovery Services (CORS), and Seeking Safety.
Dr. Dang co-authored a book chapter entitled “Exploring the Healing Powers of Hip-Hop: Increasing Therapeutic Efficacy, Utilizing the Hip-Hop Culture as an Alternative Platform for Expression and Connection,” as well as a research article (“When Diagnostic Labels Mask Trauma“). Additionally, he has presented at a number of professional conferences to share his work related to utilizing multicultural and experiential approaches, as well as disseminating information about the adolescent subjective experience of treatment. Sidney lives in Southern Utah where is loves to explore new trails with his dog, Phife Dawg, and engage in rock climbing.
NICOLE CUMMINS,
PMHNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
Nicole was born and raised in Southern Utah Hurricane). As an undergrad she attended Dixie State College and Utah Valley University for her prerequisites, RN and BSN degrees. She worked for 4 years as a Nurse...
Nicole was born and raised in Southern Utah Hurricane). As an undergrad she attended Dixie State College and Utah Valley University for her prerequisites, RN and BSN degrees. She worked for 4 years as a Nurse in both Orthopaedics and Behavioral Medicine/Psychiatry before going back to school. She attended Vanderbilt University for her Masters Degree where she earned the degree of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and became board certified through the ANCC.
She continued to work at DRMC/St George Regional Hospital in the Psychiatric unit where she treated patients in crisis. During this same time she has worked in a psychiatric clinic in Las Vegas doing medication management.
For the last 4 years, she has done Psychiatric Evaluations on the Medical floors learning how to specialize in Geriatric care including Dementia with sundowning and agitation with aggressive behaviors. She currently works at several youth residential treatment facilities doing medication management for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia related disorders and aggressive behaviors associated with Autism and RAD.
Having worked in Inpatient Psychiatry she is also well versed in treating adults with Schizophrenia related disorders, Bipolar disorders, Major depressive disorders, Anxiety disorders, and does Medication assisted substance abuse treatment.
In her free time Nicole enjoys doing outdoor activities with her family such as camping, jeeping, going to the beach, and road trips. Her husband Brian with 3 adult daughters have been very supportive during her journey and are very excited for more free time with her.
LISA ANDERSON
Nurse
Lisa started her career as a Recreational Therapist and has spent many years working with adolescents. In 2015 she returned to school to complete a second Bachelor's degree in nursing. She has been working...
Lisa started her career as a Recreational Therapist and has spent many years working with adolescents. In 2015 she returned to school to complete a second Bachelor's degree in nursing. She has been working as a youth treatment nurse since graduating from the Southern Utah University nursing program. She is currently enrolled in a Master's program and is working toward becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Lisa enjoys gardening, sewing and reading, especially listening to audiobooks so she can multi-task. Born and raised in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Lisa loves spending time outdoors with her husband and four children.
BILLIE-JEAN SESSIONS
Nutritionist
My name is Billie Jean Sessions and no, I do not play tennis nor do I claim to be Michael Jackson’s lover. I grew up as the oldest of 3 in a small town in Eastern Utah. I chose to study nutrition in college...
My name is Billie Jean Sessions and no, I do not play tennis nor do I claim to be Michael Jackson’s lover. I grew up as the oldest of 3 in a small town in Eastern Utah. I chose to study nutrition in college early on in life because my brother was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when we were young. It was through years of helping manage that condition that I realized the impact food can have on an individual. I quickly realized my passion was not in diabetes education, however, and was able to get experience working with parents, infants, and children at WIC; with a diverse group of adults in clinical nutrition; and with college students at SUU from 2016-2021. I decided to open a private practice in 2021 focusing on intuitive eating and healing food relationships after seeing the need among my years of experience. My husband, Zack, and I have 2 adorable daughters with another on the way in Summer 2022. We love to spend our time outdoors camping, grilling, and hiking. I enjoy trying new recipes, jigsaw puzzles, planning and hosting parties, and listening to a wide range of podcasts.
Eating is an act of self-care, but also a way to promote connection and satisfaction in our lives. I promote the ideas of adequacy, variety, and enjoyment in regards to eating experiences. Individualized nutrition is necessary to allow for unique needs, cultural differences, budgetary constraints, and preferences.
JOSH GARDNER, MBA
Chief Financial Officer
Josh Gardner earned a B.S. in Accounting and an MBA at Southern Utah University where he was a member of the varsity Track & Cross Country teams. He has served as controller and subsequently as CFO...
Josh Gardner earned a B.S. in Accounting and an MBA at Southern Utah University where he was a member of the varsity Track & Cross Country teams. He has served as controller and subsequently as CFO at Havenwood Academy since 2015, and CFO of Vive Adolescent Care since 2019.Josh specializes in developing financial systems that align the organization with its core values and strategic mission. He has presented on behavioral healthcare finance at conferences around the United States. His hobbies include mountain biking, running, and watching reruns of The Office. He lives in Cedar City with his wife and two sons.
JANIE SABIN
Director of Licensing
Janie handles all of the compliance at Engage, which she feels is a great fit for her background in law. She's an incredibly important part of ensuring Engage is held to high standards of treatment...
Janie handles all of the compliance at Engage, which she feels is a great fit for her background in law. She's an incredibly important part of ensuring Engage is held to high standards of treatment through Utah state regulations and accreditations that Engage holds.
Janie Sabin is a paralegal. She has worked in a law firm as a paralegal for 12 years. Janie has experience in business law, family law, criminal law, contract law and adoption law and is passionate about laws and regulations.
Janie attended Southern Utah University where she received a degree in criminal justice with a legal studies minor. Immediately after graduating from SUU, Janie started working at Hofeling, Wayment and Marchant, LLP handling criminal, corporate and adoption law.
Janie has 2 active young boys and loves to spend time with her family outdoors camping and playing board games. When Janie is not with her family you will find her reading, doing puzzles or planning
LIFE COACHES
MELANIE
Lead Life Coach
Melanie Bray is a graduate of SUU that loves all things outdoors. She enjoys weight lifting and gardening. She loves listening to music and playing with her dogs. She wants to help others live a balanced life...
Melanie Bray is a graduate of SUU that loves all things outdoors. She enjoys weight lifting and gardening. She loves listening to music and playing with her dogs. She wants to help others live a balanced life and find what “happy and healthy” means for them. She is fluent in English and Spanish.
FIZZ
Faisal (Fizz) is a NYC native and has worked in Youth Centers since the age of 17. He joined the USMC after high school and served in 3 tours overseas. Afterwards, he moved to Cedar City to join the Rotor pilot...
Faisal (Fizz) is a NYC native and has worked in Youth Centers since the age of 17. He joined the USMC after high school and served in 3 tours overseas. Afterwards, he moved to Cedar City to join the Rotor pilot program. He has a passion for fitness and is a certified personal trainer. He is frequently told he is Obnoxiously positive.
CONNER
Conner James Thornton was born in Henderson, Nevada and has been living in Cedar City, Utah since 2017. He has been attending SUU as a student off and on since that time, changing majors three times...
Conner James Thornton was born in Henderson, Nevada and has been living in Cedar City, Utah since 2017. He has been attending SUU as a student off and on since that time, changing majors three times until discovering his passion for working with youth and young adults. Currently, he is majoring in Business Education with the end goal of being a vocational high school teacher, teaching about finances, economics, and business. For the past two years, Conner has worked at residential treatment centers and summer programs dealing with developing effective life habits and study patterns. Conner participates in community musicals and loves to game online, read books, play soccer, and make connections. He is absolutely enthralled with his wife, Holly.
ANGELA
Angela Waldron (She/her) was born and raised in West Virginia with her 10 siblings. At the age of 9, she became an aunt and helped babysit and raise the kids. She loves being kind and helpful to others...
Angela Waldron (She/her) was born and raised in West Virginia with her 10 siblings. At the age of 9, she became an aunt and helped babysit and raise the kids. She loves being kind and helpful to others. Angela has worked in multiple care facilities, some as a CNA, and loves working as a role model and seeing people make progress.
ALYSSA
Alyssa Hatfield is a student at Southern Utah University in the Social Work program. She intends to go on to graduate school to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker to continue learning about...
Alyssa Hatfield is a student at Southern Utah University in the Social Work program. She intends to go on to graduate school to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker to continue learning about what she loves - human behavior, connection and wellness. As an Air Force brat, Alyssa moved around frequently while growing up, and her favorite place she lived in was Misawa, Japan. Alyssa loves to travel and visit beautiful places, read amazing books, eat delicious food, and find any reason to be in the mountains with her husband.
HEATHER
Heather Peterson is a Utah native and has a passion for being outdoors. Summertime and fall are their favorite seasons because of all the outdoor activities that are available with living in Southern Utah. Heather...
Heather Peterson is a Utah native and has a passion for being outdoors. Summertime and fall are their favorite seasons because of all the outdoor activities that are available with living in Southern Utah. Heather earned a bachelor's in Psychology and Biology and understanding the connection between the body and mind is what they love about Engage and the work we are doing.
ZOE
Zoe Walters (she/they) is originally from Florida but moved to Cedar City as a teenager, and graduated from Cedar High school. Zoe is currently a junior at SUU studying art education. She enjoys...
Zoe Walters (she/they) is originally from Florida but moved to Cedar City as a teenager, and graduated from Cedar High school. Zoe is currently a junior at SUU studying art education. She enjoys helping others and doing her best to lift and support the people around her. She loves the outdoors, her husband, their crazy puppy and all things art.
ELISE
Elise Kjar graduated from Southern Utah University in 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Music Education with an emphasis in choral music. After teaching choir & piano to high school students...
Elise Kjar graduated from Southern Utah University in 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Music Education with an emphasis in choral music. After teaching choir & piano to high school students in Cedar for her student teaching and working with adolescents in residential treatment for 2 years, Elise knows that she wants to help people for the rest of her life. In her free time Elise can be found laughing with her husband, playing pickleball and tennis, reading, trying new restaurants, and watching Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
SAMARA
Samara Rangel (she/her) is passionate about exploring the world and does this through being outdoors and traveling nationally and internationally. She has traveled to China, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Spain, Mexico...
Samara Rangel (she/her) is passionate about exploring the world and does this through being outdoors and traveling nationally and internationally. She has traveled to China, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Paraguay, and Brazil and is still planning future trips. Some of her hobbies include watching sunsets, serving in the community, reading, and spending time with family. Samara graduated with honors in Psychology, Anthropology, and Family Life and Human Development and minored in Spanish at Southern Utah University. The reason she studies so much is that she feels fulfilled knowing that this knowledge can be useful as she encourages and supports others through their journey.