JACK HINMAN, PSY.D.
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Jack Hinman (He/Him) is the Founder and Executive Director of Engage Transitions. He has been providing mental health and administrative services t...
Jack Hinman (He/Him) 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 (She/Her) brings 7 years of experience as a field instructor, mentor and recruiter in the wilderness therapy world to the Engage team. Brea facilitated group..
Brea (She/Her) 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 (She/Her) comes to Engage with extensive clinical experience from highly regarded treatment programs. Lacey received her Master's De....
Lacey (She/Her) 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.
REBECCA THIEGS, ACMHC
Primary Therapist
Rebecca (She/Her) has extensive clinical experience from highly regarded treatment settings. She received her Master's Degree from Loyola..
Rebecca (She/Her) has extensive clinical experience from highly regarded treatment settings. She received her Master's Degree from Loyola University of Chicago and furthered her training at the C.G. Jung Institute. Rebecca is licensed as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor with advanced training in Brainspotting and meditation.
Rebecca's attunement to young people and their families adds to Engage's clinical sophistication in guiding young adults with mental health struggles that are limiting their independence, helping them reach their full potential. Her clinical knowledge of treating trauma in a residential setting is instrumental in creating an engaging therapeutic environment for young adults with relational trauma, allowing them to experience safety and confidence as they explore the world. Rebecca is a clinician who blends traditional therapeutic approaches with experiential and outdoor settings. She is an outdoor enthusiast, spending her time exploring and playing in national and state parks.
CHELSEE ROBINSON
Yoga Instructor
Chelsee Robinson (She/Her) is a devoted mother, passionate yoga instructor, and believer in the transformative power of yoga. For...
Chelsee Robinson (She/Her) is a devoted mother, passionate yoga instructor, and believer in the transformative power of yoga. For the past seven years, Chelsee has specialized in trauma-informed practices, creating a safe space for physical and emotional healing. Through engaging lessons infused with mindfulness and body awareness, she empowers individuals to discover inner harmony and embark on their self-discovery journey. Chelsee is an advocate for holistic wellness and mindful living, aiming to guide others towards balance and fulfillment. When not teaching or nurturing her family, she draws inspiration from Utah's natural landscapes.
NICOLE CUMMINS, APRN
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Nicole (She/Her) was born and raised in Southern Utah Hurricane). As an undergrad she attended Dixie State College and Utah Valley...
Nicole (She/Her) 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 orthopedics and behavioral medicine/psychiatry before going back to school. She attended Vanderbilt University for her master’s degree where she earned the degree of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and became board certified through the ANCC.
BILLIE-JEAN SESSIONS
Nutritionist
My name is Billie Jean Sessions (She/Her) and no, I do not play tennis nor do I claim to be Michael Jackson’s lover. I grew up as the...
My name is Billie Jean Sessions (She/Her) 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 (He/Him) earned a B.S. in Accounting and an MBA at Southern Utah University where he was a memb...
Josh Gardner (He/Him) 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 (She/Her) handles all of the compliance at Engage, which she feels is a great fit for her background in law..
Janie (She/Her) 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
SHANNON HINMAN, M.Ed
Academic Coordinator
Shannon Hinman (She/Her) earned a B.S. in Elementary Education from Missouri State University and a Masters in School Leadership from Southern Utah University..
Shannon Hinman (She/Her) earned a B.S. in Elementary Education from Missouri State University and a Masters in School Leadership from Southern Utah University. In addition to working with the young adults at Engage, she is also a Literacy Coach for the Iron County School District and works with teachers to help them improve teaching and learning to increase student success. Shannon is passionate about helping our young adults explore their interests and develop career goals. She engages students in career conversations that help build critical 21st century skills, like adaptability, problem-solving, communication and collaboration. Shannon has two teenage children and her family enjoys running and mountain biking together.
JOCELYN BROWN, R.N.
Nurse
Jocelyn Brown (She/Her) was born and raised in the Cedar City area. She moved to Ogden, Utah in 2015 to pursue her nursing degree. She graduated from Weber State University..
Jocelyn Brown (She/Her) was born and raised in the Cedar City area. She moved to Ogden, Utah in 2015 to pursue her nursing degree. She graduated from Weber State University with a Bachelors of Nursing in 2019. Jocelyn started her career at Utah Valley Hospital where she spent almost 4 years working on the same day surgery unit of the hospital. She recently found an opportunity to move back to Cedar City and has since joined the Engage team. Jocelyn loves spending time outdoors, especially here in Cedar City. Her favorite hobbies include hiking, running, reading, and anything that allows her to spend quality time with her husband and 2 kids.
Talia
Administrative Assistant
Talia (She/Her) is a senior at Southern Utah University studying psychology. She plans to attend a graduate program for social work and become a licensed clinical social..
CASE MANAGERS
ANGELA
Case Manager
Angela (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...
Angela (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 & helping people make progress. Angela works on teaching executive functioning skills with the YA and helping them make and achieve their goals. She is a rule enforcer, but also leads with love and care
BOSTON
Case Manager
Boston (He/Him) spent his teen years working at his grandfather's veterinary clinic, where he became fascinated with our ancestral connection to horses. His studies in SUU’s Equine..
Boston (He/Him) spent his teen years working at his grandfather's veterinary clinic, where he became fascinated with our ancestral connection to horses. His studies in SUU’s Equine Science program would draw attention, and in 2019, Boston was approached to become part of the western horsemanship team at a newly founded center for young men. Blending principles of natural horsemanship with his devotion to helping others heal and grow, he would coach foundational relationship skills using the immediate metaphor of the horse. Boston is excited to bring his passion for serving others into his role here at Engage. When he is not with us or looking after animals, you can find him working in his private studio; where he carves and constructs heirloom quality leather goods.
LIFE COACHES
ALYSSA
Alyssa (She/Her) 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 (She/Her) 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.
BRIAN
Brian (He/Him) Grew up in Southern Oregon and loves listening to music. He is currently working towards becoming a doctor in physical therapy. He enjoys being athletic as well as being a video-gam...
Brian (He/Him) Grew up in Southern Oregon and loves listening to music. He is currently working towards becoming a doctor in physical therapy. He enjoys being athletic as well as being a video-gamer, he believes that there is a balance between both that can help people grow and learn.
TALON
Talon (He/Him) is a Utah native who comes from Morgan - a small town in northern Utah. Growing up in a small town meant spending a lot of time outside working on a farm, riding four wheelers..
Talon (He/Him) is a Utah native who comes from Morgan - a small town in northern Utah. Growing up in a small town meant spending a lot of time outside working on a farm, riding four wheelers with friends, or building bonfires. Talon is now a student at Southern Utah University studying Exercise Science as a Pre-Medical degree. He intends to pursue a career in medicine due to his passion for supporting the health and happiness of others. If he is not studying, you can find Talon riding his dirt bike, skiing, or visiting his family cabin.
ZOE
Zoe (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 help...
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 (She/Her) 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 (She/Her) 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.
CONNER
Conner (He/Him) 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...
Conner (He/Him) 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.
MCKENZIE
Mckenzie (She/Her) grew up in northern Utah and moved to Cedar City when she got married in 2020. She graduated in 2022 from Utah Valley University with...
Mckenzie (She/Her) grew up in northern Utah and moved to Cedar City when she got married in 2020. She graduated in 2022 from Utah Valley University with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and hopes to pursue a Master’s Degree in clinical mental health counseling in the future. McKensie is passionate about wellness, mental health, and connection with others and has found her passion for this through her work in treatment centers and as a Life Coach. McKensie loves cooking, reading, yoga, traveling, and finding time to spend with loved ones.
JONATHON
Jonathan (He/Him) is originally from Wisconsin, but eventually ventured to Utah to pursue a career in Wilderness Therapy. After working in Wilderness Therapy for five.
Jonathan (He/Him) is originally from Wisconsin, but eventually ventured to Utah to pursue a career in Wilderness Therapy. After working in Wilderness Therapy for five years, he returned to school to pursue his bachelor's in psychology. He is currently working toward obtaining his Ph.D. in clinical psychology. His hobbies include rock climbing, backpacking, teaching embodiment techniques through authentic movement and ecstatic dance.