Josh Whatcott, MSW, CSW
Josh’s experiences growing up have influenced him greatly and shaped his desire to pursue a healing profession. After spending 22 years in the police services, Josh wanted to continue helping others with evidence-based therapeutic approaches incorporating positive psychology principles and practices, which help clients make lasting change through solutions rather than focusing on the problem. Josh enjoys working with public service employees, individuals, groups, and adolescents. When Josh is not working, you can find him spending time with his wife, two children, and his English bulldog Mr. Gus, enjoying his Harley, traveling the globe, and enjoying his law enforcement family.
Rick Ashby, LCSW
Rick is originally from the Chicago area of Illinois and came to Utah twenty-eight years ago to be near family. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Utah in 1998. Soon after graduation, he hired on with the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy and continues to work as a police detective, now with the Unified Police Department Salt Lake. He received his master’s degree in social work from the University of Utah in 2008. Rick has clinical experience in inpatient and outpatient settings. He has worked with a variety of issues including anxiety disorders, PTSD, stress and anger management issues, depression, various adjustment issues, and addiction.
Justin Olsen, CMHC
Justin received his bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Utah and his master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Phoenix. Justin has extensive training working with individuals, couples, and families. He has worked for over 11 years as a mental therapist. He has met with hundreds of first responders and their families over the years. He has done training for multiple agencies. Justin’s wife has been a deputy for the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Department for the last 17 years. He has spent a lot of time working with clients experiencing stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, substance abuse, and couples’ issues. He has extensive training in EMDR, Mind Shield, and Gottman couple’s therapy. Justin enjoys working with first responders because feels like he can help this group regain some peace and happiness after they have done some much to protect the public and help us to be safe. In his spare time, he enjoys exercising, lifting weights, running triathlons, playing/watching sports, and spending time with his wife and little girls.
Charlyn Raaberg, CMHC
Charlyn received her master’s degree in counseling psychology from Pepperdine University in California and her BA from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She was originally trained and licensed in the state of CA as a Marriage and Family Therapist. She has been a Psychotherapist, Wellness Presenter, and Business Consultant for Blomquist Hale’s client companies and their employees since 2001. Charlyn’s work with clients is based on the foundation that individuals are intricately linked to and influenced by their environments, and all people strive toward growth and balance. She believes in the wholeness and resilience of individuals and supports them in developing additional skills to broaden their engagement in life. Her areas of specialty are in relational growth, successfully managing life transitions, mindfulness for stress reduction, the treatment of grief, and strategies for the treatment of depression and anxiety.
Curtis Wilcox, LCSW
Curtis received his masters in Social Work from the University of Utah. He has experience in providing individual, group, first responders and couples counseling. Curtis also has experience in processing traumatic events, and enjoys helping individuals work through issues that are happening in their day-to-day lives.
Natalie Jenson, LCSW, SAP
Natalie received her master’s degree in social work from Columbia University and has bachelor’s degrees from the University of Utah in both Psychology and Sociology. Natalie enjoys using a positive psychology and motivational interviewing approach in therapy to help people recognize their strengths, improve their self-confidence, and increase happiness. In her 20 years as a mental health therapist, Natalie has worked with many individuals, couples, and families as they navigate difficult life events and mental health issues. In addition, Natalie is a Substance Use Professional (SAP) and has many years of experience in working with those dealing with addiction and substance use issues. Natalie has also spent many years working with first responders and is a Certified First Responder Counselor (CFRC). In her free time Natalie and her family can be found at a concert for the latest indie rock band, traveling to new places, exploring Utah’s beautiful mountains, or playing board games.
Glen Merrell, LCSW
Glen received his bachelors in family studies at Brigham Young University and continued his education at Utah State University where is received his master’s in social work. Glen has additional experience in substance abuse and how it affects all aspects of life. He enjoys working with those trying to balance everything in their lives, whether they are teens or adults. By using analogies and examples, Glen helps people understand what they are going through, which, in turn, will help them understand the complexities of their thoughts and emotions.
Layne Hilton, CHMC
Layne received his bachelor’s degree from Weber State University and his master’s degree from the University of Utah. His additional certifications include ACT, EMDR, and Conflict Resolution. Layne has experience working with trauma, ACT, CPT, EMDR, and CBT. He enjoys working with people dealing with PTSD and trauma-related issues, autism spectrum disorder, and learning issues. Layne counsels, coaches, and mentors’ clients through the obstacles that come with trauma exposure. With over 25 years of experience as a first responder, he brings a unique understanding in helping others that struggle with trauma related issues.
Denny Bird, MSW, CSW
Denny began his professional journey with 22 years in law enforcement, including 12 years as a detective, 10 years as a SWAT negotiator, 9 years as a school resource officer, and 4 years as a sergeant/supervisor. During his tenure, he received multiple commendations for his exemplary service and dedication to community safety. During his career in law enforcement, Denny pursued higher education, graduating from BYU Idaho with a bachelor’s degree in Marriage and Family Studies. He then continued his studies at Utah State University, where he obtained a Master of Social Work. Demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning, Denny earned an additional certificate in Mind-Body Bridging and became proficient in Solution-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. He approaches each therapeutic modality with a trauma-informed perspective, ensuring sensitive and effective care for his clients. Denny enjoys working with individuals seeking healing and hope, striving to achieve their therapeutic goals. He brings a unique perspective from his extensive work and life experiences, utilizing evidence-based modalities to help clients identify their true selves and find ways to flourish in any situation. Known for his compassionate approach and dedication to his clients, Denny has helped many individuals navigate their challenges and achieve personal growth.
Richard Hatch, LCSW, SAP
Richard is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and received his Master’s degree in Social Work from Brigham Young University. Richard has extensive experience working with first responders. He was a trainer for CIT and a Regional Coordinator for CIT. He has provided training to first responder agencies and facilitated debriefings and has extensive experience working clinically with first responders and family members of first responders. Richard has over 30 years of experience working in community based mental health, substance use disorder treatment, and EAP services. He is trained in CBT, Solution Focused Therapy and EMDR and is a certified substance abuse professional (SAP). Richard has broad experience working with individuals, couples and teens experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and substance use disorder and addiction treatment Richard enjoys working with adults, couples, and teens. He focuses on helping his clients utilize their strengths to overcome challenges they are facing. In Richard’s spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and family, traveling, spending time at the family cabin and eating good chocolate.
Darren Elkins, LMFT, SAP
Darren received his master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Utah State University. He also holds two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Utah in Psychology and Family & Human Development. He served on the Utah Association of Marriage and Family Therapy board. Years ago, when attending a Fire Fighter’s convention, he was horrified to see that EAPs and Counseling in general have so poorly helped First Responders. It became his passion, as the Clinical Director to correct this. Since then, he has helped put together a team of former First Responders and other therapists with expertise in this area. It isn’t enough to be a great therapist. We have to understand the issues of Hypervigilance, the cultural issues and demands of the job. And we have to know how to connect with them. It has been very rewarding to see for him to see this program development and to see work this team of experts helping those who show up for us.
Elizabeth Brummett, LCSW
Elizabeth received her bachelor’s degree from Weber State University, her master’s degree from the University of South Carolina, and her doctorate degree from Walden University. In addition, Elizabeth has certifications in SAP. She has experiance working with Camille Graham Corrections, Ogden Police Records Department, and Wrangell Police Department. Elizabeth does play therapy, family therapy, parenting, grief, and autism spectrum disorder. Elizabeth has worked with Catherine Graham Correctional Facility in South Carolina, Ogden Police Department, and Wrangell, Alaska’s First Responder team. She has experience in trauma treatment and working with cases of child abuse and sexual assault. Elizabeth enjoys working with children, parents, families, older adults, and anyone seeking genuine support/help. She enjoys working with each client on identifying what they would like to gain from counseling and how she can best help them meet their goals. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with family.
