Your Staff at Oxbow Academy

Administrative Team
Clinical Team
Academic Team
Residential Team
Equine Team

Administrative Team

Shawn Brooks

Executive Director

Julie Anderson

Admissions Director

Theresa Lynn Limberg, LCSW, CSAT, EMDR Trained

Clinical Director

Cindy Lindsay

Academic Director

Alan Kendall

Residential Director

Brita North

Equine Directors

Troy Abplanalp

Admission Counselor

Carri Oldroyd

HR Director

Shawn Brooks

Executive Director

Shawn is the Executive Director of Oxbow AcademyShawn earned a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Brigham Young University. He began his career in residential therapy in 1992 and since that time has served as program director to three facilities, two of which specialize in treating teen boys with sexual issues. A native of Utah, he spent two years living in South America before settling down to become a family man. He and his wife are the parents of three children. He loves coaching little league football, playing the guitar and working with wood. Shawn’s passion for life and personal excellence drive his determination to help his boys at Oxbow discover the same.

Education

BA Psycology - Brigham Young University

Interests

Little League Football coach, playing guitar, wood working.

Julie Anderson

Admissions Director

Julie has been part of the Oxbow team since 2013 in various roles, starting as a Youth Mentor, Shift Supervisor, Family Service Coordinator, and HR Director. She now serves as Admission Director on our administrative team. Julie has a unique and personal perspective of what our parents are experiencing, as several years ago, Julie placed her own child at a residential treatment center. Her ability to empathize and her organizational skills allow the admission process for parents to run smoothly while they may be in crisis themselves. Julie said this about herself: "I am married to the love of my life; I have five incredible children, three awesome sons-in-law, and two amazing daughters-in-law. But the best part of all? I have 12 adorable grandchildren that have me wrapped around their little fingers! I love to play volleyball and make quilts. I recently served as a City Councilwoman for two terms and was a volunteer EMT for 13 years."

Theresa Lynn Limberg, LCSW, CSAT, EMDR Trained

Clinical Director

Theresa Lynn Limberg is a highly trained therapist at Oxbow Academy. She earned her Masters's and Bachelors's degrees in Social Work from the University of Utah. Theresa was employed as an outpatient therapist prior to taking her position as a therapist with Oxbow Academy. She prefers working in residential programs because they are better suited to her goals of helping others at a more productive and intensive level. Theresa uses her gift of insight to help others. She is aware that students at Oxbow Academy belong to a vulnerable population. Because of this, she feels privileged to be an integral part of the process of change for our students. As a therapist, she uses a strength-based perspective. Her goals are to help her clients’ achieve their goals of healing and change. In order to help students, she uses modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and Solution-Focused Therapy. She enjoys being outside working with her animals, gardening, camping, and golfing. Quilting and crafts are other hobbies she enjoys.Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, University of Utah
Master’s Degree in Social Work, University of Utah
EMDR Trained
Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT)
Trained in Sandtray Therapy

Interest

Her horses and dogs
Gardening
Quilting
GolfOutdoors

Cindy Lindsay

Academic Director

Cindy has played and coached basketball her whole life, which is what she anticipated always doing, yet realized that sometimes life takes you on a different path. A lot of it has to do with her family, and finding a job that was more suitable for her. She has always been able to motivate the youth and enjoys working with them. She is known as a builder and has improved every program in her 20 year tenure. She has been a head and assistant basketball coach at the Division 1 and Junior College levels. She has finished 5th place at the National Junior College Tournament and has been to the NCAA tournament numerous times as a coach and player. She has won region, conference and state championships.Cindy taught college courses at Idaho State University, Ricks College, Brigham Young University, and Snow College. In addition she has spent 4 years teaching Spanish at Manti High School. She initially started teaching Spanish at Oxbow Academy for about two months and then was offered the position as our Academic Director. Academics have always been a priority for her teams. At Snow College her team maintained a team GPA of 3.6 and in High School her senior athletes graduated with a GPA of 3.8 or higher. She has improved academic performance by implementing study halls for her student-athletes. In so many ways her coaching experiences mirror the skill sets necessary for this position. As a top recruiter in athletics, she secured some of the top kids in the country. Her student athletes went on to play in the WNBA and other Division 1 programs. In addition to her coaching experience, she has been the marketing director for Snow College athletics and the assistant director for the first security games of Idaho.When asked about her experience working at Oxbow Academy, Cindy said, “I love being a part of an organization, Oxbow, which really is on the cutting edge of our industry and what we do. That is motivating to me. It is all about the students. Their success is our success. We have some of the best teachers that would be really hard to replace. They truly care about these boys and have bent over backwards to make sure they are on track to really progress. If we can help each boy progress, that is a championship win right there. I have always felt like I don’t have a job, because a job to me is something you do because you have to. I have always felt like what I do is a way of life. I do it because I love it and I enjoy it. “It is with people that you win championships – it is not the strategy, or the curriculum, it is the people.” We have a great administrative team that work together and actually enjoy being around each other.”When Cindy is not involved in being the Academic Director she enjoys spending time with her family, experiencing the fine arts, theatre, sports, being outdoors and reading. She of course loves learning!Education and Affiliations

Bachelors in Exercise and Sport Science from the University of Utah.
Currently working on her MBA at Western Governors University
Certified Teacher K-12

Alan Kendall

Residential Director

Alan Kendall is our Residential DirectorAlan was Born and raised in Moroni, Utah. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Biology from Southern Utah University. Alan joined the RedCliff Ascent family of companies in 2004 because he was looking for a job working with youth. Alan enjoys the people he works and helping the students through their challenges. He is married and the father of two girls with one on the way. When he is not at work he is spending his time with his family and outdoors. He has a goal of getting a Masters Degree in Social Work. He has lived in many States in the U.S. while selling security systems and while he served an LDS Service Mission for two years. His dream is to build a home on a farm.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Pshychology and Biology from Southern Utah University

Interests

Loves spending time with his family and in the outdoors. Dream to build a home on a farm.

Brita North

Equine Directors

Brita and Tony North are our very own Equine Directors Individual-Therapy-trail-ride

With 16 active program horses and 4 more backup horses, we have a lot to handle in the Equine Department! As you can see from our Experiential Campus, Equine Therapy, and the horses are a large part of what we do. Brita and Tony North are an integral part of this successful program; we really could not do it without them!

Brita North - Equine Director

Brita was born in Provo, Utah and raised in Salem, Utah. After high school, she attended two years of college and moved around teaching riding lessons. She is Level2 EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) trained.She loves being able to share her passion for horses and the opportunity to use them for teaching.She has been with Oxbow since they opened in 2006.She is happily married to her soul-mate, they have two beautiful children. If she could doanything in the world she would ride horses, go fishing and watch Oklahoma football.

Education

Level2 EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) certified

Tony North - Equine Director

Tony was born in Heber City, Utah and raised on a working horse ranch. Tony attended Wasatch High School, Dixie College, and BYU. He played football in high school and in jr. college. Tony has his Level 2 EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) training.Tony has been with Oxbow since the beginning in 2006. He loves working with the horses and especially the boys. He has worked in horsemanship in many ways throughout his life.He is married to the love of his life with two wonderful children. He loves Oklahoma football,riding and training horses. His goal is to one day own his own horse ranch. He was honored on our blog which you are welcome to read more about the wonderful work he does with the students at Oxbow Academy.

Education

Level2 EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) certified

Troy Abplanalp

Admission Counselor

Troy Abplanalp Admissions Coordinator Oxbow Academy. He has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Weber State University. Troy worked as a sales manager while going to college and enjoyed working with people. With that sales position, Troy was able to purchase a home and graduate college without any student debt. Troy enjoys building relationships and has found that working in admissions is a way to help people or families who have children struggling behaviorally / emotionally. He has had experience working in admission for Care Schools of Utah, Provo Rehab and Nursing and Therapia Addiction Healing Center. Troy has worked in youth corrections and law enforcement. He has also been a family coach and youth mentor. Troy has experience working with adolescents and adults with mental health issues. One of the main mental health issues for both adults and youth is addiction.Troy believes that people, youth in particular, can heal and make life changes. He has often seen that the Juvenile Justice system is overburdened and ineffective. Some of the issues with the Juvenile Justice System is the “warehousing” of youth VS treatment and evidence-based therapy. That is part of why Troy enjoys working with parents. Many of the parents that Troy comes into contact with are in crisis. They are struggling with the behavior of one or more of their children. Most parents do not know what to do.As Admissions Coordinator at Oxbow Academy, Troy is able to take a load off the parents' shoulders. Witnessing the parents’ relief is one of the most rewarding parts of his job.Troy prides himself on his integrity. To him, having integrity means doing things the right way whether or not someone is looking. He also values his strong work ethic, being honest, loyal, and accomplishing tasks on time or early.

Education

Bachelor of Arts from Weber State University
Current First Aid and CPR Certification
Previously held Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Certification

Interests

Working out,
Hiking,
Camping,
Fishing,
Traveling,
Reading and
Being with family.

Carri Oldroyd

HR Director

Clinical Team

Theresa Lynn Limberg, LCSW, CSAT, EMDR Trained

Clinical Director

Kristen Snow, RN

Medical Director

Matt Call, LMFT, RPT, CSAT, NOJOS Credentialed

Therapist

Troy Shore, LCSW, CSAT-Candidate

Therapist

Teancum Faumui, CSAT-Candidate

Therapist

Chelsea Ross, LCSW, CSAT-Candidate

Therapist

Gregg Lott, LCSW, CSAT- Candidate

Therapist

Sabrina Ellsworth, CSW, EMDR, CSAT Candidate

Therapist

Theresa Lynn Limberg, LCSW, CSAT, EMDR Trained

Clinical Director

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, University of Utah
Master’s Degree in Social Work, University of Utah
EMDR Trained
Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT)
Trained in Sandtray Therapy

Interest

Her horses and dogs
Gardening
Quilting
GolfOutdoors

Kristen Snow, RN

Medical Director

Compassionate, caring and dedicated adequately describes our nurse at Oxbow Academy. Oxbow feels very fortunate to have someone that is truly dedicated to her role in caring for and overseeing the medical needs of our young men.For several years, Kristen enjoyed the success that came from being an insurance and real estate agent. There was always a challenge, still, she felt she could do more to serve others. So, before becoming Oxbow Academy’s nurse, she was a peer mentor to the boys until she decided to go back to school to pursue her nursing degree. “I just felt that I could do something more for these kids,” she explained, “and nursing seemed to be a perfect fit for who I am and who I wanted to be for them.”When Kristen was asked to join the Oxbow family after she obtained her nursing license, she was thrilled, “Oxbow's has an amazing treatment team of highly respectable professionals.” She continued, “To be included in part of this team is a huge honor.”On the days she isn’t is not at Oxbow, Kristen enjoys being with her family and spending time together hunting, fishing, and camping. She also enjoys reading, baking, and puzzles.Education and TrainingLicensed Practical NurseAssociate of Science from Snow CollegeCandidate for Registered Nurse on May 2020Medical- Physical Therapy AidInterest Spending time with her family, hunting, fishing, camping, reading, baking, and puzzles

Matt Call, LMFT, RPT, CSAT, NOJOS Credentialed

Therapist

Matt's unique ability to work with complex families adds depth to our therapy team. He attended Brigham Young University and is a Marriage and Family Therapist. Matt’s primary focus throughout his career has been working with teenagers which comes naturally to him. Matt's focus of modality is Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and his background is working with kids in the juvenile justice system. He is currently falling madly in love with experiential and sandtray therapy to use especially with students on the spectrum (Autistic Spectrum Disorder). Since he is trained in functional family therapy, his theoretical perspective is very systemic which leaves him to be highly skilled working with complex family systems. He constantly is looking for patterns and dynamics to better help the family system. He finds the unique setting at Oxbow fulfilling and enjoyable. Matt has never worked for an organization where he has felt so well supported and connected to the clinical team. He loves the collaboration that occurs between clinicians and the level of experience and patience provided to students. Having grown up in Utah, Matt loves the outdoors and is an avid hiker. At home, he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter. He also loves to read, write, listen to music and go to the theater.Education

Bachelors of Science in Marriage and Families Studies, Brigham Young University
Masters of Sciecnce in Marraige and Family Therapy, Brigham Young University
Utah Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (UAMFT)
NOJOS Credentialed Clinical Provider
Registered Play Therapist (RPT)
Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT)
Trained in Sandtray Therapy

Interests

Loves the outdoors and hiking
Spending time with his family
Read, write, listen to music and watch movies

Troy Shore, LCSW, CSAT-Candidate

Therapist

Troy's many years of experience as a clinician and particularly working with adolescent makes him a great part of Oxbow Academy’s therapy team. He graduated from the University of Utah with his Masters of Social work, and with a Bachelor of Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Weber State University. His experience ranges from working as a therapist in addiction recovery to at-risk youth in long term secure care with the Juvenile Justice Services.Troy loves working with adolescents. “I believe that they are insightful and need positive connections with people that care and are often more honest than adults,” he explained. “Adolescents can find solutions to their struggles if they have guidance from an adult that they can trust. The younger that people get help, the more quality of life you can help them attain.”His strengths are building rapport with his students and families and running insightful group therapy. His focus of modality is CBT, Motivational Interviewing, DBT, ACT. His goal is to help families find healing and purpose in their lives.Education

Master of Social Work from the University of Utah
Bachelor of Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Weber State University
Associate Of Science Snow College
Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) Candidate

InterestsIn his free time, he enjoys fly fishing, blacksmithing, playing and singing music, and riding his Harley.

Teancum Faumui, CSAT-Candidate

Therapist

Teancum Tupuimatagi Faumui is a therapist at Oxbow Academy and excited to be a part of the amazing clinical team. He received his Master’s degree in Social Work from Brigham Young University. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Utah Valley University. He also has an Associates’s degree through Snow College.Teancum has had a variety of experiences that prepare him for helping teens with sex-specific issues. He has worked as a mentor at a residential treatment center allowing him insight into how important and influential a mentor can be for the boys he now works with. He managed groups for adult sex offenders in the county jail. He also had experience working as a case manager for a crisis center. And he was able to intern at Oxbow Academy for a semester during his schooling as a therapist prior to being hired full time, which has allowed him to really learn and understand the therapeutic process at the program. Teancum has been trained in trauma-informed clinical social work practice. In his treatment process, he often uses a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution-focused modalities. Teancum has always loved working with youth. He finds working with youth challenging but rewarding. Teacum considers being able to give a young man a second chance at life as the most rewarding thing someone can do. Education

Master’s degree in Social Work
Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) Candidate

Interests

Watching, playing, and coaching sports
Learning

Chelsea Ross, LCSW, CSAT-Candidate

Therapist

Chelsea Ross is part of the experienced clinical team as a therapist for Oxbow Academy. Before coming to Oxbow Academy, she worked for an outpatient counseling center and has also worked as a therapist working with people who committed sexual offenses.Chelsea has both a Bachelor and a Masters degree in Social Work degree from Utah Valley University. She has experience working at the Center for Women and Children in Crisis. In that position, Chelsea learned to advocate for her clients. She helped to support her clients’ personal health and safety. She helped them to find job opportunities and stable housing.In addition, Chelsea also has experience working at the Psychiatric Unit of Mountain View Hospital. She helped patients transition to life outside the hospital. This included helping patients to find appropriate treatment.Chelsea has a unique ability to balance taking an objective view with helping others to feel comfortable. She is able to adjust the environment to meet individuals’ needs.Chelsea has experience using Cognitive Behavioral Interventions and Motivational Interviewing.Chelsea enjoys helping teens and their families. She also enjoys the collaboration between the staff at Oxbow Academy.Education:

Masters Degree in Social Work
Certification and Licensure in Social Work
Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) Candidate

Interests:

Spending time with family
Camping
Running

Gregg Lott, LCSW, CSAT- Candidate

Therapist

Gregg specializes in adolescent mental health for well over 20 years. His professional career includes experience working with clinically complicated children and adolescents, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, crisis intervention, and students struggling with Problematic Sexual Behavior (PSB). Gregg is devoted to helping adolescents overcome their past and build healthy futures. He is an avid outdoorsman. He also enjoys working out, spending time with his family, and talking sports. Gregg holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Brigham Young University. Education: Masters Degree in Social Work from Brigham Young University Trained in Sandtray Therapy Nationally accredited in treating Problematic Sexual Behavior (PSB).

Sabrina Ellsworth, CSW, EMDR, CSAT Candidate

Therapist

Sabrina received her Masters of Clinical Social Work at the University of Kentucky. She has previous experience working in outpatient therapy and has been trained in EMDR. As a clinician, her focus and training have been on sexual issues and trauma. “Finding a job at Oxbow is literally my dream come true. This is the population I've planned on working with since I first started my schooling. I'm very excited about the opportunity.”Sabrina is very friendly and finds that she can connect with her clients with a bit of appropriate humor. This allows her clients to open up faster to her, bring their guard down and get to work towards healing. She is also very balanced, and able to distinguish when the time calls for more serious approaches. She loves Brene Brown’s work on vulnerability and has adopted many of her philosophies into her own practice. She feels that you cannot be vulnerable without being brave, and you cannot be brave without being vulnerable. They go hand in hand, there is not one without the other. She is new to Mt. Pleasant and just purchased some land to start a little farm. Her family is seeking to become more self-sufficient, and also turning a school bus into an RV. She loves traveling with her family and making new memories.

Academic Team

Cindy Lindsay

Academic Director

Denise Milne

Art Teacher

Trisha Munk

Teacher

Stephanie Nuttall, Special Education Paraeducator

Teacher

Craig Ogden, M. Ed

Teacher

Wendy Christofferson

English/History Teacher

Natashia Wulfenstein

Teacher

Brandee Tapp

English & History Teacher

Holly Larsen

Math & Science Teacher

Rebecca Proper

Teacher

Kayden Thomas

Music Coordinator

Chad Larson

Fitness Coordinator

Cindy Lindsay

Academic Director

Bachelors in Exercise and Sport Science from the University of Utah.
Currently working on her MBA at Western Governors University
Certified Teacher K-12

Denise Milne

Art Teacher

Denise Milne has an Associate of Arts degree in Psychology from Snow College. She has completed college-level Art courses at Southwest Missouri State University and Brigham Young University. She is also pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree and a secondary school teaching credential. In addition, Denise has an Art and Play Certificate.Denise has more than twenty-five years of experience teaching studio art classes which allows her to provide an awesome art class experience for students at Oxbow Academy. She has taught art to children, teens, and adults. She is a professional artist who creates art for commissions, gallery shows, and public art shows. She is skilled in using watercolor, oils, and all kinds of drawing.Denise enjoys making and teaching art. She understands the therapeutic benefits art can have on young people. She loves to see the boys blossom as they immerse themselves in creative activities. Denise’s greatest strength is that she loves her students and easily accepts them for who they are. She is a passionate educator who works hard to incorporate CORE standards in her classroom. Education:Associate in ArtsArt and Play CertificationInterests:Reading, Sewing,Cooking,Canning, Gardening

Trisha Munk

Teacher

Trisha is currently a Mathematics Teacher at Manti High School in South Sanpete School District and at Oxbow Academy. Prior to working at Oxbow Academy, she spent time as the Mathematics Teacher at Pleasant Creek High School in North Sanpete School District. She gained experience working with youth at an all-boys home in this area. She has also spent a lot of time throughout high school helping in elementary classrooms with students and tutoring peers. Trisha is best at simplifying complicated math concepts and helping students succeed.Trisha believes in a gentle but firm approach. She believes that it is important to build a good relationship with the students. Trisha explains, "The more they like you and respect you the more willing they will be to do what you ask them. With that though, you have to know where the line is. If you are too friendly with them then you lose their respect and they will walk all over you."

Education

Bachelors in Mathematics Education and Minor in Physics, Southern Utah University

Interests

Teaching math, science, and learning new things to help students succeed

Stephanie Nuttall, Special Education Paraeducator

Teacher

Stephanie currently teaches English, History, and PE at Oxbow academy. Her patience and positive attitude help her work with the students at Oxbow Academy who often need extra attention and care as they go through their treatment. “I love that the classes are small,” she explained, “because it helps to get to know each student and their needs better.”She graduated with her Associate of Science degree from Snow College and is currently working on her Bachelor's in Special Education and Elementary Education. She really enjoyed teaching PE at a local high school and when she learned about a teaching position at Oxbow Academy, she was excited to apply. Said Stephanie,“I hope to help the boys and their families by supporting them academically so they can stay on track when they leave the program”Stephanie has enjoyed being here because she feels it is a great opportunity to help others by teaching subjects she enjoys while making a difference in a boy’s life. “I also get to work with great people!” Stephanie uses a cognitive and constructive approach to teaching which helps her work with many students at Oxbow. Stephanie loves living in the country working on their family ranch. She also enjoys cooking and sewing for others.

Craig Ogden, M. Ed

Teacher

Craig Ogden teaches math and computer science at Oxbow Academy. He has been a teacher for 16 years. He earned a bachelor’s from Southern Utah University in Mathematics, Computer Science and Education. He earned his Master’s degree from Concordia University in Mathematics Education. Prior to becoming a teacher, he was employed as a software engineer for six years. Craig enjoys working with students who want to overcome their trials and become better people which is why he enjoys working at Oxbow. He has a one-on-one teaching approach that fits well with Oxbow’s competency-based learning. His goal is to help “the boys graduate with a diploma before they leave Oxbow or at least stay [up] with their classmates, then I have accomplished what I would hope.”In his free time, Craig loves anything outdoors. He said, “If you can do it outdoors, I like it.”

Wendy Christofferson

English/History Teacher

Natashia Wulfenstein

Teacher

Natashia Silya Wulfenstein teaches English and History at Oxbow Academy. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Brigham Young University (BYU). Natashia was a teacher at Aspen Academy for more than fifteen years. She taught English, art history, history, Shakespeare, and drama. Mentoring young people has been Natashia’s life's work. That is why she is proud to be part of Oxbow Academy. She is impressed with what Oxbow Academy is all about, and feels excited to be part of something so important. Natashia’s greatest strengths include her ability to build relationships with her students, and her passion for the subject she teaches. She loves passing on her love for English which includes writing, grammar, and literature. Natashia admires the classical approach to education taught by Charlotte Mason and other great educators. She believes students learn best through studying the great minds of this world through reading great literature, writing, and discussion.Natashia loves to travel, read, garden, and spend time with her family.

Brandee Tapp

English & History Teacher

Brandee Tapp is an English and history teacher at Oxbow Academy. She is licensed by the state of Utah. She currently teaches second grade at Ephraim Elementary. She worked for South Sanpete School District as the Reading Specialist since 2009. She has also taught at Ephraim Elementary and in the Special Education department at Manti Elementary.Brandee earned an Associate of Science degree from Snow College and a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies for Education from Western Governors University. She specializes in reading instruction, and has participated in several workshops that have focused on dyslexia.She loves working with students at Oxbow Academy. She recognizes that the students are great people with so much to offer. Her favorite thing is to watch them progress as they are learning and to watch how their confidence grows.Brandee especially enjoys working one-on-one with students, and particularly in the subject of language arts. Most of her teaching experience is in reading and language arts. Her favorite subject to teach is history.She loves spending time with her family, playing games, and traveling. She also enjoys reading. Brandee wants students to know that they can do hard things. Having a growth mindset and a positive attitude is the most important thing students can bring to class.

Holly Larsen

Math & Science Teacher

I have been a teacher for the past 20 years. I taught 6th-grade math and science from 2000-2017 at Moroni Elementary School in Moroni, Utah. I taught for one year at Cherry Hill Middle School in Elkton, Maryland in a behavior support classroom for students whose traumatic life experiences and behavior patterns made them unable to be highly successful in a regular classroom. I taught for one year at Capistrano Elementary School in El Paso, Texas, working with English language learners. Now I teach 8th-grade math and science at North Sanpete Middle School. I have been here for two years.I started studying pre-med at Snow college right after high school. Then, I decided that teaching was what I was most passionate about and I transferred to Utah State University to study education. I graduated with a bachelor’s in education, found my first job, and continued to take classes. I am currently working on finishing a level III math endorsement and getting a master’s degree in secondary biology from Western Governors University.I have wanted to work at Oxbow Academy for a long time. I like the idea of helping to provide a great education to our students while they are here so that they get the most out of their time here and their education is uninterrupted. I like the idea of providing safe connections and developing rapport with our students and helping them achieve their goals and their potential.I am able to develop rapport and form relationships with others and I highly value the relationships I have with those around me. I am an excellent communicator, both verbally and in written form. I know my subjects and have taken recent classes in these subject areas. I know how to teach my subjects in a way that helps people understand.I enjoy reading, hiking, walking in nature, cooking, traveling, and spending time with my family--especially my grandsons.I believe that every student can learn and achieve if they have someone who believes in them and can provide the support they need. I try to help support students and get them to believe in themselves.Credentials

Utah Teaching License

Rebecca Proper

Teacher

Rebecca Proper works as an English and Health teacher at Oxbow Academy. She has more than 15 years of experience working in education. Before coming to Oxbow Academy, she taught at a charter school in Utah County for 10 years and then taught for five years in the South Sanpete School District.Throughout her long career, Rebecca has taught multiple subjects including English, Spanish, Health, Yearbook, Student Government, Physical Education, Photography, Creative Writing, and Communications.Rebecca received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish Education with a Minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Brigham Young University. She attended Utah Valley University to receive a Health Endorsement and Snow College to receive an English Endorsement. In 2015, she returned to Brigham Young University to receive her Master's Degree in Spanish Pedagogy. Oxbow Academy appealed to Rebecca because she loves seeing students make progress. She sees the potential in every human being and chooses to see the good through difficult circumstances. She loves to see students succeed and feel self-worth. She believes that by small and simple means, life can change for the better.Rebecca's strengths include public speaking, singing loudly for fun, and enjoying life. She is always trying to improve and believes that each human also can improve if they so desire. She also teaches swimming to young kids and adults who are afraid of the water. She loves watching her students overcome their fears, and she herself thoroughly loves the water!

Kayden Thomas

Music Coordinator

Kayden Thomas is the Music Coordinator at Oxbow Academy. He is a professional musician and music instructor. He is pursuing a Bachelor's in Commercial Music with an emphasis in Guitar Performance and Music Education at Snow College.Making a difference through music and teaching is something Kayden loves. Oxbow Academy allows him to do exactly that. He is committed to providing a therapeutic and educational environment through music. His teaching style aligns the most with cognitive constructivism which means that he helps students build on what they know, chase their interests, and create an environment where they can discover things through their own learning. In Kayden's free time he loves the outdoors.

Chad Larson

Fitness Coordinator

Residential Team

Alan Kendall

Residential Director

Doris Brunson

Evaluation Center Program Coordinator

Kathy Harward

West Campus Residential Coordinator

Nick Ketron

East Campus House Coordinator

Kristen Hammond

Oxbow Jr. House Coordinator

Sam Sevy

Independent House Coordinator

Melanie Anderson

Family Service Director

Cameron West

Food Service Director

Darla Justesen, CNA

HR Coordinator

Deborah Dahl

East Campus Office Manager

Alan Kendall

Residential Director

Education

Bachelor of Science in Pshychology and Biology from Southern Utah University

Interests

Loves spending time with his family and in the outdoors. Dream to build a home on a farm.

Doris Brunson

Evaluation Center Program Coordinator

Doris Brunson is our Evaluation Center Program Coordinator. Doris Brunson was born and raised in Moroni, Utah and now lives in Mt. Pleasant. She is married to her husband, David, and has three children, one of which passed away at the age of 11, due to developmental delay. He lived 8 years longer than the Doctors said he would. She has 2 grandsons that are the light of her life. Doris has worked in many different job venues but absolutely loves working with the youth here at Oxbow. She has been with us for almost 8 years and finds it so rewarding to see the changes in the boys as they grow and learn about themselves. She, along with her fantastic team of qualified and caring staff, puts in a lot of time and energy to teach the boys how to build positive relationships with family, peers, and staff. It is so important to work as a team and help out and work with the Therapist’s, Equine Directors, Cooks, Nurse and East Campus Residential Coordinator to coordinate and support one another. Doris loves to cook for the boys when we have our camping trips and makes some of the best homemade salsa. She also enjoys seeing how much the boys love and appreciate the mountains and all it has to offer along with the chance it gives the boys a get away from the normal daily routine and experiences fun in the outdoors. "I truly love this Oxbow Family because we all work so well together to make this a life-changing experience for these boys."

Interests

Doris has many hobbies, such as crafts, decorating, making quilts, cooking, camping, riding ATV’s and anything spending time with her family and friends.

Kathy Harward

West Campus Residential Coordinator

Kathy has been with Oxbow since 2008, and has played an important role in our residential program. Her witty sense of humor is endearing with the boys, and also brings a lot of smiles to those she works with. Her sense of humor allows her to connect quickly with her students, and be able to hold good boundaries with them at the same time. She has a special relationship with those she works with which allows her straightforwardness to help students to know what to expect from the very beginning, while her soft side gives them an opportunity to connect on a deeper level. She took a short break in 2014 from our Oxbow, yet realized how much she missed working with the boys here, and quickly returned. Recently, she has been able to step into a new role as East Campus Residential Coordinator and has helped establish a structured and safe environment for our Autism Spectrum Disorder Students.

Interests

Kathy enjoys chocolate, attending every North Sanpete Wrestling Tournament to watch her son play or any sporting even her daughter may be cheering at, anything to do with frogs, spending time with friends, and sending funny meme's to friends.

We were able to honor Kathy and all the work she has done for us here on our blog if you are interested in learning more about her.

Nick Ketron

East Campus House Coordinator

Nicholas Ketron is the East House Coordinator. He has worked with young adults for close to a decade.Nicholas graduated from Monticello High School in 2005. Afterward, he attended Mount San Jacinto Community College in San Jacinto, California. He began working as a mentor in July 2019. He worked his way up to supervisor before becoming coordinator. Prior to coming to Oxbow Academy, he served as a young adult pastor for people between the ages of 18 and 25. He also ran an outreach program for young adults. He worked predominantly with the minority community leaders.While working with young adults in need, Nicholas often found himself wishing that he had been able to help the person earlier in their lives. At Oxbow Academy, Nicholas has the opportunity to do just that. Nicholas has always known that he wanted to work a job that helps others. Given his background, with working and ministering to young adults he knew Oxbow Academy was the perfect job for him. Nicholas enjoys working one-on-one with students, and especially with language arts. Most of his teaching experience is in reading and language arts. However, his favorite thing to teach is history. Like many of the students at Oxbow Academy, Nicholas struggled in his teen years. His greatest strength is empathy. He has the ability to identify with or understand the perspective, experiences, or motivations of another individual. That ability has proven useful at Oxbow Academy. Another attribute that he has worked on and strengthened is compassion. Empathy is understanding. Compassion is putting understanding into action. Nicholas loves spending time with family, playing games, and traveling. He likes to read. He has a large family. His life revolves around his children and their numerous activities.

Kristen Hammond

Oxbow Jr. House Coordinator

Kristen Hammond is the coordinator for the Oxbow Jr. House. She previously served as a Youth Mentor and Shift Supervisor. Before coming to Oxbow Academy, she worked for Wasatch Academy. Kristen enjoys working with kids and helping them succeed. She also takes pride in being able to be a part of a program that truly cares for each individual client that comes through the doors. Her kindness, compassion and sense of humor are an asset to her work. Aside from being with her kids and attending any sporting event or activity they may be participating in at the moment, Kristen enjoys hunting big game and camping, and shopping. She also enjoys getting together with her mother and sisters during their once a month crafting days.

Sam Sevy

Independent House Coordinator

Melanie Anderson

Family Service Director

Melanie Anderson is the Family Service Director. She was previously employed as the day shift supervisor at West Campus. Prior to her supervisor position, she worked as a youth mentor. Before coming to work at Oxbow Academy, Melanie worked with adults with disabilities at Sanpete Community Training. She also served as a live-in house parent in the crisis nursery at the Family Support and Treatment Center in Orem.Melanie is working toward earning her bachelor's degree in social work from Snow College and Utah State University. At Oxbow Academy, Melanie is able to use some of the same skills she developed during the fifteen years she spent working as a stay-at-home mother to five children. She is kind and compassionate. She has a genuine desire to help other people. Melanie is an advocate for those who feel misunderstood. The experiences she has had in her own personal life have allowed her to gain greater empathy for those who are struggling and dealing with trauma.Melanie enjoys cooking, baking, and crafting. She also loves history and documentaries. Many activities she does now revolve around her children, such as helping with sports, dance, karate, and music.

Cameron West

Food Service Director

Cameron West is the Food Service Director for Oxbow Academy. He was previously employed as the Assistant Manager at Wing Coop in Salt Lake City. In addition to earning his ServSafe Manager Certificate, Cameron has more than 12 years of experience working in various restaurants.Cameron was drawn to working at Oxbow Academy due to his desire to help people succeed. He can perform well in his position because he has excellent attention to detail, the ability to work well under pressure, as well as good organizational skills and communication skills. He is a great part of our team and even takes the time to make personalized birthday cakes for our students.Cameron enjoys watching NFL football games, singing karaoke, playing video games, hiking, and baking.

Darla Justesen, CNA

HR Coordinator

Darla Justesen is the Human Resources Coordinator at Oxbow Academy. She previously worked at Oxbow Academy as a Youth Mentor and Office Manager.Before coming to Oxbow Academy, Darla held a variety of positions including Financial Service Representative, and Head Paraprofessional in the Special Education Department. Oxbow Academy is an appealing place to work for Darla because she loves working with youth, and helping other people overcome their struggles. She also enjoys working in an office. She is efficient, personable, and organized. Darla likes spending time outdoors, and spending time with her family.

Deborah Dahl

East Campus Office Manager

Deborah Dahl is an Office Coordinator and Research Coordinator. She previously worked at Oxbow Academy as a Mentor. Before coming to Oxbow Academy, Deborah was a business owner for seven years. She also served as City Recorder for 15 years, as well as a store manager for 17 years. Deborah believes in all of humanity. She understands that everyone makes mistakes and hopes to make a difference by showing them their future can have possibilities. She considers her greatest strength to be positivity, or possibly faith. Deborah plays guitar and rides a Harley. She loves gardening, cooking, and animals. Laughter on the porch is her therapy.

Equine Team

Brita North

Equine Directors

Annie

Equine Therapy

Henry

Equine Therapy

Flicka

Equine Therapy

Chip

Equine Therapy

Ranger

Equine Therapy

Pinky Sue

Equine Therapy

Max

Equine Therapy

Fun Size Snickers

Equine Therapy

Whiskey

Equine Therapy

Brita North

Equine Directors

Brita and Tony North are our very own Equine Directors Individual-Therapy-trail-ride

Brita North - Equine Director

Education

Level2 EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) certified

Tony North - Equine Director

Education

Level2 EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) certified

Annie

Equine Therapy

Annie is a big part of our Equine Therapy team! Much of our success with our students in the Equine Therapy program is a direct result of our great horses! Annie has been a big part of our program from the beginning. Annie is one of our broodmares (pronounced Br-ew-d, m-air), kept for breeding, and has been the mother of some of our foals (baby horses) we have used in our yearly imprinting experiences (see our video on imprinting below!). Annie works well with stubborn boys because she’s not phased by much, she's a very level-headed horse and simply not reactive. Working with these intelligent animals becomes a valuable tool for our therapists and equine directors who strive to help our young men. There is a science behind this type of therapy and we enjoy sharing new research and insights into why horses are an integral part of our program.Some horses, like Annie, are less reactive to emotions which can be a valuable tool when working with highly anxious boys...We love working with Annie and invite you to come out and meet her in person!

Henry

Equine Therapy

Henry, Oh Henry! What a cool horse...Henry is an old timer, but a perfect trail riding horse. This is the horse you can put two children on and send up the trail and Henry will just keep on walking calmly. This is the horse that I like to choose for the not-so-good-horse-rider!As many of you may know by now our program is NOT simply a ranch where you get to ride horses and enjoy the wonderful Utah mountain scenery! However, getting out on a trail ride with your therapist and our Equine team is a part of the process and can be a rewarding and positive learning experience. Some of our students who are new to working with animals or who have not ridden a horse before will enjoy a horse that will just walk along and keep things un-exciting so they can focus on the ride and their conversations with the team!

Flicka

Equine Therapy

Flicka is one of our most beautiful horses, and as you can tell from the golden color of her coat (hair) she is a true Palamino!Flicka is one patient horse, and the perfect horse for the parade, the rodeo or just riding down the road to impress your neighbors! Flicka is a trusted horse and has even been used by Britta and Tony's daughter in various rodeo settings. Because of their beautiful golden coat and long flowing hair, Palaminos like Flicka often get used on TV or in the movies! However, with Flicka, we enjoy her humble nature and willingness to pass on Hollywood and spend her time working with the boys in the program, in hopes that she can have a positive impact on your son!

Chip

Equine Therapy

If there is a star of the show, a leader of the pack, or the servant of all, it is Chip. He is a wonderful horse and because of his high level of training is used in most of the equine therapy sessions that happen on campus. He is a particular standout on trail rides and typically is found leading the pack with the other horses falling in line behind him. So much goes into training a horse to operate smoothly with a human-owner but the added requirements of working with many boys, their therapist and daily challenges that are part of an effective equine therapy program make horses like Chip an invaluable component to the success of our program. You may even spot Chip in a local competition or two with some of our Oxbow students! Here is a shot of Chip and a student training for a local competition! Oxbow equine competition training

Ranger

Equine Therapy

Ranger is one of our yearlings and as such is still in training. This provides a unique opportunity for students to gain a "parent/instructors" perspective of what it's like to teach a child or teenager! Various techniques are used to work with the horse and require trust and patience of our student-trainers as the young horse learns and grows. (For a general idea of what training a young horse may include, click here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horse_training )I remember watching Tony work with a young horse like Ranger on campus one day. Tony had placed a blue tarp out on the ground in a circular pen and was working with the horse to build up the confidence to come close to the "scary" blue tarp crackling in the wind as it lay on the ground. Over and over Tony led the horse up to the tarp and with fear in its eyes the young horse jumped back and would run back to the safe side of the round pen. With patience, Tony continued to familiarize the young horse with the tarp and eventually was able to get the horse to trust that there was no real danger and even walk over the tarp as it wrapped thunderously under its feet below! This simple lesson observed by the few of us there that day became the perfect visual incentive to face our own fears with caution and progress until we reach the point where all fear is gone and we have done what seemed scary and impossible. Equine Therapy horse training

Pinky Sue

Equine Therapy

Pinky Sue is also one of Oxbow Academy's broodmare mothers! She gave birth to one of our foals named "mini" which was one of the lucky foals to participate in our imprinting program. You can learn more about imprinting from the following video:

Pinky Sue is one strong willed mama! What does this strong will do for the boys and our therapy program? By working with a strong-willed horse the boys begin to understand parents and authority figures and the frustration that can occur when you are trying to get the horse to do something it simply refuses to do! This insight is a common occurrence and a very important observation to make for an adolescent boy! We love when Pinky Sue obeys and the boys celebrate a victory with patience and perseverance when they accomplish the task placed before them and our stubborn but lovely horse Pinky Sue!

Max

Equine Therapy

Max, one of our favorite horses on campus, and Britta’s personal horse! Max has been working with boys and Oxbow Academy since the beginning, like Chip. When it comes to running a successful and SAFE equine therapy program you rely heavily on great horses like Max! Most of the parents who tour Oxbow will begin to see the value of equine therapy sessions and realize quickly that it is not just a horse ride or a fun break from the day, but an intense experience with the therapist and equine directors working with the boy, often one-on-one in an arena with a good horse. By setting up a scenario and working on a focus treatment area the boys are able to learn core modalities and skills that can be valuable assets for the rest of their lives! This type of program requires a horse that is patient and skilled leaving the focus on the boy and their progress. Max is a leader on trail rides and a wonderful horse to ride, making him a house favorite! You will find Max involved in almost all the equine sessions with the boys.Here is a trail ride shot of Max leading the way with Britta in the saddle! Oxbow-Individual-Therapy-trail-ride

Fun Size Snickers

Equine Therapy

What? Who is the cute little guy running around with its hair in its eyes? That would be Fun Size Snickers! This cute miniature horse is NOT A PONY (although you can call him what you will, he doesn't mind as long as you offer a handful of grass!) and serves our nervous students as he is a manageable size, very calm, and a patient animal! Being good natured like FunSize Snickers is a key to making introductions to boys who have never been on a horse in their life. We also love to use this little guy as a backup lawn trimmer and week killer! He will eat anything green! Having a working horse family requires many different personalities and options and FunSize fills a gap we enjoy so much in the equine program!

Whiskey

Equine Therapy

Whiskey is a unique horse and has a special place in the program at Oxbow Academy is one of the horses trained by the boys in the program! This is a result of many hours of patient work and time spent with each boy and our horse professionals leading him to where he is today! Whiskey is one of our lungeing horses and is used during equine sessions where we work on a variety of skills including communication and confidence. It is an interesting experience being at the end of the lungeing rope with an animal that weighs well over 1000 lbs. on the other end. There is a feeling of confidence that can come from guiding the horse and creating a working relationship through proper communication and skill. Often boys will enter our program with fears and reluctance to work with the horses but through the help of their therapist and specialized training from our horse professionals they can complete the program with confidence and skills in the areas they needed help the most.