Your Staff at Oxbow Academy

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 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 13 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."

With over 18 years of clinical experience, I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and a nationally certified practitioner as a Certified Rehab Counselor through the CRCC, and I have passed the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE) through the NBCC. I specialize in complex areas of mental health, including trauma, PTSD, addiction, OCD, grief, anxiety, sex and couples-therapy. My approach is integrative and client-centered, utilizing evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, exposure therapy, narrative therapy, and choice theory to meet the unique needs of those I serve.Beyond my clinical work, I find deep fulfillment in mentoring others—both professionally and personally. I value family and my roles as a husband and father above all. I have served in the United States military as a chaplain, and I am committed to supporting growth in every facet of life. I do so by actively contributing to my community through neighborhood service and government committee involvement, driven by a strong belief in civic responsibility and human connection.Holding three master’s degrees, I am a lifelong advocate for education and continual learning. I lead with compassion, clarity, and authenticity—balancing kindness with directness when needed. My leadership and counseling are grounded in deep listening and thoughtful inquiry skills, which empower individuals, couples, and families to navigate life’s many challenging but highly rewarding stages of life.

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 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 Psychology and Biology from Southern Utah University

Bre has worked in Behavioral Health for over 15 years. She has an extensive Utilization Review background working with some of the leading mental health organizations nationwide such as Newport Academy and Embark BH. Bre has served in various leadership capacities over the years and took part in building multiple short- and long-term programs as well as assisted with Joint Commission accreditations, audits, etc. She finds great joy serving others and has a growth mindset. She is passionate about advocating for insurance coverage and being a voice for clients and families alike. She is an active member in her community and enjoys volunteering with her children when able. Bre and her partner have three children and spend most of their time outdoors, hiking, fishing, off-roading and camping. Her greatest joy is when they are spending time together.

Carri Joined the Oxbow team in the fall of 2021, as the West Campus Office Manager/HR Assistant. She was promoted to be the HR Director in March of 2022. Carri comes to us with a very diverse and knowledgeable background. Over the past two decades, she has been the Manager of the Training Department of a large corporation, a Montessori Teacher for early education, worked with autistic children, and has been an Enumerator for the U.S. Census Bureau. Carri is a wife, mother, and grandmother who loves everything outdoors, from camping and fishing, to enjoying a day at the park with her family. She is an avid traveler, who has visited 16 different countries, and has a bucket list to visit every continent.