Meet Your Team of Teen Therapists & Mental Health Specialists
Brent Esplin, LMFT
My name is Brent Esplin and I am excited to welcome you to OASIS Ascent. We have gathered a team of world-class specialists who are passionate about serving teens and their families. As you have the opportunity to interact with our team, you will feel their commitment to providing families a place of refuge and healing along with an abundance of hope for a brighter future.
Leadership Team
Brent Esplin, LMFT
Brian McDonald
Haylee Mathews
Allison Michelle Jenkins, LCSW
Cristell Marcial, LCSW
Jodi Escalante
Keegan Kevesdy
Terrie Blocker
Bre Englebrecht
Vanessa Williams
Kimberly Bird
Brent Esplin, LMFT
Executive Director
Brent has spent his career of almost 20 years working with teens and their families in a variety of different settings including long and short-term residential treatment, acute care, and home based services. He has served in various leadership capacities over the years including clinical director, utilization review director, admissions/business development director, and executive director.
Brent relates comfortably and professionally with families and teens alike. He finds great joy in guiding families out of crisis situations and into peaceful solutions. Brent’s experience working within the field of mental health in admissions allows him to have a breadth of knowledge when assessing the needs of clients in acute situations, as well as less critical circumstances. He played an integral part in creating an operational psychiatric facility and most recently helped start a short-term residential treatment program.
Brent is passionate about providing more families with quality mental health treatment by accessing their insurance benefits. Brent is an active member of his community and finds the most joy spending time with his family. His wife, Julie, and their three young adult/teenagers enjoy all sports along with hiking, camping and other outdoor activities. Julie is a competitive marathon runner and Brent rides his bike along side her to keep up.
As the Executive Director of Oasis Ascent, Brent Esplin, LMFT, is a passionate advocate for teen mental health. His expertise has been featured in prominent discussions, including the Silicon Slopes & Promise2Live March Mental Health Town Hall, where he presented on topics ranging from practical DBT skills like TIPP (as highlighted in their 'Improving Physical Health to Strengthen Mental Health' session) to the impact of social media addiction on young minds (as discussed in their 'Addiction & Recovery' event). Brent also contributed his insights on suicide prevention in a recent article for Silicon Slopes, underscoring his commitment to providing support and hope for families in crisis.
Brian McDonald
Admissions Director
Brian's commitment to his profession, his ability to build meaningful connections, and his dedication to empowering families make him a highly respected and sought-after professional in the field of mental health.
Brian is a dedicated professional with over 15 years of experience working with teens and their families in various settings, including long and short-term residential treatment, acute care, and home-based services. Throughout his career, he has held leadership positions such as residential director, program director, and admissions/business development director, showcasing his ability to effectively lead and manage teams.
Brian's exceptional interpersonal skills enable him to establish comfortable and professional relationships with families and teenagers alike. He deeply cares about the well-being of both the children and the staff, and he leads by example, never asking others to do something he wouldn't do himself. His greatest satisfaction comes from guiding families through crises and helping them find peaceful solutions.
With his extensive experience in mental health admissions, Brian possesses a wealth of knowledge in assessing the needs of clients in both acute and non-critical situations. He is passionate about providing high-quality mental health treatment to more families by maximizing their insurance benefits. Brian actively contributes to his community and cherishes spending time with his family, including his wife Anita and their two children, Briyana and Cayson.
Notably, Brian had the privilege of earning a football scholarship to Brigham Young University, where he played under the esteemed coaching of LaVell Edwards. He and his family share a deep love for sports, particularly BYU Football, and they also enjoy engaging in various outdoor activities. Brian's multifaceted background and commitment to excellence make him a valuable asset in the field of mental health treatment
Haylee Mathews
Admissions Director
Haylee Mathews is a dedicated Admissions Director who brings compassion and extensive experience to the families seeking help at Oasis Ascent. She is deeply committed to ensuring that every family finds a path to healing and hope during a challenging time.
With years of experience in the behavioral health field, Haylee possesses a wealth of knowledge regarding residential treatment for adolescents. She excels at guiding families through the entire admissions process, offering clear communication and empathetic support from the initial inquiry through enrollment. Haylee is passionate about helping families navigate complex situations, including assessing their child's unique needs and maximizing their insurance benefits to access high-quality mental health care. She finds her greatest professional satisfaction in alleviating the burden of crisis and providing a seamless transition for teens and their families into the care they need.
Haylee's commitment to family well-being extends into her personal life. She is married and is the proud parent of three children. Outside of work, Haylee and her family enjoy spending time together, especially camping, attending concerts, watching sports, and seeking out any form of live entertainment. This blend of professional expertise and personal devotion to family makes Haylee a trusted and relatable advocate for the families she serves.
Allison Michelle Jenkins, LCSW
Clinical Director
Allison Jenkins, LCSW brings a wealth of experience across the entire spectrum of care. From inpatient psychiatric settings to residential treatment centers and day treatment programs, Allison has dedicated her career to catalyzing positive change in the lives of young individuals.
Allison notable achievements is her instrumental role in designing and establishing a Residential Treatment Center (RTC). The program's framework, rooted in the team’s visionary ideas, reflects Allison commitment to innovation and effectiveness. By infusing evidence-based practices with a compassionate touch, at OASIS Allison has created an environment where adolescents can find healing, growth, and a renewed sense of hope.
Allison has also steered the development of a Day Treatment program within the residential context. This endeavor is a testament to her unwavering dedication to providing a continuum of care that meets adolescents' evolving needs. By tailoring interventions to the unique challenges of daily life, Allison empowers adolescents to develop essential skills and resilience while maintaining a sense of connection and community.
Cristell Marcial, LCSW
Clinical Director
Cristell joined Oasis after graduating from Utah Valley University with her bachelor's and master's degrees in social work. Prior to that, her love of children and desire to serve others landed her at the Children’s Justice Center where she worked in advocacy with children, adolescents, and their families. With her caring and compassionate demeanor, Cristell assisted these families in navigating the many emotions and family logistics surrounding clinically complicated traumatic experiences. Being proficient in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), allows Cristell to meet the very specific needs of each family she serves. Originally from Mexico, Cristell grew up in Provo, Utah.
Jodi Escalante
Residential Director
Jodi began working with adolescents in 2005 and has built a diverse and meaningful career across a range of therapeutic environments, including wilderness therapy, adventure-based programs, and long-term residential treatment. Through these experiences, she has developed a deep appreciation for the challenges teenagers face today and a strong belief in their resilience and potential.
At OASIS, Jodi is especially drawn to the relationship-based approach and the way the team blends proven clinical methods with creative therapeutic solutions. She values the culture of the organization, recognizing that every team member—from directors and mentors (direct care staff) to EMTs, academic staff, kitchen crew, and housekeeping—plays an essential role in creating a compassionate, supportive environment for the teens they serve.
As a wife and mother of three, Jodi finds her work both professionally fulfilling and personally enriching, offering perspective that carries into her own family life. She and her family have enjoyed living in a variety of places, including several years on the East Coast and a memorable season in Nairobi, Kenya. During that time, she summited Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, experienced African wildlife through numerous safaris, volunteered and helped raise funds for a school in the slums, and embraced the Kenyan concept of “pole pole”—a mindset centered on patience, presence, and taking life one step at a time.
Outside of work, Jodi enjoys photography, mountain biking, puzzles, ultimate frisbee, keeping a clean home, and spending time with friends—though she readily admits she does not enjoy cooking or waking up early. She is grateful to be part of an organization that prioritizes connection, innovation, and genuine care in all it does.
Keegan Kevesdy
Residential Director
Terrie Blocker
Director of Nursing
Bre Englebrecht
Director of Utilization Review
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.
Vanessa Williams
HR Director
Vanessa Williams is a dedicated team member at OASIS Ascent, passionate about supporting individuals through growth, change, and personal development. She brings a people-centered approach to her work, focusing on building trust, fostering resilience, and creating an environment where individuals feel supported and empowered.
Known for her reliability and ability to build genuine connections, Vanessa may be reserved at first but is a deeply supportive and consistent presence. She values structure and accountability, bringing a steady and dependable approach to her work and relationships.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors—especially in the warmer months—and appreciates winter most when it’s a good ski season. She also values quieter moments, whether that’s reading, cooking, or spending time with friends and family. This balance reflects her belief that well-being comes from both movement and meaningful connection.
Vanessa’s thoughtful, grounded approach makes her a trusted and valued member of the OASIS Ascent team.
Kimberly Bird
Academic Director
Admissions Team
Brian McDonald
Haylee Mathews
Madison Prince
Wendy Stevens
Shyanne Cook
Brian McDonald
Admissions Director
Brian's commitment to his profession, his ability to build meaningful connections, and his dedication to empowering families make him a highly respected and sought-after professional in the field of mental health.
Brian is a dedicated professional with over 15 years of experience working with teens and their families in various settings, including long and short-term residential treatment, acute care, and home-based services. Throughout his career, he has held leadership positions such as residential director, program director, and admissions/business development director, showcasing his ability to effectively lead and manage teams.
Brian's exceptional interpersonal skills enable him to establish comfortable and professional relationships with families and teenagers alike. He deeply cares about the well-being of both the children and the staff, and he leads by example, never asking others to do something he wouldn't do himself. His greatest satisfaction comes from guiding families through crises and helping them find peaceful solutions.
With his extensive experience in mental health admissions, Brian possesses a wealth of knowledge in assessing the needs of clients in both acute and non-critical situations. He is passionate about providing high-quality mental health treatment to more families by maximizing their insurance benefits. Brian actively contributes to his community and cherishes spending time with his family, including his wife Anita and their two children, Briyana and Cayson.
Notably, Brian had the privilege of earning a football scholarship to Brigham Young University, where he played under the esteemed coaching of LaVell Edwards. He and his family share a deep love for sports, particularly BYU Football, and they also enjoy engaging in various outdoor activities. Brian's multifaceted background and commitment to excellence make him a valuable asset in the field of mental health treatment
Haylee Mathews
Admissions Director
Haylee Mathews is a dedicated Admissions Director who brings compassion and extensive experience to the families seeking help at Oasis Ascent. She is deeply committed to ensuring that every family finds a path to healing and hope during a challenging time.
With years of experience in the behavioral health field, Haylee possesses a wealth of knowledge regarding residential treatment for adolescents. She excels at guiding families through the entire admissions process, offering clear communication and empathetic support from the initial inquiry through enrollment. Haylee is passionate about helping families navigate complex situations, including assessing their child's unique needs and maximizing their insurance benefits to access high-quality mental health care. She finds her greatest professional satisfaction in alleviating the burden of crisis and providing a seamless transition for teens and their families into the care they need.
Haylee's commitment to family well-being extends into her personal life. She is married and is the proud parent of three children. Outside of work, Haylee and her family enjoy spending time together, especially camping, attending concerts, watching sports, and seeking out any form of live entertainment. This blend of professional expertise and personal devotion to family makes Haylee a trusted and relatable advocate for the families she serves.
Madison Prince
Admissions Coordinator
Madi Prince joined Ascent at the end of 2018 as an academic tutor at Discovery Academy. During her four years there she took on different roles within the academic department and fell in love with working directly with students and their families. She said it was rewarding to see the gratitude from parents when she was able to share the successes of their student. She recently graduated in 2022 from BYU in Human Development and relocated to Midvale. She now looks forward to working with OASIS Ascent as the admissions coordinator at the Provo location. In her off time, she will be filling her new apartment and office up with as many plants as possible.
Wendy Stevens
Admission Coordinator
Wendy Stevens serves as an Admissions Coordinator at OASIS Ascent, bringing over 15 years of experience with the Ascent Companies. Throughout her tenure, she has contributed across multiple departments including Residential, Academic, and Nursing gaining a well-rounded perspective that now informs her work in admissions, where she feels most at home.
Wendy is known for her warmth, approachability, and genuine love for the people she works with. Having collaborated with a wide range of teams over the years, she values the strong sense of connection and shared purpose that defines the organization. She takes pride in helping families navigate the admissions process and strives to create a welcoming, supportive experience from the very first interaction.
Outside of work, Wendy enjoys staying active and creative through a variety of hobbies, including crafting, yard work, and camping. She especially loves spending time at the horse ranch, where being around the horses provides a sense of energy, balance, and renewal for Wendy, it’s the perfect way to recharge and head into each new week with enthusiasm.
Shyanne Cook
Admissions Coordinator
Shyanne Cook takes a calm, empathetic approach while implementing structure and boundaries to help students be successful in their day-to-day lives. Fueled by a deep-seeded belief in the organization’s emphasis on family systems and its relational approach. Shyanne started working in treatment in 2019. With six years of experience in mental health, She has climbed the ladder from youth mentor, to supervisor and now a program coordinator with CNA credentials to manage medication and assist with students medical needs. Shyanne specializes in crisis management and is passionate about empowering students to practice DBT skills in crisis situations. In her off time, she enjoys building legos with her family, cuddling with her cat and going on walks around her home in Saratoga Springs.
Clinical Team
Allison Michelle Jenkins, LCSW
Cristell Marcial, LCSW
Jason H. King, PhD, LCMHC
Erin O’Malley
Becky Madill, CSW
Peter Beckman LMFT
Allison Michelle Jenkins, LCSW
Clinical Director
Allison Jenkins, LCSW brings a wealth of experience across the entire spectrum of care. From inpatient psychiatric settings to residential treatment centers and day treatment programs, Allison has dedicated her career to catalyzing positive change in the lives of young individuals.
Allison notable achievements is her instrumental role in designing and establishing a Residential Treatment Center (RTC). The program's framework, rooted in the team’s visionary ideas, reflects Allison commitment to innovation and effectiveness. By infusing evidence-based practices with a compassionate touch, at OASIS Allison has created an environment where adolescents can find healing, growth, and a renewed sense of hope.
Allison has also steered the development of a Day Treatment program within the residential context. This endeavor is a testament to her unwavering dedication to providing a continuum of care that meets adolescents' evolving needs. By tailoring interventions to the unique challenges of daily life, Allison empowers adolescents to develop essential skills and resilience while maintaining a sense of connection and community.
Cristell Marcial, LCSW
Clinical Director
Cristell joined Oasis after graduating from Utah Valley University with her bachelor's and master's degrees in social work. Prior to that, her love of children and desire to serve others landed her at the Children’s Justice Center where she worked in advocacy with children, adolescents, and their families. With her caring and compassionate demeanor, Cristell assisted these families in navigating the many emotions and family logistics surrounding clinically complicated traumatic experiences. Being proficient in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), allows Cristell to meet the very specific needs of each family she serves. Originally from Mexico, Cristell grew up in Provo, Utah.
Jason H. King, PhD, LCMHC
Associate Clinical Director
Dr. King brings over 20 years of clinical experience working with adolescents and their families to Oasis Ascent. He began his career as a certified Functional Family Therapist (FFT) and was later recognized as Mental Health Counselor of the Year for his impactful work with youth and families across home, school, correctional, and community-based settings.
Nationally recognized for his expertise in psychiatric assessment and differential diagnosis, Dr. King specializes in identifying autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and related neurodevelopmental conditions—particularly in female adolescents, where symptoms are often masked or misdiagnosed.
Dr. King’s clinical style is warm, relational, and engaging. He is skilled at reducing resistance and fostering therapeutic trust, creating a safe and supportive environment where teens feel understood and parents feel confident in the care their child is receiving.
Outside of his clinical work, Dr. King enjoys spending time with his wife and children. You’ll often find him snow skiing, mountain biking, boating, jet skiing, or camping in the mountains.
Erin O’Malley
Recreation Therapist
Erin O’Malley is the recreational therapist for the Oasis RTC and Day treatment programs. She adheres to standards and practices outlined by her TRS license and CTRS national certification. Erin has 14 years of behavioral health experience working with youth ages 7-17. As part of the clinical team, Erin focuses on DBT skill-building through experiential activities using music, art, movement, outdoor adventure, sport, culture, education, and community service. In her free time, Erin enjoys writing, hiking, biking, traveling, music composition, serving her family, and loving their animals. She is the mother of 5 and grandmother of 4 amazing humans.
Becky Madill, CSW
Therapist
Becky is a dedicated mental health professional with years of experience supporting individuals navigating trauma, PTSD, substance use, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and anxiety. She earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Utah, building a strong foundation in evidence-based and compassionate care.
With a special passion for working with teenagers, Becky focuses on helping youth build resilience, process difficult experiences, and develop healthy coping strategies. Her warm, client-centered approach fosters a safe and supportive environment where healing and growth can take place. She believes in the power of reminding individuals that they are worth the work they are doing, even when the journey feels challenging.
Becky has received training in Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). By integrating these approaches, she tailors therapy to each individual’s unique needs, empowering clients to explore their stories, manage emotions effectively, and move toward meaningful, lasting change.
Peter Beckman LMFT
Therapist
Peter Beckman is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who earned his bachelor’s degree in
Marriage and Family Studies from Brigham Young University–Idaho and his master’s degree in Couples,
Marriage and Family Therapy from Texas Tech University. Since completing his graduate work, Peter has
gained diverse clinical experience working with teens in juvenile detention centers and group home
settings, as well as with adults in an inpatient psychiatric correctional environment. Most recently, he
spent four years working with women facing co-occurring substance use and mental health challenges,
supporting them in their efforts toward family reunification and the resolution of legal obligations.
Peter’s clinical interests center on helping individuals heal from trauma and build resilience in the midst
of personal grief. He draws from a range of evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Symbolic-
Experiential Family Therapy (SEFT). His approach emphasizes validating clients in their current life
circumstances while creating space for meaningful personal growth. Through a personable and
experiential style, Peter works to help clients disrupt unhealthy patterns, develop new perspectives, and
build healthier ways of processing and engaging with life.
Academic Team
Kimberly Bird
Lexie Jensen
Kimberly Bird
Academic Director
Lexie Jensen
Academic Advisor
Lexie is a teacher at OASIS Ascent who brings a lifelong love of learning and more than 20 years of experience working with adolescents. With a background as both a professional photographer and seasoned educator, she is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling to further expand her impact.
She is especially passionate about helping students overcome academic trauma, guiding them as they rebuild confidence and recognize their individual strengths in the classroom. Outside of her work, Lexie enjoys biking with her family, traveling to Idaho, and spending time with a good book or close friends.
Medical Team
Terrie Blocker
Caleen Haun
Dr. Bill Bunn, DO
Lorraine Brimhall MPAS, PA-C
Kriste Walker
Tyler Martin
Terrie Blocker
Director of Nursing
Caleen Haun
Director of Nursing
Dr. Bill Bunn, DO
Psychiatrist
Dr. Bill Bunn earned a B.A. in English literature and an M.A in rhetoric from Brigham Young University. Prior to medical school he was a full-time college English instructor and was honored as a Mayhew Teaching Award Finalist at Brigham Young University and has multiple publications in the area of doctor-patient communications and medical education. He attended medical school at Des Moines University with clinical training at Ohio University. His psychiatry training was at the University of Utah, where he received outstanding junior and senior resident awards and the Arnold P. Gold Foundation for Humanism and Excellence in Teaching.
Dr. Bunn currently works as a psychiatrist for the BYU student Health Center, maintains a private practice, and is on staff at UVRMC. In addition to this, he is an Adjunct clinical instructor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Utah, School of Medicine. He and his wife Dana have two active boys. He enjoys the outdoors, plays guitar, scuba diving, building furniture, and spending time with his family.
Lorraine Brimhall MPAS, PA-C
Certified Physician Assistant
She has experience diagnosing and treating a wide variety of mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, ADHD, Bipolar disorder, OCD, and other behavior disorders.
She has worked with hundreds of adolescents and their families to find the right medication and treatment plans to improve patients mental health and overall well being. Lorraine is also an adjunct faculty at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions where she completed a teaching residency.
She has a passion for working with individuals, to help them improve their mental health so they may lead the healthiest and most joyful lives possible.
She has 5 children and in her spare time enjoys being with them. She loves hiking in the beautiful mountains, spending time with friends, and self improvement.
Kriste Walker
Nursing Coordinator
Tyler Martin
Nursing Coordinator