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
Reggie Wilson, LCSW
Jodi Escalante
Rosanna Weeks
Makynsey Boyer MSN,BSN,RN
Terrie Blocker
Bre Englebrecht
Vanessa Williams
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.
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
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.
Reggie Wilson, LCSW
Clinical Director
Reggie has supported teens and their families during mental health crises since 2000. Educated at the University of Utah, Reggie holds a master's degree in social work, a bachelor's degree in sociology, and a certificate in criminology. This impressive academic background has laid the foundation for an impactful career in helping individuals overcome their challenges and transform their lives.
Throughout Reggie's career, he has been recognized for his exceptional work and commitment to mental health. Notably, he was honored with the prestigious Sharon Moore Award for excellence in mental health, a testament to his unwavering dedication and expertise in the field.
Believing in the power of challenging negative core beliefs, Reggie empowers individuals to step into the life they have always envisioned for themselves. He firmly believes that family plays a vital role in mental health, and this belief informs his practice, ensuring that the well-being of his clients is approached holistically.
With a diverse background in mental health, Reggie has worked in various settings, including residential treatment facilities, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), day treatment / partial hospitalization programs (PHP), group homes, and private practice. However, his greatest satisfaction comes from witnessing teens successfully graduate and progress towards a brighter future.
Beyond his professional achievements, Reggie's most significant accomplishment is being a parent to four beautiful children. This aspect of his life exemplifies his dedication to family and its profound impact on mental health.
Outside of his work, Reggie enjoys pursuing hobbies that allow him to unwind and connect with nature. He finds solace in activities such as golfing, fly fishing, and camping, making the most of the picturesque landscapes offered by his home state of Utah. This balance between personal interests and a fulfilling career reflects Reggie's holistic approach to life and continuous commitment to supporting others in their journey towards mental well-being.
Jodi Escalante
Residential Director
Rosanna Weeks
Academic Director
Rosanna has 35 years of experience in education. She began her career as an English and theater teacher, completed her master’s degree in educational leadership at BYU, then served as a school principal at the middle school and high school levels in both public traditional and charter schools. “I chose a career in education so that I might help young people see and meet their potential. That continues to be my goal each day,” she says. Rosanna is the mother of four children, and grandmother to three. She is a longtime performer in Utah county in both live theater and film productions, as a solo singer, and a member of the Tabernacle Choir. She enjoys hiking, biking, pickleball, golf, and all things outdoors, along with traveling long distances to be with her children and grandchildren.
Makynsey Boyer MSN,BSN,RN
Director of Nursing
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
Admissions Team
Brian McDonald
Haylee Mathews
Madison Prince
Marry Ann Schmidt
Wendy Hodges
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
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 Millcreek location. In her off time, she will be filling her new apartment and office up with as many plants as possible.
Marry Ann Schmidt
Admissions Coordinator
Wendy Hodges
Admission Coordinator
Clinical Team
Allison Michelle Jenkins, LCSW
Reggie Wilson, LCSW
Yanni Gallagher, AMFT
Spencer Cook, LCSW
Craig Rollo, LMFT
Cristell Marcial, LCSW
JoAnne Sandoval
Alyssa York
Erin O’Malley
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.
Reggie Wilson, LCSW
Clinical Director
Reggie has supported teens and their families during mental health crises since 2000. Educated at the University of Utah, Reggie holds a master's degree in social work, a bachelor's degree in sociology, and a certificate in criminology. This impressive academic background has laid the foundation for an impactful career in helping individuals overcome their challenges and transform their lives.
Throughout Reggie's career, he has been recognized for his exceptional work and commitment to mental health. Notably, he was honored with the prestigious Sharon Moore Award for excellence in mental health, a testament to his unwavering dedication and expertise in the field.
Believing in the power of challenging negative core beliefs, Reggie empowers individuals to step into the life they have always envisioned for themselves. He firmly believes that family plays a vital role in mental health, and this belief informs his practice, ensuring that the well-being of his clients is approached holistically.
With a diverse background in mental health, Reggie has worked in various settings, including residential treatment facilities, intensive outpatient programs (IOP), day treatment / partial hospitalization programs (PHP), group homes, and private practice. However, his greatest satisfaction comes from witnessing teens successfully graduate and progress towards a brighter future.
Beyond his professional achievements, Reggie's most significant accomplishment is being a parent to four beautiful children. This aspect of his life exemplifies his dedication to family and its profound impact on mental health.
Outside of his work, Reggie enjoys pursuing hobbies that allow him to unwind and connect with nature. He finds solace in activities such as golfing, fly fishing, and camping, making the most of the picturesque landscapes offered by his home state of Utah. This balance between personal interests and a fulfilling career reflects Reggie's holistic approach to life and continuous commitment to supporting others in their journey towards mental well-being.
Yanni Gallagher, AMFT
Therapist
Yanni comes to Oasis Ascent with 6 years of experience working in the adolescent treatment program and services industry. He has worked in therapeutic boarding school, wilderness, and short-term residential settings in multiple roles to include milieu staff, transporter, research coordinator, quality assurance, and now as a therapist. Yanni has a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family therapy with an emphasis in child and adolescent therapy. Through the relational approach, Yanni helps adolescents feel they can entrust him with their deepest concerns and gain confidence in their therapeutic journey. Yanni's therapeutic approach is heavily influenced by Narrative Family Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Principles as taught by Arbinger Institute. Yanni loves spending time with his wife, his 1 ½ year old son, and dog. Yanni has a love for the outdoors, sports, and video games. He strives to have a life aimed towards equanimity, learning, and humility.
Spencer Cook, LCSW
Therapist
Craig Rollo, LMFT
Therapist
Cristell Marcial, LCSW
Therapist
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.
JoAnne Sandoval
Therapist
Alyssa York
Therapist
I have a Master’s Degree in Social Work with an emphasis in mental health. Through the relational and strength-based approach, I provide a haven of validation, empathy, cultivation of existing capabilities, and a judgment-free atmosphere. I embrace an eclectic array of techniques and theories recognizing the individuality in each person’s story. My approach is influenced by Emotional Focused Therapy, Ego States Theory, and EMDR. When I’m not working, I’m spending time with my cat: Anya; traveling, reading, or doing paint-by-numbers.
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.
Academic Team
Rosanna Weeks
Lexie Jensen
Carolyn McGraw
Rosanna Weeks
Academic Director
Rosanna has 35 years of experience in education. She began her career as an English and theater teacher, completed her master’s degree in educational leadership at BYU, then served as a school principal at the middle school and high school levels in both public traditional and charter schools. “I chose a career in education so that I might help young people see and meet their potential. That continues to be my goal each day,” she says. Rosanna is the mother of four children, and grandmother to three. She is a longtime performer in Utah county in both live theater and film productions, as a solo singer, and a member of the Tabernacle Choir. She enjoys hiking, biking, pickleball, golf, and all things outdoors, along with traveling long distances to be with her children and grandchildren.
Lexie Jensen
Academic Advisor
Carolyn McGraw
Academic Advisor
Medical Team
Makynsey Boyer MSN,BSN,RN
Terrie Blocker
Dr. Amy Parry
Dr. Bill Bunn, DO
Lorraine Brimhall MPAS, PA-C
Kriste Walker
Trenton Beasley
Makynsey Boyer MSN,BSN,RN
Director of Nursing
Terrie Blocker
Director of Nursing
Dr. Amy Parry
DNP Mental Health Specialist
Amy is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC), with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP). She is passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services to adolescents and adults. She maintains a comprehensive focus to care, including brief psychotherapy and prescribing mental health medications if indicated for adolescents and adults. She possesses strong clinical skills enhanced by natural ability to build rapport with patients and families.
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
Trenton Beasley
Nursing Coordinator