clinical Support Unit staff
Aaron Ridenour, CMHC
Clinical Support Unit Manager x
Aaron Ridenour, CMHC Clinical Support Unit Manager Aaron has worked at ScenicView for over 18 years in various positions, including human service worker, case manager, educator, and therapist before supervising the clinical support unit. He enjoys working with both therapists and mentors on a daily basis to address the needs of students as they progress through the program. He works with the NATSAP organization as part of their research committee as well as organizes many of the assessments utilized as part of the ScenicView program. He is an adjunct professor at Utah Valley University in the Passages program at the Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism where he helps autistic students improve their mental health and social skills. Aaron received his bachelor’s degree in Marriage, Family, and Human Development and a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. He loves working with the students at ScenicView as well as looking for innovative ways to improve the program. In his spare time, he enjoys writing, drawing, martial arts, and film production. |
Laurel Smith, CSW
Psychotherapist x
Laurel Smith, CSW Psychotherapist Laurel began working in the human services field in 2002 and has enjoyed it ever since. She began working direct care with intellectually disabled adults and has held various positions including program coordination and case management for the local mental health community agency. Laurel received her Bachelor Degree in Behavioral Science at Utah Valley University. She is a recent graduate of Utah State University and has her Master of Social Work degree. Laurel enjoys working with a variety of populations and has experience in working with individuals, couples and families. She connects with the person centered approach in therapy which aligns with the “Remember the One” mission and led her to pursuing this job opportunity at Scenic View. Laurel feels strongly about human rights and advocacy and enjoys all the time she can spend with her loved ones including her husband and fabulous dogs. Reading, gardening, being in nature, and live music are at the top of her list of things she enjoys. |
Sarah Heuser, CSW
Psychotherapist x
Sarah Heuser, CSW Psychotherapist Sarah Heuser is a CSW practicing in Provo, UT. She is an autistic and queer therapist specializing in autism and LGBT+ issues. Sarah chose to become a therapist in a single moment wherein she thought she could do better than her own therapist. Sarah completed a bachelor of science in behavioral science with an emphasis in psychology at Utah Valley University and got her masters in social work at the University of Utah. Sarah worked for six years at ScenicView Academy helping students with government benefits. She returned to ScenicView Clinic upon finishing her master’s degree. Sarah interned for sixteen months at Utah State Hospital first in a forensics unit, where she learned about trauma and psychosis. She then moved on to work in the children’s unit where she learned more about trauma and child therapy. Sarah will never claim to be an expert in anything, but she has lived and clinical experience with autism, the LGBTQ+ community, and faith transitions. She has some clinical experience with psychosis and trauma, and will soon be trained in EMDR. She prefers a person-centered approach and utilizes components of ACT. She often uses education of the human nervous system to help clients understand and regulate themselves. |
Deb Hamilton
Nurse x
Deb Hamilton Nurse Deb received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, from the University of Central Florida. Deb’s career in health care as a Registered Nurse includes varied nursing experiences such as School Nursing, Labor and Delivery, Hospice and Adolescent Residential treatment. Working as a Director of Nursing in several of these areas has given her insight into coordinating with families, providers, pharmacies and insurances. After working in the Behavioral Health field for the past 15 years, Deb was well aware of the good work that happens at SVA. When the opportunity came, she was overjoyed to become a part of the team. Deb hopes to bring her strong skills and compassion to the students and families of SVA. |
Lisa Soto
Medication Specialist x
Lisa Soto Medication Specialist Lisa Soto started at Scenic View Academy in August of 2023 as a LPN, Licensed Practical Nurse/Medical Skill Specialist. Lisa started her Nursing career as an LPN in 1998 when she graduated from Utah Valley University. She also attended Snow College and graduated with her Associate of Science. This is where she started all her prerequisites for the nursing program. As an LPN she worked at a residential treatment center for adolescents with mental disabilities like mood disorders, ADHD, and Autism. She also worked for Utah State Hospital with the severe mentally ill geriatric patients. She has a long history of working in the mental health profession. She has had experience working with neurodiverse people at her previous places of employment and she has really enjoyed it. |
Mentors
They're tasked with ensuring a safe environment, providing customer service, managing emergencies, and conducting fun and engaging activities after-hours to help students make constructive use of their free time. Our mentors provide round the clock individualized support, with specific attention to therapeutic and independent living curriculum. A mentor guides a student towards increased independence by providing mentorship, coaching, and guidance.
Emma WulfensteinLead Mentor |
Adam Taylor Mentor |
Ashley Olsen Mentor |
Becka Olhasso Mentor |
Bryan Kessinger Mentor |
Crystal Craddock Mentor |
Jaycie Stewart Mentor |
Jill St Clair Mentor |
Jonathan Moran Mentor |
Libby Sorenson Mentor |
McKyer StevensonMentor |
Melissa Cecil Mentor |
Nate Bent Mentor |
Nick Boren-Fife Mentor |
Noelle Hendrickson Mentor |
Taio Bushman Mentor |
