Scott Wood, CMHC
Scott graduated from the University of Phoenix with a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. He has worked for ScenicView since it opened and has enjoyed seeing it grow, and seeing the students benefit from the services provided at ScenicView. He has many duties, including being the Work Program Manager helping students find gainful employment, and a Psychotherapist. Scott also works with the WHY TRY organization as a National Training Consultant helping youth and others develop the social and emotional skills necessary to reach their goals. He enjoys spending time with his family, being outdoors, and participating in sports.
Abigail Hopkins
Abigail graduated from UVU with a Bachelor of Social Work and a minor in Autism Studies . She is pursuing her Masters of Social Work at The University of Utah. She has practical experience as a Registered Behavior Technician with ABS Kids and Sandstone Psychology. As a member of the United States Air Force since 2020 and a certified sexual assault advocate with The Refuge Utah, she brings a strong background in advocacy and service. Abigail chose ScenicView for its commitment to inclusive, impactful social services, aligning perfectly with her passion for supporting diverse communities and making a meaningful difference.
Jerry Freestone
Jerry was given the opportunity to work as the Work Support Supervisor on Grounds. After having been a student here at ScenicView and being one of the earliest graduates in 2011, he enjoys helping students succeed like he has been able to. He has 20+ years of experience in the landscaping industry, as well as 28 years volunteering with the women's soccer team at BYU. Jerry spent 15 years as a staff member at a youth training camp for leadership skills, which was extremely rewarding for this field. He enjoys playing board games and video games in his spare time.
Libby Oscarson
Libby is deeply passionate about uplifting and celebrating neurodiversity, a value she brings to life through her role at Scenicview Academy as an On-Campus Work Skills Specialist. Using ABA principles, she empowers students to develop essential work skills while fostering a sense of confidence and independence. Libby earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Utah Valley University and is a certified Registered Behavior Technician. Since 2022, she has been dedicated to supporting the autism community.
Outside of work, Libby enjoys expressing her creativity through painting and drawing, watching movies, traveling, and spending time with her two adorable kitties.
Madi Thomas
Madi graduated with her Bachelor's of Science in Psychology with a minor in music. She is currently obtaining her master's in clinical mental health counseling. She is interested in EMDR and trauma within children. Madi is a registered behavior technician, and has loved using ABA therapy techniques. She volunteered in gathering resources for A Child's Hope Foundation for therapist's and caretakers in Mexico, so that they may better assist and help children in orphanages. In addition, Madi has work experience with individuals in outpatient programs, through Serenity Mental Health Centers. She is passionate about inclusion and loves to help others any way she can! She enjoys being outside, singing, crafting, and spending time with good people!
Mary Mitchell
Mary describes her opportunity to work with the students of ScenicView as a “dream come true.” From 10 years of experience working with individuals in a mentoring capacity, Mary brings skill and passion to her advocacy for students. Professionally, Mary has worked as a mental health technician in residential settings, a registered behavior technician, and an educator. It is her belief that by embracing diversity- including our own- that we will build meaningful connections and boost our ability to influence others for the good. She aspires to assist students in owning their autonomy and building confidence in their unique journey. In her free time Mary enjoys participating in community engagement and activism where she advocates for the well being of her community and others. In the evening you will most likely find her and her partner playing with their two cats and enjoying a good book.
Olivia Hillman
Olivia holds a Bachelor of Behavioral Science from Utah Valley University and is RBT certified. She is currently pursuing a Master of Applied Behavior Analysis. With 12 years of experience working with neurodiverse communities, she is dedicated to fostering inclusion and belonging. Her background includes roles as a paraeducator, volunteering with Kids on the Move, and participating in the Best Buddies program. In her free time, she enjoys art, nature, and travel.
Tyler Young
Tyler completed his Bachelors in Behavioral Science and is pursuing a Masters in Counseling Therapy. He looks forward to serving ScenicView’s students as a therapy intern clinician. Tyler enjoys serving people with neuro diversities and has worked with young people with autism for nine years.
When not at work Tyler organizes tabletop games with his friends and plays with his children. He also has a passion for building and intends to build his own home after finishing degree work.
He currently works with ScenicView students to help them develop skills and habits for getting and keeping a job.
Karen Gonzales
Karen graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelors in Therapeutic Recreation and Management and a Minor in Music in 2019. She has had the opportunity to work with many populations since graduating, including addiction recovery, skilled nursing facilities, acute behavioral health, and residential treatment for teenagers. Karen has always found great joy in serving and helping others, and to empower others to find their own strength, confidence, and growth.
Karen was drawn to ScenicView Academy through their dedicated client-centered programming, and their focus to "remember the one". She believes in giving every person the chance to Thrive, and is determined to create and develop programming that will empower each person to accomplish that goal. In Karen's spare time, she can be found spending time.
Caitlin White
Caitlin White came to ScenicView with a deep love of teaching and a desire to empower students to reach for their dreams. She believes that all students have a touch of greatness within them, and the potential to make a real difference in their homes and communities. Her teaching motto is: “I can do hard things.”
Caitlin has professional experience in acting, writing, and commercial arts, as well as experience teaching and tutoring individuals with different abilities.
Caitlin received an associate’s degree of science at Snow College and is currently a senior at Brigham Young University working towards her degree.
Isabelle Proctor
Isabelle graduated with a bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation from Brigham Young University - Idaho in 2023 and is a certified therapeutic recreation specialist. Isabelle helps the students with leisure, boundary, and self love related skills. She has experience working with children and young adults with developmental disabilities as well as older adults with memory impairment. She was drawn to ScenicView because she was impressed with the wide range of services and resources for the students and loves ScenicView’s mission to remember the one. Isabelle believes that everyone has the ability to achieve their goals and loves helping them feel empowered to do that. She also believes in the power of recreation to improve every aspect of our lives and is passionate about sharing that with others.
In her free time, Isabelle likes to exercise. She especially likes zumba, yoga, and running. She also loves reading, embroidery, and making delicious gluten free treats.
Josh Palmer
Josh Palmer is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, and private instructor from Enoch, Utah. He received his BA in Commercial Music from Brigham Young University in 2019 and is a current Music Therapy student at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. He has more than fifteen years of performing experience and has performed in Hong Kong, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba.
Josh has an insatiable desire to share his love of music, which led him to ScenicView Academy. He believes that music can bring positivity and excitement into anybody's life, and he wants to help each student discover what music can do for them. With perfect pitch and over a decade of music arranging experience, Josh can help students learn to sing and play their favorite songs, as well as learn new instruments and start writing their own songs.
When he isn't teaching, Josh is busy writing lyrics, producing beats, and filming music videos with his impressive collection of detailed sock puppets. He also enjoys spending time with his two ball pythons Raymond and Mary Lou.
Kyra Schmutz
Kyra Schmutz is a certified therapeutic recreation specialist. She got her bachelor's degree in recreational therapy from the University of Utah. She has experience working with individuals with autism and other learning differences. She chose to work for ScenicView because of its focus on empowerment, autonomy, and independence. She believes that everyone deserves to have someone who believes in them and supports them. Kyra loves using leisure and recreation to teach important life skills. In her free time she loves playing the guitar, hiking, and exercising.
Kenzie Ward
Kensington (Kenzie) Ward Sumek is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, who gets to lead classes, one-on-ones, and groups with a focus on Social Skills. She graduated from BYU-I with a bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation in 2022, and began working at ScenicView Academy at the beginning of 2023. She has volunteer experience working with a variety of populations ranging from children with developmental and learning disabilities to older adults in long-term care.
Kenzie was drawn to ScenicView Academy because she recognized (and still loves) the unique, positive feeling on campus. She was impressed with the organization's mission, feeling as though it aligns with her personal principles including empowerment and "remembering the one." She is of the firm belief that she has the best, most rewarding job at ScenicView, and therefore probably in the whole world.
Melissa Garcia
Melissa graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Wellness from Brigham Young University in August of 2020 and completed a master's degree in Health Science from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in April 2022. She is a certified Personal Trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine as well as a certified Nutrition Coach through the National Academy for Sports Medicine.
Melissa chose to work at ScenicView because she loves to help people achieve their health and fitness goals and reach their potential and ScenicView is a perfect place to do that.
Melissa grew up in Oregon and loves spending time outdoors hiking, camping, or playing on the water. She spends a lot of her spare time going on runs around Provo and watching soccer with her husband.
Aaron Ridenour, CMHC
Aaron has worked at ScenicView for over 18 years in various positions, including human service worker, case manager, educator, and therapist before managing the residential clinic . 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 organizes many of the clinical 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
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 ScenicView. 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
Sarah Heuser is a CSW practicing in Provo, UT. She is an autistic and queer therapist specializing in autism and LGBTQIA+ issues. 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 a total of 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 LGBTQIA+ 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.
Deb Hamilton
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
Lisa Soto started at ScenicView 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.