thrive
Our Thrive Program is about all the things that make life meaningful. The classes, clubs and activities in the Thrive Program provide students with new experiences and new relationships. Students develop individual talents, find personal fulfillment, and prepare socially and emotionally to integrate into community life.
Karen Gonzales
Thrive Program Manager x
Karen Gonzales Thrive Manager 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 in her community choir, rock climbing, hiking/backpacking, and hanging out with her husband and puppy. |
Caitlin White
Thrive Skills Specialist x
Caitlin White Thrive Skills Specialist Caitlin White came to Scenic View 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. |
Josh Palmer
Thrive Skills Specialist x
Josh Palmer Thrive Skills Specialist 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. |
Kenzie Ward
Rec Therapist x
Kenzie Ward Rec Therapist Kensington (Kenzie) Ward is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. She graduated from Brigham Young University - Idaho with a bachelor's degree in Therapeutic Recreation in 2022. 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 Scenic View Academy because she was impressed with the organization's mission, and felt it aligned with her personal principles including empowerment and "remembering the one." In her free time, Kenzie loves to sneak away to her hometown in San Diego where she can go to the beach, or stay at home to bake cookies, play various instruments, or read books on the couch - snuggled up with her dog. |
Kyra Schmutz
Rec Therapist x
Kyra Schmutz Service Coordinator 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. |
Melissa Garcia
Thrive Skills Specialist x
Melissa Garcia Thrive Skills Specialist Melissa graduated with her degree in Exercise and Wellness from Brigham Young University in August of 2020. She loves to learn and so decided to continue her education and is currently working on her Master's degree in Rehabilitative Science from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. Melissa received her Personal Training Certification from the American College of Sports Medicine and has worked as a personal trainer in various capacities for about a year. She chose to work at ScenicView because she loves to help people achieve their fitness goals and help them reach their potential and ScenicView is a perfect place to do that. She grew up in Oregon and loves spending time in the outdoors hiking, camping or playing on the water. She also loves any kind of sport, especially soccer. Melissa's goal in life is to try to help as many people as possible live happier and healthier. |
