Dave Prior, LMFT

Executive Director

"I love working at Sunrise because of the great people I get to work with and the progress I see in the girls that come here. We have such rich opportunities to interact with families in need and see them make life-changing decisions."

Dave earned his Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Utah State University. He is EAGALA certified and trained as an Arbinger Facilitator. Having worked in several adolescent treatment centers, Dave has developed clinical specialties that include family systems work and conflict resolution. He is particularly savvy in his work with oppositional defiance, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and identity formation. Dave has a very calming effect upon those he works with, a great sense of humor, and a fair and even method of therapy. He has an expertise in helping families form and maintain meaningful relationships.

Dave and his wife enjoy spending their free time camping, being outdoors, and doing water sports with their five children.

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved." – Helen Keller

Jack Hinman, Psy.D.

Clinical Director

"I love working at Sunrise because it allows me to work alongside wonderful people to improve the lives of our girls and their families. Working at Sunrise provides me the opportunity to integrate my clinical experience with my strong interest in giving back to others."

Jack is a licensed psychologist and received his doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology in Springfield, Missouri. He completed his APA accredited pre-doctoral internship at the University of Utah's Neuropsychiatric Institute, and later finished his post-doctoral residency in Community Mental Health in Texas. Jack's clinical experience is wide ranging and includes psychological assessment; individual, family, and group therapy; and adolescent therapy. He has provided psychological services in variety of settings, including psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, schools, wilderness programs, and outpatient settings. Jack is a specialty trained and experienced Dialectical Behavior therapist, and his clinical interests include the diagnosis and treatment of personality and eating disorders.

Jack is passionate about his work as a clinician, but he also loves to play. He is an avid snowboarder and mountain biker and enjoys spending time with his wife and son.

"Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy." – Thich Nhat Hanh

Kathrine Whittekiend, M.Ed.

Educational Director

"I love working at Sunrise Academy because of the opportunities to interact with parents, students, families, and other professionals in furthering the education of our students. Assuring that the girls are on track for high school graduation is an important part of the program and educational philosophy at Sunrise Academy. I'm honored to be part of the Sunrise community"

Kathrine earned her B.A. degree from Southern Utah University in English Literature with an emphasis in education. She is certified to teach middle school (grades 5-9) and high school (grades 7-12) in English, Reading, English as a Second Language (ESL), Geography, and German. She received her M.Ed. degree from Utah State University in education and educational administration and is certified as an educational administrator.

Kathrine taught public school and administered the ESL and Homebound programs for Iron County School District. She went on to work at the Utah State Office of Education as the Education Specialist for English language learners where her responsibilities included creating, presenting, and administering professional development for ESL teachers in Utah's 40 districts. In addition, she held the position as the Compliance Specialist for Title III programs for the State.

Kathrine has a husband, 4 boys and 6 grandchildren who fill her spare time. She also likes to read and garden.

"We must not only prepare our children for the world, we must prepare the world for our children." – Author Unknown

Emily Phillips, BS

Admissions Director

"I love working at Sunrise because of the warm, peaceful, and uplifting energy from the devoted employees. The unique blend of a caring team within a small town community creates great opportunity for connection, reflection, exploration, and growth."

Emily Phillips grew up in Pennsylvania and moved out west in 1997. Since then she graduated from Utah State University and has worked with struggling teens over the last 13 years. Her work with teens has involved a variety of settings including a wilderness program, a group home, residential treatment and teaching at public and private schools. Most recently she developed an organization taking young adults and families on service learning expeditions across Alaska, Nepal, and Costa Rica. She is a Certified Life Coach for parents of struggling teens and young adults. She is also an independent licensed Love and Logic Facilitator, a Wilderness First Responder and has a Bachelor of Science integrating studies in Psychology, Biology, and Health Education.

Emily enjoys spending time with her family traveling and recreating in the mountains, oceans, and rivers.

"Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes." – Carl Jung

Corey Hickman, CTRS

Residential Life Director

"I love working at Sunrise because each day I get to have interactions with students and families that are meaningful, fun, and challenging. I also love being part of an organization that facilitates the healing of families."

Corey earned his degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Brigham Young University and is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (Recreational Therapist). This education and certification have allowed him to enhance the recreational programming at Sunrise. Corey also conducts Experiential Recreation Therapy groups and adds that modality to the clinical component at Sunrise. He is a strong believer that wholesome recreation is therapeutic in nature and that Sunrise students benefit greatly from exposure to new avenues of leisure and recreation. Corey has worked in the field for the last seven years, and previously worked with the residential staff at New Haven.

True to his profession as a recreational therapist, Corey loves to play! Corey's hobbies include distance running, golf, snowboarding, and wakeboarding. He loves watching college football and visiting America's national parks. He and his wife Jessica have two sons; they love living in an area that has so much to offer for outdoor recreation.

"To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children, to earn the approbation of honest critics; to appreciate beauty; to give of one's self, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived – that is to have succeeded." – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Dr. Cantril Nielsen

Psychiatrist

"I love to work at Sunrise because it is interesting, challenging and an enjoyable experience to work with young people who have significant psychopathology and who are striving to make improvements in their lives."

Dr. Nielsen has practiced psychiatry for almost 40 years. He is from Pocatello, Idaho and is married with 4 children and 6 grandchildren. He received his bachelor's degree from Utah State University and his M.D. from George Washington University. He did his child, adolescent and adult psychiatric training at the University of Utah Medical Center. He is board certified in child, adolescent and adult psychiatry. He is a member of the American Psychiatric Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

"It is always a learning experience."

Brad Simpson, LCSW

Therapist

"I love working at Sunrise because of the relational work environment and way the needs of individuals are met. Sunrise provides girls the opportunity to safely learn from their mistakes and find lasting change."

Brad received his Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Brigham Young University, Idaho and a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Utah. His experience includes working with individuals with disabilities, as well as working with Child Protective Services in the areas of placement, investigation, and family reunification. Since completing graduate school, Brad has worked with adolescents in an intensive outpatient program for chemical dependency at the University of Utah. Brad's specialties include substance abuse treatment, mood disorders, couples and family therapy, and motivational interviewing.

Brad loves running, hiking, mountain biking, lifting weights, long boarding, and spending time with his family. He's also a big fan of spectator sports of all kinds.

Michele Peterson, LCSW

Therapist

"I love working at Sunrise because I have the opportunity to be a part of helping the girls' get to a place where they are at peace with their pasts. I really appreciate the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself – the growth of these girls is the 'something bigger.'"

Michele received her Master's Degree in Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has been working with children, adolescents, and their families for the past 12 years in a variety of settings. Her specialties include working with children and adolescents in helping them overcome issues of depression, anxiety, oppositional/defiant behavior, and trauma.

Michelle's interests include boating, traveling, watching movies, and horses. She loves watching her daughter dance in recitals. Michelle is also passionate about the equine therapy program, and has seen horses melt therapeutic resistance and get to issues that the student wasn't even aware of!

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." – Marianne Williamson

Kim Smith, APC

Therapist/Residential Manager

"I love working at Sunrise because of the growth and development I see in each student and their family. It is truly inspiring to see how each student begins to recognize the changes she needs to make in her life to be truly happy and move forward making change with confidence. I enjoy being able to help facilitate lasting change in our students by helping them understand themselves, the world around them, and what they can do to make their life better. I enjoy working with a caring group of people who value each student and work as a team to help meet their individual needs."

Kim received her Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Phoenix and her Bachelor degree from Southern Utah University in Psychology. Kim has worked with Sunrise in the residential department as a staff member and as Residential Manager. She now works with the clinical department as a therapist while continuing with her duties as Residential Manager.

Kim grew up in Southern California and moved to St. George, UT in 2001. She lives with her husband and two of her four daughters. Kim enjoys spending time with her family camping, going to the movies, reading or just hanging out and relaxing on the weekends. Kim also enjoys researching her family history and sharing information with other family members.

"There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do." – Freya Stark

Marilla Terry Leishman, CSW

Therapist

"Sunrise is a great setting because of our emphasis on relationships. I believe the relationships the girls have with staff and each other are crucial in making the necessary changes in their lives. The philosophy of caring and concern as well as helping the girls heal with their families is a great way to foster a life of success and joy."

As a native of St. George and a Dixie High School graduate, Marilla received her Bachelor in Science in psychology from Southern Utah University, and Masters in Social Work from Brigham Young University. She enjoys the outdoors, camping, running, and just about anything with her family and two boys. She has always dreamed of being a counselor and making a difference in the lives of people of all ages. Her professional interest and expertise is helping young women struggling with addiction. Marilla has a natural ability to form therapeutic relationships with others which invite them to decide to make needed changes in their lives.

"Smile, it makes people wonder what you are up to." - unknown

Sarah Flygare, LPN

Program Nurse

"I love working at Sunrise because of my friendships here and because I love seeing the girls progress, take responsibility for their own health, and make the positive changes that they desire."

Sarah Flygare is the Program Nurse at Sunrise. She studied Social Work at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, and obtained her LPN degree in Bellingham, Washington. Before coming to Sunrise, Sarah worked in a hospital and a family clinic, and has volunteered in the community working with outreach services for adolescents. Sarah is very involved with our students in promoting overall health. She teaches monthly health-education classes to our students and helps them to see the rewards of making new healthy lifestyle choices. Sarah likes to model what she teaches, and actively researches health and wellness, incorporating the most current research and philosophies to her own life. Sarah greatly enjoys working with the Sunrise girls in such a positive atmosphere.

Originally from Southern Utah, Sarah is enthusiastic to be back; she takes advantage of many of Utah's great outdoor activities, including swimming, hiking, and walking. She also loves reading, participating in monthly book clubs, and spending time with friends and family. Her children are her purest passion and she loves playing with them and making memories together.

"Moderation in all things." – Anon

Jacob Grimm

Science Teacher

"What I love about Sunrise is knowing that I can make a lasting and permanent change in the lives of our students, one that can help them for the rest of their lives."

Jake was born in Utah and has lived in Cedar City for the past 6 years. He completed his Associates Degree in Science through the University of Utah and his Bachelors Degree at Southern Utah University with a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. Jake received his teaching license through SUU. He enjoys all outdoor activities and particularly enjoys fishing. He enjoys teaching and plans on continuing his quest to place all of his students back into a regular class room setting with the skills needed to succeed. JakeÕs passion for his subject matter is very evident in his teaching technique. He has a great knack for getting girls excited about learning the sciences.

"The educated differ from the uneducated as the living do from the dead." – Aristotle

Elizabeth Hess

Teacher

"What I love about Sunrise is the opportunity to help the students that come here succeed. In this environment you get to work with girls one on one giving them the attention they need to do well in the academic setting and prepare them for the future."

Liz is a graduate of Southern Utah University with a Bachelor degree in History Education with a minor in English: literature emphasis. Her experiences there gave her a keen understanding in educational psychology, technology in education, and providing education for students with special needs. She has a great passion for social studies, believing that understanding our own country and the world around us can give us a stronger sense of identity and purpose. An increase in the knowledge of our past also gives us the capabilities necessary to take on the challenges of today. Throughout her schooling, Liz participated in intramural sports, taught swim lessons, worked in the Special Collections of the university library, and participated in various service activities. She is so happy to give back and share all that she has learned with these bright girls.

Recently married, Liz loves to spend her spare time hiking, swimming, and traveling with her husband. She also enjoys music and reading.

"The aim of education is the knowledge not of fact but of values." –William Ralph Inges

Krista Nugent

Teacher

"I love working at Sunrise because of the opportunity I have to watch students grow into the potential that we know they could be. It is wonderful to be able to help them understand the importance of their education and mental growth."

Krista earned her Bachelor's Degree with a major in Mathematics from the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville. She also earned an MBA in Finance from Capella University. She enjoys helping the students learn their subject matter and gaining an appreciation for mathematics. Her family moved to Utah from southern California 13 years ago, so she appreciates both the big city life as well as more urban living as she relates to the broad background of our students. She loves to be able to teach them the life-changing skills that they need to be successful upon returning home. Krista is a mom and has a great empathy for the sacrifices made by parents and family members in order to give their child the best opportunities possible.

Krista also works at the local high school as the varsity softball coach. She gained experience when she played for the University of Southern Indiana while earning her degree. She also enjoys most outdoor activities, traveling, the ocean, and exploring the beautiful area that we live in.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." – Marianne Williamson (adapted)

Nicole Andra

Admissions Counselor

"I love working at Sunrise because it is a place where you are encouraged, challenged and complimented. Everyone is valued and works together as a team to provide the best treatment possible for the young women we help. Sunrise is a place where relationships, trust and respect are emphasized, which allows the girls here to feel safe and cared for while in treatment and away from home."

Nicole loves working with young women and their families and has worked in Residential Treatment Centers for the past 14 years. She has worked in supervisory, direct care, and family representative positions, and for the last 9 years she has worked as an Admissions Counselor. Nicole is currently completing her Bachelor's degree in Psychology with plans to receive a Masters Degree and LCSW license. She loves working as an Admissions Counselor as it allows her to form strong relationships with families built on a high level of trust. She understands the difficulty families face while choosing treatment and is dedicated to helping families through this. Nicole truly loves her job and who she works with!

Nicole is a native of Southern Utah. She enjoys staying physically active, especially by running in Southern Utah's beautiful weather and scenery. She is also a licensed fitness instructor. If she could spend time doing anything, it would be spending time with her 3 sons and 1 daughter.

"If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." – Thomas S. Monson

Heather Black

Office Manager

"I love working at Sunrise because of the people, our mission and the girls. There is a lot of support for individual development and there are opportunities for leadership. Most of all, this is a place where we I feel recognized as a person of worth."

Heather has served in a number of professional settings as an office manager, applying her gifts in organization to make companies function more efficiently. Her focus is on providing organized, reliable information while maintaining a positive attitude of service to those around her. She enjoys helping keep Sunrise organized and efficient and appreciates the higher purpose that her work supports.

Heather lives in La Verkin with her husband Jim and dog Jackson. Together they enjoy traveling the West in search of great rivers for fly fishing, beautiful desert vistas for photography, and low-key restaurants for good food. While at home, Heather enjoys riding her bike and reading.

"Who can tell what far-reaching impact we can have if we are only kind?" – Anon