Clayton AhQuin Jr. - Executive Director

Clayton Jr. along side his father Clayton Sr. have developed a way of helping teens through Love, Honor, and Respect. Clayton Jr. has worked with the State of Utah in creating the "Clear the Air"" campaign, which is a no-smoking and no-tobacco project. He has been involved in the development of young men in various programs for the past 18 years. Mr. AhQuin has the ability to connect with the boys in these programs through a great passion of his: music. Teaching the guitar, playing the piano, and giving vocal instruction during his free time with many of the boys is something he looks forward to. Clayton has been married for 18 years to his beautiful wife Julee. He is the very proud father of 5 beautiful children, which to Clayton is where true happiness lies.

Clayton AhQuin Sr. – Patriarch & Mentor

Clay passed away on September 10, 2013. His loving personality and affinity for hard work complimented his strong belief that there is a time for work and a time for play. Clay had planned many fun activities during his time at Liahona Treatment Center -- hiking, boating, wake boarding, swimming, sports, sightseeing, etc. -- as well as educational activities such as working out at the gym, visiting local businesses, touring historic sites, and building a rock wall. Clay believed in strengthening the body as well as the mind while life skills lessons are being taught. Clay's true passion came through spending time with his 7 kids (4 boys, 3 girls), 24 grandkids and the love of his life, Irene... ALOHA!

Hurricane Facility

Parker Haslam - Program Director

Parker Haslam is our Program Director. Parker grew up in Salt Lake City and Hurricane, Utah; he is 28 years old. He graduated locally from Hurricane High School and loves the community. In 2005, Parker married his perfect wife and began schooling to pursue a degree in criminal justice. He has been working with troubled youth since 2003 and enjoys what he does. He has had to opportunity to serve as a Proctor Parent in his own home and understands the difficulties that troubled teens bring to the home environment. He draws upon many experiences gained while serving two years in a third world country as a missionary. He acquired excellent problem solving skills and an ability to speak Spanish as a fluid second language. Parker looks forward to life's challenges and embraces the moral satisfaction that follows any victory over such obstacles.

Douglas Sigmund - Administrative Supervisor

Douglas Sigmund grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada for most of his life. He met his wife in 2012 and a year later they were married and moved to southern Utah where his wife is from. They enjoy living in Hurricane with their daughter and exploring the great outdoors of Utah. He has been with Liahona since 2013. In 2016 he graduated from Dixie State University with his Bachelors in Communications. Currently, he is working on his MBA from Northcentral University. In his spare time, he enjoys playing ultimate frisbee with friends. Douglas has enjoyed working with troubled youth and to see the changes they make through Liahona. He has valued the benefits of doing hard work and spending time with his family.

Carolyn Callahan - Case Manager

Carolyn Callahan was born and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado and at 17 moved to Southern Utah (St. George ) with her family in 1973. She then finished high school, attended Dixie State College,  and met her husband. She and her husband have four beautiful daughters and seven grandchildren, who all live in the area so she gets to spend a lot of time with them. Carolyn has worked with youth for 13 years, starting with being a proctor parent for teens in her home. She then went to working in a Youth Residential Facility and has continued to do so for the last 11 years. Carolyn came to Liahona in August of 2010 and we are very pleased to have her as an addition to our success.

Virgin Facility

Richard May – Program Director

Richard May is the Program Director of the Virgin Facility.
Richard grew up in Rockland, Idaho and is 30 years old. Rich learned the values of hard work and the importance family by working and living with his 6 siblings on his family’s farm. Rich excelled at sports and academics in high school, which earned him a scholarship to play football at Dixie State University in St. George Utah. Rich graduated from Dixie State University with a Bachelor’s in Human and Interpersonal Communication. Over his life, Rich has worked as a lifeguard, swim instructor, personal trainer, Life Coach and he was an assistant football coach for Dixie State University. Rich has worked at Liahona Treatment Center for just over 6 years and loves seeing the young men grow and change. Rich has a passion for sports, fitness, hiking, reading, and most importantly his family.

Warren Williams - Lead Supervisor

Warren Williams is a Supervisor at Liahona Treatment Center and a native to Southern Utah. Coming from a large family, he understands the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with family members. Warren graduated from Hurricane High School and is currently pursuing a career in Psychology. He has been with Liahona since 2008 and feels strongly that his job is very rewarding. Warren married his high school sweetheart eight years ago and they have three beautiful children. He loves being a father and finds joy in helping our students as well as his children in their everyday lives.

Beverly Carayas – Case Manager

Beverly Carayas was born and raised in Henderson, NV but later relocated with her family to Kanab, UT. After graduating high school, Beverly attended Dixie State College, Clark County Community College and UNLV. Beverly has enjoyed working different occupations from managing apartments to operating convenient stores. Beverly has 2 daughters attending Dixie State University and a son who lives in Georgia. She also has a beautiful grandson that she adores and loves to spoil. Beverly has worked in residential treatment facilities for the past 20 years. In her own words, “It is very satisfying to see the angry, hurt child come into the program and leave a happy confident young man!” Beverly joined the Liahona family in 2015.

Medical Staff

G. Gregory Last - MD - Attending Physician

G. Gregory Last, MD is our programs Attending Physician. Dr. Last obtained his degree in 1982 from the University Of Utah School Of Medicine in Salt Lake City, UT. He is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, Utah Medical Association, and the Washington County Medical Society. Dr. Last is a great Doctor and a caring physician. Liahona Treatment Center is grateful to have him on the team.

Professional Summary

Degree:
University Of Utah School Of Medicine - Salt Lake City, UT in Doctor of Medicine, 1982

Training:
Residency: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center - Lubbock, TX in Family Practice, 1982-1985

Board Certifications:
American Academy of Family Practice

Professional Memberships:
American Academy of Family Physicians
Utah Medical Association
Washington County Medical Society

Brian C. Nyberg – MD – Psychiatric Care Provider

Brian C. Nyberg, M.D. is a board-certified psychiatrist, therapist, and physician dedicated to helping children, teens, adults and families experience healing and renewal. Dr. Nyberg is passionate about establishing an attuned, caring relationship with each of his patients, getting to the "heart of the matter" and finding real solutions for complex medical and psychiatric problems. He is comfortable treating patients of all ages with especial expertise in managing trauma, personality disorders, and substance abuse. He is the first provider in southern Utah to offer Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), a non-medication FDA-approved intervention for treatment-resistant Major Depressive Disorder.

Dr. Nyberg was raised in the Seattle, Washington area, after which he served a two-year volunteer mission in Las Vegas, NV. Thereafter, Dr. Nyberg relocated to Phoenix, where he graduated from Arizona State University. Following his training in Tennessee and Ohio, he moved his young family to St. George, UT to be closer to home and take a job with Intermountain Psychiatry and Counseling. In 2017, Dr. Nyberg started his private psychiatric practice with offices in Cedar City and St. George, UT.

Dr. Nyberg lives in St. George where he enjoys the beauty of Southern Utah with his wife and five beautiful children.

Professional Summary

Degree:
East Tennessee State University - Johnson City, TN in Doctor of Medicine, 2011

Training:
Residency: Wright State University, Boonshoft School of Medicine - Dayton, OH in Psychiatry, 2011-2015

Board Certifications:
American Academy of Family Practice

Professional Memberships:
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

Kevin O’Keefe – PsyD – Psychologist

Dr. O'Keefe is a licensed clinical psychologist who received his Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) from Roosevelt University, a private school in downtown Chicago. With extensive experience in various settings including hospitals, prison systems, a university counseling center, wilderness therapy and private practice, Dr. O'Keefe is a well-rounded clinician.

While in a hospital system, Kevin was a crisis worker, performed family therapy, and ran groups. He worked in the juvenile justice system providing therapy, and also performed psychological assessments for the courts. Dr. O'Keefe has also worked in a group practice where he provided in-home therapy for clients who were involved with DCFS. During that time, he worked with families in order to train parents on improving their parenting techniques and aiding children with emotional and behavioral difficulties.

Dr. O'Keefe has been working with Liahona Academy for the past several years and specializes in psychological testing. He also has a therapy practice and supervises a few psychologists. He loves his work and particularly enjoys connecting with individuals and helping them in their growth. Kevin's strength is developing connections with those he works with which allow for healthy and trusting relationships.

Jake Roberts – APRN – Psychiatric Care Provider

Jacob “Jake” Roberts is a Board Certified Family Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner PMHNP-BC. He has worked in the psychiatric medical field for over 12 years. While he earned his Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Degree at the University of Utah, he worked in the behavioral health unit at the IHC Hospital in St. George, Utah and the LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. He has worked in multiple levels of behavioral health treatment settings including inpatient, outpatient, wilderness, and a number of residential programs. He has grown to love treating the adolescent and young adult population and customizes every treatment plan to their unique situation. His theory on medication management is to use the least amount of medication possible to stabilize the individual. This in turn allows the patient to develop appropriate coping skills and to not always have to rely on medication to solve the problem at hand. He is also licensed in the State of Nevada where he serves the underprivileged population in Southern Nevada. While he’s not treating patients, he spends his time as a elementary and middle school Lacrosse coach, mountain biking, spends time with his granddaughter, and also enjoys RVing with his family.

Brenton Cieslinski – Supervising RN

Brenton Cieslinski received an Associates of Science Degree and graduated from Dixie State University’s Nursing program. Along with the Liahona Treatment Center, he also works in the Emergency Department at Dixie Regional Medical Center where he has obtained BLS and ACLS certifications. He and his wife of 9 years have have two sons and have resided in St. George since they were married. When not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, outdoor recreation, basketball, tennis, hunting, and fishing.

Jared Shober – RN

Jared Shober grew up in West Valley City, Utah. He and his twin brother are the youngest of eight children. After serving a two-year mission in Iowa, he met and married his wife, Toni, at Snow College. They have been married for ten years. He graduated from Dixie State University with his Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree. In addition to Liahona Treatment Center, he works in the Central Staffing unit at Dixie Regional Medical Center. He enjoys reading books, spending time with his wife and basset hounds, Luna Lovegood and Ginny Weasley, and obsessing over BYU football.

Aaron Lawley - RN

Aaron Lawley grew up in Moab, UT and received a Bachelor’s of Nursing degree at Southern Utah University in Cedar City, UT. Aaron has been a licensed RN since January of 2016. After serving a two-year volunteer charity mission in Chile, he met and married his wife Katie. They’ve been married for 9 years. Aaron is fluent in Spanish and loves working with and helping the patients that are admitted into Liahona Academy. In addition to his RN work at Liahona Academy, Aaron works at the IHC InstaCare facility in Cedar City, Utah. Aaron enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors, working on and running RC cars and working out.

Mental Health Clinicians

Brian Parker - MS, LMFT - Clinical Director of Therapy

Brian Parker MS, LMFT, AAMFT Supervisor Candidate is a licensed marriage and family therapist with the state of Utah. Mr. Parker received his Bachelor's Degree in psychology from Southern Utah University, and his Master's degree in counseling/marriage and family therapy at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He is a member of Psi Chi, a National Honor Society in Psychology, and a Clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Brian Parker has worked as a therapist for adolescents in a residential treatment setting since January of 2000. He was born and raised in Alberta, Canada and became a citizen of the US several years ago. He and his wife have four children. He enjoys the outdoors, sports and spending time with his family. Brian continues to maintain a small private practice in St. George which he started in 2003, helping individuals and families with a variety of issues. He specializes in working with individuals and their families in addressing issues with defiant attitudes/ behaviors, depression, and improving family dynamics. Brian's clinical experience has enabled him to work effectively with adolescents and their families towards successful resolutions and positive outcomes.

Chris Taggart, LCSW – Therapist

Chris received his Bachelors degree at Southern Utah University, and his Masters degree in Social Work at the University of Utah. During November of 2017, Chris joined Liahona Treatment Center clinical team as a therapist. Prior to Liahona Treatment Center, Chris has worked as a therapist and a clinical director at a residential treatment center for teenage girls, specializing in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and addiction. Chris has also worked with adolescents who struggle with developmental disabilities, as well as other mood disorders. Chris has 7+ years of experience working with adolescents and loves working with them and their families. He is known for being a personable and understanding person, as well as lovingly direct with those he works with. Chris has a strong ability to forge therapeutic relationships, and is always working on improving to help those around him. Chris was trained foundationally in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy from the Linehan Institute at the Mclean Hospital in Boston, MA. Chris enjoys watching movies, reading, playing games, and spending his time outdoors. He especially loves basketball, whether it be playing it or watching it, and is a dedicated fan of the Utah Jazz. Chris and his wife, Joanna, are the proud parents of two daughters.

Benjamin Haslam, MA, LAMFT - Therapist

Benjamin “Bear” Haslam graduated from Northcentral University in March of 2017 with a graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. In addition, Bear obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication from Dixie State University in May of 2014. Bear has been working at Liahona over the past six years as a supervisor and a residential shift coordinator.

Taylor Jacobson - Intern Therapist

Taylor is a native of Utah; he grew up in St. George and Kaysville. While attending Dixie State University Taylor met his wonderful wife. In 2004 they were married and now are the proud parents of 5 beautiful children. Taylor graduated from Dixie State University with  his Bachelors in Communication with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership.  Taylor is now currently attending Northcentral University in pursuit of a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Having a family of his own, Taylor understands the stresses and joys of being a parent. Since he first started working with troubled youth in 2000, Taylor has enjoyed the challenges and rewards in helping these youth realize their potential.

Quinn Boyer - Intern Therapist

Growing up in Ogden, Utah, Quinn spent the majority of his youth with his family in the Utah mountains hunting, fishing, skiing, and playing sports. After serving a LDS mission in Barcelona, Spain, Quinn moved to St. George to attend Dixie State University where he majored in Business Management and Communications. Quinn also played baseball for Dixie State University and became the captain of the University’s baseball team. After graduating from Dixie State, Quinn began working at a local high school as a Financial Literacy teacher and college advisor. It was there where he was connected to Liahona Academy and soon transitioned to be Liahona’s Activities Director. As the Activities Director, Quinn would take some of the admitted adolescents on various activities such as hiking, boating, bowling, service projects and to the gym. It didn’t take long for Quinn to recognize the quality of mental health treatment provided by Liahona to each adolescent and their families. The gratification achieved from helping struggling adolescents convinced Quinn’s to pursue a path of becoming a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Quinn is currently attending Northcentral University and is very excited about completing his requirements in becoming a licensed clinician. Quinn has been working with adolescents for over 8 years in various capacities and draws on his experience to form strong relationships built on leadership and mentoring. Quinn still enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his beautiful wife, Kayla.

Academics

Dr. Roy Hoyt - Principal

Dr. Hoyt’s educational experience spans 34 years as teacher and administrator. He started his teaching career in Burley, Idaho as an American Government teacher and coach. He moved to Hurricane, Utah to be a high school assistant principal at Hurricane High School in the Washington School District. During his 25 years in the Washington School District, he was a high school assistant principal, middle school principal, and high school principal. He was also the Superintendent of Big Horn County School District #4 in Wyoming from 2014 to 2016. Roy was an Adjunct Professor for Dixie State University in St. George, Utah, where he taught Educational Psychology and Human Exceptionalities. Roy completed his Bachelor of Science at the University of Utah, Master’s Degree at the College of Idaho, and Educational Doctorate at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. He has been a Lead Evaluator for school accreditation visits for many years to public, charter, digital, and residential treatment schools. He recently worked as field consultant for AdvancED. Dr. Hoyt enjoys spending his extra time in Central American, rafting rivers in the west, and riding his mountain on local trails. He sees working at Liahona Academy as a wonderful opportunity to contribute his skills as an educator and work with great many people.

Marsha Postert - Assistant AD

Marsha Postert attended Dixie College in 1997-98. She worked for over 15 years in the banking industry as a Construction Loan Specialist. She has spent the last 7 years doing foster care for troubled teenagers. 3 years ago she began working for Washington County School District as a paraprofessional in the Special Education department. In addition, she has been teaching Earth Science and World Geography for Liahona since November 2014.

Teachers

Constantine (Gus) Carayas

Constantine (Gus) Carayas has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from Pratt Institute and a Masters Degree in Biology from Brooklyn College. For 32 years, he has been teaching biology, chemistry, physics, algebra, and geometry to high school students, as well as special education; and to college students, he has taught physiology.

Linda Crosby

Linda Crosby graduated in 1984 from Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID with a BA in Education. She later took Post Graduate courses from Morehead State University KY, College of Southern ID, Boise State University, and Northwest Nazarene College from 1985-1992. Linda has been teaching for about 26 years.

Feso Malufau

Feso Malufau received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education & Special Ed from Southern Utah University in 1986. He has been teaching school for around 15 years as well as coaching football previously in Hawaii and now in the Southern Utah area.

Dale Cornelius

Dale Cornelius received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Microbiology from San Diego State University with a minor in Chemistry. He taught Honors and Advance Placement Biology at Escondido High School in Southern California for 33 years and was the Department Chair for many of those years. During those years he also taught Microbiology, Oceanography, and Zoology. Dale has written and published several molecular biology labs that have been sold nationwide by Stratagene Corporation of La Jolla, CA.

Claine Tanner

Claine Tanner received an Associate of Arts Degree from Weber State in 1973. Throughout college Claine was a teacher and director of Ebronix Learning Systems where he worked for around 3-4 years. He then decided to switch careers into the finance business in which he stayed for over 35 years. He ended up retiring from Cache Valley Bank as a Senior Credit Officer in 2010 and has established his own Horse Training business on the side.

Greg Berry

Greg Berry has a Ph.D in mechanical engineering and was recently employed as an engineer, scientist, mathematician and programmer at an energy research laboratory.  Greg is listed in Who's Who in Technology Today, American Men and Women in Science and International Who's Who in Engineering.  Greg attended Worcester Polytechnic Institute and the University of Connecticut.  During Greg’s career, he has completed development work in finite element analysis, systems analysis and magnetohydrodyanmics, which resulted in 5 patents.  Recently, Greg retired and relocated to southwestern Utah, with his wife, horse, and dogs, where he has worked as a Math Adjunct Professor at Dixie State University.  Currently, Greg teaches Math and Physics at Liahona Treatment Center where he has developed a unique method of helping students score better on multiple choice math tests, including the ACT, by enhancing their estimation skills for problems they cannot solve.  As a teacher at Liahona Treatment Center Greg tries to teach his students more than one way to solve a problem.  Greg feels by doing so, tends to enhance a student’s understanding of the underlying concepts.  For recreation Greg plays pickleball, swims and is an excellent chess and bridge player.

Thearon Crosby

Mr. Crosby received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Utah University where he studied History, Business Administration, and English while completing his degree in Political Science. He served 29 years in the military, returning to Southern Utah to teach military leadership and physical fitness at the SUU Army ROTC program. He joined Liahona after retiring from the military and currently resides with his wife, Jana, in Hurricane, Utah.

Maria Henry

Maria Henry received an Elementary Teaching License in her home country of El Salvador before moving to the United States of America. Her passion for education is very strong. She decided to become a Secondary school teacher and pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish at Dixie State University in 2014. She also attended Southern Utah University to earn a professional Educator License for Secondary Education in Spanish in 2016. She began working as a substitute teacher at Kelly services immediately after she graduated. In July of 2017, she joined Liahona Treatment Center as a Spanish teacher. Her goal is to encourage students to attain a high level of second language proficiency. She also expects the students to learn, be more aware of and show more positive attitudes towards other cultures and appreciation of other people. She is happily married and has three sons. In her free time, she does aerobics and enjoys cooking for her family.

Kevin Hansen

Kevin Hansen was born and raised in Richfield, Utah, where he gained an appreciation for the unique geology and the ancient cultures of the area. He earned an A.S. from Snow College and two degrees from Utah State University. Problem-solving, researching, and exploring of all kinds interest him. In the hills around Richfield, he has found fossils of rhino relatives, turtles, and crocodiles. He also found mammoth fossils while working at Bear Lake. He spent several years as an archaeologist, traveling all around the Southwest, and identified and recorded hundreds of previously undiscovered archaeological sites. He teaches mathematics and science and mostly enjoys tutoring and research projects.

Rebecca McNeil

Rebecca McNeil was born in New Hampshire but raised in Vermont and Ohio. She met her husband Chris in California where they lived and raised their family for 32 years. After her husband’s retirement, Rebecca and her family moved to Utah. She is the mother of 3 and nana to 6 grandchildren. Family is Rebecca’s first love, followed by English and Art. When given the opportunity to teach English at Liahona Academy, Rebecca was honored to accept. A favorite quote from John F. Kennedy, which encapsulates the definition of a good education is: “The goal of education is the advancement of knowledge and the dissemination of truth.” Rebecca believes students at Liahona Academy have a thirst for knowledge, and she is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of treatment program’s teaching and learning process.

Christy McAffee

Christy McAffee, Ed.D. began her professional career as an English teacher working in Inchon, South Korea. When she returned to the U.S. she took a position working at an International school located at the California State University, Northridge campus where she remained for the next five years teaching history, English and American Culture while also becoming its Academic Director. She has taught academic writing at Argosy University California campuses as an adjunct faculty member for over 13 years. After obtaining a B.A. in History, at California State University, Fullerton, she received her master’s and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Argosy University, Orange County. She has taught history, English, academic writing, and related subjects since 1995. She relocated to St. George Utah in 2016 to be near her family.

Richard Cranston – Special Ed

After marriage, Richard enlisted in the U.S Army where he served for two years in Colorado in a mechanized infantry division. Thereafter, Richard starting his college degree at various schools in California and Utah, ultimately receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Argiculture, a Teaching Credential in Agriculture, and a Teaching Credential and Master's Degree in Special Education. After receiving his Master’s Degree in Special Education, Richard taught for 5 years specializing in agriculture and then 21 years as a Special Education Teacher in California. After retiring in 2014, Richard and his wife completed an 18 month religious service work mission in the Philippines. Richard and his wife moved to Hurricane, Utah in the spring of 2017. They have 6 children.

Jason “Jake” Adams

Jake Adams has a life-long passion for learning and teaching. He constantly seeks new lessons and takes great pleasure in sharing what he has learned. He has a broad spectrum of curiosity from anthropology to zoology and everything in between. Jake has lived in Southern Utah since 1990 and enjoys the beauty of the area. He enjoys hiking, biking and looking for petrified wood. He has spent many happy afternoons exploring backcountry canyons and ghost towns learning about local history. Jake attended college at Dixie State and Southern Utah University, earning a degree in Criminal Justice and Spanish. He earned top grades throughout college and graduated Magna Cum Laude. He is fluent in Spanish and enjoys the opportunities this has offered. Jake has experienced great success as a teacher and enjoys the growth he has experienced in this profession. He is a married father of six children ranging in age from 20 years old to a one year old.

Valli Rossiter

Valli received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Secondary Math Teaching Credential from Brigham Young University. She has taught Math, Spanish, and English as a Second Language for 23 years. She enjoys fitness and has taught yoga and other group exercises for 25 years.

Diona Jones

Diona was born and raised in Southern California. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology at the University of La Verne. Following graduation, Diona worked as a Case Manager at a behavioral health center for both children and adults. A few years later, she moved to Oregon where she received her Master of Arts in Teaching. After receiving her Masters, Diona moved to the state of Washington where she worked as a Para-professional with both English Language Learners and special needs students. Diona has also worked as a tutor for elementary and middle school students, has been a middle school advisor, and has been a teacher in various grade levels the past 6 years. Diona currently lives in Southern Utah and loves the overall beauty of the outdoors.