Richard Buxton, CMHC
Clinical Director
Dr. Derry Brinley, DO
Medical Director
Dr. Brinley earned his undergraduate degree from Weber State University and medical degree from Kansas City University's School of Medicine and Bioscience.
Following his graduation, Dr. Brinley completed residencies in family practice and general psychiatry at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He is board-eligible in both general psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry.
Jerry Graves, NP-C
Medical Provider
Jerry graduated as a registered nurse from Utah Valley University. He also earned an advanced degree as a family nurse practitioner from the University of Utah.
Throughout his medical career, Jerry has served as an active-duty Navy hospital corpsman, treated clients with chronic mental health disorders, and worked in the emergency room as an RN.
"Recovery is a miracle; why not have a front-row seat to watch it happen."
Tanya Smith, LCMHC
Outpatient Clinical Director
Tanya Smith serves as outpatient clinical director at Wasatch Crest, where she oversees the clinical operations of the PHP, IOP and virtual intensive outpatient (VIOP) programs. She is a licensed clinical mental health counselor and advanced substance use disorder counselor and has been working in the field for the last 10 years.
She holds a Master of Education in professional counseling from the University of Oklahoma.
While she did not originally intend to pursue a career as a therapist or work in substance abuse treatment, she has loved the field since finding her way into it. She has always had an affinity for "underdog" stories and for populations who feel that others have given up on them.
At Wasatch Crest, Tanya values the culture of family that has been created, where clients feel staff are a second family away from home.
Outside of work, Tanya and her husband have a 5-year-old child, and their home includes three dogs and one cat. She is a self-described foodie who especially enjoys Asian cuisines, including Chinese, Thai, Indian and sushi. She also enjoys movies, television, board games and playing tennis.
Jared Twitchell
Primary Therapist
Jared Twitchell is a primary therapist at Wasatch Crest, where he supports clients navigating mental health and substance use challenges through thoughtful, evidence-based care. His clinical approach is rooted in the belief that perspective can be a powerful catalyst for change—when individuals learn to view their experiences differently, new insight, growth, and healing become possible.
Jared draws from a range of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), and narrative therapy. Through this integrative approach, he helps clients give voice to unmet needs, reframe personal trauma, and move toward lasting recovery.
Jared is passionate about walking alongside individuals through difficult seasons of change and believes that meaningful growth often emerges from challenges that initially feel painful or overwhelming. He encourages continued exploration of healing and supports clients in building clarity, resilience, and confidence as they move forward.
Stacey Perko, LCSW, LSUDC
Assistant Clinical Director
Stacey Perko serves as assistant clinical director at Wasatch Crest, supporting clinical leadership in overseeing treatment quality, program integrity, and clinical operations. She also provides direct clinical care through individual, family, and group therapy, while mentoring and supervising clinical staff and interns. Her role bridges hands-on therapeutic work with leadership oversight to ensure clients receive safe, effective, and compassionate care throughout their recovery.
With more than a decade of experience in mental health and substance use treatment, Stacey has worked across residential and outpatient settings. Her background includes work with the VA, Cirque Lodge, private practice, and other residential programs. Licensed in multiple states, she brings extensive experience in trauma, addiction, family systems, and co-occurring disorders. Stacey completed a dual-track program in social work and substance use disorder counseling at the University of Utah, graduating with honors, and gained early experience through community-based service work with the Salvation Army.
Stacey is passionate about walking alongside individuals and families during pivotal moments of change, helping clients move from shame to self-compassion and build emotional regulation, insight, and resilience. She is known as a trusted clinician and mentor who balances clinical excellence with authenticity, ethical care, and a trauma-informed approach.
Outside of work, Stacey enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and dogs, being outdoors, camping, and taking mindful walks. She values personal growth and the mind-body-spirit connection, and believes healing is rooted in progress, connection, and self-awareness.
Maria Hansen, CSW
Primary Therapist
Maria Hansen is a Primary Therapist in Wasatch Crest's Jupiter women's residential treatment program, specializing in trauma and substance use treatment. Her work is rooted in trauma-informed care, with a strong focus on inner-child and trauma-focused therapeutic approaches. She is A.R.T.-certified and passionate about helping clients understand the underlying patterns that contribute to addiction and maladaptive behaviors.
Maria earned her degree in social work from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas. Her professional experience includes work in residential treatment centers, the Wyoming men's and women's prisons, and private practice settings supporting individuals with substance use, mental health, and behavioral challenges.
As a woman in recovery herself, Maria brings authenticity, empathy, and lived experience to her work. She finds deep fulfillment in witnessing clients grow, heal, and reclaim their lives. Maria values Wasatch Crest's supportive, compassionate culture and the genuine care shared among staff and clients.
Outside of work, Maria enjoys fishing and camping, spending time with her husband, three children, and two grandchildren, traveling with her family, and caring for her three dogs.
Carina Nation, CMHC
Primary Therapist
Carina Nation is a primary therapist at Wasatch Crest's Jupiter women's residential treatment center, providing trauma-informed care for women navigating mental health and substance use challenges. Her approach integrates somatic and trauma-focused therapies to help clients regulate their nervous systems, reconnect with their bodies, and heal at a deeper level. She also leads experiential and recreational therapy outings, using movement and nature to support connection and resilience.
Carina holds an undergraduate degree in sports medicine and a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling. She has advanced training in accelerated resolution therapy (ART), trauma-focused and somatic-based therapies, neurodivergent-affirming care, and clinical yoga.
Carina is passionate about walking alongside women during pivotal moments of healing and finds deep fulfillment in witnessing clients regain confidence, joy, and a sense of self. She values Wasatch Crest's supportive, family-like culture and commitment to compassionate care.
Outside of work, Carina enjoys skiing, hiking, running, mountain biking, and camping. She represented the United States in skiing at the 2006 Deaflympics and loves spending time outdoors with her son, dogs, and family.
Kelsey Friscia, LSUDC
Substance Use Disorder Counselor
Kelsey Friscia is a substance use disorder counselor at Wasatch Crest, where she works with the virtual intensive outpatient program (VIOP) and supports clients across PHP and IOP outpatient services. She facilitates multiple VIOP groups each week and maintains an individual caseload, helping clients build stability, accountability, and meaningful progress in recovery.
Kelsey earned her associate's degree and substance use disorder counseling certification through Utah Valley University. She also brings more than 12 years of experience in the healthcare field as a medical assistant, along with a background in health coaching, which informs her holistic, client-centered approach.
Personally in recovery with over seven years of sobriety, Kelsey is deeply connected to the work she does and finds fulfillment in witnessing clients transform their lives through commitment and hard work. She values Wasatch Crest's team culture and shared mission of compassionate, recovery-focused care.
Outside of work, Kelsey is an avid long-distance runner and marathoner, having completed over 30 races and recently finishing her first World Marathon Major in New York City. She enjoys staying active outdoors with her husband and two miniature schnauzers and is always open to trying new hobbies outside her comfort zone.
Katie York
Medical Technician
Katie manages medications for both the men's and women's residential treatment clients.
By reliably administering their medications, she works to develop trusting relationships with clients as they navigate the unfamiliar experience of recovery. She loves coming to work every day, surrounded by staff that truly cares about helping others.
In recovery herself, Katie strives to show clients that sobriety is achievable and that they can create better lives for themselves. She enjoys sharing her experiences with clients, helping motivate their healing, and inspiring them with hope for their futures.
Katie's hobbies include going to the gym with her husband, watching movies, playing Hacky Sack, and shopping. She also enjoys participating in sports and watching her children engage in athletics. She's a proud mother to a thirteen-year-old boy who is an amazing athlete and a twelve-year-old daughter who loves to sing. She's also a proud wife to a hard-working husband. Katie is extremely terrified of spiders.
A quote by Albert Einstein inspired Katie's early recovery and continues to resonate with her. It reads, "You cannot solve a problem at the same level of thinking you were at when you created it."
Ashley M.
Clinical Intern
Minnie Houde
Director of Revenue Cycle Management (RCM)
In her current role, she is responsible for developing and executing strategic RCM initiatives, enhancing patient access, improving customer satisfaction, and boosting operational efficiency. She also leads process improvements, financial oversight, and compliance efforts, ensuring adherence to regulations while optimizing revenue.
Minnie's dedication to the healthcare industry is driven by her personal understanding of mental health and substance use challenges, motivating her to advocate for clients and simplify the insurance process to ensure they receive the care they need. Her leadership has led to significant achievements, including reductions in claim denials and improvements in cash flow. Minnie's passion for mentoring and leadership development shines through in her work, where she focuses on fostering growth in both her team and the organization.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband of 25 years, and is a passionate animal rescuer, having saved 26 rabbits from neglect. She now resides in Florida, where she enjoys beach outings, cooking, photography, and staying active.
