Richard Buxton, CMHC
Clinical Director, Residential Services
Rick Buxton serves as clinical director of residential services at Wasatch Crest, where he provides clinical leadership for both men’s and women’s residential programs. He works closely with multidisciplinary clinical teams to ensure care is consistent, trauma-informed, and grounded in evidence-based practices.
In his role, Rick supports clinical programming, treatment planning, and quality-assurance efforts while guiding clinical supervision and staff development. He collaborates with operations on admissions, discharge planning, and aftercare coordination to help create continuity of care and strong outcomes for clients and families.
Rick brings extensive experience in substance use and mental health treatment and has served in senior clinical leadership roles within residential treatment settings. He also maintains a private practice focused on substance use, mental health, and trauma. Rick holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Utah and a master’s degree in mental health counseling from the University of Phoenix.
Rick was drawn to this field through his family’s experience with addiction, mental health challenges, and trauma. He is trained in CBT, DBT, EMDR, ART, and CMI, and is certified in grief counseling through the University of Utah. He believes that addressing underlying trauma is essential to lasting recovery.
Outside of work, Rick enjoys river rafting, camping, and spending time outdoors, especially at Bear Lake. He loves to cook, travel—Mexico is a favorite—and spend time with friends, family, and his dog, Diego.
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.
Casidi Kirkham, LSUDC, CMHC
Clinical Intern
Casidi Kirkham is a licensed substance use disorder counselor (LSUDC) who supports individuals navigating emotional, behavioral, and psychological challenges. Her approach is grounded in evidence-based care and personalized treatment, helping clients build resilience and move forward in recovery.
She brings 28 years of experience in criminal justice, where she served in a variety of roles and received extensive training in mental health and substance use. Casidi holds dual bachelor’s degrees in psychology and family, community, and human development, with a minor in sociology, and is currently completing her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at Rocky Mountain University.
Her work is deeply personal. Following the loss of her daughter to complications related to mental health and substance use, Casidi felt called to support others in their healing. She meets clients with compassion and authenticity, and finds meaning in watching individuals rebuild confidence and belief in themselves.
Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, gardening, reading, and spending time with her family, including her son, her partner, and her pets.