Planning Committee

A remarkable group of individuals worked their way through a maze of issues facing today’s youth and families to develop this year’s program. They sorted through topics, abstracts, evidence-based practices, and practice-based evidence. They also delved into input from professionals and organizations; reviewed literature; identified gaps; examined professional practices; and, analyzed surveys.

Their ultimate goal was to create an interactive, evidence-based program for behavioral health professionals to enjoy and use to strengthen their tool chests of clinical skills to positively impact their practices and clients. They also aimed to challenge beliefs, provide timely insights, and open new ties among and between the disciplines and practices. Special thanks to each of these committee voyagers.

Thomas Conover, MD (Course Director) – Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist / Medical Director, Huntsman Mental Health Institute Youth Services;  Co-Medical Director, CAT Program HMHI Youth Services / CoMedical Dir – CAT Prog

Shannon Christensen, MBA – Associate Director of Administration, University of Utah Department of Educational Psychology;  Project Coordinator, Mountain Plains PTTC

Brian Currie, LCSW – Associate Director of Treatment Services, Salt Lake County Human Services

Alina K. Fong, PhD – Neuropsychologist, Cognitive FX;  Representative, Brain Injury Association of Utah

Fulvia E. Franco, PhD, NCSP – Program Specialist – Guidance, Jordan School District

Julia Hood, PhD, BCBA-D – Regional Director, Kyo

Asia Hulse, MS – Psychology Intern, The Children’s Center

Bryant Jenks, LMFT – Program Manager, American Fork Family Clinic & School Based Services, Wasatch Behavioral Health

Colin Kingsbury, MS – Autism Systems Development Program Manager, Utah Department of Health – Children with Special Health Care Needs

Tia D. Korologos, BSN, RN  (Facilitator) – President & Founder, ESI Management Group (Project Developers & Coordinators)

Teresa Lopez, LCSW, CCFP – Behavioral Health Integration Program Manager, University of Utah Health

Tanya May, LPN – Admissions & Business Development Director, Youth Care

Jennifer Mitchell, PhD, BCBA-D – Vice President, Clinical Strategy & Innovation, The Children’s Center

Cynthia Palacios-Gutierrez, PsyD – Pediatric Development Psychologist, Utah Department of Health

Trina Quinney-Packard, MEd – CEO & Executive Director, Youth Care

Lauren Rich, NCSP – Assistant Director, Blind Campus Programs, Utah Schools for the Deaf & Blind;  Representative, Utah Association of School Psychologists

Nathanael Ridge, PhD, PA – Wasatch Pediatrics

Brad Saunders, LCSW – Supervising Administrative Director, Utah State Hospital – Pediatrics

Susan Scott, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC – Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner & Clinical Lead, Intermountain Connect Care Behavioral Health

Tanya Semerad, MEd – Autism & Significant Cognitive Disabilities Specialist, Utah State Board of Education

Eric Tadehara, LCSW, MPA – Assistant Director, Children’s Behavioral Health, Utah Division of Substance Abuse & Mental Health

Sandra Whitehouse, PhD  – Director of Psychology, Huntsman Mental Health Institute

Corylyn Ybarra, CMHC – Shelter Care Program Manager, Salt Lake County Youth Services

*Each member of the planning committee signed a disclosure noting any financial relationships with an ineligible company defined as any entity producing, marketing, re-selling, or distributing healthcare goods or services consumed by, or used on, patients.  After reviewing these disclosures, ESI found that none of the committee members have a relevant financial relationship with an ineligible company.