Embark at Hobble Creek

Lauren Disner brings her extensive background as a therapist, clinical leader, entrepreneur, educator and treatment innovator to Potomac at Hobble Creek. From her early work in direct care responsibilities in an adolescent treatment program to her more recent leadership of a successful group practice and an adult recovery center, Lauren is at home working with families with challenges. Lauren’s work and interest areas, both personal and professional, have allowed her to connect powerfully with clients while utilizing a rich set of clinical skills, including DBT, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, family systems approaches, addiction recovery strategies and focused trauma work. Fluent in both Spanish and English, Lauren’s life outside of work encompasses a wonderful multi-cultural family, musicianship, a regular mindfulness practice and a variety of other interests. Lauren and her husband Carlos are parents to four kids. She and her family enjoy learning new skills in handicrafts and homesteading, engaging in a variety of sports such as baseball and soccer, practicing dance, reading popular fantasy series books aloud, and watching historical fiction dramas.

Steve White is a prime example of someone who has followed his passion. Throughout a highly successful career managing several regional departments of a national diesel manufacturing company followed by oversight of marine operations and repairs of large, ocean-going vessels Steve could not get away from his true calling as a chef. So, he went back to school, completed a culinary four year degree and began refining his natural talents into a career where he is noted for his versatility, professional knowledge, and for his unique ability create delicious and nutritious meals that range from mouth watering American fare to several variations on international cuisine favorites. Working with our dietician, Steve is able to address unique dietary needs of our some of our clients while appealing to all of our staff and clients with his rotating menu. Steve is also a great teacher who hopes to light the passions in our clients when it comes to becoming more versatile, less fast food dependent, and more competent as they move into adulthood.

Maylan Peterson has spent the last 9 years gaining knowledge by working with youth in many different types of programs. Maylan has had experience working at other programs as a mentor and a supervisor, before leaving to expand her knowledge in various new organizations. Maylan has always had a passion for helping people heal and grow into healthy versions of themselves. She enjoys supporting adolescent females overcome challenges as they flourish as adults. In her free time Maylan enjoys spending time with her family, especially her dog, Trigger. She enjoys spending time in nature, hiking, and most of all she loves being an aunt to her many nieces and nephews!

Joanne Staheli has not been surprised by the fulfillment and joy she has experienced with Embark at Hobble Creek since August 2020.  She brings 18 years of experience as an executive assistant, previously in the corporate field of Training & Consulting. Her background in education adds a balance to serving with teens and families. Holding a bachelor’s degree in Health and PE, with a teaching credential from Brigham Young University, she coached both high-school and club gymnastics. Also Nationally certified as a judge for club, high-school and college gymnastics as well as serving in leadership positions with USA Gymnastics Utah. All this has given her connection with fantastic young women.  Joanne has volunteered in many community organizations and has enjoyed serving in church youth programs. She enjoys the outdoors, exercise, golf, music and dance, and spending time with family. She and her husband are the parents of 4 children.

Kylie Waters joined Embark at Hobble Creek at it’s opening in May 2020. Kylie has always found joy in serving and helping others, with many opportunities in her life to do so. Mental health has been a challenge within generations of Kylie’s family and she is always looking for ways to help, motivate and positively impact those who also struggle. One of her main passions is influencing others to see the worth they possess – particularly the admits here at Hobble Creek. Currently working on an undergraduate degree in Statistics at Utah Valley University, with plans to pursue a Master’s Degree in the same field, Kylie hopes to work as a statistician for major sports teams, politics or mental health. Her interests include many sports, which love she shares with the students and staff. Basketball has been a favorite for most of her life, and she played on the Pleasant Grove High School basketball team. Kylie also enjoys hiking, traveling, reading and is a huge sports-fanatic!

Renae Anguiano did not plan to focus on adolescent girls when she started working in mental health. However, she quickly realized how much she loved it. This came about unexpectedly when she took her first job in treatment after getting a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marriage and Family Studies. At a previous facility where she worked, many of the girls were struggling with overwhelming depression, abuse and trauma. Renae found she loved the experience of supporting and mentoring young women–particularly those who were considered tough cases. While at times the demands of her work were exhausting, Renae felt she gained much valuable experience and understanding. Additionally, learning opportunities soon presented themselves during an internship for Renae, working in a trauma center for children and families. In May 2020, Renae started at Hobble Creek. She was looking for a broader opportunity and more involvement in the overall workings of residential treatment. From the opening of the facility and the admit of the first student, Renae has enjoyed seeing all the layers and elements of running a quality program come in to play and become a reality. Renae loves to go on activities with the students, find ways to laugh with them and see their amazing successes. She feels that getting to know each one’s personality and their individual needs is the challenge that matters most to her. Renae brings warmth and insight to her position from experiences raising her own children. She loves mountains and beaches, reading a good book and hiking with her family.

“There is a moment during each student’s venture at Embark when something clicks, and they start to take their lives back. In that moment families start to find pure joy. This happens because of the hard work they put into building lasting, healthy relationships. Every day, I have the opportunity to work with a team that focuses on these beautiful families and bringing light back into their homes. The most special piece for me is during this journey – I get to help the students find their purpose and self-worth. I love being able to empower them to live their best life and to be their best self.” Tiare has been a part of the Embark family for almost a decade. Tiare is from West Valley City, Utah, moved to St George, Utah at sixteen years old, and has lived in Utah for most of her life (minus a short intermission in Chesterfield, Virginia). She plans to live in Utah for the rest of her life with her amazing husband, dog Cosmo and future children. Her passions include spending time with friends and family, exploring new activities, and enjoying the small wins. She hopes to be able to travel the world someday and live a long healthy life. ” Be the change you wish to see in the world.” -Mahatma Gandhi

Kayla joined Hobble Creek as a nurse in early 2021. She fell in love with adolescent mental health and have gained a passion for helping children with mental health struggles to reach their goals. Kayla has worked in the nursing field for about eight years. She has worked in many different areas including urgent care, family practice, different hospital units and mental health. She is also currently gaining experience at a top children’s hospital in the area to expand her knowledge in emergency and trauma care. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with my family. She has a seven-year-old daughter, who is the light of her life! They enjoy going to sporting events (mostly hockey, Go Avalanche!), playing games, and doing crafts together. She is a huge advocate for music therapy, as she believes music can alter your mood in any situation and can be a great outlet!

S. Marie Lundeen had a change of direction in her life in 2007 – she made the decision to go back to school. Earning an RN degree from Snow College in Ephraim, Utah, she is currently working on a Bachelor of Science Nursing degree through Western Governor’s University, with plans to continue education toward her PNP (Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner). Marie loves her family of three daughters, one son, and four cats. Her son is married, and she looks forward to her first grand-baby later this year. She loves music, nature and being outdoors, which includes camping and traveling to new places. Marie learned to play the piano from her grandmother when very young. She finds cross-stitch and crocheting both relaxing and rewarding. Marie has loved working with teenagers in treatment since 2016. Here at Hobble Creek, she gets a sense of working with family. “I feel like it’s another family – the girls are a lot of fun, my co-workers are amazing, and I feel like I’m making a difference in the lives of our students.”

After experiencing life in a couple Midwest states, she came to Utah in 2014 to study psychology. While in Utah, she had the chance to work as a psychiatric technician at the Utah State Hospital and Utah Developmental Center for two years. She has stayed actively involved in my community and has volunteered at the Utah county Children’s Justice Center and the Family Support and Treatment Center. After having the opportunity to live and serve communities in the country of El Salvador, she returned to the Utah mountains to obtain her Masters degree in Clinical Social Work. While in graduate school, she accepted the opportunities to speak at the 2017 National Resilience in Education Summit conference, where she was awarded the Resilience in Action Award in recognition of her advocacy of Collegian Mentoring programs for young adults formerly in Foster Care. This led to the opportunity to return to Rockford East high school in Illinois as the Commencement speaker for the 2017 graduating class. Since graduating with her MSW at Utah Valley University, she has obtained training in DBT, CBT, TF-CBT, Smart Recovery, EFT, Basic sand tray, and Motivational interviewing. Her future endeavors include EMDR and Equine therapy certification. When she is not at Hobble Creek, she is enjoying life as an amateur rock climber, snowboarder, and wife.

Katie Burdett is Hobble Creek’s intern therapist and works under supervision of Lauren Disner, the clinical director. She will complete a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from North Central University in 2021. Katie is embarking on a second career, after retiring in 2018 from a long career as a full-time registered nurse and hospital administrator. She worked as a NICU and labor & delivery nurse and served as the Director of Maternal/Child health for eight years. Katie is passionate about women’s health, both physical and mental, and is eager to bring her life experience to your therapy experience. Katie is a mom of three grown daughters and has four fabulous grand boys & two adorable grand girls! She and her husband, James have been married 34 years and often collaborate on projects involving the wellness of families. They recently moved from St. Louis, Missouri with their little dog, Lady, to be closer to their family. Katie is an avid reader, a plant lover, and a loyal friend. Katie is thrilled to have the opportunity to work here at Hobble Creek with young women; being a part of them, with a goal of starting their future lives on a stable, healthy path. She is skilled in using DBT skills and is TF-CBT certified. She is available to be a primary or co-therapist to your daughter. Katie would love the opportunity to be part of your successful journey here at Hobble Creek.

Katie has been passionate about serving others since at a young age. Katie’s first experience working in a service-oriented field began with adults with intellectual disabilities. She continued for several years while attending the University of Utah, ultimately obtaining a degree in Recreational Therapy, and a minor in psychology. Upon graduation, she felt drawn to the mental health field and completed an internship at an inpatient psychiatric hospital, working with veterans, adolescents, and individuals with substance use disorders. The experience brought a passion in working with adolescents and led to work at another residential treatment center for adolescent females. Katie joined the Hobble Creek team in January of 2021, developing further experiential programming to provide to Hobble Creek clients. Katie is a firm believer in the power of experiential programming and the direct influence it has to develop resiliency, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. Katie has had the pleasure of presenting her benefits research several times, at the Utah Recreational Therapy Association annual conferences, and is an active member of that professional organization. In her free time, Katie enjoys photography, walking her two corgis dogs, rock climbing, and trying new things.

Cameron has worked in residential treatment settings since 1999. After working several years as a residential supervisor for boys and girls in different residential programs, he went back to school to advance his clinical expertise. Cameron’s unique perspective with students as a primary therapist with residential experience allows him the ability to build connections that dive deep. He specializes in helping his students overcome depression, anxiety, oppositional-defiance, OCD, ADHD, and other behavioral health issues with incredible and consistent outcomes. A core belief he holds is that a therapeutic alliance of trust is at the base of all healing. He ascribes to the beliefs promoted in the book, “ Leadership and Self-Deception” –that seeing and validating a student’s humanity invites them to step toward a higher level of functioning, this intention promotes a positive space for growth. Cameron has a Master’s in Social Work from Brigham Young University; Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Utah Valley University.