Leadership Team

Leadership

Cheryl Kehl, LCSW

CEO
Co-founder and Partner
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Rob Lund, CRS

President
Co-founder and Partner
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Brad Christensen

Chief People Officer
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Christopher Black, RN, BSN, PMHNP-BC

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
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Dominique Suazo

Residential Program Director
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Eric Johansen, LCSW

Assistant Clinical Director
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Jonathan Benn, CSW

Primary Therapist
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Dominique Suazo

Residential Program Director
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Daniel Cantu

Executive Chef, Nutritionist
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Roseann Nelson

Neurofeedback Technician
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Melissa Hickman, LCSW

Co-Founder & Consulting Partner
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Michelle Wilson, JD

Co-Founder & Consulting Partner
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Karen Flynn, JD

Co-Founder & Consulting Partner
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Julie Barbero, LCSW

Co-Founder & Consulting Partner
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Michelle Gourley, LCSW, LMFT, JD

Co-Founder & Consulting Partner
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GETTING THE HELP YOU NEED AT CORNER CANYON

We do not accept Medicare or Medicaid.

We are a private pay program, and are out of network with most insurance companies. We have success securing single case agreements with many companies, however, the rate of payment on those varies with the insurance company and we cannot guarantee what they might pay. We will run a Verification of Benefits (VOB) when we receive your insurance information so you have a general idea of what your insurance policy may reimburse, however, that is an estimate based on what all people insured by your company have received from your insurance, not a guarantee of what they will pay in your case.

On average, Corner Canyon’s clients receive a portion of insurance reimbursement 85-90% of the time, but the amount varies from minimal repayment to full reimbursement. We have a team of insurance advocates who are invested in helping families secure as much reimbursement as possible.

Fill out our Online Application here or call us at 877-226-0317 and you will receive a return call, text, or email quickly, depending on what you specify. We want you to have the best experience possible with us from start to finish, and responsive communication is part of that.

Take a virtual tour of our inpatient facility.

Contact Us?

Cheryl Kehl, LCSW

CEO Co-founder and partner
Cheryl has been working in the private Mental Health and Addiction treatment world for 30 years, as a clinician, clinical director, program founder, program administrator, and facility decorator! Corner Canyon Health Centers is the result of this experience, her education, and her own experiences in treatment. Corner Canyon’s focus on comprehensive and innovative assessment, advanced and validated clinical practices, and implementation of the most effective new technologies and research are due to her desire to help others gain full health quickly and effectively in a comfortable setting.
Cheryl completed her education at Brigham Young University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology in 1991 and her Master’s Degree in Social Work in 1993. She pursues interests in science, technology, and mental and physical health, and is fascinated by the overlap that is increasing between these with their ability to help clients heal faster.
Cheryl is the oldest of ten children and has three adult children, two daughters and a son. Her interests include water sports, photography, interior design, creative projects, and spending time with her family and friends. She loves house boating on Lake Powell, but her favorite pastime is spending time with her 6 wonderful grandchildren.

Rob Lund, BS, CRS

President
Co-founder and partner
Rob Lund has a varied business background and is excited to be working with those needing mental health treatment at Corner Canyon. He has always endeavored to find meaning beyond a paycheck in his work and sees this opportunity as a chance to fulfill this long-held value.
His passion to help others and his business acumen will serve him well as he leads this organization. Rob has several family members and numerous friends with mental health challenges. He knows meaningful improvement is possible and has seen those with challenges lead highly productive, full, amazing lives. He believes this work is incredibly important and knows that it can be done effectively by professionals with experience and passion for the work.
Rob has spent many years in a volunteer capacity working with individuals and families who are struggling with various kinds of issues. This work has raised his sensitivity to and effectiveness in helping individuals and families cope with concerns and raise their functioning and quality of life. Rob has found this work to be extremely rewarding and meaningful and he looks forward to working with clients and staff in similar capacities.
He studied at the Marriott School of Management, BYU and received his BS degree in business with an emphasis in organizational behavior. Since that time, he has held management positions in the clothing industry, construction estimating software business and construction field.
Rob founded Haven Homes, Inc., a successful home building business in 2002, which continues to build beautiful custom homes in the greater Salt Lake area. His emphasis on quality, value, and service allow this company to thrive in an often cyclical and difficult industry. Rob enjoys the great outdoors, including camping, backpacking, hiking, and boating. His love of mountain biking has taken him to some of the most spectacular scenery this country has to offer. He has also re ignited a passion for pottery in the past year, creating numerous pieces and enjoying the therapeutic value of this art form. His greatest pride and joy come from his family of four amazing children, five grandsons, two granddaughters and an incredible wife.
Brad Christensen

Brad Christensen

Chief People Officer
Brad has been with Corner Canyon Health Centers since its inception in 2017 and has been an integral part in the many stages of growth. In 2018, he moved into the role of Executive Director and oversaw all parts of the growing company. He supervised the expansion into a new location and helped circumvent the many challenges that came with that growth. Now he has moved into the role of Chief People Officer, and oversees all human resources and licensing. Brad is the stabilizing force that got us through the ever changing climate of the COVID-19 pandemic while also keeping a close eye on the constantly changing and evolving needs of our population.
When Brad is not working, you can find him spending time with his husband, Mark, and his little “farm” (two cats and two dogs). He enjoys caring for his many houseplants or sitting under a blanket with a good book. He also enjoys traveling to new countries and has a goal to visit at least one new country every year. His favorite foods are pizza, chocolate, and Mrs Butterworth’s butter flavored maple syrup. If you want to win his heart, buy him chocolate 🙂
Brad has a Bachelors in Behavioral Science with a psych emphasis and has completed the LSAC program (Licensed Substance Abuse Counselor) now called ASUDC (Advanced Substance Use Disorder Counselor) through UVU. In his previous employment he has filled multiple roles in the treatment industry, from cook and grave staff to operations director and VP of client and family relations. Prior to Corner Canyon, Brad was involved in the launching of 2 other treatment programs and we feel very lucky to have him on our team!
Sara Sorenson, LCMHC

Sara Sorenson, LCMHC

Clinical Director
Sara grew up in the US, then Germany and the UK, returning to the United States to attend university. Since then, she has lived in Maryland, Hawaii, Australia, and Utah, and enjoyed visiting many beautiful places in between. Sara has a genuine interest in people and truly enjoys making connections wherever she can. She is constantly looking for new things to learn and areas to improve in both her personal and professional life and appreciates the challenges that contribute to progress. She is drawn to adventure in all it’s forms, particularly in nature, travel and creative expression. Often, her most significant source of joy comes from spending time with her close friends and her four children.
Sara received a Bachelor’s degree in Sociocultural Anthropology and a Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling. She is certified as a rehabilitation counselor (CRC) and a licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC). Sara’s counseling experience includes working with individuals from a wide range of ages, backgrounds and mental health symptoms and disorders. Sara has worked extensively with foster children, sexual abuse victims and people with addictions.
Sara is trained and certified as an EMDR therapist and is passionate about facilitating the level of healing and insight that can be uniquely achieved with this approach. She also has experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Art Therapy. She finds it most effective to address individual needs and preferences with the creative integration of theory and application, with a focus on helping a client identify and move towards their unique meaning and purpose. She enjoys working as a team with the client to explore where they are now, where they would like to be, and how they can get there!
Sara worked as Corner Canyon’s clinical director for a few years before moving into the role as Clinical Development Manager. We are so excited about the expertise she continues to bring to Corner Canyon to help us continue to grow and advance, and provide the highest quality of care for all of our clients.
Shannon Weaver, LCSW

Shannon Weaver, LCSW

Shannon brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role. With over 20 years of dedicated service in the mental health field, Shannon’s professional journey has been diverse and impactful. As a licensed clinical social worker, she has held various positions, including Therapist, Clinical Director, and Marketing and Outreach Director.
Shannon’s experience as a clinician spans multiple settings, including community mental health, hospital crisis work, residential treatment, and wilderness therapy. Furthermore, she has held leadership roles such as Clinical Director, Admissions Director, and Marketing and Outreach Director. Her long standing experience, communication and interpersonal skills, coupled with her deep understanding of the therapeutic field make her an invaluable asset to the Corner Canyon team.
Shannon is also a certified teacher and has lived and taught in both Russia and China. She has traveled to many countries throughout the world, further broadening her understanding of people and different cultures. When Shannon isn’t working, she enjoys hiking, yoga, reading, baking, or planning her next adventure.
Ally Jackson

Ally Jackson

Ally grew up in Denver, Colorado but has called Utah home for over a decade. Ally has been working with families seeking treatment since 2013, facilitating admissions and outreach roles at prominent residential treatment and wilderness therapy programs. Ally has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Utah Valley University and four years of experience as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for abused and neglected children.

Ally is passionate about what she does, has a gift of connecting with clients she talks with and loves to help every person feel supported while navigating the admissions process. Because of her experience going through treatment as an adolescent, Ally brings an extraordinary amount of warmth, compassion, and hope to the individuals she works with. Outside of work, Ally holds the title of “Favorite Aunt” to her three nieces, loves to be active, practice yoga, and spend time with family and friends. She has a dog named Sadie that goes everywhere with her.

Stephanie M. King, FNP-C, APRN, DC

Stephanie M. King, FNP-C, APRN, DC

Medical Director
Dr. Stephanie King is passionate about bringing her patients the highest level of personalized care through Integrative and Functional Medicine.
A published author, educator, and speaker, training over 30 clinics nationwide, she has combined her expertise in hormonal balancing, diet education, weight reduction and management and integrative therapies to assist her patients in setting and taking strategic steps towards achieving their lifestyle and wellness goals using the most natural, safe, and effective methods available. Dr. King has spent over 25 years in practice, developing specialized techniques for patients, a dedication to patient care that has led people who have failed to achieve results with other programs to seek her out from across the country.
The truth is that everyone’s situation is different, and sometimes the barriers can seem unbeatable. In her practice, she know that barriers can be overcome and healing is on the other side. Dr. King does everything possible to give her patients the tools they need to succeed. Her desire is that each patient can channel the strength, resources, and commitment needed to reverse their health and heal.
Having lived the challenges associated with hormonal imbalance and weight fluctuations, she brings a level of empathy to her care model that allows her to empower her patients beyond the physical to bring amazing results.
Christopher Black, RN, BSN, PMHNP-BC

Christopher Black, RN, BSN, PMHNP-BC

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Corner Canyon is excited to have Chris on our team. He adds a depth of knowledge of systems of care in Residential Treatment, has an organizational focus, and many years of helping residential and wilderness programs grow by providing excellent and caring work with clients and their families as they enter treatment, often for the first time.
Chris has a wealth of experience working in our industry in many capacities, including Admissions and Outreach, Residential care, Nursing, and Wilderness. In addition to working with Corner Canyon he is also continuing work towards a doctorate in Psychiatric Nursing and maintains an intense outdoor adventure schedule.
He has a wide array of knowledge and expertise in outdoor areas like rock climbing and canyoneering, skiing, snowboarding, peak bagging, trail running, photography, motocross, and boating (Lake Powell is a favorite destination).
He is an amazing teacher of these skills to staff, clients, Educational Consultants and friends, sharing his time with them eagerly. Chris has two children, a boy and a girl, they are his world. He practices yoga, the mindfulness component grounds him, and his religion is Love.
Chris enjoys travel as long as it includes new cultures and people, otherwise it is just “travel”. Chris has managed a humanitarian clothing donation program for the last 12 years, gathering and donating clothing to single parent homes and immigrant communities.
Dominique Suazo

Dominique Suazo

Residential Program Director
Dom was the first alumni of Corner Canyon back in 2017, he has worked in residential treatment ever since. He gained experience first as a mentor with Corner Canyon giving back the same level of enthusiasm he received while in treatment there. Dom simultaneously worked as a manager at Community Options working with disabled adults and children as he led a passionate team to success with that population. He also became the Recovery Residence Coordinator for Deer Hollow in the beginning of 2021. There he managed multiple transitional living facilities as well as taught support groups at the outpatient location several times per week. Dom also founded his own Life Coaching practice in 2021 after getting certified through the International Coaching Federation to work with people individually. He is currently working to complete his Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Utah as he’s double majoring in Psychology and Family, Community, and Human Development.
Dom found his passion for helping others through his own experience with treatment and utilizes his intimate experience to connect with all people. His level of dedication and passion shine through in his everyday pursuit of helping others in their journey of recovery. Working in residential treatment gave him a fascination for learning about other people and how to help them. The sacred healing that takes place in treatment is where he finds purpose, meaning, and connection. In his different roles he leads by example and is passionate about helping others succeed to their highest ability.
Dom grew up in Utah and is an avid outdoorsman. Outside of work he loves to travel, fly fish, and camp. He has traveled to many countries with his favorite being Bahrain and Jerusalem in the Middle East. Culture, food, and meeting new people fuel his spirituality and connectedness.
Eric Johansen, LCSW

Eric Johansen, LCSW

Assistant Clinical Director
PHP
Eric takes a mind-body approach to therapy where experiential education and somatic awareness are practiced in conjunction with sitting and talking. His work with families and individuals is influenced by an understanding of neurobiology, stress physiology, and emerging research showing the beneficial effects of mindfulness based interventions and psychedelic assisted therapy.
Eric received his Bachelor of Arts in Film Production from the City University of New York. After years of feeling unfulfilled with this path, he left the east coast for Utah and pursued a Master of Social Work from the University of Utah. As a result, Eric is skilled and compassionate when it comes to enacting change. He enjoys helping those that he works with to realize and align with their values while taking the necessary steps to become who they really want to be.
He has spent most of his therapeutic career working in residential treatment settings, helping clients and their families overcome mental health and substance use disorders. Eric has also had the opportunity to work within the criminal justice system and academic research settings where he helped develop and implement mindfulness based interventions addressing substance use disorders and chronic pain.
Eric has completed training in Mindfulness Oriented Recovery Enhancement (M.O.R.E.) along with Somatic and Attachment Focused (S.A.F.E.) EMDR. He also utilizes the following evidence based practices – Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Mind-Body Bridging.
Jonathan Benn, CSW

Jonathan Benn, LCSW

Primary Therapist
Jon believes that there are strengths within each of us that can create an environment of growth. Finding or noticing those strengths is where Jon focuses. When people know and recognize the strengths that they have they can utilize them to work on the things they want to improve in their life. Jon provides a set of tools to the people he works with that are based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Narrative Therapy. Understanding the messages and stories that we tell ourselves about our experiences, and then reframing those that are maladapted, produces healing and growth.
Jon earned Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work degrees from The University of Utah. Jon spent the last five years in the mental health world working as an advocate, supervisor, and program director before becoming a therapist. Understanding what people are going through in treatment at each of these levels is an enormous part of what shapes Jon’s approach.
Jon looks at each person that he interacts with from an intersectional lens. Meaning that it is vital to understand all of the factors that went into making us the person we are today are. Race, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, family, socioeconomic status, religion, spirituality, and much more are what makes each of us beautiful humans. Jon wants to understand these aspects of each person not only to be the best tool he can be, but to be an advocate for them as well.
In his personal life Jon loves spending time with his girlfriend, family, friends, and his dog, Mr. Rosewater. Jon loves playing video games, writing, cooking, reading, and playing chess. Jon also has a deep passion for music. He loves sharing his favorite artists, and even more so hearing about yours!
Nick Bolton, LCSW

Nick Bolton, LCSW

Primary Therapist
Nick’s passion for helping others led him to pursue a career in psychology. He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, where he gained a solid foundation in understanding human behavior and the complexities of the mind. Eager to further his knowledge and skills, Nick went on to earn a Master’s degree in Social Work, specializing in mental health.
Nick has undergone extensive training in various evidence-based therapeutic approaches and is committed to continuous growth and professional development. He has completed training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), a highly effective method for individuals struggling with emotional regulation and self-destructive behaviors. Additionally, Nick has received training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), a powerful approach that focuses on strengthening emotional bonds and resolving relationship conflicts. Furthermore, he has honed his skills in Motivational Interviewing (MI), a collaborative method that empowers individuals to make positive changes in their lives.
Recognizing the importance of inclusivity and creating a safe space for all individuals, Nick has also received specialized training in LGBTQIA+ issues. He is dedicated to providing a supportive and affirming environment for individuals of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
Nick’s passion for recovery extends beyond his therapeutic practice. He is the visionary behind a unique endeavor called OncePickled. A sober Pickleball Community, this innovative league not only promotes physical activity and social connection but also serves as a platform for individuals in recovery to come together, support one another, and celebrate their journeys. Nick has created a community fostering growth, resilience, and a sense of belonging through this initiative.
Nick brings compassion, empathy, and a deep understanding of human behavior to each therapeutic encounter. He is committed to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and empowering them to live their lives to the fullest. With his diverse skill set, Nick is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing space for individuals to heal, grow, and thrive.
Mili Leibovich, CSW

Mili Leibovich, LCSW

Primary Therapist
Mili received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and her Master’s degree from Boise State University. Mili has worked in different settings throughout her career such as a youth advocate, recovery advocate, case manager, and now, a primary therapist. Milihas experience working with different populations with a variety of diagnoses but ultimately, her passion lies in working with clients in a residential setting.
Mili values each client’s unique cultural, spiritual, personal, and interpersonal experiences. Mili’s goal of therapy is to connect with that potential, find wellness, and create a meaningful life. Mili uses an open and non-judgmental curiosity, and seeks to create a safe space where all thoughts, feelings, and beliefs are welcome. Her main focus is to empower clients for skill building and healing.

Mili is trained in a variety of different modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Brainspotting. Mili also enjoys using a mindfulness and client-centered approach.

In her spare time, Mili enjoys spending time with her husband and her son. Mili is also an avid camper, hiker, and loves traveling and exploring new sites.

Liz Lund, MPA

Liz is originally from lush green Washington State. She is a life enthusiast and a huge fan of people. Liz has always loved learning why people are the way they are. She moved to UT in 2013 and completed her bachelors degree in Psychology in 2016. After college Liz worked at a residential treatment center and found that she was not only passionate about people, but also administration. Liz is recently finished her MPA in April 2022. Liz loves serving people and is excited and looking forward to learning about; and from our clients here at Corner Canyon.
When Liz is not busy working she love being outdoors, eating ice cream, taking naps, and spending time with her precious baby girl and sweet husband.
Dana Goodrich, B.S.

Dana Goodrich

Digital Marketing Manager
Dana Goodrich’s vision and abilities in social media and online marketing skill have led to a rapidly improving online presence, and her coordination and persistence with the other team members has laid the foundation for more effective representation of the significant work that Corner Canyon does with adult clients.
Dana has experience running small businesses, and her work in her MBA program has given her a broad understanding of business that guides the direction she sets for Corner Canyon’s online marketing. She pursues ongoing classes and training that keep her up with new and developing aspects of online marketing and uses her knowledge and kind persistence to motivate Corner Canyon’s personnel to contribute to that effort.
Dana and her husband Eric have six children and somehow fit a little play into their busy lives, they love boating and spend a lot of time at kid’s basketball and baseball games and swim meets. They love to travel, Costa Rica is a favorite destination.
Dr. Joel Hanson, MD

Dr. Joel Hanson, MD

Psychiatrist
Joel Hanson, MD is board certified in psychiatry and addiction medicine. He completed a BA degree in Spanish from the University of Utah, followed by medical school in Rochester New York, then specialty training at the University of Utah in internal medicine and psychiatry.
He has worked in most aspects of psychiatry, outpatient and inpatient. He has owned and run a residential program and an inpatient detox hospital. He enjoys the challenge and rewards of working with patients with mental health and substance abuse issues. He also enjoys interacting with Mental Health and Addiction staff and sharing ideas.
Dr Hanson’s hobbies include skiing, vocal music performance and reading.
“I’m honored to work with the staff at Corner Canyon. We have a very experienced, professional and conscientious team.”
Daniel Cantu

Daniel

Executive Chef - nutritionist
Dan’s 30+ year career in food service started in his teenage years in a variety of delis, bakeries, diners and fast food restaurants in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. He achieved his first management position at the age of 18 as the store manager of a deli. He then earned an A.A.S. in Culinary Arts at Iowa Western Community College and worked in a variety of hotels, country clubs, casual restaurants, fine dining steakhouses. He moved to Utah in 2002 and immediately fell in love with the land and the wonderful community of people he met. In 2003 he started as Executive Chef at a non-profit called One World Everybody Eats. One World was dedicated to eliminating hunger, eliminating food waste, and making sure people had healthy fresh organic options available. Dan was happy to be a part of something that was making a big impact in people’s lives and it led him to dive deeper into his own curiosity about the connections between food and health. After 5 years he opened his own catering business, where relationships with local farmers and producers grew year by year and he began a weekly home delivery service. After 8 years of running his catering business, he found Corner Canyon, which was a great fit for him because it was a natural continuation of what he had been doing for years by providing delicious, healthy meals that nourish the mind, body and spirit. Working at Corner Canyon has rejuvenated Dan’s desire to learn more about the connection between food and health and he enjoys educating people about food, growing a garden, cooking, and how to facilitate changes in their diet for their mental and physical health.
Roseann Nelson

Roseann Nelson

Neurofeedback Technician

Roseann Nelson is the Owner of Wasatch Neurotherapy, located in Bountiful, Utah. Roseann is a neurofeedback practitioner who has personally seen how neurofeedback can be a life-changing modality in the mental health field. Roseann specializes in dealing with clients with extensive trauma and addiction history. Roseann is certified through Stress therapy solutions,
Brain Master technologies and Braincore neurofeedback systems. Roseann is also certified with Erichonia using cold laser therapy to help heal and treat the mind and body. Before owning her practice, she worked in the mental health industry treating clients using other Biofeedback and brain stimulating devices such as Zyto, Braintap, and Versus. Roseann enjoys spending time with her four children and loves to go camping, hiking, and four-wheeling. Roseann knows firsthand how trauma and mental health challenges can be damaging to family systems and has dedicated her life to making changes to help others who are struggling.

Melissa Hickman, LCSW

Melissa Hickman, LCSW

Co-Founder & Consulting Partner
Melissa began her professional career in 1991 as a therapist for at-risk youth in custody of the State of Utah. Since her early beginnings she has served in several different capacities, including private practice, wilderness therapist, runway shelter therapist, and clinical director. Melissa is currently the Marketing Director at Gateway Academy, a distinguished adolescent residential treatment facility she co-owns. Melissa was initially the Admissions Director where, she carefully evaluated each applicant. She played an active role with the Gateway team to determine the best treatment program for each boy. Melissa believes it takes a village to achieve success, and credits those she has worked with over the years in making her a better therapist and person. For Melissa, there is no panacea—no single therapeutic approach— that can successfully treat all issues. She knows that adopting one therapeutic style may seem easier, but it just doesn’t work. For her, each client is different from the next, with individual issues to sort through and deal with.
Melissa likes to press the boundaries of her world by exploring other places and cultures. She then hurries home again to spend time with her grandchildren. Melissa also enjoys knitting, scuba diving, and remodeling houses.
Michelle Wilson, JD

Michelle Wilson, JD

Co-Founder & Consulting Partner
Michelle is a co-owner/co-founder of Corner Canyon Health Centers, LLC. Michelle has been an attorney for over twenty-three years. For more than a decade, Michelle was a family law and criminal defense litigation attorney. It was during her time as a criminal defense attorney that she witnessed, more often than not, clients struggling with addiction issues that would ultimately lead them into the criminal justice system. Michelle, having represented hundreds of defendants, has first hand knowledge of how addiction can not only impact the life of the individual client, but also impact the lives of client’s families, loved-ones and society. She is also very cognizant that the criminal justice system is ill-equipped to adequately address the complexity of addiction and yet the majority of crimes committed begin with the disease of addiction.
Currently, Michelle works for Modere, Inc. as their General Counsel and Vice President at Modere, Inc., but will be actively engaged in a consulting role with Corner Canyon Health Centers.
Michelle specializes in risk management, corporate governance, transactional work and compliance. Michelle currently leads the legal, compliance and regulatory teams at her Company and directs the litigation worldwide.
Michelle has a Juris Doctorate from the J. Reuben Clark School of Law at Brigham Young University, and is a licensed member of the Utah Bar. Michelle clerked for a Fourth District Court Judge for one year before entering into private practice as a litigator for ten years, as well as serving as an adjunct professor at the Utah Valley University. Michelle’s years in private practice were followed by twelve years as in-house corporate counsel for two different multinational companies, XanGo, LLC and Modere, Inc., both located in Utah.
Michelle loves to travel and has done so extensively both for work and pleasure. Michelle’s family and friends give her the most joy and spending time with them is her number one priority.
Karen Flynn, JD

Karen Flynn, JD

Co-Founder & Consulting Partner
Karen has been working with at-risk youth and their families in multiple disciplines since 1995. Karen’s career has been singularly focused on bringing meaningful, positive change to struggling families. With the right support, at the right time, in the right way, Karen believes she can help young adults accomplish far more than they ever thought possible in truly becoming their best selves.
Karen is the CEO for Gateway Academy, a distinguished residential treatment program for adolescent boys that she co-founded in 2002. Prior to that time, Karen served as an Administrative Law Judge for the Department of Human Services, State of Utah. Prior to being named as a judge, Karen was a managing attorney for the Office of the Guardian ad Litem. As a Guardian ad Litem, Karen worked closely with multiple youth and their families struggling with substance abuse, including assisting in the development and implementation of several State substance-abuse prevention and treatment programs.
Karen specializes in the management, organization and implementation of Gateway’s treatment program. Karen’s legal background, coupled with her experience working with troubled family systems, make her especially qualified to help oversee and manage the multiple issues that arise in the treatment of young adults and their families.
Karen has a Juris Doctorate from the University of Utah, and is a licensed member of the Utah Bar. Karen has worked on numerous legislative committees and State Boards devoted to the health and welfare of adolescents and children, including the Oversight Committee for the Utah Office of the Guardian ad Litem. When she is not working, you will find Karen spending time with family and friends. She is an avid traveler who loves exploring, understanding and experiencing new cultures. Whether scuba diving, camping, hiking, rafting, boating, biking or running, Karen loves the outdoors and all the endless opportunities it offers.
Julie Barbero, LCSW

Julie Barbero, LCSW

Co-Founder & Consulting Partner
Julie has been a mental health mentor since 1989, and family systems therapist since 1994. She co-founded ChoicePoint Therapeutic Services in 1997, an outpatient program that served adolescents and their families involved in the Juvenile Court System. In 2002, she co-founded Gateway Academy, an adolescent boys program in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Julie currently serves as Gateway Academy’s clinical director. Julie has a long and full history of providing mental health treatment for adolescents and their families. She has been involved developing dynamic clinical programming and interventions, staff trainings, and clinical oversight during the course of her career.
She is excited to join the Corner Canyon Team in providing treatment to young adults who strive to overcome addictions. Julie completed her undergraduate degrees at Weber State University, where she received two bachelor degrees, in Social Work and Psychology, and a minor in child development. Julie received her Masters in Social Work at the University of Denver. Her emphasis while studying at DU was in the areas of adolescent development, family systems, and grief and trauma.
Julie currently works in the family systems model, treating anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, issues related to adoptions, addictions, and issues related to ASD. Although she uses many clinical approaches when guiding clients in their healing and self-awareness, she intertwines mindfulness in her clinical approach and practice. Julie has been exploring mindfulness for the past 10 years as a means of treating anxiety and trauma, and in doing so has incorporated it into her own daily life.
Julie is the oldest child of two, born in Panama, and raised on Army posts across North America. She has a wonderful blended family, with four beautiful daughters and one little schnauzer. They use the terms “bonus mom” and “bonus daughter” when describing their family system. Julie’s favorite past time is being with her family and watching her daughters become strong, free thinking young women. She also loves cooking, reading, yoga/meditation, long walks, old movies, and time with friends. Scrabble is a favorite too, even though she rarely wins!
Michelle Gourley, LCSW, LMFT, JD

MICHELLE GOURLEY, LCSW, LMFT, JD

Co-Founder & Consulting Partner
As a licensed clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, and family and juvenile law attorney, Michelle has spent her entire career working to enhance the healing and wellbeing of juveniles, young adults, and their families. Her experience includes working as a therapist in a full continuum of mental health services beginning in Child Protective Services in California, psychiatric social work at the Utah State Hospital, treatment of substance abuse and trauma in a day treatment program, and specialized assessment and treatment for adolescents in residential, correctional, and out-patient settings.
In 1982, Michelle earned a Bachelor of Science degree in the pre-professional option of Family Sciences with a Minor in Psychology and Sociology. In 1984, she graduated with two Master’s degrees, one in Social Work and a second in Marriage and Family Therapy.
In 1998, Michelle earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Utah Law School specializing in family and juvenile law. She is a licensed clinical social worker and licensed member of the Utah State Bar Association. From 2000 to 2013, Michelle’s out-patient agency, ChoicePoint Therapeutic Services, held the sole contract with the Utah Third District Juvenile Court to provide psychosexual assessment of juveniles referred for sexual issues. Currently, through her private practice, she continues to provide specialized assessment for juveniles and young adults throughout the United States.
In 2002, Michelle co-founded Gateway Academy—a premier residential treatment program and school dedicated to the healthy development and healing of adolescent boys who struggle with anxiety, depression, addiction, and learning differences. During her work as Director of Clinical Development at Gateway, Michelle developed the brain-based approach that integrates recent research in neuroscience and the brain into both treatment and academic programming.
Michelle has provided professional training and presentations in numerous state and national conferences regarding experiential and in-vivo interventions, adolescent development, sexual development, relapse prevention, specialized assessment and treatment of trauma, sexual abuse, and juvenile sexual misconduct.
Over the past eight years, Michelle has also provided professional training on treatment incorporating neuroscience, mindful awareness, and brain-based approaches. Michelle feels like she will never have enough time to explore and experience all of her interests.

First and foremost, she loves to spend time with her family and friends. She also loves to be in the outdoors and nature and enjoys cycling, scuba diving, water skiing, camping, hiking and river rafting. She is an avid traveler, loves photography, music, poetry, yoga and meditation. She has an insatiable desire to learn and a passion for real, compassionate connection.