ABOUT US
Providing Hope & Healing
We build a community of happy, healthy individuals and families through child abuse prevention programs and therapy services.
FAMILY HAVEN
About Us
Family Haven helps individuals and families in Utah,
Wasatch, Summit, Millard, and Juab counties.
No matter the stage your family may be in, we are here to support and help your family with our exceptional team of professionals.
To find information about other Family Support Centers in Utah, visit the Family Support Centers of Utah website.
Family Haven (Utah Valley Family Support Center, Inc.) is a private, nonprofit organization established in July 1984 with the primary purpose of preventing and treating child abuse.
Meet our Staff
Management
Janelle Christensen, MSW
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Janelle has been involved with Family Haven in various ways since 2010. Starting out as a volunteer, Janelle spent time with children in the nursery while completing her undergrad program and stayed for her internship. She has since been the agency’s Houseparent, Education Specialist, Parent Advocate, and even receptionist for a little while. She returned to Family Haven after completing her MSW at Columbia University. Janelle is passionate about helping individuals and families live a happy, healthy life and truly believes that the services offered at Family Haven make a lasting difference for our community. She feels incredibly fortunate to work with and be a part of such a fantastic team.
When she isn’t at work, Janelle enjoys going on walks, watching cooking shows, reading young adult novels, playing piano, and mostly playing with her four children.
Rachelle Hardman
COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
Rachelle began working at the Family Haven in 2007, after obtaining her Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science with an emphasis in Social Work from Utah Valley University. As the Parent Advocate, she traveled nearly a third of the state, providing parent education to many families who had limited access to resources in their communities. She is passionate about showing all families dignity and respect, and her own experience as a single parent helped her to manage the delicate balance of advocating for both parents and children in difficult situations.
In 2012, Rachelle became the Coordinator for the agency’s Crisis Respite Nursery, a position in which her relaxed manner quickly puts both children and parents at ease.
In April 2018, Rachelle was honored as the recipient of the Professional of the Year award by the Utah County Child Abuse Prevention Team.
Camila Rosas, MBA
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Camila has a BS in public and community health and started her career as an educator at WIC, where she fell in love with public service and working for women and children. She went on to work with local schools in creating programs to meet the needs of their unique communities where she realized the importance of maintaining focus at all levels of administration. She was involved in different capacities with several Utah nonprofit organizations while working on an MBA program.
She came to Family Haven in 2020 and got to work creating administrative processes to ensure efficiency and full support to our community and our programs. Her goal is to ensure sustainability and financial health to continue our work for as long as it is needed.
Jessica Robinson, LCSW, RPT
CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Jessica has specialized training in Play Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, EMDR, TF-CBT, and AutPlay Therapy, as well as experience with CBT, ACT, and DBT. She sees her clients as the experts of their own lives, and deeply appreciates their willingness to share their stories with her. In her free time, she enjoys reading, knitting, spending time with friends and family, and going to the dog park with her rescue, Monty.
Amber Ah Sue
EDUCATION DIRECTOR
Amber is a dedicated advocate for empowering families and nurturing child development. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Family Life: Human Development, she has extensively worked with non-profit organizations, serving families throughout Utah County. As a loving mother of two boys, Amber understands the importance of equipping parents with the tools and knowledge to raise an empowered generation.
Beyond her professional endeavors, she cherishes quality time with her family, exploring new food spots, and embarking on refreshing walks.
Treatment
Joy O’Banion, MS, LCSW, RPT-S
CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
In November 2012, Family Haven’s Board of Directors officially named the building in honor of Joy A. O’Banion to recognize her unwavering personal commitment and ongoing years of service to the organization. Joy served as the agency’s Executive Director for over 25 years from August 1989 through September 2014. However, she now spends her time as a therapist, working directly with the individuals, children and family she loves.
She holds Master’s degrees in both Sociology and Social Work; she is licensed at the LCSW level; and she is certified in Autplay and as a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. Joy’s clinical experience includes working with both adult and child victims of abuse as well as other issues related to trauma. She specializes in Play Therapy and especially enjoys working with children and parents who struggle with relationship difficulties.
Stuart Harper, LCSW, RPT-S
CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
Stuart received his MSW degree from BYU and has worked at Family Haven for more than twenty years. As a therapist his time is shared between supervisory and therapy responsibilities. He is extremely committed to the often undervalued principle of the therapeutic relationship being most essential in the healing process. Because of this, Stuart is drawn to practice models that are grounded in Carl Rogers’ Client Centered theory. It is his belief that working with people’s abuse, trauma, attachment, loss or other general mental health concerns is an honor. His love for children motivates him to maintain the credential of Registered Play Therapist Supervisor.
Stuart also teaches child safety classes at the Utah County Children’s Justice Center, and is an adjunct professor at BYU in the graduate school of social work. When not working he can be found spending time in the outdoors, cheering his children on at soccer events, watching the History Channel, or scrounging thrift stores for vinyl records.
Aimee Lohner, LCSW
CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
Aimee enjoys working at Family Haven because she gets to work with people of all ages and demographics. While she serves a wide-variety of clients, she specializes in trauma, anxiety, and depression. Aimee’s therapeutic approach is client-centered because she believes each client has the power to heal within themselves. Aimee has specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Play Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, Trauma Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST), Cognitive Behavioral Training (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Attachment Theory, and is Autplay certified. These trainings help Aimee empower clients with situational specific tools they need to heal.
Outside of Family Haven, Aimee is a dance teacher with over 30 years experience. She loves hiking, running, waterskiing, snow skiing, and anything outside. Aimee also enjoys playing games, and being creative – but mostly, she loves being with friends and family.
Mackenzie Quintero, LCSW
INTERNSHIP COORDINATOR
Mackenzie completed her MSW degree from Brigham Young University. Before working at Family Haven, Mackenzie interned at the Children’s Justice Center to help families feel safe and help them heal from trauma. She also worked with the Provo School District to help provide social, emotional, and behavioral support for students and their families.
She has specific training in Play Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, and EMDR. She also received a Trauma-Informed Certification from BYU and is Autplay certified. She enjoys helping people process trauma in a safe environment. Mackenzie is also fluent in Spanish.
Mackenzie loves the outdoors, reading feel-good books, and spending time with family and friends.
Jamie Call, LCSW
THERAPIST
Jamie received her master’s degree in social work from Brigham Young University. Before that she was an elementary school teacher for four years where she taught sixth grade and third grade. As an intern therapist, Jamie worked at Scenic View Academy, teaching classes and doing therapy with young adults on the autism spectrum and at The Green House Center for Growth and Learning where she did therapy with mostly children and teens. Jamie has training in Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Training (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Trauma-Focused CBT. She is currently being trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and studied Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Attachment, and Sand Tray in her master’s education. Jamie is passionate about helping individuals access their inner power for healing and wholeness.
Jamie is originally from California and loves to travel back to spend time with family, visit the beach, or hike in the mountains. She loves a variety of outdoor hobbies including paddleboarding, scuba diving, soccer, rock climbing, and pickleball. She also loves animals (especially dogs), art, and gardening.
Annika Bickmore, CSW
THERAPIST
Annika received both her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Development, and her Master’s degree in Social Work from BYU. Before becoming a therapist, she worked at a child and family advocacy organization facilitating court-ordered supervised visits between parents and children. She also worked with teens in residential treatment. As a graduate intern, she worked as a therapist with older adults at the Utah State Hospital and with mainly young adults at Family Services.
Annika has training in Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Play Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) an Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and trauma-informed therapy. Annika is passionate about empowering her clients and supporting them as they work toward healing and growth. Outside of the office, her interests include hiking, reading, dancing, viewing or creating art, and spending time with friends and family.
Rebekah Kaylor, CSW
THERAPIST
Rebekah received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and her master’s degree in Social Work from Brigham Young University (BYU), along with certifications in trauma-informed care and school social work. Before joining Family Haven, she interned with Wasatch Mental Health (with the Nebo School District and the Payson Family Clinic), providing individual and group therapy for children, adolescents, and adults to support their emotional well-being and strengthen relationships. She also interned with a global organization’s disability services team, gaining valuable insight into the strengths and support needs of individuals with disabilities.
Rebekah takes a whole-person approach to therapy, using tools and strategies tailored to each client’s unique story. She is passionate about empowering people to live a life they love by developing self-acceptance, building resilience, accessing resources, and discovering new ways to navigate life’s challenges. Rebekah has specialized training in Motivational Interviewing (MI), Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). She completed advanced training in Italy in both multigenerational family therapy and Brief Strategic Therapy.
Married to her best friend for 29 years, Rebekah is also the proud mom of four amazing children. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, taking long walks with friends, and spending time with her family.
Emma Thompson, CSW
THERAPIST
Emma received both her bachelor’s degree in Human Development with minors in Gerontology and Music and her master’s degree in Social Work from Brigham Young University. She has training in various therapeutic modalities, including Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), Sand Tray, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Unified Protocol (UP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and trauma-informed therapy.
Prior to joining Family Haven, Emma previously interned as a therapist at the Utah State Hospital, where she provided individual and group therapy for older adults in the hospital’s geriatric unit. She also has provided third-party supervision for non-custodial parents and worked at ScenicView Academy, providing case management and emotional regulation skills to young adults on the autism spectrum. From these experiences, she discovered a deep passion for helping individuals from all walks of life to strengthen their relationships and to feel seen and heard. Outside of work, Emma enjoys running and biking through quiet neighborhoods, nurturing her many plants, experimenting in the kitchen, playing the piano, completing puzzles, and spending time with those she loves.
Amber Murdock, CSW
THERAPIST
Amber earned both her Bachelor’s degree in Family Services and her Master’s degree in Social Work from Brigham Young University (BYU). Prior to joining Family Haven, she completed her clinical internship at South Point Counseling Services in South Jordan, Utah, where she developed experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. Amber also worked with Alpine School District, providing case management services and supporting students’ emotional, social, and behavioral well-being.
Amber has received specialized training in Child-Centered Play Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Sand Tray Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She also earned a Trauma-Informed Certification through BYU. Amber is passionate about creating a safe, supportive environment where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered. She believes in meeting each person where they are and helping them navigate challenges while building on their unique strengths.
Outside of work, Amber enjoys keeping up with new movies and TV shows, discovering new treats, reading, shopping, spending time with animals, traveling, relaxing at the beach, and making memories with family and friends.
Aidelin Beltran Gonzalez, CSW
THERAPIST
Outside of work, Aidelin enjoys baking sourdough, reading, creative arts, and spending time with family and friends.
Aleda Smith, CSW
THERAPIST
Aleda received her Master’s degree in Social Work from Brigham Young University, where she completed coursework in trauma-informed care, play therapy, and school social work. She has experience working with children, teens, and adults in both school and outpatient therapy settings. During her graduate training, Aleda completed internships at Provo High School and Mindset Family Therapy. In these roles, she provided counseling, collaborated with families and community supports, and worked with clients experiencing trauma, anxiety, OCD, and other mental health concerns. Her training includes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Play Therapy.
Prior to graduate school, Aleda worked as a Child Protective Services Investigator, supporting children and families impacted by abuse, neglect, and other difficult life experiences. These experiences strengthened her passion for helping individuals and families find hope, healing, and resilience after trauma. Aleda strives to create a safe, supportive environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered. Outside of work, Aleda enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, reading, and being with family and friends.
Bryce Braithwaite
CLINICAL INTERN
Bryce earned his bachelor’s degree in Family Life: Family Studies, with a minor in Global Women’s Studies, from Brigham Young University and is currently pursuing his Master of Social Work at Brigham Young University. Through his education and professional experiences, Bryce has developed a deep passion for helping individuals and families heal, strengthen their relationships, and navigate life’s challenges. Before joining Family Haven, Bryce interned at the Utah State Hospital, where he provided individual therapy and facilitated group psychoeducation sessions in the hospital’s geriatric unit. He is trained in several therapeutic approaches, including Motivational Interviewing (MI), Unified Protocol (UP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and trauma-informed therapy.
Prior to beginning graduate school, Bryce worked at Summit Counseling Solutions, where he supported adolescents participating in day treatment and partial hospitalization programs. In this role, he helped students work toward academic recovery, facilitated psychoeducational groups informed by Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and contributed to the development of curriculum for summer school and psychoeducational programming. Through these experiences, Bryce developed a strong appreciation for supporting adolescents and families as they build skills, overcome challenges, and work toward meaningful growth. Outside of work and school, Bryce enjoys spending time with his wife and young daughter, exploring new restaurants, playing pickleball with friends, reading, and watching the latest movies.
Rhiannon Fletcher
CLINICAL INTERN
Rhiannon earned her bachelor’s degree in Marriage and Family Studies from BYU-I and is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work at Brigham Young University. Throughout her time in college and in her professional life, she has discovered her love of working with children and strengthening families. She believes that every individual and family system has an innate capacity for healing. Before coming to Family Haven, Rhiannon previously interned as a therapist at the Utah State Hospital, where she provided individual and group therapy for patients in a forensic psych unit. Rhiannon has also worked as a case manager at the Stride day treatment program for elementary-aged children. She also worked at Vantage Point North crisis center, where she provided direct care to teens in crisis. She is trained in Motivational Interviewing (MI), Unified Protocol (UP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and trauma-informed therapy.
Outside of work and school, Rhiannon loves to do art, yoga, go on hikes, and paddleboard in mountain lakes.
Education
Shawna Trimmell
EDUCATION SPECIALIST
AmyJo Jones
EDUCATION SPECIALIST
AmyJo graduated from Utah Valley University in the Secondary Education program with a degree in History and Social Science Education. She enjoys working with youth and young adults particularly as they traverse the stages of life that accompany growing up. AmyJo has worked for years with LGBTQ+organizations in her community with the purpose of educating herself and others about what it means to build an inclusive community. She has a deep passion for learning and believes that investment in education is an investment in the future. AmyJo has brought her passion for education and knowledge to Family Haven as one of our Education Specialists.
She finds great joy in her family, traveling, reading, yoga, meditation, and walks with her dog and for her, the best adventures consist of delicious food, good friends, and great conversations.
Respite
Elizabeth Krizin
RESPITE MANAGER
Elizabeth loves the outdoors, decorating for holidays, houseplants and spending time with her family, especially her daughter.
Houseparents
Madisyn Kehl
DAYTIME HOUSEPARENT
Madisyn joined Family Haven in 2023 as a houseparent where she loves creating a safe and caring environment for children and families. Growing up in a big family and welcoming children into her home taught Madisyn the importance of offering comfort, stability, and support. Her experience teaching English to children in Lithuania further strengthened her ability to connect with kids from all backgrounds and has shaped her passion for supporting children and families. Madisyn finds joy in helping children at Family Haven feel safe, heard and valued.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, going to new places, and photography.
Kaydence Orton
DAYTIME HOUSEPARENT
Outside of work, Kaydence enjoys music, being in the canyons, camping, and spending time with her dogs—interests that help bring warmth, creativity, and gentle joy into the care she provides.
Ellie Gotfredson
DAYTIME HOUSEPARENT
Vale Ostvig
DAYTIME HOUSEPARENT
Marcus Ostvig
LIVE-IN HOUSEPARENT
Valeria Ostvig
LIVE-IN HOUSEPARENT
Ashley Toomey
WEEKEND HOUSEPARENT
Ashley is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in music performance. She finds joy in creative expression—whether through music, art, or dance. Ashley is passionate about lifelong learning and growth.
In her free-time, she likes to color, read, listen to music, and spend time with her two beloved dogs and spouse.
Jordon Toomey
WEEKEND HOUSEPARENT
Administration
Jessica Larson
OFFICE MANAGER
Jess is a Family Life student at BYU and loves being able to help and interact with families at Family Haven. She enjoys getting to know the clients and their families and loves being in a position to connect with individuals and families of all different backgrounds. Her favorite part about working at Family Haven is being able to support people in need of hope and healing as well as seeing all of the cute babies that come to the nursery.
Jess loves music, baking delicious treats, and spending time with her friends and family. She and her husband love to be outside, and love having game or movie nights.
Ellie Constantin
FUNDING COORDINATOR
Ellie has been working as a receptionist for over ten years. She loves getting to know people so if you’re feeling chatty, please say hi when you stop by our office!
She also loves hiking, camping, dancing, cooking and embroidery.
Timber Anderson
CLIENT CARE COORDINATOR
Timber has a Bachelor of Deaf Studies degree and is fluent in ASL. She has taught at many different grade levels from preschool to 5th Grade. She has worked with Family Haven since September of 2023 and really enjoys her role.
When Timber is not working she likes spending time with her children and playing games with friends.
Gwen Ghiz
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Gwen serves as the Front Desk Administrative Assistant and a Social Work Intern. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and plans to continue her education by earning a Master’s degree in the field. Gwen is passionate about helping others and is committed to making a positive impact through her work and studies. Outside of work and school, she enjoys reading, going on hikes with her dog, hanging out with friends, and building LEGO sets.
Gala Martinez
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Luke Baker
CLIENT ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT
Luke has a bachelor of psychology and plans on going back to school to get a masters in social work. He is a big extrovert and loves to talk about anything. He is always open for a chat.
When he is not working he loves art, going to the movies, and hanging out with friends and family.
Board Members
Chelsi Rasmussen
BOARD PRESIDENT
Heather Daniel
BOARD VICE PRESIDENT
Kirt Michaelis
TREASURER
Claudia Laycock
SECRETARY & INTERNAL COMMITTEE CHAIR
Russel Havens
PAST BOARD PRESIDENT
Dick Foote
INTERNAL COMMITTEE MEMBER
Tom Hogan
INTERNAL COMMITTEE MEMBER
Kyle Oler
INTERNAL COMMITTEE MEMBER
Leslie Slaugh
INTERNAL COMMITTEE MEMBER
Sawsha Turpin
EXTERNAL COMMITTEE CHAIR
Karen Hill
EXTERNAL COMMITTEE MEMBER
Sherill Gillman
EXTERNAL COMMITTEE MEMBER
LET'S CONNECT
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