Meet Our Team of
Anxiety Therapists & Specialists

Leadership Team

Bryan Wilde, LCSW

Bryan Wilde, LCSW

Executive Director
Jessica Hartman

Jessica Hartman

Asst Executive Director / Education Director
Mark Rainsdon, MSW, LCSW

Mark Rainsdon, MSW, LCSW

Clinical Director
Tati Payne

Tati Payne

Admissions and Marketing Director
Jared U. Balmer, Ph.D.

Jared U. Balmer, Ph.D.

Co-founder
Mike Bulloch, L.C.S.W.

Mike Bulloch, L.C.S.W.

Co-founder
Mel Hansen

Mel Hansen

HR Director
Bryce Davidson

Bryce Davidson

Residential Director

Bryan Wilde, LCSW

Executive Director

Bryan is a proud Utah native. He received a Bachelor of Science in Interpersonal Communication and a Master of Social Work from the University of Utah. He began his career in therapy as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) serving adolescents at Island View Residential Treatment Center. Bryan was the Co-founder and Clinical/Program Director of Pathways to Healing, a therapy clinic in Bountiful, Utah. He has also worked in private practice with adolescents and families where he treated clients with mood disorders, anxiety, obsessions and compulsions, trauma, and addiction. His approach is multi-faceted but grounded in a relational approach. Bryan’s foundational beliefs lie in establishing rapport and trust to help students and families regain their alignment. Students describe Bryan as genuine and fair, but firm. The gentlemen at WayPoint view him as an advocate who assists them in their journeys to health and well-being.WayPoint is fortunate to have Bryan as a gifted clinician and a hands-on administrator. He utilizes his relational approach while overseeing multiple departments, and his leadership, commitment, and unwavering support are woven into the heart of WayPoint.Bryan possesses an extensive administrative and operations background. He served as the Vice President of Human Resources for Franklin Covey for over 20 years. There, he led a team of talented professionals and together they developed strategies to provide the talent and human resources that contributed to the company’s success. Bryan also served as the Vice President of Human Resources for CallAssistant and Winder Farms.In his free time, Bryan enjoys spending time with his family and running to stay fit.

Jessica Hartman

Asst Executive Director / Education Director

Jess grew up in Pennsylvania along with her identical twin sister, who is a science teacher. Growing up near the Appalachian Mountains cultivated her interest in science and nature. She graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in geology and anthropology. Jess moved to Utah to attend graduate school at the University of Utah in the Department of Geography, where she enjoyed exploring the Uinta Mountains while completing field work for her Master of Science degree. Her research focused on using geochemical and biological analyses of lake sediments to evaluate a record of atmospheric pollution and climate change in Uinta Mountain lakes. While completing her thesis, Jess also discovered her passion for teaching. As a graduate student, she was responsible for teaching various undergraduate courses for the geography department. Since graduating from the University of Utah she has taught science, geography and AVID over the past eight years. In her free time Jess enjoys hiking with her dog, backpacking, hiking, camping, climbing and reading.

Mark Rainsdon, MSW, LCSW

Clinical Director

As the clinical director at WayPoint Academy, Mark Rainsdon, LCSW brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our team. Having earned a Master's in Social Work from the esteemed University of Utah, Mark possesses a range of qualifications that distinguish him as a specialist in the field. He has obtained certification as an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS) and is a BTTI-certified ERP therapist. His expertise lies in aiding teenagers struggling with severe anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), along with students facing neurodiversity-related difficulties. In 2012 Mark got his start in the world of mental health by teaching social skills classes to elementary school students. Since then he has worked in various roles across the mental health field, including as a field staff and primary therapist in wilderness therapy and other treatment programs. Since first joining WayPoint in 2018, Mark has helped countless teens and their families find hope and overcome their mental health struggles. Outside of work, Mark's favorite things to do include time with his family, making things, and soaking up the great outdoors. Hanging out with his wife, daughter, and trusty blue heeler is his idea of a perfect day. But when he's not doing that, you'll find him in his woodshop, whipping up everything from fancy furniture to down-to-earth cutting boards. Being an Idaho native, Mark's practically wired to love the outdoors – hiking, skiing, climbing – you name it, he's out there living his best life.

Tati Payne

Admissions and Marketing Director

Tati was born and raised in Las Vegas, NV and moved to Cedar City, UT to attend Southern Utah University. There she received her bachelor’s degree in Family Life and Human Development. It was also at this time that she began working as a residential mentor at Discovery Ranch for Girls and found a passion for working with struggling adolescents. She worked in a variety of roles within the program which led her to working in the admissions department. There she learned to love working with families and referring professionals. She is passionate about helping families navigate the challenges that come with needing therapeutic placement. Tati is thrilled to be part of the WayPoint Academy team and continue to support families through the admissions process. In her free time she loves spending time with her husband and dog, traveling to new places, and spending time outdoors.

Jared U. Balmer, Ph.D.

Co-founder

Jared grew up in Switzerland where he completed his undergraduate studies in microbiology. After moving to the U.S., he completed a M.Ed. in Educational Psychology and a Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy, both from Brigham Young University. His post-doctoral internship included extensive training with the late Milton H. Erickson, M.D., and Ray Becvar, Ph.D. in strategic therapy.Jared has taught as an adjunct faculty member at Brigham Young University, St. Louis University, and the University of Missouri at St. Louis (UMSL). He was a founding member of the St. Louis Family Institute. Courses he taught included: Parenting, Professional Studies, Family Law, Child Development, Parent-Child Relationships, Family Life Education, and Advanced Practicum in Family Therapy. Jared has published a number of professional articles and lectures on adolescent treatment-related topics to lay and professional audiences nationwide. He is the recipient of the 2004 National Leadership Award of the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP). He is a member of the Behavioral Health Advisory Board of the Joint Commission of Health Care Organizations (JCAHO).Jared’s professional career centers on adolescents and their families. He is one of the pioneers of a multi-disciplinary approach in the private sector of the residential treatment arena, integrating education, milieu therapy, recreational therapy, psychiatry, and psychotherapy. While living in the mid-west, he founded two treatment centers that served students with severe conduct and related disorders. Since returning to Utah, Jared co-founded Rivendell Psychiatric Hospital, Island View RTC, The Oakley School, and the Aspen Institute for Behavioral Assessment. Drawing on his vast experience and passion for working with adolescents, he has joined forces with other seasoned professionals to create WayPoint Academy, a specialized residential treatment facility for males with anxiety and relation problems.Jared is the youngest of three children who found himself often in trouble with his teachers, much to the dismay of his parents. He is married with three children and has three grandchildren. He is passionate about mountaineering, skiing, trekking, canyoneering, mountain biking, and horsing around with his grandkids Gab, Greg, and Elliott.

Mike Bulloch, L.C.S.W.

Co-founder

Mike has more than thirty years of direct clinical practice with adolescents and their families. He began his career as a therapist in a community-based psychiatric unit for kids and has built a diverse professional background that includes: serving as the clinical director for two prominent residential treatment programs and a therapeutic boarding school, as well as co-founding a specialty psychiatric hospital for teens with complex emotional and medical needs. While serving in these positions, Mike provided training and oversight to each program’s therapeutic team and added his experience, expertise, and vision to each facility. These programs treated youth who struggled with a wide range of disorders, such as substance abuse, eating disorders, behavioral issues, and mood disorders. These experiences propelled Mike to recognize both the needs and benefits of a more narrowly-focused treatment approach for kids who have severe anxiety that compromises their quality of life.In 2012, Mike co-founded WayPoint Academy, the first RTC in the nation that specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders for youth. Since its inception, WayPoint has been featured on the Today Show, NPR International, in “Angst,” an independent film about anxiety disorders, and was named Educator Hero of the year by the American Red Cross (2015). His extensive background includes assessment, anxiety, depression, executive function, personality development, family dynamics, and individual, family, and group therapies. Mike is a leader in the field and has spoken across the country on numerous topics, such as: Exposure and Response Prevention, Emotional Contagion, and The Anxious Family. He has led workshops at national conferences and is published. Mike is creative, eclectic, and direct in his therapeutic approach and thoroughly enjoys the opportunity to work with such diverse and amazing youth.Mike studied Social Work at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah. Though he was initially interested in community organization, he shifted his focus to psychotherapy and earned an MSW from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas. He has received specialized training in Exposure and Response Prevention through the Behavioral Therapy Training Institute.Mike’s interests include backpacking in Utah’s Escalante canyons, where he has spent decades exploring secret spots in remote areas of great beauty. He enjoys fly fishing, floating the great rivers of the West, and cooking Marcella Hazan recipes...or anything that includes New Mexico’s Hatch green chile. Mike loves to travel, especially in southern Italy. He enjoys listening to jam bands and live music. In his free time, he can be found hanging out with his wife, children, and friends or doting on his adorable granddaughter. Mike believes that during difficult times, we must focus on what is working in our lives, and feels the best therapy comes through helping others get in touch with what they already know.

Mel Hansen

HR Director

Bryce Davidson

Residential Director

Clinical Team

Mark Rainsdon, MSW, LCSW

Mark Rainsdon, MSW, LCSW

Clinical Director
Bryan Shores, CMHC

Bryan Shores, CMHC

Therapist
James Mason, MA, CMHC, CCAT

James Mason, MA, CMHC, CCAT

Therapist
Michael McColley, LMFT

Michael McColley, LMFT

Therapist
Kenny Senn-Cadotte, CSW

Kenny Senn-Cadotte, CSW

Therapist
Kathy Johansen, CSW

Kathy Johansen, CSW

Therapist
Heather Petty

Heather Petty

Recreational Coordinator

Mark Rainsdon, MSW, LCSW

Clinical Director

As the clinical director at WayPoint Academy, Mark Rainsdon, LCSW brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our team. Having earned a Master's in Social Work from the esteemed University of Utah, Mark possesses a range of qualifications that distinguish him as a specialist in the field. He has obtained certification as an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (ASDCS) and is a BTTI-certified ERP therapist. His expertise lies in aiding teenagers struggling with severe anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), along with students facing neurodiversity-related difficulties. In 2012 Mark got his start in the world of mental health by teaching social skills classes to elementary school students. Since then he has worked in various roles across the mental health field, including as a field staff and primary therapist in wilderness therapy and other treatment programs. Since first joining WayPoint in 2018, Mark has helped countless teens and their families find hope and overcome their mental health struggles. Outside of work, Mark's favorite things to do include time with his family, making things, and soaking up the great outdoors. Hanging out with his wife, daughter, and trusty blue heeler is his idea of a perfect day. But when he's not doing that, you'll find him in his woodshop, whipping up everything from fancy furniture to down-to-earth cutting boards. Being an Idaho native, Mark's practically wired to love the outdoors – hiking, skiing, climbing – you name it, he's out there living his best life.

Bryan Shores, CMHC

Therapist

Bryan Shores graduated from Radford University in Virginia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, with a minor in Criminal Justice. Bryan then received a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado. He has worked extensively with clients suffering from severe mental health issues, including schizophrenia, personality disorders, trauma and PTSD, suicidality and self-harm, ADHD, depression, anxiety, and co-morbid substance abuse. Bryan most recently worked in the wilderness setting and then a Residential Treatment Center here in Utah working with teenagers and their families struggling with anxiety, depression, and other similar mental health issues. Prior to moving to Utah five years ago, Bryan worked as a traveling in-home therapist for families and individuals diagnosed with Autism spectrum disorder. Through this experience, he provided psychotherapy to teenagers and young adults, as well as their families. He has worked in a private practice setting, providing therapy and treatment for clients struggling with anxiety, attachment issues, substance abuse, and other mental health disorders. Bryan is trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Play Therapy, Equine Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), and Brain Spotting, and utilizes therapy from a Person-Centered model. This has allowed him to cultivate a deeply humanistic approach that emphasizes connection, rapport, and care.Bryan is an avid snowboarder during the winter months, and enjoys rock climbing, mountain biking, camping, and hiking during the warmer months. He also enjoys attending live music events often, with his friends and family.

James Mason, MA, CMHC, CCAT

Therapist

I have known since undergrad that working and supporting those in the adolescent and young adult population is the dream! Someone once told me that the most effective way to change the world is to work with teenagers, and I couldn’t agree more. Adolescence can be a paradox: it is a beautiful period of discovery, examination, curiosity, and learning. On the other hand, adolescence is also challenging, frightening, exhausting, and overwhelming. This paradox applies not only to the adolescent, but to everyone in their immediate circle. Many teens carry a large number of demands, expectations, and pressures in conjunction with a lack of tools or skill sets at their disposal to tackle said demands. When we consider the various factors and nuances the average teen must accommodate for prior to having a fully developed prefrontal cortex, we can understand why many adolescents experience mental health issues. Having a foundational belief in the resilience and capabilities of adolescents is core to how I approach therapy.

Michael McColley, LMFT

Therapist

Michael is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) and grew up locally in Huntsville, Utah. He received his master’s degree in couples and family therapy from the University of Oregon and has dedicated his therapy career to working with LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. He has also worked extensively with couples and has considerable training in family systems and relational therapy. Michael believes that through therapy one can learn to become more accepting of life and its challenges and move toward living a full and satisfying life, even in the presence of anxiety, depression, and difficult emotions. Michael began his work with adolescents at Waypoint Academy in 2016 as a dorm counselor and worked as a staff member until October 2019; as a result, he has an in-depth understanding of the effectiveness of Waypoint as a residential treatment center and how it can help adolescents live a full and vital life once again. Michael utilizes various therapeutic modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), experiential therapy, existential therapy, structural family therapy, and the Gottman method. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his partner, learning languages, watching soccer, and practicing yoga.

Kenny Senn-Cadotte, CSW

Therapist

Kenny has 15+ years of experience working with adolescents and young adults in mental healthcare. She earned her Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology from Quincy University, and Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Montana. Kenny’s varied experience has led to an evolved approach working with students and their families that is integrative. This allows for a client-centered and family focused approach designed to adapt to the needs of the individual(s), especially as they evolve, grow, and change throughout the therapeutic process. Kenny’s education and professional experience as a clinical social worker have also grounded her in utilizing systems theory in her ongoing assessments. Kenny believes, as people, our way of thinking, behaving, and engaging is influenced by a variety of factors that work together as a system. It is critical to the sustainability of healthy and productive development to examine these multifaceted relationships and environments that impact how one thinks and acts so that students and families gain a deeper understanding of what is needed for lasting, transformational change.

Kathy Johansen, CSW

Therapist

Heather Petty

Recreational Coordinator

Academic Team

Jessica Hartman

Jessica Hartman

Asst Executive Director / Education Director
Gentry Peppin

Gentry Peppin

Associate Academic Director / Special Education Teacher
James Spencer

James Spencer

Math Teacher
Eldon Reed

Eldon Reed

Social Studies Teacher
Brittani Wilson

Brittani Wilson

English Teacher
Sheri Burnett

Sheri Burnett

Science Teacher
Ben Laslett

Ben Laslett

Physical Education Instructor
Addie James

Addie James

Art Teacher

Jessica Hartman

Asst Executive Director / Education Director

Jess grew up in Pennsylvania along with her identical twin sister, who is a science teacher. Growing up near the Appalachian Mountains cultivated her interest in science and nature. She graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in geology and anthropology. Jess moved to Utah to attend graduate school at the University of Utah in the Department of Geography, where she enjoyed exploring the Uinta Mountains while completing field work for her Master of Science degree. Her research focused on using geochemical and biological analyses of lake sediments to evaluate a record of atmospheric pollution and climate change in Uinta Mountain lakes. While completing her thesis, Jess also discovered her passion for teaching. As a graduate student, she was responsible for teaching various undergraduate courses for the geography department. Since graduating from the University of Utah she has taught science, geography and AVID over the past eight years. In her free time Jess enjoys hiking with her dog, backpacking, hiking, camping, climbing and reading.

Gentry Peppin

Associate Academic Director / Special Education Teacher

Gentry Peppin has been a member of the WayPoint Academic Team since 2016. Her career began with a degree in Mathematics for Secondary Education from Fort Lewis College and experience teaching junior high mathematics in the public school setting. She then transferred to WayPoint Academy and taught high school mathematics for six years. While at WayPoint, Gentry returned to school at Weber State University to obtain her endorsement in special education and followed that with a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University. While math will always be her first passion, she enjoys working as the Special Education Coordinator at WayPoint and supporting students in all aspects of their academic career.

James Spencer

Math Teacher

James grew up in Utah and has deep love for the outdoors and the rich offering of the mountains along with all outdoor activities Utah has to offer. He attended Weber State University initially to become an engineer. However, while attempting the math classes he noticed that he loved math and the challenges it presents along with having the ability to solve complex problems. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Mathematics, and a minor in Computer Science from Weber State University. Following graduation, James worked for various professional organizations that allowed him the opportunity to travel throughout the US, along with various countries abroad. He eventually decided to do what he loves most and that is to teach math. He went back to Utah State and graduated with his teaching certificate. James has taught in various private and public schools for ten plus years and he loves to help students overcome math barriers they might have. James enjoys visiting his five grown children that are now spread out throughout different states. When at home he loves to tinker with his motorcycle as well as other DIY projects.

Eldon Reed

Social Studies Teacher

Eldon is a native of Cache Valley Utah and a graduate of Utah State University. He received his bachelor’s degree in History Teaching with minors in Geography and Russian. he has had many experiences teaching in his community and in Russia prior to teaching history at WayPoint. While teaching, Eldon enjoys seeing the progress students can achieve and the growth that happens over time. Eldon enjoys any sports, hiking, biking and being outside in his spare time.

Brittani Wilson

English Teacher

Brittani graduated from Weber State University—earning a Bachelor of Arts in English and ESL teaching, along with a second minor in Spanish. She has a passion for teaching, as she has taught in various private and public Montessori schools for the past seven years. Brittani believes that an enthusiastic and knowledgeable teacher has the greatest impact on student learning and motivation. Brittani is a positive and tolerant human being who has chosen to make a difference through educating others. She is a proud mother to a beautiful, spirited daughter, Xiola. Some of Brittani’s interests include: music, travel, literature, yoga, health, and spending time with family and friends.

Sheri Burnett

Science Teacher

Sheri grew up in the small town of Oakley, Idaho. She graduated from Idaho State University with a degree in biochemistry. She is currently working on her Masters of Education at Western Governors University. Sheri has worked at Waypoint Academy since September 2013. Originally, she was a part-time science teacher and moved into an as-needed substitute teacher since 2016. Sheri loves the WayPoint community and the opportunity to genuinely make a difference in each student's life. Sheri’s interests outside of school include artisan bean-to-bar dark chocolate (and sharing it with everyone), nature, gardening, reading, and hiking.

Ben Laslett

Physical Education Instructor

Originally from Canterbury, England, U.K, Ben now lives in North Ogden, UT. He did most of his schooling in the UK, and graduated from Canterbury Christ Church University with a degree in Psychology with Sport and Exercise Science, followed by a Masters degree in Applied Sport and Exercise Psychology from the University of Chichester. Ben is also a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor and an English FA licensed soccer coach. Ben worked for several years as a coach within a professional youth soccer academy. He enjoys planning and leading the Physical Education program for the students and seeing them experience learning and enjoyment from sports and exercise. Ben loves soccer and was fortunate to have a long career as a semi-professional in the UK. Ben enjoys playing and watching sports, watching movies, hiking, and spending as much quality time as possible with his wife and two children.

Addie James

Art Teacher

Medical Team

Dr. Richard Davidson

Dr. Richard Davidson

Psychiatrist
Megen Avner

Megen Avner

Nurse

Dr. Richard Davidson

Psychiatrist

Richard Davidson, MD is a Board Certified Psychiatrist who received his medical degree from George Washington University in 1978. Following his internship, he spent his first six years as a physician providing primary care. Dr. Davidson returned to his schooling to complete his psychiatry residency at the University of Utah. He has spent over twenty years providing psychiatric care to children and adolescents in both the private and public sectors. He served as the first medical director of the inpatient child and adolescent psychiatry program at McKay Dee Hospital. In addition to consulting at Waypoint Academy, he is currently serving as the medical director at Weber Human Services in Ogden, Utah. Dr. Davidson is a retired flight surgeon from the United States Air Force Reserve. He enjoys bicycling, hiking, and spends a great deal of time with his wife and twelve grandchildren.

Megen Avner

Nurse

Megen was born in Driggs, Idaho and grew up in beautiful Alta, Wyoming. She later moved to Northern Utah where she graduated from Weber State University with an Associates of Arts in General Education and an Associates of Science in Nursing. Megen has worked as a Nurse for over 20 years. Prior to working here at WayPoint Academy, Megen worked in Women's Health, Gastroenterology, Geriatric care and Pediatric Psych. Megen and her husband have 4 amazing children and 2 dogs who love living in the Ogden Valley. They enjoy all of the outdoor activities such as snow skiing, water skiing, hiking, biking, and riding dirt bikes. They also love the sport of lacrosse and spend much time as a family traveling and playing.