Robyn is a 4th year student in the clinical psychology doctoral program at the University of Utah. Originally from the West Coast of Canada, she relocated to Salt Lake City for her graduate training and is enjoying the opportunity to explore a new set of mountains. Robyn received a B.S. in math and statistics from the University of Victoria and worked in a variety of industry positions before returning to school to study psychology.

Her research interests include behavioral manifestations of emotion dysregulation (e.g., substance use, self-harm, disordered eating) and the development of just-in-time interventions targeting these behaviors. Robyn has experience supporting adolescents in crisis through youthspace.ca, providing evidence-based psychotherapy and assessment services to young adults at the University of Utah Counseling Center, and conducting PTSD evaluations for veterans at the SLC VA. She welcomes the opportunity to work with clients of all ages and backgrounds.

John Ellis is a mental health nurse currently pursuing a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner doctorate degree at the University of Utah. He has experience working as a mental health nurse, serving children, adolescents, and geriatric populations. John’s clinical interests include mood and anxiety disorders and learning whatever he can from the wonderful staff at UCEBT!

John completed his bachelor’s in science degree in nursing at Brigham Young University. His hobbies include reading science fiction and fantasy novels, playing pickleball, and spending time with his family.

Charlotte is currently a 4th year student at BYU’s Clinical Psychology PhD program. Originally from London, UK, Charlotte is both an international student and a first-generation college student. As a graduate student, Charlotte uses quantitative methods to study effective treatments for problematic pornography use, and how personality variables affect romantic relationship outcomes.  

Charlotte has worked with a variety of clients performing both comprehensive psychological assessment and psychotherapy at Balance Health & Healing, BYU’s Comprehensive Clinic and BYU’s Counselling and Psychological Services. Her training is predominantly in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and she has experience with individual, couple, and group psychotherapy. Her particular clinical interests include women’s health, trauma, personality disorders, sexual concerns, and eating disorders.  

In addition to psychotherapy and research, Charlotte loves to teach undergraduate psychology classes. 

I am a psychiatric doctoral nurse practitioner student (DNP) with the University of Utah College of Nursing. I am pleased to join UCEBT for clinical placement starting summer 2021!

I have experience as a behavioral specialist working with school-age children in the school setting and adults with severe behavioral and intellectual disabilities. My clinical interests include trauma, children, teens/adolescents, families, and behavioral problems. However, I look forward to broadening my experience and knowledge base to help individuals and their families improve their quality of life.

I am originally from Logan, Utah, where I completed my LPN from BATC before receiving my Bachelor's in Nursing from Weber State University in 2016. I moved to Salt Lake City in 2018 to work at the University of Utah Hospital in the Burn Trauma ICU, where I am privileged to care for patients of all ages. My passion for burn care was immediate. I love every moment of helping my patients overcome the tremendous difficulties and trauma associated with a burn injury. They teach me every day about the moments that matter in life, resiliency, and the beauty of the human experience.

I am honored and thrilled to learn from everyone at UCEBT for the next year!

UCEBT's incoming DBT clinician, Jordan Kugler, will be presenting on Thursday, June 3rd at 4:00 p.m. at the 2021 Addictions Update Conference hosted by the University of Utah:

BUILDING A LIFE WORTH LIVING: COMPONENTS OF DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY (DBT)

"Building a Life Worth Living" will discuss the key components of full-model Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and review the research supporting treatment outcomes of DBT.

In this presentation we will review the core components of DBT and discuss the function of each as they relate to treatment targets at each stage of treatment and the core philosophy of dialectics which guides the course of therapy.

We will be using case examples to illustrate these points and help participants understand how a person who is in “hell”, characterized by emotional misery and chronic suicidal behavior, can create a “Life Worth Living” that is characterized by the pursuit of values and wisdom.

Participants will be provided with handouts and other resources that summarize the presentation and will allow for further pursuit of DBT-related research.

As a result of attending this session, participants will be able to:

• Explain the role and function of the core components of treatment adherent DBT; and,
• Explore the treatment targets of each stage of treatment within DBT and explain the philosophy of dialectics and key dialectical dilemmas that guide decision making in DBT.

Information and Research about Autism Spectrum Disorder

Research and Advocacy Groups

The Asperger/Autism Network (aane.org): helps people with autism spectrum and neurodiverse profiles build meaningful, connected lives by providing individuals, families, and professionals with information, education, community, support, and advocacy

Spectrum (Spectrumnews.org): provides news about the latest autism research

Autism Speaks (autismspeaks.org): Helps individuals with autism and families through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.

Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (autisticadvocacy.org): ASAN works to empower autistic people across the world to take control of their own lives and the future of their common community, and seek to organize the autistic community to ensure their voices are heard in the national conversation about Autism.

Autism Council of Utah (autismcouncilofutah.org): Advocacy group in Utah. Their page outlines several resources for families and professionals. They also link to community events aligned with their mission.

International Society for Autism Research (autism-insar.org): Scientific and professional organization devoted to advancing knowledge about autism. Their website includes past posters and presentations from events outlining the latest research

Organization for Autism Research (researchautism.org): organization founded and led by parents and grandparents of children with autism with a focus on awareness and advocacy

Synapse (autism-help.org): A website with fact sheets complied by mental health professionals about life skills, education, parent support, and resources for adults

SPARK (sparkforautism.org): landmark autism research project connecting researchers with autistic individuals and creating a community for autistic individuals and their families.

Lived Experiences

Hendrickx, S. (2015). Women and Girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Understanding Life Experiences from Early Childhood to Old Age

Attwood, T., Grandin, T., et al. (2006). Asperger’s and Girls: World-Renowned Experts Join Those with Asperger’s Syndrome to Resolve Issues That Girls and Women Face Every Day!

Grandin, T. (2013). The Autistic Brain: Helping Different Kinds of Minds Succeed.

Finding Mikey podcast (https://www.facebook.com/FindingMikeyPodcast/) Describes one family’s journey with autism, sensory processing disorder (SPD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Asperger’s syndrome. They share their experiences as a platform for inspiring others and providing helpful strategies for coping with these disorders. Episodes contain personal accounts and expert advice from doctors, lawyers, advocates, and other influential members of the community.

ASD and Intersectionality

Twainbow (twainbow.org): education and peer support for autistic individuals who also identify as LGBTQA+

Autism Speaks LGBTQ guide: https://www.autismspeaks.org/lgbtq-information-and-resources

AANE information for gender diverse individuals and gender identity support groups https://www.aane.org/topics/adults/lgbtq/

Autism in Black (autisminblack.org): Autism in Black aims to provide support to black parents who have a child on the spectrum, through educational and advocacy services. Also a podcast.

Information for Spanish-speaking families: https://www.autism-society.org/en-espanol/

Indian Health Service: Federal Health Program for American Indians and Alaska Natives- autism resources https://www.ihs.gov/icp/autism/

Services and Resources for Autistic Individuals and Families

National Resources

The Asperger/Autism Network (aane.org): Provides online support groups for individuals across age ranges, parents of young children and teens, parents of adults and more.

ADDitude -- Focus on ADHD, but also good information on ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders because they often present together.

 Autistic Self Advocacy Network -- ASAN works to empower autistic people across the world to take control of their own lives and the future of their common community, and seek to organize the autistic community to ensure their voices are heard in the national conversation about Autism.

College Consensus -- A resource for college options for students on the autism spectrum.

How to Make Sensory-Friendly Homes with Autism in Mind

Utah Resources

Namasté Center for Healing - Neurofeedback for Autistic, ADHD Individuals with Sensory Issues, Emotional Dysregulation, and more. Neurofeedback helps to rewire your brain. There is a lot of research that this amazing holistic treatment can reduce depression, anxiety, help with communication and sensory issues.

Autism Council of Utah -- Advocacy group in Utah. Their page outlines several resources for families and professionals. They also link to community events aligned with their mission.

Brigham Young University Autism Connect -- Provides ASD testing, resources for families, and conducts ongoing research. They have a current research participation opportunity for adolescents and women who may be on the spectrum. (https://education.byu.edu/autism/research-opportunity-for-girls-and-women)

University of Utah Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinic -- Provide ASD assessment, social skill and recreational groups for kids, individual/family therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Behavior intervention, school consultations, Early Intervention, research participation, and parent training

Spectrum Academy -- Spectrum Academy is the premier charter school in Utah for students with high functioning autism and others who would benefit from our unique learning environment. They provide small class sizes, with individualized instruction and innovative social skills curriculum. They help students reach their fullest potential academically, socially, and emotionally, leading to productive and successful futures.

Scenic View Academy -- A non-profit school in Provo for people with Autism

Matt’s Place -- Matt’s Place is a non-profit center focused on helping families and individuals with social and behavioral struggles, and those on the Autism Spectrum.

The Adult Autism Center (adultautismcenter.org): Gives resources for socialization, recreation, development, and involvement. Provides supports for daily living skills and vocational training.

Utah Parent Center (https://utahparentcenter.org/): Special education and advocacy service that provides information on how to access services for individuals with disabilities and can help families navigate the school system

Autism Learning Partners (website) (brochure) -- A national company with regional operations providing Center- and Home-Based ABA
 Therapy; Early 
Intervention; Diagnostic
 Services; Social Skills 
Program; Parent
 Collaboration; Speech, Occupational,
& Physical Therapy; Telehealth Services; Comprehensive
 ABA, and Focused
 ABA.

Books & Media

Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity by Devon Price, Ph.D.

But you don't look autistic at all by Bianca Toeps

Aspergirls: Empowering Females with Asperger Syndrome by Rudy Simone

Autism in Heels: The Untold Story of a Female Life on the Spectrum by Jennifer Cook O'Toole

Overcoming Autism: Finding Answers, Strategies, and Hope That Can Transform a Child’s Life, by Lynn Kern Koegel and Claire LaZebnik

A Parent's Guide to High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder, Second Edition: How to Meet the Challenges and Help Your Child Thrive, Edition 2 by Sally Ozonoff, Geraldine Dawson, and James McPartland

Understanding Autism in Adults and Aging Adults: Improving Diagnosis and Quality of Life by Theresa Rega

Simone, R. (2010). Aspergirls: Empowering Females With Asperger Syndrome. London: Jessica Kingsley.

The Autism Show podcast: http://autismshow.org/

Autism Quality of Life podcast: https://www.autismqualityoflife.com/

Girls Growing Up on The Spectrum: What Parents and Professionals Should Know About the Pre-Teen and Teenage Years by Shana Nichols

Neurodiversity in the Workplace

UCEBT's Assessment and Testing Program Director, Laura Rowley, Ph.D., recently presented this lecture on Neurodiversity in the Workplace: Strategies to Support Inclusivity. This presentation discusses ADHD and Autism, the strengths and barriers of each in the workplace, and how to facilitate enhanced inclusion and communication.

Resources & Trainings for Professionals

Sunfield Center for Autism, ADHD, and Behavioral Health -- Provides online workshops on ASD assessment tools like the ADOS-2 and ADI-R, as well as trainings on topics related to intervention, such as ASD and sexuality, and supporting adolescents with ASD transition to adulthood.

Vanderbilt Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders -- Provides online workshops on ASD assessment tools like the ADOS-2, as well as trainings/resources for educators, community professionals, and pediatric care providers. They have a series dedicated to delivering services via telemedicine for parents, educators, and clinical professionals (https://vkc.vumc.org/vkc/triad/covid19/)

Autistic Self Advocacy Network -- Engage with autistic voices to be effective allies.

International Society for Autism Research (autism-insar.org): Scientific and professional organization devoted to advancing knowledge about autism

ADDitude Provides free online webinars on topics related to ASD and neurodivergence. Professionals can register to attend live or receive links to the presentations.

Autisminblack.org for information on autism in black communities and the intersection of autism and culture. Opportunities for professional talks.

Recent Q&A from one of our psychologists

This is the full presentation from Dr. Laura Rowley regarding the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Thank you, Utah! We are thrilled to be voted runner-up for Best of Utah 2018 Mind & Body!

This is an on-going resource! Please help us grow our list by emailing  with your favorite BIPOC resources.

Utah Organizations

FocalPoint -- Run by two Licensed Clinical Social Workers and transracial adoptees, Stormey Nielsen, LCSW and Brandon Williams, LCSW, Focal Point offers services and resources for families and individuals in transracial adoptive homes. They offer support groups, parent coaching, workshops, and other valuable resources.

Curly Me! -- a Utah-based nonprofit organization that serves as a resource for families with child of color, specifically Black girls between the ages of 5-14 years. Through fun and interactive events and mentoring opportunities, they educate, empower, and encourage girls to be their best selves. This incredible organization began in 2015 and has grown to fill a hugely important need in Utah ever since. Stay up-to-date on the latest events by following their Facebook page or get involved by becoming a volunteer. To learn more about Curly Me! CLICK HERE.

Utah Center for Connection -- A Black, Indigenous & Communities of Color Collective, serving the needs of Utah County by intentionally centering relational intimacy, healing, and wholeness. They offer monthly workshops that are clinically informed, educational opportunities for community and connection. 

Robert T. Carter & Associates -- a forensic and organizational consultant group of licensed psychologists. RTCA works on a range of issues related to racial discrimination, hostile work environments, and racial harassment, specializing in race based traumatic stress. They offer analysis and assessments specific to determining the psychological and emotional effects of racial incidents and encounters. Their work assists legal teams and their clients to litigate cases, seek damages and modify policies to reduce racial harassment. They also offer consultation about racial issues and train professionals to recognize and access racial incidents for emotional and psychological effects.

Black Physicians of Utah -- Black Physicians of Utah strives to build a community of Black physicians, residents, interns, medical students, and aspiring physicians to be. They work towards achieving health equity for Black and underserved Utahns. They provide a platform for Black physicians and physicians in training and Utah's Black community to easily reach and connect with a physician they can trust to understand the day-to-day inequities they face while seeking medical care. Check out their Healthcare Provider Directory.

IMPACT Magazine --  Utah-based Tunisha C. Brown created IMPACT Magazine as a lifestyle print and digital publication. IMPACT’s mission is to empower, encourage, and to educate readers through the power of images and words. This daring and aggressive publication tackles the issues of life, by giving examples of ordinary people, living extraordinary lives. IMPACT educates the readers on health, wealth, and all things pertaining to who they are; challenging them to evolve into whom they are destined to become.

Outdoor Afro-- a nationwide nonprofit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. Outdoor Afro has more than 80 leaders in 42 cities across the United States including Salt Lake City, Utah. The Utah Meetup group is led by Ashley Cleveland and has a Facebook group that organizes events and promotes outdoor recreation for Utah's Black community.

National Organizations

The EMBRace Program -- The EMBRace Program is a 7 meeting family program that brings African American or Black identifying youth aged 10-14 and their caregiver together for conversations about race, cultural pride, discrimination, and stress management. At EMBRace, their goal is to reduce parent and adolescent racial stress, promote familial bonding, and improve psychological well-being. For an hour and half each week, families will engage in race-related conversations. They keep it fun by using different techniques like role-playing, debating, art projects, and media. Not only do families get to spend serious quality time together, they also receive compensation for their participation!

Dr. Alfiee M. Breland-Noble -- a pioneering psychologist, scientist, media contributor, author, speaker, and founder of the innovative BIPOC mental health nonprofit, The AAKOMA Project. She is a fierce advocate of #optimalmentalhealth for all and has spent 25+ years illuminating and reducing mental health disparities for diverse communities.

Village of Wisdom -- supports family organizing and advocacy entities working to eliminate racial injustice in schools. They develop tools and resources that help parents, teachers, and students create ideal learning environments for Black and Brown learners.

Broderick Sawyer -- a Connecticut-based clinical psychologist specializing in race-based stress and trauma, mindfulness and compassion. His workshops, lectures and consulting services are designed to help manage race-based stress and trauma, develop inclusive institutions and communities, decrease stress and increase emotional intelligence, and improve relationships. 

Dr. Isha W. Metzger -- a first generation American from Atlanta, Georgia by way of Sierra Leone, West Africa. Dr. Metzger is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Founder and Director of The EMPOWER Lab, Owner of Cultural Concepts, LLC, a Certified Therapist in Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), and she is the Mental Health expert for Salone Health, an organization dedicated to improving the health of Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad.

Addictions.com -- Statistics on addiction in BIPOC communities.

Innerbody.com -- Mental health resources for BIPOC communities.

BIPOC Therapists in Utah

While we are proud to have some fabulous BIPOC therapists on UCEBT's staff, we invite you to check out these other wonderful therapists in our community, too. Help us grow this list! Email  with additional BIPOC therapists that should be on our list.

Jameson Holman, LMFT -- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and owner of Lioncrest Counseling in Salt Lake City. Mr. Holman offers a variety of evidence-based approaches and accepts SelectHeatlh and HMHI-BHN insurances; focuses on "helping you refine the strength you already possess as you develop the confidence to become who you were born to be".

Melanie D. Davis, LCMHC -- Founder of Plae Therapy, an acronym for play-centered learning, attachment, and expressive therapies. Plae offers creative opportunities for play and exploration to children who may be seeking support with healthy attachments, mood-related disorders, anxiety, or other significant traumas. It means diving into the deep work in a safe, playful, and expressive way. Also founder of Planted Healing, Ms. Davis and her team offers high-quality, professional, and highly personalized psychotherapy and medication management for adults, adolescents, teens, couples and adults. 

Dr. LaShawn C. Williams, LCSW -- Dr. Williams is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and relational change strategist with a Doctorate in Education. She will help you identify your core self and create a values-based strategy for change in the relationships that matter most. Her two primary clinical approaches are Relational Cultural Theory and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Technology 

LIBERATE.CX -- A daily meditation app created for the Black community. "Liberate is the community to heal, create, and share. We believe that meditation is a sacred and important tool to express ourselves with our own medicine. As we share this medicine, we become more at home within ourselves. We become more at home in our bodies. We become more at home in our hearts. This is the path to liberation and freedom. This is what we are all seeking. Love."

YouTube

Our Mental Health Minute -- Clinical psychologists Riana and Shawn's YouTube channel features videos to reduce stigma about mental health in the Black community; provide resources in access, utilization, and quality of mental health care; increase mental health literacy (in a fun and relevant way!).

UCEBT's Related Presentations

Resilience Among Latinx Immigrant Families, COVID-19 Challenges, and Clinical Recommendations presented by Shelle Welty, Psy.D. & Cristina Chévere-Rivera, Psy.D.

Navigating Race and Racism: Future Frontiers of Evidence-Based Cultural Competence in Clinical Care presented by Kimberly Applewhite, Psy.D.

UCEBT is taking new clients for Autism evaluations to examine whether an individual meets criteria for ASD using evidence-based procedures, and also examines common rule-outs/co-occurring disorders such as ADHD, social anxiety, and/or OCD. For individuals age 6 through adulthood.

Our autism testing is not exclusively for children.

ADHD and ASD can be diagnosed in adulthood. Many adults may be experiencing chronic difficulties with meeting job expectations, organizing tasks, completing household chores, engaging in daily living activities, remembering obligations, and forming/maintaining healthy relationships. Often adult clients come to us with prior diagnoses of mood, anxiety, or personality problems, and are frustrated that previous treatments have been unsuccessful in helping them meet their goals.

Through assessment, we can determine whether there may be evidence for a missed ADHD or Autism diagnosis that accounts for pervasive lifelong problems.

Read more about Autism Testing for children and adults at UCEBT.

We are excited to announce Laura Rowley, PhD as UCEBT's new Assessment and Testing Coordinator! Check out this Q&A with Laura to learn more about her and her goals for the A&T Program.