Jake Forsyth COO
Founder
Jacob founded Willow Tree Recovery with his father Craig in 2010 with the idea of delivering behavioral health treatment in the most patient centered way possible. Having worked in family business it was always paramount to treat the employee and the customer in front of you with dignity, integrity and respect. This truly creates culture and an environment where people can heal and feel safe. Willow Tree was founded on these principles and continues to operate in this fashion. The mission will never change. We are small by design and richly staffed by design, allowing us to deliver some of the most client-centered care in the country.
Jake received his Bachelor's degree at the University of Utah and attended the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Colorado. Jake has been the past president of the Lindon/Pleasant Grove Utah Chamber of Commerce and a past board member for multiple businesses and not for profit organizations. His greatest is joy is being a father to his two beautiful adult daughters. He is also an accomplished and well traveled fly fisherman.
Laura McBride Dischmann
Admissions / Referral Relations and Recommendations
Laura McBride Dischmann is regarded as a leading voice in the behavioral health industry. With over twenty-five years of experience, her vision brings knowledge and compassion to all those she interacts with.
As a former owner of two nationally renowned treatment programs, her vision and leadership continue to set the path to customer service driven care. Laura is a national speaker and trainer on topics such as the importance of integrity in admissions and business development, collaborative action training, and the importance of hospitality driven care throughout the treatment experience. Laura's commitment to client advocacy and professional collaboration are second to none. "I learned long ago that excellence is not delivered from the top down, but rather from the inside, out. Hospitality should never be an afterthought. It is an absolute honor to work with the ownership and clinical team at Willow Tree Recovery. Having trusted the treatment center as a referring professional since the opening in 2011 (?), it is wonderful to be part of the culture in (what I consider) one of the country's best dual diagnosis programs".
Derry L. Brinley, DO
Medical Director
Dr. Brinley received his undergraduate degree from Weber State University in 1984. He continued his educational endeavors at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences where he received his medical degree. Dr. Brinley subsequently completed a Family Practice Residency and a General Psychiatry Residency at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. Dr. Brinley is Board Eligible in both General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. In addition to his responsibilities at Willow Tree he maintains a private practice in American Fork, Utah.
Cathy Collins
PMHNP-BC
Cathy Collins is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She has worked in mental health for over 7 years with patients across the lifespan. She has a broad range of experience caring for individuals with substance use disorders, including managing detox symptoms in both inpatient and detox settings. Cathy has had the opportunity of working with a variety of treatment facilities and understands the unique needs of the patient that is experiencing the discomfort of withdrawal. Her involvement in the field of substance abuse and addiction medicine, has helped further her passion for providing patient-centered care that is compassionate and genuine
Ryan F. Houston, PH.D.
Pyschologist
Dr. Houston graduated Magna Cum Laude from Brigham Young University with a B.S. in Psychology. He continued his studies at BYU where he received his Ph.D. in clinical Psychology. Dr. Houston has considerable experience as a therapist and specializes in diagnostic psychological assessment. His experience and knowledge will be invaluable in developing individualized treatment programs for Willow Tree residents.
Jerry Graves, FNP
Family Nurse Practioner
Jerry graduated from Utah Valley University as a Registered Nurse in 2002. Following graduation he pursued his academic objectives at the University of Utah where he received an advanced degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner. During his career he has developed a diverse background in healthcare to include 4 years as an active duty Navy Hospital Corpsman, 7 years at the Utah State Hospital working with patients burdened with chronic mental health disorders, and 10 years as an emergency room RN. Most recently Jerry has worked as a Family Nurse Practitioner in family and urgent care. Willow Tree is pleased to have Jerry as a member of our medical team and appreciates the experience and knowledge he brings to our professional staff.
Eliza Hamilton, RDN, CD
Certified Dietitian
Eliza is a wife, mom to the two busiest boys you will ever meet, professional multi-tasker, lover of all things food related, weight lifting enthusiast, and Registered Dietician. She enjoys gourmet cooking, laughing with her sons and husband and finding the time to do anything, literally, without the "help" of her two boys.
She received her nutrition degree and completed her dietetic internship through Brigham Young University. In her current nutrition practice, she teaches at Ameritech College of Healthcare in the Nursing program, supervises the Congregate and Meals on Wheels programs of Salt Lake County, and coaches individual clients in their personal nutrition and lifestyle pursuits.
Jeff Forsyth
Clinical Director
Jeff received his graduate degree in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling in 2013 and has been a practicing therapist at Willow Tree Recovery since that time. Jeff has an innate ability to quickly develop therapeutic rapport with clients allowing for a truly meaningful treatment experience. With specific interest and advanced training in trauma responsive care and family therapies, Jeff has been an integral partner in helping his clients move into a life of balance and purpose. "As a family member of a person in long term recovery I have a passion for working with people that suffer with addiction and mental health challenges. Tremendous healing takes place when we recognize the uniqueness in each individual we serve. When we become a partner, an advocate for our clients and families we can help to bring about a transformative experience".
Rex Albertson, CMHC
Primary Therapist
Rex Albertson has been a licensed therapist since 2004 and has worked at Willow Tree Recovery since 2012. He received a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Kinesiology from the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado in 1995 and went on to receive his Master's degree and clinical training in Contemplative Psychology from Naropa University, a small Buddhist University established in 1976 in Boulder, Colorado. Being trained in both Western and Eastern philosophy and therapy modalities gives him a unique balance in perspectives, allowing him to use a variety of therapeutic interventions to help clients begin healing. Rex has worked in residential treatment since 1999 and specializes in the treatment of Substance Use Disorder, trauma, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Depression, PTSD, emotional disregulation, and mindfulness-based practices. He was trained in EMDR in 2006, Attachment Focused EMDR in 2018 and then renewed his EMDR training in 2019. He is a certified instructior in DBT and has been training the practice of DBT skills since 2004. Rex also has education in Internal Family Systems, Brain Spotting and Neurofeedback, which have proven valuable in helping him develop individualized treatment plans for clients. He hopes that he can be a positive influence in his client's lives and give them the tools they need to be healthy and productive.
Catania Johnson CMHC
Primary Therapist
Catania Johnson graduated with her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2018. Prior to joining the team at Willow Tree Recovery she was the Program Director at a highly regarded Intensive Out-Patient dual diagnosis treatment center in Salt Lake City. Her work experience includes With a deep commitment to treating Substance Use Disorder from a trauma responsive foundation, Catania has completed multiple clinical trainings and holds certifications in EMDR, Psychodrama, and SE (in training). Catania values each client as a unique individual with specific treatment needs. In doing so her ability to foster deep, therapeutic connection is powerful in moving clients towards mental wellness and substance use recovery.
Danny Watson CSW
Primary Therapist
As a long-term member of the recovery community, Danny recognized after honorably serving in the Armed Forces the correlation between Substance Use Disorder and exposure to traumatic experiences. This led to his decision to earn a Master of Social Work Degree from the University of Utah as he graduated Magna Cum Laude with an emphasis in Mental Health. From there Danny began to work with our nation's veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health and Homeless Outreach Clinic. [until he landed at Willow Tree Recovery.] Danny's life journey has provided him with a unique insight into the human condition and a balanced empathetic view of the suffering experienced by others. Danny holds training and certification in EMDR, DBT, Solutions Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Wayne Sears CMHC
Staff Therapist
Wayne is licensed as a clinical mental health counselor and has worked in addiction recovery for over twenty years. He believes change is always possible and enjoys helping people realize their potential to change. He received his Bachelor's Degree from Southern Utah University in Sociology and completed his Masters Degree in Educational Counseling at the University of Phoenix. Besides working at Willow Tree he is a school Counselor for a local Junior High School.
James Mckay
Men's Case Manager
James is alumni from Willow Tree Recovery with over 10 years in recovery. James has worked at willow tree recovery since 2012. He has 9 years of experience working in both in-patient treatment as well as sober living. James recently graduated from Weber State University with a degree in mechanical engineering and firmly believes that every problem has a solution. James excels at developing well rounded aftercare plans for our clients and teaches the importance of structure and skills necessary for functional recovery as clients transition to their next phase of healing. When not working, James enjoys traveling, fly fishing and backcountry snowboarding. He firmly believes that outdoor recreation is one of the best ways to stay healthy and he leads by example.
Shalise Morgan
Women's Case Manager
Shalise Morgan has worked for Willow Tree Recovery since 2015. Prior to joining the team she was the manager for a sober living home specializing in caring for women in early recovery. Shalise is passionate about helping clients find a sense of purpose and the excitement that recovery has to offer. She works tirelessly in helping clients transition from Willow Tree Recovery through aftercare resources throughout the country. Her dedication to her clients is also recognized in her personal life.
Shalise holds the female record for 7 Mt Timpanogos summits and has run over twenty 100-mile races since becoming sober. She enjoys helping clients implement excercise and healthy nutrition during their time at Willow Tree Recovery and throughout aftercare planning.
Ian Felsch
Program Manager
Ian Felsch has been the program manager at Willow Tree Recovery since 2011. He has been working in the recovery field for over 15 years, to include Troubled youth programs and medical detox. He works close with clients in their day to day activities and helps manage programing and scheduling. Ian is an experienced rock climber and canyoneer'r, facilitating ropes courses and many other experiential's for the residents. Ian has struggled in his past with his own addictions and has been involved in long term sobriety using his past experiences to connect with clients and help further their recovery.
Keilani Daily
Client Care Coordinator
Keilani began her journey in recovery as a client at Willow Tree Recovery in 2012. Her treatment experience ignited a passion to pursue a career in behavioral health care. Keilani managed a medical detox program prior to joining the team at Willow Tree Recovery in 2016 as our Client Care Coordinator. Our clients enjoy working with Keilani as she coordinates all off site appointments, community activities, and so much more. Keilani shines as an example of what sobriety and mental wellness...Keilani continues to sponsor newly recovering women in the recovery community.
Pablo
Therauputic Concierge
Woof!