In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, therapist Charity Lynch shares how her own childhood trauma - and later, her son’s struggles - shaped her path toward becoming the calm in the storm for teens at Havenwood.

From breaking down trauma responses in a way kids can finally understand, to helping students regulate with equine therapy, to bringing Bruce Perry’s Six Rs to life across campus, Charity offers an inside look at what real healing looks like day-to-day.

She also opens up about the emotional reality of the work: the breakthroughs, the setbacks, the laughter, the rituals that keep her grounded, and the incredible joy of seeing students who once felt hopeless step into college, careers, and lives they never thought possible.

Whether you work in behavioral health, education, or simply care about healing relationships, this conversation will inspire you and stay with you.

In this heartfelt episode, Megan Quintana, Licensed Practical Nurse at Havenwood Academy, opens up about her unique path into trauma-informed care for adolescent girls.

Growing up in a foster home that welcomed teenage girls, Megan shares how those early experiences drew her to psychiatric nursing, why even the smallest nursing moments (like pulling out a sliver) can become profound healing connections, and what “world-class” trauma treatment really feels like on the ground.

From emotional parent thank-yous to the magic of Wednesday Sandwich Day and Havenwood’s relentless culture of continuous improvement, this conversation is full of hope and humanity.

Essential listening for parents, clinicians, and anyone who believes compassionate care can change (and save) young lives.

In this episode, Tana Frey, Assistant Clinical Director and Therapist at Havenwood Academy, shares her 21+ years of experience in adolescent treatment. She discusses the realities, challenges, and rewards of working in the field, offering an insider’s perspective on trauma-informed care, building safety and trust with students, and creating supportive team environments.

Tana reflects on her journey - from her first experiences in wilderness therapy to her current role at Havenwood - highlighting what makes the organization unique, the importance of self-care, and how staff, students, and families can navigate the highs and lows of this work.

Whether you’re considering a career in adolescent therapy, already working in the field, or curious about trauma-informed care, this episode is full of insight and encouragement from someone dedicated to helping youth thrive.

In this episode, therapist Riley Anguiano shares her journey to Havenwood Academy, what a typical day looks like on the clinical team, and the intentional habits she practices to stay grounded outside of work. She opens up about what healing truly looks like, why progress is often seen in small glimmers, and the moments that remind her Havenwood is different. Riley also touches on her personal path toward full licensure and the exciting developments within the team as they evolve and improve systems in Cedar City.

A short, honest, and heartfelt look at the people behind the mission.

In this episode, Josh Gardner sits down with Nathan Hofeling, Director of Admissions and Business Development at Havenwood Academy, to explore how the admissions process and treatment experience have evolved for families seeking help. Nathan shares powerful insights on trauma-informed care, creating safety for families, and the innovations that make Havenwood’s approach truly unique - from personalized admissions days to neurofeedback therapy that literally rewires the brain.

Listeners will learn about the academy’s 100% pre-admission interview rate, 5% transport rate, and 85% completion rate - and what these numbers say about success and healing.

In this episode of the Havenwood podcast, we sit down with Andrea Morgan, the Assistant Academic Director at Havenwood Academy. Andrea shares her journey in the field of education, her experiences working with teens in residential treatment, and how her role at Havenwood has evolved. She discusses her teaching philosophy, the importance of individualized learning, and how Havenwood's academic team collaborates with the therapeutic staff to support students through their recovery. Andrea also touches on her personal growth and the impact her work has had on her parenting. Tune in for an insightful conversation about trauma-informed education and continuous improvement in a therapeutic school environment.

In this episode of the Havenwood Academy Podcast, host Josh Gardner sits down with Blaine Hofeling, Founder and General Counsel of Havenwood Academy and the HOPE Group. Blaine shares his remarkable journey from practicing law to creating a nationally respected residential treatment center focused on early childhood trauma and attachment issues.

We cover:

• Blaine’s transition from attorney to treatment center founder
• How personal experiences with childhood adversity shaped his mission
• The challenges and lessons learned in risk management
• Overcoming early struggles to build a thriving organization
• The power of narrowing focus and serving high-need populations

This is a candid look at the perseverance, values, and lessons behind Havenwood’s success and its unwavering commitment to young people who need hope the most.

In this episode of the Havenwood Academy Podcast, host Josh Gardner sits down with Janie Sabin, Havenwood’s long-standing Human Resources Director. Janie shares her journey from paralegal to one of Havenwood’s very first employees, reflecting on over a decade of shaping the organization’s culture and people systems.

She dives into:

• How her legal background shaped her HR leadership
• Lessons learned about trauma, empathy, and personal growth
• Building strong staff culture and long-term retention
• Parenting insights gained from working in residential treatment
• Navigating licensing, regulation, and industry challenges
• Why Havenwood’s mission and values continue to attract and inspire

Whether you’re a parent, professional, or someone curious about what it takes to run a world-class treatment program, this conversation offers honesty, wisdom, and hope.