Havenwood Academy Podcast

What role can recreation play in healing from trauma? In this episode, we sit down with Lydia Douglas, Recreation Specialist at Havenwood Academy, to explore how recreation therapy creates meaningful opportunities for healing, connection, and personal growth. Lydia shares her own journey with mental health, what inspired her to join Havenwood, and how hands-on experiences - from art and hiking to...

What does it take to help teens and families heal from complex trauma? In this episode, Havenwood Academy therapist Jeff Janes shares his perspective on trauma treatment, the importance of staying curious as a clinician, and why meaningful healing requires both flexibility and deep expertise. With nearly two decades of experience working with teens and families, Jeff discusses what drew him to thi...

What if the behaviors that frustrate parents and clinicians the most are actually survival skills developed through trauma? In this episode, Tana Frey, Therapist at Havenwood Academy, explores how trauma reshapes the way adolescents see the world, why traditional punishment-based approaches often fall short, and what real progress looks like long before behavior visibly changes. Tana shares how Ha...

What actually happens behind the scenes when a family reaches out for help? In this episode, Josh Gardner sits down with Nathan Hofeling, Admissions Director at Havenwood Academy, to break down the reality of admissions in behavioral health, from first call to life-changing care. They dive into what families are really going through in that moment of crisis, how trust is built early, and what sepa...

What if the problem isn’t that students can’t learn… but that traditional school systems were never designed for them in the first place? In this episode, we sit down with Andrea Morgan, Assistant Academic Director at Havenwood Academy, to explore how education changes when emotional safety comes before academic performance. Andrea shares how Havenwood is redefining what school looks like for stud...

What does the first day of trauma treatment look like for a young person arriving at Havenwood Academy? In this episode, Josh Gardner sits down with Preeya Alestas, Admissions Specialist at Havenwood Academy , to talk about the role admissions plays in creating a safe and supportive start to the healing journey. Preeya shares how her own background and passion for mental health led her to Havenwoo...

How do you use data to improve care without losing sight of the human story behind it? In this episode, Russell Williams, Director of Quality Assurance at Havenwood Academy, shares how thoughtful systems and real-time feedback help create safer, higher quality environments for youth in residential treatment. Russell explains how Havenwood tracks quality behind the scenes while keeping relationship...

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Stacy Holbrook, a Licensed Marriage and Family Child Therapist and clinician at Havenwood Academy. Stacy shares her journey from aspiring neonatal surgeon to passionate trauma therapist, and why she was drawn to Havenwood's unique ranch-based, experiential approach to healing. Discover what makes Havenwood stand out: deep compassion, unconditional s...

What does world-class trauma treatment actually look like in practice? In this episode, Caleb Cluff, Therapist and Equine Therapist at Havenwood Academy, shares what drew him to trauma work and why Havenwood stands out. From creating emotionally safe environments to integrating equine therapy, structured rhythms, and continuous improvement, Caleb offers a grounded look at how healing really happen...

In this episode, Jake Clayton, Executive Director at Havenwood Academy, takes us inside the daily realities of running a world-class behavioral healthcare program. Jake shares how he balances guest satisfaction, employee engagement, and program growth while making tough strategic decisions that prioritize mission over short-term efficiency. From navigating personnel challenges to overhauling train...

In this episode, we sit down with Connor Spellman , History and Social Studies Teacher at Havenwood Academy , to talk about what it’s really like to support students through consistency, connection, and everyday classroom moments that quietly change lives. Connor shares what drew him to Havenwood, how a year-round school model shapes his teaching, and why routine and reliability can be just as hea...

In this episode, we sit down with Shavonne Harris, Nurse Manager at Havenwood Academy, to explore what it truly means to provide world-class trauma treatment. Shavonne shares her journey into behavioral health, the daily joys and challenges of working with youth, and the small, intentional acts—like the “mom hugs”—that make a lasting impact on the lives of the kids she cares for. From building tru...

In this episode, we sit down with Heather Lopez, a Physical Education and Health Teacher at Havenwood Academy, student council advisor, and new swim coach. Heather shares her unexpected journey into residential treatment, what daily life looks like working with students in a trauma-informed environment, and why relationships are at the heart of everything she does. From witnessing the power of gra...

In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Janes, LCSW , a therapist at Havenwood Academy, to talk about what world-class trauma treatment looks like in practice. Jeff shares what inspired him to join Havenwood, how trauma-informed care shows up in everyday interactions, and what a typical day looks like working with students. He also reflects on the mindset that’s shaped his growth as a clinician, wh...

In this episode, we sit down with Amber Hudgins , Assistant Program Director of Staffing at Havenwood Academy , to talk about what truly makes trauma-informed care work. Amber shares her journey into behavioral health, what drew her to Havenwood, and why training, compassion, and understanding the “why” behind trauma are critical to creating world-class treatment. From powerful moments on the floo...

In this episode, we sit down with Julien Knight, English teacher at Havenwood Academy, to explore what makes this unique educational environment so impactful. Julien shares insights into a day in the life at Havenwood, the intentionality behind his teaching approach, and the traditions that make the academy special. From “screams of excitement” in the classroom to the upcoming expansion of athleti...

In this episode, we sit down with David Rees, a dedicated science teacher at Havenwood Academy, to explore how education and trauma-informed teaching intersect. With over 13 years of experience, David shares his passion for helping students with trauma backgrounds find wonder in science, develop emotional regulation, and grow both academically and personally. From hands-on lab experiences to every...

In this episode, we sit down with Kymber Hudgins , Neurofeedback Technician at Havenwood Academy , to explore the powerful intersection of trauma-informed care, brain regulation, and genuine human connection. Kymber shares her journey from Youth Mentor to Neurofeedback Technician, including the mindset shift that changed how she views trauma-impacted youth -not as “bad kids,” but as young people w...

In this episode of Havenwood Academy Podcast, we sit down with Jake Clayton, Executive Director at Havenwood Academy, to explore what world-class trauma treatment looks like in action. Jake shares insights into his approach to behavioral health, the systems and rituals that create meaningful experiences for students, and how his team balances high-level impact with compassion and care. From day-to...

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, Char...

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 connec...

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 journ...

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 pat...

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 person...

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...