Executive Team

Clinton Dorny

Clinton Dorny

Executive Director
Greg McGary

Greg McGary

Admissions Director
Carolina Jeronimo

Carolina Jeronimo

Admissions Assistant
Matt Child, LCSW

Matt Child, LCSW

Clinical Director
Zackary Stewart

Zackary Stewart

Residential Director
Jake Galovich, SHRM-CP

Jake Galovich, SHRM-CP

Human Resource Director
Mike Talbert

Mike Talbert

Academic Director
Dan Mayer

Dan Mayer

Equine Director
Bre Englebrecht

Bre Englebrecht

Director of Utilization Review
Javier Sad

Javier Sad

Head Chef/Kitchen Manager
Lisa Tate

Lisa Tate

Office Manager

Clinton Dorny

Executive Director

At a very young age, Clinton realized that he could have an impact on others’ lives through service and being involved. He is happiest when he is making a difference in other’s lives. Clinton is married and has five children. He loves spending time with them doing just about anything. They are his life. Clinton uses the same principles that they teach at the Ranch at home with his kids. It works.Clinton started in this industry in 2000 and has worked in Wilderness, Therapeutic Boarding and Residential. Residential is where his heart is. He started out his career in admissions and helped start the ranch as the Executive Director in 2005. He loves his work and feels blessed to have found something that he loves to do and gets paid to do it. Discovery Ranch has been a passion for him in that he helps create experiences for others the way his parents did for him when he was young.

Greg McGary

Admissions Director

Greg McGary comes to us with years of life experience! He has worked as a field staff in multiple wilderness programs. A former business owner, Greg has traveled, working around the world. Greg is a husband and father to five children and raised them working on their farm. He loves hard work and the character it builds. He also enjoys the outdoors, and the adventures that life offers.

Carolina Jeronimo

Admissions Assistant

Carolina started working at Discovery Ranch in the summer of 2017 as a youth mentor working on the residential team. She has worked in different capacities over the years finding opportunities for growth and personal development. Working as a front line staff, supervisor, and program coordinator she has been able to work with many young men and families over the years and is excited to continue that work in admissions. She has a passion and love for helping and serving others. Growing up in Seattle helped her grow an appreciation for the outdoors. She loves adventures and visiting National Parks and some of her favorite hobbies are hiking, camping, dancing, reading and connecting with friends.

Matt Child, LCSW

Clinical Director

Discovery Ranch combines the two things that Matt feels passionately about – horses and working with youth. Whether he is stacking hay or riding a horse, Matt always seems to have his students with him. Having grown up on a family ranch, Matt is able to blend his therapeutic knowledge and skill with the daily tasks of ranch work in such a way that the students develop therapeutic insight without realizing it is happening. With a Masters degree in Social Work and nearly 25 years experience working with teens and their families, Matt brings a real-life perspective to some very clinically complicated family situations. The only things he enjoys more than horses and working with youth are his wife and his four wonderful children.

Zackary Stewart

Residential Director

Jake Galovich, SHRM-CP

Human Resource Director

Jake has always had a passion for helping others and working with people. He graduated from Utah Valley University with a Bachelors of Science in Biology and Music with High Distinction from the Center for Advancement of Leadership. Jake’s original plan was to continue medical school and become a doctor but he began working at Discovery Ranch during his last semester part-time and fell in love with the program. Making a difference in the lives of others is what Jake loves to do most. Jake has a long history as the go-to guy here at The Ranch. He has been a part of our team since 2012 and has spent time as our Music Director, Family Services Coordinator, Admissions Counselor, and now serves as the Human Resources Director, working with over 150 incredible employees. One of his greatest loves is traveling and exploring the wonders of the world. He considers himself a true foodie, always baking or cooking something new for everyone to try. Jake has a passion for music both teaching and performing, a huge love for his family, a skilled eye for detail, and a keen drive for perfection in everything he does.

Mike Talbert

Academic Director

Mike Talbert has been with Discovery Ranch since 2016. He started working here as the Special Education Coordinator and now very excited to be taking on the role as Academic Director. Mike was born and grew up in the midwest. He lived for about 30+ years in the Washington DC area, working for Marriott International. After retiring from Marriott he began working for a non-profit organization whose mission was for adults with autism. During his time in the DC area, Mike and his wife raised his six children. He received a Master's Degree in Special Education from Marymount University in Richmond, Virginia. In 2016 Mike moved to southern Utah with plans of opening a food truck business. That plan didn't gain too much footing, because he soon found himself working at Discovery Ranch. He truly enjoys being part of this business and constantly stays motivated by seeing the transformation that happens in the lives of these boys. “The program here addresses the ‘whole’ student with academics, leadership, responsibility, and social interaction.” His hobbies include drawing, wood burning, and woodcarving.

Dan Mayer

Equine Director

Dan was raised around horses and livestock. He began training horses professionally in 1980. He and his clients have enjoyed success in the show ring, including World, and Reserve World championships, as well as numerous top-ten finishes. He has won futurities in Reining, Cutting, and Working Cow Horse competitions. He has enjoyed judging privileges for 20 plus years, with the American Quarter Horse Association, National Reining Horse Association, and the National Reined Cow Horse Association. This has given him the opportunity to judge Equine competitions in the United States, Canada, and Europe.Beginning in 2014, Dan shifted his focus to working with at-risk individuals, using the principles gained from working with horses. In cooperation with the Mental Health experts, with the horses, emphasizing positive reinforcement as a key tool to facilitate change, he has shared the progress of people working with a variety of issues in treatment. He very much appreciates the opportunity to work with the talented team at the Discovery Ranch.Dan lives with his wife of 40 years and loves spending time with their kids and grandkids.

Bre Englebrecht

Director of Utilization Review

Bre has worked in Behavioral Health for over 15 years. She has an extensive Utilization Review background working with some of the leading mental health organizations nationwide such as Newport Academy and Embark BH. Bre has served in various leadership capacities over the years and took part in building multiple short- and long-term programs as well as assisted with Joint Commission accreditations, audits, etc. She finds great joy serving others and has a growth mindset. She is passionate about advocating for insurance coverage and being a voice for clients and families alike. She is an active member in her community and enjoys volunteering with her children when able. Bre and her partner have three children and spend most of their time outdoors, hiking, fishing, off-roading and camping. Her greatest joy is when they are spending time together.

Javier Sad

Head Chef/Kitchen Manager

Lisa Tate

Office Manager

Therapist

Matt Child, LCSW

Matt Child, LCSW

Clinical Director
Dorothy Ah Quin, MEd, LCMHC

Dorothy Ah Quin, MEd, LCMHC

Therapist
Ray Orbin, LCMHC

Ray Orbin, LCMHC

Therapist
Wendy Turnbow, Ph.D.

Wendy Turnbow, Ph.D.

Therapist
Jeanette Brown, LCSW, SUDC

Jeanette Brown, LCSW, SUDC

Therapist
William Perry Garso, LCMHC

William Perry Garso, LCMHC

Therapist
Jonathan Marshall, LCSW

Jonathan Marshall, LCSW

Therapist
Christopher Brown, LMFT

Christopher Brown, LMFT

Therapist and Neurodiverse Specialist
Joseph Tenney, LCSW

Joseph Tenney, LCSW

Therapist
Megan Stotts

Megan Stotts

Recreation Therapist
Shuri Bunting MS, TRS, CTRS

Shuri Bunting MS, TRS, CTRS

Recreation Therapist
Marissa Shin, TRS, CTRS

Marissa Shin, TRS, CTRS

Recreation Therapist
Candace Green

Candace Green

Associate Therapist ACMHC

Matt Child, LCSW

Clinical Director

Discovery Ranch combines the two things that Matt feels passionately about – horses and working with youth. Whether he is stacking hay or riding a horse, Matt always seems to have his students with him. Having grown up on a family ranch, Matt is able to blend his therapeutic knowledge and skill with the daily tasks of ranch work in such a way that the students develop therapeutic insight without realizing it is happening. With a Masters degree in Social Work and nearly 25 years experience working with teens and their families, Matt brings a real-life perspective to some very clinically complicated family situations. The only things he enjoys more than horses and working with youth are his wife and his four wonderful children.

Dorothy Ah Quin, MEd, LCMHC

Therapist

Dorothy began her professional career as an educator, working at a local high school as a special education and history teacher for 24 years. While still teaching, Dorothy began her transition to the behavioral health field in 2002, earning her Masters of Art in Educational Counseling, with an additional emphasis on mental health issues, while working on her Clinical Mental Health Counselor License. After earning her license, Dorothy continued to teach but began to work as a therapist at an adolescent residential facility, eventually becoming the Assistant Clinical Director. This work quickly became a life fulfilling experience. Dorothy cherished her time with youth, enjoying their unique personalities, optimism, and energy for life. She was grateful for the opportunity to guide, teach and help them to grow and begin to experience their potential. Eventually having retired from teaching and having practiced for 15 years as a therapist, Dorothy transitioned to working with adults, with a focus on substance abuse issues. She quickly became Program Director while working in this capacity. She is truly excited to now be working at Discovery Ranch and to return to work with youth. Dorothy remains dedicated to helping others see their own strength and ability, their power to overcome the most difficult of life’s challenges, and is a genuine, heartfelt, and fierce advocate for personal growth. Dorothy’s main areas of focus include anger management, assertive communication, family dynamics and codependency, academic issues, and trauma work. She also has extensive training in EMDR.

Ray Orbin, LCMHC

Therapist

It is obvious when you walk into Ray’s office…there are bears everywhere. There are pictures of bears, carvings of bears and bear figurines on his desk. When asked why, he says bears have always been dear to him ever since he was a kid. His nickname growing up was “Bear”.It was his roots in Missouri, being raised on a large farm with horses and cattle that drew Ray to Discovery Ranch. With over thirty years experience working with youth and their families, Ray is able to bring a seasoned approach to the therapeutic issues facing the students and their parents.Starting out in Education, Ray went on to get his Masters Degree in Psychology and has become a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. Over the years Ray has been the clinical director at two different organizations so he brings to the students a wealth of knowledge, understanding and clinical expertise.Ray and his wife own six horses they love to ride and train when not involved in their children and grandchildren’s numerous activities.

Wendy Turnbow, Ph.D.

Therapist

The students at Discovery Ranch don’t really care that Wendy has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology; a Masters Degree in School Psychology, a Doctorate Degree in Counseling Psychology and over 30 years of work experience. They just know that her infectious smile, caring attitude, and no-nonsense demeanor is a perfect blend as they struggle through some clinically complicated family concerns. Having the topic of her dissertation on the effectiveness of experiential therapy, Discovery Ranch was the perfect fit. “Outdoors & Active” has been her motto over the years as she has been involved in summer camps, winter camps and ski school. She has also had the opportunity to be involved in the compassionate service of “Dance Therapy” with preschool-aged children.“Every experience these boys have is an opportunity for therapeutic insight.”

Jeanette Brown, LCSW, SUDC

Therapist

The fact that Discovery Ranch has horses and each student is assigned a newborn calf when they are enrolled in the program is something very familiar to Jeanette. You see, she was raised on a dairy farm herself, so combining the therapeutic experience of over twenty-five years with a ranch experiential setting was like coming home for her.She has an abundance of therapeutic experience assisting students and families to navigate the rough waters of depression, anxiety, and trauma. Jeanette exemplifies the notion of “Taking the time it takes” to learn and develop competency in what you are doing. This sense of patience and understanding is the key to providing safe, effective therapy and interventions.Jeanette enjoys doing activities with the students that she works with from growing a garden to cooking, building, and working with wood. Jeanette is skilled in wood carving. She has each boy carve or wood burn a walking stick that represents his therapeutic journey from their past, present and future. The boys enjoy these activities and the process allows for therapeutic conversations that would otherwise never happen.

William Perry Garso, LCMHC

Therapist

With over 35 years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and related conditions and over 25 years of experience as a behavior specialist, William Perry Garso is more than qualified to fit right into the Discovery Ranch family. He has been happily married for over 40 years. He and his wife have raised 3 wonderful children to adulthood and they now continue as foster parents for children and young adults with intellectual and mental health issues. With numerous awards in competitive swimming, music, and martial arts, Perry is particularly excited to share his interests with our boys here at Discovery Ranch. But don’t let his enthusiasm for Harley Davidson motorcycles and his military background fool you. Perry has a firm but warm and supportive personality. His encouraging style of interaction will draw you in from the get-go and you can immediately see the passion he has for working with adolescents and helping families. We are thrilled to have Perry as part of the Discovery Ranch team!

Jonathan Marshall, LCSW

Therapist

Jonathan earned his BS in Social Work and a Masters in Clinical Social Work. Most of his career has been spent helping adolescents and their families achieve peace and unity based on shared values.Prior to the Ranch Jonathan has worked as an employment/education counselor for teens, foster care case manager, and a program manager of a specialized teenage foster child program.Jonathan finds joy working with teens and parents who are in crisis and desire change but need additional assistance to reach their goals. Because everyone is different, his therapeutic approach is based on the unique needs of each family. Always looking for a new challenge, Jonathan uses a strengths-based approach to empower others, while addressing the underlying issues necessary to facilitate healing and growth. He loves the rain and being outdoors.

Christopher Brown, LMFT

Therapist and Neurodiverse Specialist

Chris is originally from Southern California and graduated from Pepperdine University in the beautiful city of Malibu with his Master’s in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Shortly thereafter he transplanted to Utah hoping to build a career helping youth and their families. He brings to us many years of working with families of kids with autism, depression, ADHD, and anxiety.He is also Ropes Course Certified. One of his group highlights is creating and implementing a cross country group where we participated in 5Ks and 10Ks winning many racing awards across the State of Utah. He also took a year teaching as an adjunct professor at Utah Valley University in the Family Behavioral Health Division teaching Interpersonal Communications, Family System, and Dynamics and Family Finance.Chris joined the Discovery Ranch team with over 15 years of experience working with adolescents. He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has worked in numerous different settings.Chris enjoys being outdoors, jogging and hiking through the Utah Mountains or biking some of its scenic trails. Chris also enjoys being with family and friends, horseback riding and taking care of his three beautiful tortoises respectively named Spartacus, Andromeda, and Perseus.

Joseph Tenney, LCSW

Therapist

Joseph Tenney, LCSW lives in Springville, is married to Alisha, and had 4 boys from age 8 to 17. In the last 18 years, Joseph Tenney, LCSW has provided over 15,000 hours of therapy. He worked for several years with Scenicview Center, and more recently 2 years with Discovery Academy in Provo. He worked for 13 years at LDS Family Services, a non-profit Counseling and Adoption Agency (10 years were in Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio). He loves his own private practice, “Smile Again Counseling.” He has also directed social work in a hospital, a skilled nursing facility, and for an IOP program treating substance abuse and domestic violence. Throughout the years he also has also provided counseling and groups in Spanish. He is very experienced in helping clients heal from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), emphasis in sexual trauma, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety, depression, anger, and addictions. Joseph has a passion for helping his clients change and thrive. Using his natural therapeutic ability, Joseph assists others by removing barriers to succeed in life and relationships. He is energetic, optimistic, compassionate, and loves finding joy in life. He has a wide variety of therapeutic practices that include Brainspotting, Experiential, Rogerian, Mindfulness, Humanistic, Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Outside of work, Joseph enjoys building character in youth as a volunteer basketball coach. Other things that make him smile are his family, sports, spirituality, gardening (especially his 12 fruit trees), music, theater, literature, and technology.

Megan Stotts

Recreation Therapist

Megan has three main passions in her life: animals, helping people, and her family. Two of those passions are encompassed with her job here at the ranch. She was originally going to become an elementary teacher but when she found out she could work with youth doing experiential activities versus math and science she was all in! She graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor's degree in recreation therapy. She joined Discovery Ranch in 2009. She absolutely loves her job and the youth here. Megan believes that every person is a good person, it’s the choices we make that define us.

Shuri Bunting MS, TRS, CTRS

Recreation Therapist

Shuri is a recreational therapist at the Ranch. She has worked in residential treatment for over 15 years and can’t imagine herself doing anything else. She is originally from Florida and her heart aches for the ocean and sunshine, although she does love all the beauty and adventure that come with living in the mountains. She is the mother of two daughters and enjoys spending her free time going to her family cabin in southern Utah and creating new memories. She is passionate about hiking, traveling, and learning new things. Working at the Ranch allows her the opportunity to learn something new and meaningful every day and that adds tremendous value to her life.

Marissa Shin, TRS, CTRS

Recreation Therapist

In 2014, Marissa took the leap and moved more than 2,000 miles away from home in hopes of figuring out what she wanted to become as she continued to navigate this thing called life. A few years into college, she hit a pivotal period of time where she struggled with her beliefs and everything that made her who she was. During that time, a friend introduced her to rock climbing, and soon after she bought her own gear and began climbing several times a week. But going climbing meant more than just ‘going climbing’. It was therapeutic and freeing. Being tied into the rope and 50 ft up off the ground meant she couldn’t give attention to anything other than “the here and now”. She learned very quickly of mindfulness and being present. Her commitment to climbing not only made her physically stronger but, more importantly, mentally stronger. She gained a newfound confidence and strength in herself. It all started with climbing but eventually led to new adventures and fostered her curious nature and energy towards mountaineering, mountain biking, trail running, canyoneering, and so much more. Her experiences and adventures have given her gifts that are priceless and lifelong.In her studies, she started out with music composition and violin performance which then somehow led to studying biochemistry and organic chemistry. After a while, she switched over to Nutrition and Dietetics which led to her final stop, Recreation Therapy. The combination of her own experiences along with her studies opened up a world of possibilities to give other people the opportunity to grow and learn through Recreation Therapy.Marissa has felt the pain of struggling in life, of not knowing what to do or how to do it. She has also struggled with the idea of therapy and if it would be helpful. Through time and the love from the people around her, she came to know of the joy and happiness that comes from learning to trust again and putting in the effort even though it is difficult in all aspects. As a Recreation Therapist, she believes that everyone deserves a chance to trust again, to grow, to be happy, and to be loved. Through her work, she strives to work with the boys on the Ranch to give them what they need to flourish in life.

Candace Green

Associate Therapist ACMHC

Candace Green was born and raised in Southern California and now calls this beautiful mountain state home. She has worked with youth in her community for the last 15 years mentoring and fostering growth through diversity. Candace is skilled in DBT and ART therapy models and uses a strengths-based approach to help students reach their highest potential. She is well-versed in multiple trauma-focused therapy modalities and her eclectic therapeutic approach helps growth and healing take place in multiple dimensions including mental, physical, and social domains. Candace’s goal is to facilitate a safe space that invites individuals to live with intention, purpose, optimism, and emotional self-resilience.

Program Coordinators

Leslie Giles

Leslie Giles

Aftercare/Transition Coordinator
Kacy Miller

Kacy Miller

Program Coordinator
Cindy Harwood Clark

Cindy Harwood Clark

Program Coordinator
Andrew Monney

Andrew Monney

Experiential Coordinator

Leslie Giles

Aftercare/Transition Coordinator

Leslie has worked in a Residential setting for over twenty four years. Just when she thinks she has “seen it all” she sees and learns something new. Working in an Experiential setting has been one of the greatest experiences of her life. She loves the personal growth she has seen in herself and in the people that she works with. Leslie is married to a wonderful man and has three kids and three grandkids. She likes to go to work, golf, camp, ride 4 wheelers and hang out with her family. Leslie loves people that make her laugh and watching the kids achieve and grow.

Kacy Miller

Program Coordinator

Kacy's outgoing personality and fun nature are a perfect fit for the residential team at Discovery Ranch. Kacy comes to us with 13 years of experience working for an insurance company as an office manager, with a break to stay home full time with her 3 daughters before returning to work in an autism preschool for 3 years. She started her work at DR in May 2019 doing doctor runs and mentoring in the house. She loves the passion and vibe that can be felt here so when a full-time position became available she couldn't pass it up. She believes in this program and finds gratification in helping others to embrace their journey. In her free time, Kacy loves spending time with her girls. She is an avid Utah gymnastics fan and loves cheering on the Utes!

Cindy Harwood Clark

Program Coordinator

Andrew Monney

Experiential Coordinator

Academics

Mike Talbert

Mike Talbert

Academic Director
Tonya Silva

Tonya Silva

School Counselor, English Teacher
Evie Jensen

Evie Jensen

Curriculum Room Manager
Ann Bayles

Ann Bayles

Special Education Coordinator/ English Teacher
Jordan Smith

Jordan Smith

History Teacher
Brittany Jezek

Brittany Jezek

Math Teacher
Gary Stoddard

Gary Stoddard

English Teacher
Dan Okerlund

Dan Okerlund

Science Teacher
Mark Davis

Mark Davis

History Teacher
Jacob Hickey

Jacob Hickey

Curriculum Assistant Manager
Hayden Headworth

Hayden Headworth

Science Teacher
Brian Preece

Brian Preece

History Teacher

Mike Talbert

Academic Director

Mike Talbert has been with Discovery Ranch since 2016. He started working here as the Special Education Coordinator and now very excited to be taking on the role as Academic Director. Mike was born and grew up in the midwest. He lived for about 30+ years in the Washington DC area, working for Marriott International. After retiring from Marriott he began working for a non-profit organization whose mission was for adults with autism. During his time in the DC area, Mike and his wife raised his six children. He received a Master's Degree in Special Education from Marymount University in Richmond, Virginia. In 2016 Mike moved to southern Utah with plans of opening a food truck business. That plan didn't gain too much footing, because he soon found himself working at Discovery Ranch. He truly enjoys being part of this business and constantly stays motivated by seeing the transformation that happens in the lives of these boys. “The program here addresses the ‘whole’ student with academics, leadership, responsibility, and social interaction.” His hobbies include drawing, wood burning, and woodcarving.

Tonya Silva

School Counselor, English Teacher

Evie Jensen

Curriculum Room Manager

Ann Bayles

Special Education Coordinator/ English Teacher

Ann Bayles has been working at Discovery Ranch since November 2017. Ann went to the University of Utah, where she studied Biology and English and graduated from Weber State University with a teaching degree in English and Psychology. She has a Master’s degree in Special Education as well as a Secondary Reading Endorsement. Ann was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and moved to Layton, Utah before she started elementary school. She lived in Layton for her whole childhood and graduated from Layton High school.One of her favorite quotes that describe how she feels about teaching is by Rita Pierson – “Every child deserves a champion – an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.”

Jordan Smith

History Teacher

Jordan Smith is from Salem, Utah where he lives with his wife and 3 children. Jordan graduated from Brigham Young University in 2015 with a B.S. in History. While at BYU, he was a member of the football team where he played wide receiver. Upon graduating he pursued his passion for teaching and was hired to teach at Payson Jr. High School, where he teaches US History. We are excited to have him as a part of our academic program. Jordan enjoys and avidly follows all Boston sports teams and enjoys being in the mountains, spending time with family, and reading a good book.

Brittany Jezek

Math Teacher

Gary Stoddard

English Teacher

Dan Okerlund

Science Teacher

Mark Davis

History Teacher

Jacob Hickey

Curriculum Assistant Manager

Hayden Headworth

Science Teacher

Brian Preece

History Teacher

Medical

Dr. Derry Brinley

Dr. Derry Brinley

Psychiatrist
Megan Frost

Megan Frost

Nurse, RN
Kyla Cox

Kyla Cox

PRN

Dr. Derry Brinley

Psychiatrist

Dr. Derry Brinley is our psychiatrist and we are thrilled to have him at Discovery Ranch. He has been a psychiatrist for 17 years and has had many years working with adolescents. He was Child & Adolescent Trained at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has had a variety of experiences from acute to residential to mental health. Dr. Brinley is conservative in his med management and tends to look at root issues and the big picture. One of the big pluses with Dr. Brinely is that he enjoys working closely with each therapist on a weekly basis.

Megan Frost

Nurse, RN

Megan is the full-time registered nurse at Discovery Ranch. Megan graduated from AmeriTech College and became a registered nurse in 2021 and jumped head first into her career as a nurse by working in the ICU. When the opportunity to work at Discovery Ranch presented itself to Megan, she jumped at the chance knowing that working with children and teens has always been her passion. Megan believes in practicing medicine that is in the best interest of her patients. While Megan is passionate about utilizing evidence-based practices, she also believes in the power of empathy and love. Outside of work, Megan can be found reading, listening to Taylor Swift, or spending time with her family. As a Utah native, Megan loves exploring the beautiful sites around Utah as well as travelling to new places. Some of her greatest strengths are her ability to listen, empathize and advocate for her patients in every environment. Megan believes that by providing a safe environment for her patients, she allows them to be their true selves and reach their highest potential.

Kyla Cox

PRN

Kyla is our full-time Registered Nurse here at the Ranch. While still being a young professional, Kyla has experience working in residential treatment with adolescents and helping them reach their fullest potential. She has a passion for health and wellness and is specifically driven to provide the best level of care to those she serves. Kyla graduated with her Associate of Science in Nursing from Ameritech College of Healthcare. Being in the top of her class, she is known to be committed and dedicated to work hard and get the job done. Kyla is a kind-hearted and outgoing girl who loves to be outside in nature. She enjoys spending time with family and friends going camping, fishing, snowmobiling, and playing games. Although her time at the Ranch is committed to being a Registered Nurse, you will most likely find Kyla engaging with others and creating meaningful relationships. You can always count on Kyla for a listening ear and a charismatic charm. At the end of the day, Kyla believes that everyone has a story that deserves to be told.

Experiential Campus

Dan Mayer

Dan Mayer

Equine Director
Jake Child

Jake Child

Equine Assistant

Dan Mayer

Equine Director

Dan was raised around horses and livestock. He began training horses professionally in 1980. He and his clients have enjoyed success in the show ring, including World, and Reserve World championships, as well as numerous top-ten finishes. He has won futurities in Reining, Cutting, and Working Cow Horse competitions. He has enjoyed judging privileges for 20 plus years, with the American Quarter Horse Association, National Reining Horse Association, and the National Reined Cow Horse Association. This has given him the opportunity to judge Equine competitions in the United States, Canada, and Europe.Beginning in 2014, Dan shifted his focus to working with at-risk individuals, using the principles gained from working with horses. In cooperation with the Mental Health experts, with the horses, emphasizing positive reinforcement as a key tool to facilitate change, he has shared the progress of people working with a variety of issues in treatment. He very much appreciates the opportunity to work with the talented team at the Discovery Ranch.Dan lives with his wife of 40 years and loves spending time with their kids and grandkids.

Jake Child

Equine Assistant