Our Staff

Eric Landon, MSWi, CTRS, TRS, MBB

Executive Director

eric@avycs.com

Eric earned his degree in Recreation Management and Youth Leadership with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation. For more than 30 years, he has dedicated his career to serving individuals and families affected by mental health and substance use challenges, working with both youth and adults across a variety of treatment settings.

Throughout his career, Eric has held numerous clinical, supervisory, and leadership positions, providing him with extensive experience in behavioral health services. His work has included residential treatment, day treatment, outpatient services, and program administration. Eric’s dedication and leadership eventually led him to serve on the Executive Leadership Team of a county mental health program overseeing 900-plus employees across 3 counties. In this role, he gained valuable insight into the interaction between behavioral health agencies, community stakeholders, and state and local government systems, as well as the policies and procedures that influence mental health and substance use treatment services.

Eric is committed to ongoing professional growth and evidence-based practice. In April 2024, he became certified in Mind-Body Bridging through Utah State University, expanding his ability to help individuals better understand and manage stress, anxiety, trauma responses, and self-defeating patterns. He is currently completing his Master of Social Work degree through the University of Denver, with an anticipated graduation date of November 2026.

Driven by a vision to provide compassionate, effective, and accessible behavioral health services, Eric founded A.V.Y Counseling Services in August 2013. Since its inception, he has remained committed to delivering high-quality care that promotes healing, accountability, personal growth, and long-term well-being for the individuals, families, and communities served by the agency.

Robert Trevenen, LCSW, EMDR

Clinical Supervisor, Therapist

bob@avycs.com

Robert “Bob” serves as the Clinical Supervisor for A.V.Y. Counseling Services and brings more than 23 years of experience in mental health, substance use disorder treatment, trauma recovery, and clinical supervision. Before becoming a therapist, Bob worked as an EMT and wilderness firefighter, experiences that helped shape his calm, resilient, and service-oriented approach to helping others through difficult situations.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Substance Use Disorder Counselor, Bob is EMDR certified and utilizes a variety of evidence-based approaches, including CBT, DBT, Mind-Body Bridging (MBB), motivational interventions, and experiential therapies. He is passionate about helping individuals overcome challenges related to trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, and life transitions while building practical skills for lasting change.

As Clinical Supervisor, Bob provides guidance and mentorship to clinicians while helping maintain high standards of care throughout the agency. His leadership, insight, and approachable style contribute significantly to the quality of services provided at A.V.Y. Counseling Services. Clients and colleagues alike appreciate his humor, authenticity, and ability to help people see challenges from a fresh perspective.

Outside of work, Bob enjoys spending time with family and pursuing a variety of outdoor interests. An avid fisherman with more than 50 rods and reels, he is always ready to share a fishing story. He also enjoys the outdoors and has developed quite a collection of chainsaws—more than 18 and counting—which he puts to good use cutting down trees and tackling projects. Whether in the office, on the water, or in the woods, Bob values hard work, perseverance, and finding enjoyment in life’s simple adventures.

Carlie Crane, MS, CMHC, EMDR

Clinical Director, Therapist

carlie@avycs.com

Carlie is an extraordinary individual with a remarkable ability to feel what another person is feeling, and she has considerable compassion and empathy to help her clients feel understood and heard.  Carlie completed her education with a Master of Science in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University.  Carlie has always been concerned for the well-being and safety of others, and her research surrounding dating violence has helped to expand protection laws here in Utah to offer more safeguarding for victims of dating violence.  She also loved her time working hand in hand with diverse groups, ages, and people of different backgrounds at a local behavioral hospital, where she was a highly valued employee. 

Carlie believes that while we all go through this human experience we all will make mistakes as we learn and grow and has consequently developed a personal proverb or motto of “There is good in every person and every situation, if we take the time to look and learn,” and appropriately feels that life is all about continuing to learn, grow, develop, and become the best version of ourselves, no matter how young or old we are, or what challenges and obstacles we’ve faced in life.

Carlie’s deep love for helping others find their "happy place" includes herself.  Carlie finds her happy place when she is with her family, enjoying their favorite outdoor activities, and can be found playing in and around water, often in a canoe with two dogs swimming alongside. 

Dr. Kerry Conway, PhD, CMHC, NCC

Therapist

kerry@avycs.com

My name is Kerry Conway, and I am a USAF Veteran with 11 years of service, a Licensed Pilot, and a deep-sea scuba diver. I graduated with a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University and am in the final stages of completing my Ph.D. at Walden University, where I have successfully defended my thesis. I have three years of experience with Utah Corrections Treatment Recovery Center as a therapist and have worked in addiction recovery, suicide prevention, and mental health. I have found that mindfulness, talk therapy, creating goals (whether short-term or long-term), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) work well for many of my clients. Every session includes my service dog, Odin, and if my client wants, they can pet him; he is often a part of the therapy session.

I am told I often smile and am upbeat, but I know what it's like to experience mental illness, so I am someone who can bring understanding, knowledge, and a lack of judgment to any session. Experiencing addiction or any other mental illness is a part of being a human; we all get sick, and we all make mistakes, and receiving therapy will help. I am here for you.

Caroline Labrum

Office Manager

caroline@avycs.com

Caroline earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Southern Utah University and is currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her educational background has provided her with a strong foundation in human behavior, mental health, and evidence-based approaches to supporting individuals through life's challenges.

Caroline is passionate about helping others and is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections with those she serves. She believes that every individual deserves a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where they can openly explore their experiences, strengths, and goals. Her approach is grounded in empathy, respect, and a genuine desire to help clients feel heard, understood, and empowered throughout their personal growth journey.

As she continues her professional training, Caroline is committed to expanding her clinical knowledge and developing the skills necessary to effectively support individuals from diverse backgrounds and life circumstances. She values a collaborative approach to counseling, recognizing that each client is the expert on their own life and that lasting change is best achieved through trust, partnership, and individualized care.

Sabra Shough

Master of Social Work Intern

sabra@avycs.com

Sabra is a Master of Social Work intern at A.V.Y. Counseling Services and a graduate student at the University of Denver. She brings over a decade of professional experience in the telecommunications industry, where she developed strong problem-solving skills, resilience, and an ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Sabra is committed to fostering safe, supportive, and empowering environments for individuals and families, emphasizing trauma-informed and client-centered care. Her clinical interests include domestic violence, substance use, and family reunification. She is passionate about walking alongside clients on their journey toward healing, growth, and resilience.

Outside of her professional role, Sabra enjoys expressing her creativity and working with her hands. A self-taught auto mechanic, she finds fulfillment in restoring cars and caring for her pets. She also values spending quality time with her blended family of seven children. Sabra’s rich life experiences, professional dedication, and personal passions deeply inform her approach to supporting and strengthening families at A.V.Y. Counseling Services.

Michelle Brookes

PRI Instructor and Interpreter, English and Spanish Speaking

michelle@avycs.com

Michelle comes to us with experience in both language and knowledge of what she teaches. She is no stranger to teaching, as she has been doing this for most of her career. While learning Spanish in her early 20s, she has kept her skills and is excellent at teaching in both English and Spanish. She teaches our 16-hour Prime for Life class and Prime for Life 420 class in Both Languages. She also teaches our Anger Management class and the Thinking Errors Class in Spanish. She is also well-versed in interpreting individual therapy sessions as needed.

Besides time with A.V.Y Counseling, she loves being a mother of 4 children and being married to her husband. She and her husband spend as much time with them as they can, doing anything to create that great family bond. Some of these include camping, hiking, running, and biking.

Juliana Bruns, LCSW

Therapist, English, Spanish and Portuguese Speaking

juliana@avycs.com

Juliana graduated with a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Oklahoma in 2015. She has worked for several years with military members in developing resilience and sexual assault prevention training. Juliana believes in developing the potential for greatness in others. She is a firm believer that, with enough determination, time, and resources, anyone can reach the goals and objectives they set for themselves in life. She was born in South America and is fluent in Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese. In her spare time, Juliana loves to learn, exercise, and spend time with family and friends.

Kathleen Vallejo

Client Liaison

kathleen@avycs.com

Kathleen brings a wealth of life experience, dedication, and compassion to A.V.Y Counseling Services. With years of professional writing experience, she has developed strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills that contribute to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for clients and staff alike.

As the mother of nine children, Kathleen has spent years navigating the complexities of family life, developing patience, adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a deep appreciation for the importance of healthy relationships and personal growth. Her experiences have strengthened her ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and understand the unique challenges families often face.

Kathleen is currently pursuing her degree and teaching certification with the goal of becoming an elementary school teacher. Her passion for education reflects her commitment to helping others learn, grow, and reach their full potential. She is particularly drawn to supporting children and families and believes in the importance of creating positive, encouraging environments where individuals can thrive.

Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, Kathleen enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the outdoors, traveling, and creating meaningful memories through family vacations and adventures. Her warmth, dedication, and genuine care for others make her a valued member of the A.V.Y Counseling Services team.

Dara McKenzie

Master of Social Work Intern

dara@avycs.com

Dara is a Master of Social Work intern at A.V.Y. Counseling Services and a graduate student at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work. She brings over 20 years of experience in occupational therapy, leadership, and clinical education, working with children, families, and multidisciplinary teams. Dara is passionate about supporting individuals and families through life transitions and challenges, with particular interests in trauma, substance use, and family and couples therapy. Her extensive background in healthcare, combined with her compassionate approach, enhances her ability to provide client-centered, trauma-informed care.

Outside of her professional role, Dara enjoys spending time with her family, engaging in lifelong learning, and continuing her dedication to personal and professional growth.

Beth Bergeson, CSW

Therapist

beth@avycs.com

Beth earned her Bachelor’s degree in Family Services from Brigham Young University in 2019 and her Master’s in Social Work from Arizona State University in 2023. She has several years of experience supporting individuals facing addiction, substance use, and a range of mental health challenges. Beth integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients explore the connection between thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors—empowering them to make meaningful and lasting change. Through small, achievable steps, she provides guidance, education, and compassionate support to help clients reach their goals.

Outside of her professional work, Beth enjoys spending time with her family and close friends. She also finds joy in music, photography, reading, and playing video games.

Melanie Xiques

Billing Coordinator

melanie@avycs.com

Melanie serves as the Billing Director for A.V.Y. Counseling Services, bringing over two decades of experience in healthcare administration, medical billing, and practice management. She holds certification in Practice Management and has a strong background in overseeing billing operations, compliance, credentialing, and day-to-day administrative systems. Prior to joining A.V.Y., Melanie worked as a Senior Practice Manager, where she led multiple clinic operations, streamlined billing systems, and ensured regulatory compliance across departments.

Melanie is a fun and energetic individual who is passionate about life. Known for her professionalism, attention to detail, and energetic approach, Melanie is dedicated to ensuring efficient billing processes and positive client experiences. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and living life with enthusiasm and purpose.

Kilah Hoenscheidt-Stevens, CSW

Therapist

Kilah@avycs.com

Kilah is a therapist at A.V.Y. Counseling Services who brings a compassionate and client-centered approach to her work. She earned her Master’s in Social Work from Wichita State University and has extensive experience providing individual and family therapy for clients of all ages. Kilah has worked in various mental health settings, including outpatient care and correctional environments, supporting clients through challenges related to trauma, behavioral health, and family systems.

Kilah integrates evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and crisis intervention strategies to help clients achieve meaningful and lasting change. Alongside her therapeutic work, Kilah is passionate about helping individuals overcome eating disorders and is in the process of completing her certification in this specialty.

Outside of her professional role, she enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors, and staying active in her community.

JaNae Lewis

Office Support Staff

janae@avycs.com

JaNae is part of the Office Support team at A.V.Y. Counseling Services, bringing strong organizational skills and a warm, professional presence to the front office. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Special Education and Spanish from Southern Utah University and has extensive experience in office management, education, and client services. Fluent in both English and Spanish, JaNae helps ensure smooth communication and efficient coordination within the agency.

Known for her attention to detail and dedication to helping others, JaNae plays an essential role in supporting both staff and clients. Outside of work, she enjoys teaching, tutoring, and spending time with family and friends.