FOUNDER of PLAE CHILD + ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY

Melanie D. Davis has dedicated her career as a licensed clinical mental health counselor to creating opportunities for individuals of varying ages and backgrounds to feel seen and heard. From her work as the owner of Planted Healing Mental Health Practice, to co-founding both Continuum Mind + Body Collaborative. Melanie’s passion for helping individuals develop deeper connections with themselves and others is at the center of her work.

CHILD + ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY

David Ornegri is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, School Social Worker, and Licensed Educator. He has been a Salt Laker for over 10 years now and has spent that time providing public services throughout Salt Lake County. One of his main goals for clients is to create a brave space that focuses on empowering children and adolescents through strengths-based approaches to treatment. He sees his role as being a companion on clients’ journeys to self-discovery, acceptance, and empowerment.

Grace Miller, Therapist

Grace Miller is a warm and compassionate provider in the world of mental health and wellness. As a skilled and knowledgeable mental health practitioner, Grace brings a unique blend of expertise and empathy to her practice.

Drawing from her experiences as a certified yoga practitioner, Grace understands the interconnectedness of mind and body, and she incorporates this holistic approach into her work. Through her nurturing guidance, she empowers individuals to cultivate self-care practices, navigate their mental health, develop healthy coping strategies, and embark on transformative journeys toward greater well-being. Additionally, as an English-speaking therapist, Grace offers services to cater to the needs of diverse communities.

CHILD + ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY

Nicole Puertas, LCSW, believes in fostering an authentic and compassionate space with her clients. As a trauma-informed therapist, she views therapy as a holistic experience, recognizing the intricate interplay between identities and our social and cultural environments. Nicole employs a Feminist Multicultural approach to empower her clients as they navigate life's challenges.

CHILD + ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY

Mindy Vanderloo is a licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse and neglect, and behavioral problems in children and adolescents, as well as parenting and family interventions. She has been trained in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, trauma treatment, play therapy, and attachment. Mindy also has a PhD in Social Work and works as a researcher at the University of Utah.

NEURODEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION ASSESSMENTS

Dr. Turner has 28 years experience and is certified/licensed in Clinical, School, and Neuropsychology, with 18 of those years specifically in Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Family Systems. She is uniquely educated in bridging the gap between the academic and therapeutic disciplines. Her distinctive knowledge base offers your child the best opportunities with improved behavior, IEPS, school compliance, 504s, school accommodations, effective shared communication between medical professionals, therapists, and school.

MEDICATION MANAGEMENT AND PSYCHIATRIC EVALUATIONS

France A. Davis II is a board-certified, Utah-licensed Physician Assistant Advanced Practice Clinician who specializes in Psychiatry. France has been practicing medicine for 16 years. France spent the early part of his medical career in Pediatric Neurology as well as Adult and Pediatric Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery ultimately transitioning to Psychiatry where he has been practicing for the past over 12 years. France has practice experience in inpatient psychiatry, outpatient psychiatry, SameDay psychiatry, intensive outpatient psychiatry, crisis and emergency psychiatry, and addiction medicine. France sees young adults - adult. 18+

CHILD + ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY

Abbi is a dedicated and compassionate Clinical Social Worker specializing in providing support to children and their families. Abbi has experience working with children in a school setting as they navigate life transitions, relationships, anxiety and big feelings. Abbi is an advocate that, “All children need to feel heard and believed”.

CHILD + TEEN & YOUNG ADULT MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY

Lindsay Drury is a licensed clinical mental health counselor, parent, lover of books, the outdoors, and helping others on their journey to live their best possible life.

She has worked in a variety of settings including: a hospital, school, and treatment center; primarily focusing on individuals who have experienced trauma, kids and teens who want to learn new ways of dealing with big feelings and obstacles.

FAMILY AND CHILD EDUCATION LIAISON FOR K-12

Michelle Love-Day has been an educator for 21 years. She received her Bachelors in Education (K-8, Minor In Spanish), and Masters in Reading (K-12) from Bowling Green State University (Ohio), and a Masters in Education, Leadership, and Policy from the University of Utah (Utah).

YOGA, MEDITATION AND BREATHWORK PRACTITIONER

Adri Ojuka has been practicing yoga for over 10 years and has been instructing group classes since March 2021. Adri strives to help practitioners feel love for themselves, for their bodies, and for others through yoga, mindfulness, and breathwork, and aims to cultivate a space where all types of people, including POC and Black women, can embrace and be empowered by yoga. Adri’s purpose is to meet people where they are at, and show them how healing, strengthening, and empowering yoga can be.

TEEN & YOUNG ADULT MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY

McKinley Merchant is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has a wide range of experiences with children, teens and adults. She shares, “it’s easy to get lost and feel a lack of direction, it’s so uncomfortable living in the ‘unknown’. I am a firm believer in ‘it takes a village’ to heal and take care of us. Thank you for letting me be a part of your village, for allowing me to join your healing journey.”

CHILD + ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY

Kristen Thomas is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor and a licensed School Counselor. Kristen grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, and moved west in 2012. Kristen obtained her graduate degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. Kristen supports children in play therapy and other evidence based modalities.

Kristen wants to help children feel seen and heard; she believes play is important work in which children engage. goes here