Meet Our Amazing Team
Our experienced team of physicians, therapists, counselors, and wellness professionals is dedicated to guiding you through your healing journey with compassion, expertise, and genuine care.
▶ View Staff Introduction Videos on YouTubeDr. Daren Brooks
Daren studied physical fitness and health psychology at BYU and graduated valedictorian with an MS degree, later attending medical school and practicing as a D.O. He's developed his career as a multi-disciplined expert in gerontology, diet/nutrition, stress management, and mind-body medicine. He loves the outdoors, flying, and spending time with friends and family as well as his Bridge family! Daren has always been fascinated by mechanics and invention and holds multiple US Patents.
After making it through a difficult mental and physical recovery, Daren started The Bridge with a mission to help people recover from debilitating mental and physical illness and along with his expert staff has produced amazing results for individuals for nearly 25 years. He regularly cites the success of the program as being due to the amazing staff that provides critical high-level therapy and services. This includes sincere hearts and hands to help those working through the dark to find a better way to think, feel, and live.
Daren spent much of his career teaching health science and mind-body medicine at universities and has held consulting contracts with IBM, Kodak, Cisco, Coca-Cola, and other corporate organizations. He also consulted regularly with NASA to train astronauts and space center personnel in mind-body health. He has completed multiple long-distance and ultra-distance athletic events and played a key role in bringing Ironman to his hometown of St. George, Utah. As medicine is constantly changing, Daren reports The Bridge just keeps getting better and can't wait for each new session!
Leadership & Clinical Team
Whitney Dalton
Whitney graduated from UVU in Health Education with a minor in community health. She loves being in the wellness field and making a difference and also enjoys helping others find true happiness within themselves by finding a natural way to feel better and developing a plan that works best for them. She enjoys being outside and soaking up the St. George sun in all outdoor activities and laughing with her family and friends.
Brad Crump, DC
Brad has spent the last 24 years in the health, wellness and hospitality industry. He has been with the Bridge Recovery Center since 2001, serving in various capacities such as lecturer, provider and currently as the on-site manager. In his management role, Brad oversees the day to day services and activities offered at the Bridge, working with both support staff and providers to optimize each guest's healing environment. In addition to patient care, Brad is an experienced lecturer, covering topics such as successful weight loss strategies, gut health and restoration, women's health and hormones, diabetes prevention and management, diagnosis and management of thyroid disorders and instinctive eating.
Christine Romero, LPN
Christine comes to The Bridge with over 25 years of nursing experience covering many areas of care. Most recently, prior to transplanting to St George, she was a Mentor/Trainer in Pediatric Home Health Ventilator, Trachea and Enteral Feeding for newly graduated nurses. "Teaching is one of the most fulfilling ventures I've been blessed to undertake. To be able to participate in one's growth and learning is truly an honor." Prior to teaching, she worked for the State of California Department of Mental Health within the forensic population for over a decade. "I am so excited to be part of a Program Family that addresses each individual holistically."
Dr. David B. Tate, PhD
Dr. David Tate is a psychologist in private practice in St. George, Utah, where he works with adults integrating his professional training in clinical, counseling, health and transpersonal psychology. He has provided counseling for guests and taught mindfulness classes at the Bridge Recovery Center for the last 20 years. Dr. Tate has taught mindfulness classes (and mindfulness-based stress reduction or MBSR) for over 30 years in a variety of businesses, medical and resort settings, including Program Director at Mirival Life in Balance, as well as Nike, Ernst and Young, New Line Cinema, Abbott Laboratories, AT&T, the National Make-A-Wish Foundation and the NCAA.
Jenn Haug
Jenn comes to the Bridge with extensive experience in working with those dealing with drug and alcohol addiction and has a passion for working with those in addiction and mental health recovery. She has functioned as a domestic violence advocate and loves to connect with people suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma and addiction. Knowledge gained from her own personal recovery journey has been instrumental in establishing a women's advocacy group, which continues to flourish today, blessing the lives of many. Jenn is excited to be part of the Bridge Recovery Center team, assisting people in their healing and recovery.
Dave Oakden, LCSW
Dave Oakden is a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience in mental health. He earned his master's degree in clinical social work from the University of Utah, where he was honored with the university's highest award for excellence in mental health. Dave specializes in helping individuals navigate high-conflict relationships, life transitions, and emotional burnout – especially when the root causes are complex and hard to define.
Michelle Kent
Using a holistic and integrative approach, Michelle specializes in treating relationships, trauma, anxiety, grief, depression, and other mental health issues. She is trained in EMDR, EFT and Gottman Method couples therapy and other therapies that when combined provide positive long-lasting results. Michelle has experience treating teenagers, adults, and couples.
Siera Heaton
Siera Heaton is a licensed therapist with a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Her own struggles with chronic pain and other health issues throughout her teens and college years led her to explore various paths to healing. Along the way, she discovered how trauma can become stored in the body and how relating to ourselves in new ways can support emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
Grant Pemberton
Grant transitioned from a career in home building to the mental health field in 2008, bringing a grounded, hands-on perspective to therapy. His diverse background—as a general contractor, therapist, yoga teacher, and student of ASL and non-verbal communication—informs a holistic, integrative approach to healing. He specializes in trauma-informed care, with experience as a former victim advocate. Grant incorporates a range of modalities, including EMDR, CBT, DBT, Equine Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. His work is rooted in the belief that neuroplasticity—the brain's capacity to change—makes lasting transformation possible.
Angela Shields
Angela received her Bachelor's degree in recreation therapy at Brigham Young University, where she was privileged to run the hurdles on the Track and Field team. She has her Master's degree in Marriage and Family therapy from Utah State University and is passionate about working with couples and families. Certifications include Certified Therapeutic Recreation Therapist (CTRS), and Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT). Angela is grounded in humanism and believes that people do the things they do for a reason and therefore employs a non-judgmental and compassionate approach to therapy.
Erin Boorman
Erin holds a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is a 200 hour certified yoga teacher. She is passionate about yoga and how it helps unite the body, breath, mind, and spirit. She views yoga as it is portrayed in the Bhagavad Gita; it can aid you in achieving the "supreme secret of life." Erin specializes in teaching trauma-sensitive yoga and restorative yoga. She is also a certified mind/body bridging therapist. She enjoys participating in anything outdoors-hiking, golfing, boating, and four-wheeling and also paints and loves spending time with her family.
Dr. Chris Edwards
Dr Edwards is a doctor of osteopathic medicine specializing in neuromusculoskeletal medicine and osteopathic manipulation. He graduated from Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2015 and completed a residency specializing in neuromusculoskeletal medicine in 2018. A native of northern Utah, he moved to Southern Utah in 2018 to begin teaching at Rocky Vista University, the first college of osteopathic medicine in the state of Utah. Dr Edwards is deeply passionate about helping patients improve the function of their musculoskeletal system to decrease pain, improve body functioning, and balance sympathetic and parasympathetic functions.
Dr. Tyler Burton
Dr. Tyler Burton is a physical therapist dedicated to helping people break free from chronic pain, anxiety and depression by reconnecting with their bodies in new and healing ways. He believes that pain is not just something to be managed – it's something that can change. Through science-backed holistic approach, he helps clients shift their relationship with pain and find greater ease, resilience and joy in life.
Nancy Welti, PT
Nancy graduated from the University of Utah with degrees in modern dance and physical therapy. Nancy studied and participated in numerous courses including postural analysis, breathing techniques, orthopedic injuries and body mechanics. For nine years Nancy owned and operated a successful orthopedic / sports medicine clinic in Salt Lake City. She has been involved with and committed to the goals of The Bridge Recovery Center for over 10 years. She is a devout believer in prevention of injuries by improving postural alignment, revisiting breathing techniques and reeducation muscle memory patterns.
Monica Johanson
Monica is the epitome of a compassionate and experienced personal trainer, specializing in functional fitness. With years of expertise, she empowers her clients by challenging them in a way that builds their capabilities and confidence. Monica's kind heart and attentive nature create a safe and supportive space for clients to share their goals and challenges, allowing her to tailor personalized fitness programs that suit their individual needs.
Cherie Starke
With over 15 years of experience as a fitness instructor and personal trainer, I've had the privilege of helping countless individuals achieve their fitness goals. My own journey with fitness started as a teen, however I discovered just how physical activity positively impacted my well-being after the birth of my children when I suffered from postpartum depression. My approach is rooted in empathy and a genuine desire to empower people, guiding them to not only improve their physical health but also enhance their mental and emotional well-being.
Ria Velasquez (Maria Soto)
Ria graduated from Dahan Institute of Massage and Bodywork in 2000 and also became Nationally Certified as well as continuing her education to become certified in Cranial Sacral, Reiki, Muscle Testing, Ashiatsu, Gua-Sha, Sound Therapy, Deep Tissue Massage, Hot Stone Massage and Cupping. Ria can also realign and clear chakras using Therapeutic touch and her intuition, she is also known for using crystals, instruments and chanting to guide her clients on their healing journey. Ria has spiritual training in the Shamanic Traditions under Don Oscar Miro-Quesada. When Ria isn't working you will find her outdoors or creating art. Ria believes "Everything we do in life is ART."
Yana Symonenko
Yana has a Master's Degree of Science in Acupuncture and is soon to also have her Transitional Doctorate Degree in Acupuncture as well as her Advanced Cosmetic Facial Training & Certificate. Following the vision of an "East meets West" environment, she applies the best of ancient medicine to a firm foundation in Western medicine. She is motivated by clear improvement in patients and applies the knowledge of clinical sciences from a traditional Oriental and Biomedical perspective.
Ian White
Ian has been a practitioner in the healing arts since 1991. Initially studying Macrobiotic Nutrition as a way to overcome digestive issues that he had dealt with since childhood. He also certified and taught Holistic Massage, Meditation and various modalities of Energy Work in England and Scotland.
Signe Adams
Signe has been practicing and teaching yoga and meditation for over a decade. Her yoga practice became a path for healing, awakening and personal growth which led naturally to the practice of mindfulness meditation. Professional qualifications include Yoga Alliance E500hr Experienced Yoga Teacher and 200hr accredited Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training. She has studied Iyengar, Anusara, and Tibetan yoga and earned a two year certification from the Nalanda Institute of Contemplative Science. Signe finds her practice of the sound healing arts to be a perfect complement to yoga and meditation offerings.
Kristin Christensen
Kristin has been a group fitness instructor for over 20 years as well as a MELT technique instructor. MELT is a simple hands off and self care treatment, designed to reduce the effects of accumulated tension and stress while hydrating the connective tissues throughout the body.
Heidi Loveland
Heidi has a passion for the healing arts. While attending Weber State University, she was introduced to Foot Zone Therapy. For over a decade, she has used this modality to help people on their journey to greater health, balance and peace. After completing her degree in Health Promotion, she certified as a Foot Zone therapist at the Foot Zone Therapy Academy. She is a certified Holistic Health Coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. As a St. George native and former firefighter, EMT and world traveler, Heidi brings a love of life and compassion you are certain to feel.
Lori Engel
The feet house 7,000 nerve endings, making them one of the most sensitive areas of the body. In addition to foot zoning, I facilitate somatic breathwork sessions, a practice designed to help individuals connect with their bodies and emotions through breath. This technique encourages the release of tension and trauma stored in the body, fostering a sense of calm and clarity. Having worked with a diverse range of people over the last 6 years, I value each unique story and approach every session with empathy.
Donna Bowman
Donna joined the Bridge family in 2022. She and her husband Joe have six children. In her career she has managed two restaurants, worked in Real Estate and was a Substitute teacher for the Davis School District. Donna's childhood was filled with trauma, this is where her passion for working with children and adults comes from. In 2014 and 2015 she volunteered for the CASA program as a child advocate and was able to give children a voice they often don't have. She loves what she does at the bridge and feels very fortunate to be able to help others through their own life challenges.
Corbin Booth
Corbin was born and raised in St. George. He married his first grade crush and raised 4 children here in St. George as well. Corbin has lived a life full of trials and tribulations that he brings with him to the Bridge Recovery Center and is open and willing to help those who are going through similar circumstances. When he is not working at the Bridge, he has a videography business on the side and loves to golf or spend time with his family in Pine Valley.
Teniesha Williams
Teniesha Williams grew up in Santa Clara, UT. She received her Bachelor's degree in Family Studies, Magna Cum Laude and has a passion for human development and building healthy relationships with self and others. She loves health and human development education and started teaching emotional/mental health classes at a development center for persons with mental/emotional conditions while still attending SUU. Teniesha has worked as a professor at the collegiate level developing new emotional and mental health systems and student involvement in those programs.
Kim Waggoner
I've been part of The Bridge team for over two years, primarily serving as your hiking guide — something I've loved doing in this area for more than 30 years with various organizations. In addition to exploring the outdoors, I also lead a discussion on Japanese approaches to happiness, including concepts like Wabi-Sabi— which is about finding beauty in imperfection. It's a simple yet powerful perspective that can help us move toward a more content and peaceful life.
Katelyn Tonguis
I am a dedicated and passionate chef with over two years of experience in menu planning, meal preparation, and recipe development, as well as a rich background across various roles in the service industry. As a chef, I draw on that foundation to deliver personalized, health-conscious meals that prioritize wellness and sustainability. I work closely with clients to craft unique menus, taking their dietary needs and preferences into account, while also incorporating fresh, local ingredients.
Duztin Sorensen
Duztin has worked as Culture director and Medicine Wheel Facilitator for a residential at risk Native American Youth program. He received Sweat Lodge Rites from Dan Old Elk of the Crow Nation and has been facilitating the Sweat Lodge for 22 years. Duztin has also been employed as a professional entertainer involving Native American Drumming, Singing and Dancing.
Gina Noftle
I started silversmithing in 2019 and then started teaching classes in late 2020. I love silversmithing because it helps clear my mind of any anxiety I may be having, because I have to concentrate on what I am doing. I am a former guest and while at the bridge I couldn't help but see the parallels between silversmithing and healing our minds. In this short class I will share those insights with you. I hope what you take from my class is that you are perfectly imperfect and it is ok to be that way. Be you loud and proud!
Meet Your Team in Person
Our admissions team is ready to answer your questions and introduce you to the compassionate professionals who will guide your healing journey.