RUSS W. TALBOT, M.Ed., LCSW, MAC
Clinical Director & C.E.O.
Russ W. Talbot, M.Ed., LCSW, MAC, originally from Hinckley, Utah, received a Bachelors Degree in Education, a Masters Degree in Educational Psychology, a Masters Degree in Clinical Social Work, Certification in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment, and Certification in Cognitive Therapy.
He has 23 years experience working with adolescents, adults and families in the counseling profession. This includes working with chemically dependent adults and adolescents in inpatient residential treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, and individual counseling settings.
Russ' background and varied experiences have provided him the opportunity to develop exceptional abilities and attributes that have gained him respect throughout the community, as well as, increased his perception and knowledge in the field of treatment and marketing.
Russ has worked closely with the courts and Adult Probation and Parole in Northern Arizona, Southern Nevada and Southern Utah counties. His areas of expertise include:
- Anxiety
- Parenting
- Depression
- Family Counseling
- Educational Consulting
- Marital and Premarital Counseling
- Domestic Violence & Anger Management
- Addictions (Adults &/or Adolescent Alcohol/Drug, Gambling)
Sandi Burningham, CMHC, SUDC
In August 2003, Sandi returned home to the St. George, Utah area after having lived in Salt Lake City, Utah since 1994. While in Salt Lake City, she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from the University of Utah, a Master of Counseling Degree in Mental Health Counseling from The University of Phoenix, and Certification in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment. She then attained state licensure as a Professional Counselor and a Substance Abuse Counselor.
Sandi firmly believes that education is often the foundation for healing. Therefore, in addition to offering in-office therapy, she also enjoys providing presentations, lectures and workshops regarding any of the topics listed above. She is a current member of The American Counseling Association and is an affiliate therapist for the LifeSTAR Network.
Sandi is passionate about her work and her role as a mental health therapist and enjoys the opportunity to help individuals, couples, and families learn to lead more rewarding, productive, healthy and satisfying lives. She is qualified to provide assessment, diagnosis and treatment of most mental health disorders. However, the areas or issues in which she has the most training and experience include:
- Anxiety
- Parenting
- Depression
- Marital and Premarital Therapy
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Addictions (Alcohol/Drug, Sex/Pornography, Food, etc.)
Stan Sullivan, LCSW, CSAT
Certified Level II EMDR
For the past 30 years, Stan Sullivan has been helping individuals, couples, and families with trauma and addiction issues. His credentials include Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Level II Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT), and Master Practitioner of Neuro-linguistic Programming. His caring, concerned, and easy-going style puts people at ease as he helps to resolve trauma, create sobriety, and stabilize families.
In addition to his other therapeutic work, Stan works as a ropes course facilitator and experiential therapist. He strongly values outdoor therapeutic experiences because they change people’s lives. Stan understands how destructive pornography and other sex addictions are to individuals, families, and our society, and wishes to help restore peace for those struggling with its devastating effects. Stan and his wife have four children and six grandchildren and call St. George, Utah, their home.
Jamie Arbizu, Student Intern
Jamie graduated from Southern Utah University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. She is a student intern, and is currently working on her Master of Mental Health Counseling degree at the University of Phoenix graduating in May 2013. After graduation, she plans on working toward licensure as a Mental Health Counselor. Jamie has had training in domestic violence and substance abuse, and plans to receive training in Nonviolent Communication, Adlerian technique, and child play therapy.
Jamie is passionate about the healing process of therapy, and knows first-hand of the impact it can have on providing a healthier lifestyle. She provides individual counseling, couples counseling, and group counseling; and facilitates case management work as well. Jamie and her husband are parents of one daughter and five sons in a blended family; and they are proud to call St. George their home.
Melissa J Hinton, DNP FNP-BC, CARN-AP, CEN
Medical Director
Melissa Hinton is a Doctorate Nurse Practitioner with family practice, pulmonary specialty, and addiction sub-specialty training and experience. She is board certified as an APRN and nationally certified as an Advanced Practice Addictions provider.
Melissa received her Master’s and Doctorate degrees from the University of Utah Summa Cum Laude and has been practicing in the medical field for over 20 years, starting as a LPN, RN, BSN, and having a strong foundation in Emergency (in which she is also certified) and Critical Care nursing, as well as inpatient/outpatient mental health and addictions. She has also been an Invasive Life Flight nurse and has had administrative and extensive leadership experience.
Melissa and her husband have had lifelong careers and experience that have well-acquainted them with the difficulty and chaos that addiction causes. Her patient’s often comment on her professional, but personal commitment to their health and recovery. Dr. Hinton offers personalized, attentive, specialty care to her patients in general family practice care, wellness and prevention care, pulmonary medicine, detox management, and mental health intervention at Lion’s Gate.
Leslie Talbot, Director of Operations
Leslie Talbot has 20 + years experience as an Administrative Assistant and Office Manager and 30+ years in hiring and supervising employees. Her expertise includes hiring and managing personnel, customer relations, accounts receivables and payables, supplies and equipment inventories, library inventory and status, as well as, the day to day needs of a business.
She has spent the past 17 years managing Counseling Services of Southern Utah, L.L.C. (the Out Patient Agency), managing part time staff help and contract services, scheduling appointments, submitting and following through on insurance claims and payments, coordinating training schedules, maintaining client charts and progress reports, maintaining current licenses, maintaining current insurance PPO status and assisting consumers’, as well as, the therapist’s needs.
Dan Behymer, Marketing Director
Dan has over 15 years of serving in the government sector, primarily in California and has a degree in Administration of Justice. He has also worked for 20 years in private business in the electronics field with various types of electronic communications, Electronic monitoring, and GPS security tracking devices; for people, cargo, and property.
He has simultaneously operated companies in both the U.S. and internationally, and supervised over 130 employees at each facility. With his 20 years of business and marketing experience he has the innate ability to procure lasting relationships that will continually contribute to Talbot Recovery Solutions, LLC. In addition to his duties as our Marketing Director he will also supervise all of our admissions procedures for our Lion’s Gate facility.
JaRene Evertsen, Facilities Director 
I have taught in educational, professional, and personal business settings including various ages of children, teens, and adults. I believe that to really make a difference in others lives it takes commitment, patience, perseverance, and passion. I also consider the most important thing for every human being is to be valued. I am confident that each individual will find success in some form when someone believes in them. I also feel that when conflicts arise that it is essential to deal with them in ways that avoid intimidation and encourage assurance.
From raising five children, I recognize that an individual’s self worth is not generally what they show on the exterior. Having several children with addiction has given me valuable experience and compassion for addicts, their families, and their advocates. I believe everyone has something good in them and that they deserve people who will look for what’s working in their lives and give them value. I care about others and consider encouragement, recognition, and support very important.
My students, residents, and associates know that I happily and willingly give them my best, and that I expect the same in return. I have an outgoing personality and make friends easily. I am self-motivated, creative, flexible, have excellent office skills and recognize the importance of clear communication and professional courtesy. I enjoy challenges and am determined to make a difference in my life and that of my family, friends, residents, and my community.
I believe in continued learning and have continued my education through conferences, educational classes, community courses, and service. I enjoy working with alcoholics and addicts and intend to continue this passion while I continue my educational pursuits. With the completion of my Bachelor of Psychology, I am continuing my education in the Masters of Communication emphasizing Leadership Organization.
Megan T. ~ Office Manager
Megan was born in Ogden Utah but has spent the majority of her life in the southern Utah area. She has worked for Counseling Services of Southern Utah, LLC. for the past six plus years as Receptionist, Accounts Receivables/Insurance Specialist, and Payroll Manager. She often assists with the office manager duties and as an assistant to the Therapists. She enjoys her work with the clients and is a real “People Person.”
Shelly J.~ Case Manager
Shelly has 19 years of Customer Service experience and has been with Counseling Services of Southern Utah, LLC. for the past five years. As the agency’s Receptionist, she is expert in answering client’s questions and concerns with a friendly and helpful attitude. Shelly’s responsibilities also include coordinating the Therapists schedules, client attendance records, progress reports, and annual surveys. She’s conscientious and efficient in her responsibilities and an important asset to our organization.
