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Staff
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, LPC, LSAC
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.)
Annette Stokes, Counselor
I am currently a Counselor Intern and will graduate with a Masters in Mental Health Counseling in January 2012 from the University of Phoenix. I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Southern Utah University in 2008.
I have taught alcohol educational classes at Counseling Services of Southern Utah and currently work at the Doctor’s Volunteer Clinic in St. George, Utah as a Mental Health Counselor Intern where I provide individual, couple, and family counseling.
Theoretically, I am integrative with a particular interest in Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, and Family Systems Theory. I have a great passion for the mental health field with a special interest in the treatment of Substance abuse and addiction, trauma, marriage, and family therapy.
I believe that within the right environment, individuals can heal from addiction, trauma, and many other mental health issues. I have made a commitment to provide counseling that can be a catalyst to healing.
Kristi Heisterman
Kristi graduated Cum Laude from Utah Valley University. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science with emphasis in Psychology. She is currently going to school for a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at University of Phoenix. Upon completion of her program she will become a Licensed Professional Counselor. She currently is certified to teach the DUI class & Prime for Life. She is PCS (Positive Control Systems), First Aid, and CPR certified.
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. ~ Insurance and Records Department
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.~ Receptionist
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.