A Residential Treatment Center specializing in the treatment of Adolescent Pornography Addiction and Sexual Compulsion
Brian Pace, MHC, MA, ED - Executive Officer Brian Pace was one of the original contributors to the development and startup of the C.A.R.E. Schools. Brian has been the Red Rock Canyon School Executive Director since 2004, leading a powerful team of seasoned professionals. Brian earned a Masters Degree in Educational Counseling, and Mental Health Counseling, and has built a reputation as one of the most knowledgeable and experienced professionals in the adolescent treatment field. Mr. Pace's experience in the Adolescent Behavioral Health Industry is vast. Prior to C.A.R.E. Schools, Brian was integral to the operation and startup of several outstanding adolescent treatment programs. He assisted in the startup of a sex offender program where he directed and developed the program from its inception. Brian owned and operated a residential treatment program and served as their Executive Director. Moreover, Brian served as a High School Counselor for Dixie High School, where he also coached wrestling and football. Brian's area of expertise and personal interest include; Adventure-based counseling, life coaching, program consulting, motivational speaking, leadership development, and team building. Brian is known for motivating the professional staff of the C.A.R.E. Schools, where he has led the development of a qualified and trained team of loving, caring, and dedicated staff who have created a positive community of healthy students. Brian is married and a dedicated father. Brian has been very committed to the athletic programs of youth and collegiate athletics in Southern Utah; working as a coach, administrator, and community advocate. Over the years Brian's contribution has led to the positive improvement in the lives of hundreds of young athletes. Brian's passion for sports and athletics has had an incredible impact on the St George community, exemplifying the reason St George has become a phenomenal place to raise a family.
Shawn Ashworth, SUDC, Equine Director Shawn s role at Mt. Pleasant began in March, 2012 when he established the equine program as part of the program. Following his success in creating a solid equine treatment team, he became the Program Director in September of the same year. Shawn grew up with horses being his guide and mentor during his troubled teen life, and it was their guidance that got him through. He went to work on ranches right out of high school and being out with nature every day helped shape and educate Shawn in an understanding of, and living. Shawn brings many years of experience to Mt. Pleasant Academy. He has been part of Native Traditions since he was 11 years old, and has a unique ability of being able to use this culture and its teachings in helping others on their paths of growth and change. Shawn started helping others understand themselves, and cope with problems with the help of the horse in 1986. He founded Holistic Equine Assisted Therapy, or H.E.A.T. in 2001. Shawn has worked in Wilderness, Sex Offender, Adjudicated and Substance Abuse programs over the past 18 years. He has started new programs consulted with other programs and has been the Program Director for both private pay and adjudicated facilities. The fact that Mount Pleasant Academy sits in a valley surrounded by mountains, lends to Shawn's beliefs in positive growth and understanding of one's self.
David Thompson, LMFT, ASAT - Clinical Director David joined the team at Mount Pleasant Academy in May of 2013 as the Clinical Director. David graduated from Brigham Young University's marriage and family therapy program that focuses on relationships and family dynamics and am in Dr. Patrick Carnes' program to become a certified sexual addictions therapist. My focus is working with families and individuals who struggle with failed attempts to repair attachment or relationship injuries, which often takes the form of addiction and other maladaptive thoughts and behaviors. When David has spare time, he enjoys nature, camping, reading, and playing basketball. His greatest enjoyment comes from spending time with his wife of 13 years, and their five children ranging in age from 11 to 1. As a family, they enjoy traveling, playing sports and watching good movies. Please don't hesitate to call us and ask about our program, our philosophy, and what we believe will benefit your child who struggles with pornography, anger, or other misbehavior. Our greatest satisfaction comes in connecting with these boys and helping them to improve their lives in ways that will bring lasting peace in a difficult world. "There is much in the world to make us afraid. There is much more in our faith to make us unafraid. Fredick W. Cropp
Tresa Hanks - Academic Director Tresa graduated from Southern Utah University with a BA of Science in 1999 and has been teaching for approximately fourteen years. Most of this time has been at residential treatment centers with the exception of 4 years where she spent her time at a public school teaching in a special day class for troubled youth. Tresa has thoroughly enjoyed her work experiences and takes great pride in what she does. She has found many rewards in being able to get to know and work with youth from all over the country. Tresa shares, "I often feel as if I have the most rewarding and fulfilling job in the world. These youth are all so amazing in their own unique ways. Working at Mt. Pleasant Academy within the positive peer culture has been a wonderful and rewarding experience. It has helped me be not only a better teacher but a better parent. I am such a strong believer that through true care and concern for others we can make a big impact on those we come in contact with. Tresa met her husband while teaching at her first job in Provo Utah. They had a short engagement and were married shortly after. Following their marriage, they moved to California where they lived for approximately 4 years. After the birth of their first child Tresa and her husband felt it important to move back to Utah so their children would have the opportunity to know their grandparents. It took a couple years, but they finally made the transition back to Utah, and were blessed with three more children. They are the highlight of her life. Tresa loves being a mom and always tries to enjoy each and every day with her children. She also loves being a teacher. "Each student has taught me more about myself than I could ever teach them. It is a privilege to work with such great kids." Tresa says. With four children and a full-time teaching career, life has definitely had its challenges, but the rewards that she has gained far outweigh the challenges.
Steve Mondragon, CSW, MSW Program Director Steve recently graduated from the U of U, with a Masters Degree in Social Work. During his time in school, he worked with adolescents at a wilderness therapeutic program. His days "on trail" gave him the opportunity to witness some profound therapeutic changes through the use of wilderness adventure activities and relationships. Prior to returning to school, Steve served as a law enforcement officer for 12 years. This experience gave Steve valuable insight into the chaos that life can bring into our lives. His time as a police officer helped drive his desire to return to school in order to gain the education needed to continue helping others. Like most therapists, Steve's therapeutic approach cannot be summarized by one theoretical model. The interconnecting thread in his therapeutic approach utilizes the interpersonal process, which assumes that a trusting therapeutic relationship is the basis for change. His warm approach with people often involves a lot of humor, breaking down treatment resistance and building trusting relationship. Through this relationship, Steve empowers his clients to utilize emotional, behavioral, social and relational change techniques to help them achieve treatment goals. Steve borrows his therapeutic style and techniques from cognitive-behavioral, dialectical-behavioral, mindfulnessbased cognitive-behavioral, motivational interviewing, solution-focused and self-determination theoretical frameworks. Steve loves being outside, at work and at play. When not at work, Steve prefers to spend time outside with his wife and three children. His preferred fixation is fly-fishing, but he also enjoys gardening, playing the ukulele and backpacking in the High Uinta Mountains.