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As Founder and CEO of Balance Health & Healing, Dr. Melissa H. Smith leads a team of talented professionals who provide specialized psychological and medical services dedicated to helping individuals find help that heals. In addition to providing specialized outpatient eating disorder treatment, including intensive therapy, dietary, group and medical services, Dr. Smith and the Balance team have developed a strong reputation as gifted clinicians for many presenting concerns, including depression, anxiety, trauma, OCD, and relationship concerns. 

Dr. Smith is a student of life and loves getting positively geeky about human growth and resilience. Dr. Smith is a Licensed Psychologist, Leadership Coach, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, and Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator. 

Working at the leading edge of health and well-being, Dr. Smith works closely with leaders in psychedelic medicine to bring the groundbreaking treatment of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) to our community. 

As a leadership coach, Dr. Smith works with high-achieving leaders, executive teams and organizations wishing to banish blocks, cultivate growth, and lead with courage. Dr. Smith is the host of Pursue What Matters, a podcast dedicated to helping individuals thrive in love and work. Dr. Smith regularly provides intensive trainings and national keynote addresses on topics ranging from leadership to mental health. You can learn more about Dr. Smith’s leadership work here

Dr. Smith earned her doctoral degree from the APA-accredited Counseling Psychology Program at Brigham Young University, which included an APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship at University of Michigan. Dr. Smith holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Truman State University in Kirksville, MO, and an MBA Degree from The University of Utah.

Click here to read  Melissa’s balance blogs.  

Women’s issues has been a long standing passion and interest for Anna Packard, PhD, CEDS. After earning her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Brigham Young University in 2003, Dr. Packard worked for two years at the Stanford Treatment Research Center on a study exploring alternative treatments for depression during pregnancy. In graduate school, Dr. Packard pursued specialized training in women’s issues with a specific emphasis in the treatment of eating disorders. She worked as an extern at Center for Change, a highly regarded specialized eating disorder treatment center, and was trained and supervised by clinicians with expertise and many years of experience. Dr. Packard earned her PhD in clinical psychology from Brigham Young University’s APA-accredited program in 2010, finishing her pre-doctoral internship at Brigham Young University Counseling and Psychological Services.

After graduation with her PhD, Dr. Packard worked at the Center for Change where she provided intensive clinical services to individuals in inpatient and residential treatment for severe eating disorders and other co-occuring disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD. She also developed and expanded group psychotherapy services offered to patients at the Center. While working at Center for Change, Dr. Packard collaborated closely with direct care staff and other treatment providers to maximize patient clinical gains.

In Fall, 2012, Dr. Packard began working at Brigham Young University’s Counseling and Psychological Services. Here she provided individual and group psychotherapy to BYU students presenting with a variety of concerns while also continuing to specialize in seeing clients struggling with eating disorders and body image concerns. She led trainings for fellow clinicians and supervised graduate students on treating clients with eating disorders. While employed at BYU CAPS, Dr. Packard collaborated with colleagues to initiate and run an eating disorder treatment team and also created and facilitated an eating disorder group psychotherapy program. Dr. Packard has presented several times at local and national conferences, leading training workshops on her group psychotherapy work.

Dr. Packard joined Balance Health & Healing in the Spring of 2016. She is passionate about individual and group psychotherapy. Dr. Packard is warm, compassionate and a skilled clinician. She actively collaborates with clients to set and meet treatment goals. Her psychotherapy work is individualized to meet client needs, however her style of therapy is based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Relational Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy principles. Dr. Packard specializes in the treatment of eating disorders and body image concerns, but also welcomes seeing clients with a variety of presenting concerns.

As evidence of Dr. Packard’s training, experience, and expertise, she is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) and a Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP). She continues to be active in professional organizations to facilitate her continued development and growth as a clinician, and also to provide trainings and presentations to other mental health providers. She is currently a member of the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP), the American Psychological Association, (APA), the Utah Psychological Association (UPA) and the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA).

Click here to read Anna’s balance blogs.

Jessica Gilliland, LMFT, graduated with a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Brigham Young University in 2016. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from BYU.

During her graduate studies, Jessica was an intern therapist at the BYU Comprehensive Clinic, where she gained experience serving clients with a wide variety of needs. She received focused supervision in providing therapy to Spanish-speaking individuals and families. Her master’s thesis analyzed the inclusion of marginalized ethnic groups in family studies research.

Since completing her schooling, Jessica has worked as an individual, couple, and family therapist for clients managing a variety of concerns, including eating disorders and body image struggles, depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship conflict, and other concerns. As a clinician trained in systemic therapy, she supports clients in achieving growth and greater health in their personal lives, and in the relationships that influence them. Throughout her training and clinical career, Jessica has prioritized developing specialization in the treatment of eating concerns. She aligns her treatment approach with the principles of Intuitive Eating and Health at Every SizeⓇ.

As a therapist, Jessica strives to be transparent and collaborative with her clients, inviting them to be fully active participants in the process of therapy. She prioritizes developing an environment of trust, safety, and caring for each client. Jessica recognizes the courage it takes to be a client in therapy, and does all she can to help clients feel seen, accepted, and hopeful in their growth processes.

Jessica’s therapeutic orientation draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, and Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS). When working with couples, she approaches treatment from the framework of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and also draws upon techniques from Gottman Method Couples Therapy. Jessica is able to provide therapy in both English and Spanish.

Click here to read Jessica’s balance blogs.

Madison Hatch, CSW, earned a bachelor’s degree in social work and a minor in family science from Utah Valley University. She then went on to further her education at the University of Utah, where she graduated with her master’s degree in social work with an emphasis in mental health. 

Madison worked as an intern therapist at a private practice throughout her graduate studies. She worked alongside clients with diverse needs such as depression, anxiety, grief, eating disorders, self-esteem issues, couples, family, and co-parenting conflicts. She also has professional experience in the school social work setting, facilitating groups and empowering students. 

Madison is eager to help clients through all phases and challenges that life may present. She spent five months on a life-changing and paradigm-shifting humanitarian trip to the Dominican Republic, where she could truly see the happiness that comes from helping others. After returning, she met her husband and became an instant mom to her wonderful stepson. Madison soon saw the lack of positive resources within the stepparent and co-parent community, and has since created Stepped Up Coparenting in an effort to provide helpful information to individuals experiencing unique family conflicts. 

As a clinician, Madison has been trained in many evidence-based modalities such as Emotion Focused Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness Oriented Recovery Enhancement.   

 

Madison believes in the importance of connection and strives to help clients find purpose and joy within their lives. 

In her free time, Madison enjoys boating, being outdoors, traveling, reading, and spending quality time with her friends and family.

Click here to read Madison’s balance blogs.

Jess Wyly, CSW, ASUDC, graduated from Boise State University with a Master’s in Social Work in 2021. In addition to being a Certified Social Worker, she has an Advanced Substance Use Disorder license from Utah Valley University. Jess worked in a residential substance abuse treatment center for several years as a counselor and case manager and has experience with inpatient and outpatient treatment for eating disorders and co-occurring mental health issues.

 She utilizes a variety of treatment modalities with an emphasis on Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

Jess uses her personal experience in recovery and compassion for others to create a safe, non-judgmental, and sometimes even fun place for therapy. She believes in addressing the core issues and instilling hope when people are struggling. 

Jess enjoys going on adventures with her husband and daughter in her free time, hiking all over Utah with her pup, crocheting, and reading. She also volunteers with the Alzheimer’s Association and leads 

Caretaker and Early Dementia support groups for the organization.

Click here to read Jess’s balance blogs.

Reilly Hawkins, MFT, Student Intern, earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and minor in Business from Brigham Young University. She graduated summa cum laude and was valedictorian of BYU’s Psychology Department.  

Reilly is currently completing her master’s degree at BYU’s Marriage and Family Therapy program. During her time as an intern therapist at BYU Comprehensive Clinic she has worked alongside clients with a variety of concerns such as relationship conflict, premarital counseling, couple’s counseling, body image, disordered eating, depression, anxiety, and OCD. She is currently involved in research on ethnic minorities in the social science literature and attachment in couple relationships. Reilly’s master’s thesis focuses on the negative impacts of parentification on adolescents.  

Reilly is passionate about helping individuals find healing and acceptance in their bodies. She believes treating our own bodies with compassion increases our capacity to connect with others. She supports clients as they cultivate increased purpose and meaningful relationships. Reilly’s training in systemic therapy informs her work with sexuality, body image, and eating disorders in the couple context. As a clinician, she draws from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Narrative Therapy.

In her free time, Reilly enjoys hiking, yoga, being outside, reading, traveling, baking, and spending time with friends and family.

Click here to read Reilly’s balance blogs.

Dr. Micah Smith, DO, MS, FAAEM, is the medical director for Balance Health and Healing. He is a board-certified emergency physician with 20 years of experience. Dr. Smith has broad training in acute care medicine, resuscitation, sedation, and airway management. He has additional qualifications in pre-hospital, aeromedical, and tactical medicine. He holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in microbiology. His passions include cycling, skiing, and the outdoors.

Madé Alder, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, attended Dixie State University, where she graduated as a student-athlete and nursing class president summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She then went on to further her education and graduated summa cum laude again with her Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. Madé has a background in and a strong passion for nursing in Women’s Health and Mental Health. She has completed additional rotations in pediatrics, family health, psychology, and geriatrics, and she is currently completing her scholarly project centered around mental health and eating disorders. In her free time, Madé enjoys traveling, reading, fitness, attending sporting events, and connecting with friends and family. 

Keena Hooker, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) with a vast background in health and wellness and a passion for helping her patients live their healthiest, happiest, and optimal quality of life through every phase of life. 

Keena earned her first degree from Brigham Young University over 30 years ago. She went on to earn an additional degree as a Registered Nurse/BSN and spent several years working in a busy emergency room and as a home health care nurse.  Keena then obtained her Master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner (APRN/FNP-C) with the goal of providing comprehensive, integrated health care for her patients by synergistically blending proactive, root-cause medicine with lifestyle management to ensure each patient is empowered to live their best, healthiest life every day.

Keena has been a nationally and world-ranked triathlete and competed in eight triathlon world championships, including the Ironman world championships in Kona multiple times. Her desire to help people live their best life has allowed Keena to coach and train thousands of people to improve health and quality of life through goal setting, optimal nutrition, and quality movement.

AJ Maxfield is our Digital Marketing Manager and the creative mind behind Balance Health and Healing. From her experience running her own company, Derr, AJ brings brightness and growth to our team.

AJ is driven by her purpose to spread and advocate for kindness in both her work and personal life. She is a wife, mother of two kids, and loves being with her family. 

 

Riley Schaap is our Clinic Coordinator and Social Media Manager. She will be your biggest support in answering questions, and helping you find the best care with our services.

Riley has a great passion for mental health and healing. She has 6 + years of experience working with a variety of populations within the social work field. She graduated with her Bacherlors in Family Science at Utah Valley University and plans to get her Masters degree and become a therapist. She spends her time chasing the sun, being outdoors, teaching and practicing yoga, and connecting with family and friends.

 

Paula Draper is our Operations Manager. She has 17+ years of healthcare administrative experience, in the areas of office management, finance and human resources.

Paula earned her Associates Degree at Salt Lake Community College and a Certificate of Completion from Salt Lake Community College Fashion Institute. She has attended and completed numerous seminars and classes pertaining to finance, HR best practices, HIPAA compliance, and leadership development. Most recently, she is a graduate of Chamber West 2021-2022 Leadership Institute.

In her off time, she enjoys getting lost in a good book, creating handmade gifts, attending concerts, studying astrology, connecting with friends and family, and traveling with her husband and kids.

We are passionate about helping you pursue what matters. We transform lives through providing the tools, training, and treatment you need for personal growth and purpose-driven living grounded in health and balance. 

At Balance Health & Healing, we are guided by seven values in all we do. They are Abundance, Balance, Growth, Connection, Gratitude, Honesty, and Simplicity. 

Abundance

We believe in an abundance mindset & that as we give we also receive. We believe there is an abundance of hope & that we have unique skills, gifts, & perspectives to share with those we serve.

Balance

We believe balance is essential to happy & fulfilling lives. We integrate our most important roles & believe we are better professionals as we respect & cultivate our personal lives. We work hard & strive to be good examples of balanced self-care.

 Growth

We embrace growth by whatever means it may come. We are lifelong learners & pursue knowledge, understanding & specialized skills. We believe we have much to offer & are committed to developing our competencies.

 Connection

We believe in the power of authentic connection to transform lives. We speak candidly & respectfully & consider honest & direct feedback a gift essential to connection. We give good intent & trust the good intent of others in our interactions.

 Gratitude

We cultivate gratitude & don’t take life or our work for granted. We express gratitude through the excellent care we provide & strive to give back through meaningful contributions to our community.

 Honesty

We are honest in all we do. We are vigilant about providing outstanding care & hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards. We do what is right. Always.

 Simplicity

Though life is complex, we believe in the power of simplicity in our approach, practices, & processes. We strive to simplify & streamline all we do.