Dr. Smith earned a bachelor’s degree in Family Science from Brigham Young University, a master’s degree in Counseling from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, and a doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology from the APA-accredited program at Brigham Young University. As part of her doctoral training, Dr. Smith completed an APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship at the University of Michigan where she was part of a campus-wide treatment team for eating concerns, which included outreach and advocacy efforts in addition to coordinated intervention. Dr. Smith earned an MBA at the University of Utah’s top-ranked business program, deepening her work at the intersection of psychology and business. She also became a Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator, which is based on the research of Dr. Brene Brown. Dare to Lead™ is an empirically based courage-building program designed to be facilitated by organizational development professionals. In addition to providing clinical services, Dr. Smith also provides executive coaching and business consulting to high-achieving leaders. To learn more about coaching services, visit drmelissasmith.com.
Dr. Smith has worked at three university counseling centers where she has focused on eating concerns in a college population. These efforts included developing and implementing group and individual interventions, working with a comprehensive treatment team, and presenting on the topics of eating concerns in a college population.
Dr. Smith worked with a highly- regarded specialized eating disorder treatment center for ten years during which time she provided intensive clinical services for those individuals requiring acute inpatient and residential eating disorder treatment.
During this time, Dr. Smith was also actively involved in leadership, program development, research, outreach, business development, and advocacy. Dr. Smith served as a Clinical Director and Program Director for the residential treatment program, where she provided clinical direction, program development, and worked closely with direct care staff to ensure the safety and security of individuals engaged in treatment.
Throughout her career, Dr. Smith has been passionate about group therapy, and has developed several group therapy programs and interventions focused on eating concerns. Dr. Smith is a gifted clinician and able to connect with individuals quickly, thus building trust which allows the important therapeutic work to be accomplished.
In addition to providing individual, couple, family, and group therapy, Dr. Smith provides clinical supervision to professionals new to the field and new to eating disorder treatment. She participates in professional consultation groups and strives to be a lifelong learner.
Dr. Smith has also been actively engaged with professional organizations, and is currently a member of the following organizations: Academy for Eating Disorders (AED), International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (IAEDP), American Psychological Association (APA), Utah Psychological Association (UPA), and is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS) through IAEDP. Becoming a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist takes rigorous application and evidence of qualification through education, training, supervision, advocacy, and outreach. Membership in these professional organizations connects Dr. Smith with the leaders in the eating disorder field, which is critically important when considering program development, the latest in research and clinical interventions, and provides valuable access to ongoing consultation.
As part of her associations with professional organizations, Dr. Smith is a board member of the Utah Chapter of IAEDP, which is tasked with providing support, education, and advocacy for eating disorder professionals. Dr. Smith works closely with other board members to address the needs of eating disorder professionals in the State of Utah, and to provide educational seminars, advocacy events, and networking opportunities to eating disorder professionals and those affected by eating disorders. Dr. Smith presents locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally on the topic of eating disorders and addictive processes.
Women’s issues has been a long standing passion and interest for Dr. Anna Packard. 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).
Jessica Gilliland is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She 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
Jen Wight, LCSW, is a graduate of Brigham Young University’s Master of Social Work program and an ASWB Board Certified Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Jen earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Utah Valley University, where she was named Valedictorian of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities.
As part of her graduate work at BYU, Jen pursued gaining clinical skills to help those impacted by trauma, earning certification in BYU’s Trauma Informed Practice program as well as completing additional training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Jen is passionate about helping individuals and families heal and intentionally define their lives after experiencing difficulty and trauma.
While at BYU, Jen was the recipient of the BYU School of Social Work Scholarship, BYU Advocate Scholarship, and the Marjorie Pay Hinckley Chair Scholarship. Her research focus at BYU was OCD and religiosity in early returned LDS missionaries.
During her graduate training, Jen completed internships at LDS Family Services and at the Utah State Prison. While at LDS Family Services, Jen provided therapeutic interventions for men, women, children, couples and families,
utilizing modalities of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Internal Family Systems. She gained experience treating depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorders, bipolar disorders, eating disorders, recovery from sexual abuse, grief, and pornography addiction. Jen also conducted pre-mission evaluations assessing an LDS missionary candidate’s emotional readiness to serve a full-time mission. While at the Utah State Prison, Jen provided therapy for inmates enrolled in the Excell inpatient women’s substance abuse treatment community. There, she utilized modalities of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Internal Family Systems and Solution Focused Therapy. During this time, Jen also developed and ran a specialized bereavement group for women incarcerated for negligent homicide.
Jen is an active member of the National Association of Social Work (NASW).
Cara Durfee is a licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with an impressive academic and professional background. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Brigham Young University in 2006 and pursued her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Phoenix, graduating in 2013. Cara has undergone training in evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress, and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. Cara is a dedicated trauma therapist who is committed to helping individuals find their unique path to healing.
With a distinguished career in the mental health field spanning 16 years, Cara has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to facilitating the healing journey of individuals. Cara’s professional trajectory has been marked by continuous growth and transformation, encompassing a range of leadership roles that underscore her expertise and passion for positively impacting the lives of others. Throughout her career, Cara has held esteemed positions such as Chief Clinical Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Director of Clinical Services, Clinical Supervisor, and Clinical Program Manager.
Cara’s clinical experience spans individual and group therapy in diverse settings, including residential treatment facilities, emergency rooms with crisis patients, and outpatient clinical environments. Cara has experience working with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, sexual trauma, and other mental health concerns. Cara is passionate about practicing Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) to address client’s mental health concerns. ART offers rapid relief from traumatic experiences, promoting emotional healing and overall well-being to clients who participate. Cara is excited to bring these benefits to Balance Health and Healing clients.
Cara is enthusiastic about delivering holistic care to clients in her role. She is particularly excited about integrating the advantages of ketamine into the psychotherapy process at Balance Health and Healing. Cara looks forward to pairing KAP and ART to deliver clients a potent blend of swift symptom relief and efficient resolution, resulting in deep healing.
Madison Hatch 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.
Madé Alder 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.
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.
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.
