David Priestley, founder of Priestley Mental Health, Inc. (PMH), was raised in Franklin, Idaho, and graduated from Preston High School in 1989. As the oldest son of Frank and Susan Priestley, Dave developed a strong work ethic while working on his family’s dairy farm. Those early experiences shaped his values of perseverance, responsibility, and service. After high school, he served an LDS mission in Argentina, an experience that deepened his compassion for others and broadened his perspective. Upon returning, he attended Rick’s College in Rexburg, Idaho, where he met his wife, Amy, during their second year. They married in 1994 and later moved to Cache Valley to continue their education at Utah State University. Amy majored in Elementary Education, while Dave pursued Social Work. Two years later, Dave advanced his education at the University of Utah, where he earned his Master of Social Work (MSW). 

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Dave and Amy have three children. Olivia is married to Dalton, and they have a son named Luke. Shaylee is married to Stegan and they have a son named Grayson.Taite is married to Shari. Dave has always been an active father in his children’s lives. He has loved having a front-row seat to watching his children learn and grow, serving as their biggest cheerleader as they’ve excelled in both academics and athletics at Preston High School and throughout their college experiences. One of his current highlights has been supporting his son, Taite, as he competes at the national level as a high jumper for Utah State University. Above all, being a husband, father, and grandfather is one of Dave’s greatest joys. 

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Dave’s path into social work stemmed from a simple but powerful desire. While attending Utah State University, he was asked in a communications class what his major was. His response was that he was not entirely sure, but he wanted to wake up each day and feel that he was making a difference in people’s lives. A classmate suggested he look into the Social Work program. After exploring it, Dave felt that it “just had a good fit,” and the direction of his life began to take shape. 

His first professional role was as a Community Resource Worker serving the Preston and West Side School Districts through a joint initiative between the Department of Health and Welfare and the Department of Education. The preventative program focused on assisting at-risk families. When the state legislature later cut the program, many families were left without needed support. Rather than accept the loss of services, Dave believed there had to be another way. He envisioned hiring a worker in Soda Springs, Malad, and Montpelier while remaining in Preston and finding funding sources to continue helping families. That determination marked the hiring of four employees and the beginning of Priestley Mental Health. 

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The early years of the business required patience and resilience. One of the greatest surprises was how long it took for a small business to become financially stable and sustainable. Dave also observed the wide range of community responses. Many individuals and professionals were supportive and encouraging, while others were less receptive. Learning to focus on those who shared the vision and mission became an important lesson in leadership and perseverance. 

To secure initial funding, Dave explored state funding opportunities and Medicaid options that would support both bachelor-level and master-level providers. In the beginning, the primary focus was on skill building and Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) services. Because Dave had already established strong relationships within the community during his time as a Community

Resource Worker, referrals began coming in quickly. Other professionals in the area were receptive and supportive, which helped the agency gain momentum. 

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The original vision for Priestley Mental Health was modest in scale and centered primarily on helping others. Over the past 25 years, that vision has expanded significantly. While the core mission of service remains unchanged, PMH has grown into a primary mental health agency in the region. It has become not only a place where individuals receive care, but also a workplace where employees can find meaningful and positive employment. The agency now seeks to sustain not only Dave and his family but also contribute to the well-being of its staff and the broader community. 

Throughout the years, the business model has continually adapted to changing government regulations, shifting funding sources, and the evolving needs of the community. In many ways, the only constant has been change. Services have expanded as gaps were identified and opportunities arose. One significant addition was the implementation of school-based Community-Based Rehabilitation Services (CBRS). Given Dave’s longstanding relationship with local schools, this expansion strengthened collaboration and brought valuable mental health services directly into the educational setting. 

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The community impact of Priestley Mental Health has been substantial. Hundreds of individuals from all walks of life have walked through its doors seeking support. The agency has provided services to those with severe and persistent mental health challenges as well as to individuals facing more moderate or situational concerns. Over the years, PMH has developed strong working relationships with physicians, hospitals, law enforcement, state agencies, clergy, schools, and probation services. Dave himself has remained actively engaged in community leadership, having worked in school and probation settings, served on the Governor’s Advisory Board for Juvenile Corrections, participated on the Southeast Idaho Community Action Agency Board of Directors, and currently serving on the Franklin County Medical Center Foundation Board of Directors. 

Priestley Mental Health has also made a meaningful impact within the professional community by serving as a training site for students pursuing advanced degrees. The agency has partnered with institutions such as Utah State University, Idaho State University, and Boise State University, as well as numerous online programs. Interns have gained valuable hands-on experience at PMH, and Dave has dedicated significant time mentoring college students and encouraging them to further their education. Many professionals in the region can trace the beginning of their careers back to Priestley Mental Health. 

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What has kept Dave motivated for more than two decades is the consistent opportunity to help others-as a community and as an ever-revolving staff. The journey has included both successes and setbacks, particularly in navigating relationships and differing perspectives. One of the most important lessons he has learned as an employer is that not everyone will share the same vision and are better suited elsewhere. By focusing on those who are supportive and aligned with the mission, he has been able to continue moving forward and strengthening the agency. 

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What he has enjoyed most in the helping profession is watching people work through life’s challenges and leave stronger than when they arrived. As Dave shares, “It has been nothing short of a pure pleasure to help people that come in for help-work through hard things.” His advice to those entering the field is both practical and insightful: there is a percentage you will deeply connect with and help, “there is a percentage you won’t connect with and that might even turn on you, and most everyone is somewhere in between at any given time.Helping people is largely about connecting but it is also about timing and where that person is at in their own stages of change. Give what you can and let people take what they will from it.” Dave recognizes that the business would not be where it is today without the efforts, knowledge, sacrifice, expertise, and dedication his staff has invested in this mission-driven endeavor. Long-time team member and Programs Manager, Rachelle Hinckley added, “Dave has taught me that, in a small town, you don’t just serve clients—you come to understand their families, their histories, their losses, and their victories. You see them at the grocery store, at school events, in everyday life. Working at Priestley Mental Health through the years has given me a strong sense of awareness about people—about their hidden struggles, their silent resilience, and the triumphs that often go unnoticed by the world. 

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Today, Priestley Mental Health is operating at its strongest point yet. The current team reflects a collaborative, team-oriented mindset built on mutual success and shared purpose. Looking ahead, the vision for the next chapter includes continued growth while maintaining high-quality care, supporting both clients and employees within the organization’s capacity, and remaining a stable, long-term presence in the community. Priestley Mental Health aspires to continue serving as a pillar of hope for individuals and families, maintaining its commitment to genuine service, professional excellence, and meaningful community impact for generations to come.