About Krista
Krista is a social worker and counselor who has provided services at Priestley Mental Health since 2014. Concerning counseling, Krista says: "Individuals are different and so approaches need to be. As a clinician, I try to focus on each client and their needs. I often use a solution-focused approach, which strives to find each person's strengths and what is currently working for them in order to use it to strengthen other areas. I focus on the positives instead of the deficiencies, since individuals are more than just their problems. I am honored to help individuals sort through the challenges of life and see them as a whole person: someone who is worthy of love and kindness. I use different therapy modalities to accomplish this. I find that a sense of humor, being myself, and taking genuine interest in others helps with forming connections that can be used to provide a safe place for people to share their stories and continue in the healing process."
Krista was born in West Valley City, Utah. Being the seventh out of either children meant she was lucky to be an aunt at a young age and has continued to love spending time with her nieces and nephews. "Family is very important to me," Krista says, "and have helped shape me into the person I am today." Krista loves traveling and does so with her older sister as often as they can. She enjoys figuring out how things work and fixing things. Most of all, she loves laughing and finding joy in the little moments of life.
credentials
Krista has worked in a multitude of professional mental and behavioral health roles and settings. Prior to becoming a licensed counselor, Krista worked in the school setting as a youth advocate, where she provided one-on-one tutoring, facilitated youth groups, and offered behavior management. She worked for several years as a summer club counselor and activities coordinator, and prior to her employment at Priestley Mental Health, Krista worked in the clinical setting providing respite services to teens and adolescents as well as offering mental health services at a youth residential center, where she was a service worker, program administrator, and liaison for youth. At Priestley's, Krista has worked as a CBRS worker and provided school-based psychiatric rehabilitation to students in Preston School District. Krista also has volunteer experience as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), where she attended court cases involving abuse and neglect to advocate for children's best interests. She is a former Head Start teacher.
Krista graduated from Westminster College with a degree in Clinical and Developmental Psychology and then from Utah State University with a Master of Social Work. As a clinician, she has completed training cognitive behavioral therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). She has also trained in trauma-informed care and many clinical topics related to trauma.
education
Certifications
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Master of Social Work
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Bachelor of Science, Clinical & Developmental Psychology
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Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
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training in CBT and EMDR
