Our Team
-
Derek Barney, LCMHC, Owner
I’m a mental health counselor who works with people navigating addiction, trauma, and grief. I got into this work because I’ve lived it; I struggled with substance use and lost my dad at a young age. Those experiences shaped who I am and gave me a deep understanding of what it’s like to feel overwhelmed, stuck, or alone.
Over the years, I’ve worked with teens in inpatient settings and later supported adults in addiction recovery. I’ve also done specialized training in DBT, Brainspotting, and SMART Recovery to offer more focused, effective care. My approach is real, compassionate, and always nonjudgmental. Whether you’re dealing with something specific or just trying to find your way back to yourself, I’m here to walk with you, one step at a time.
-
Melissa Barney, Practice Manager, Owner
I’m a mom first, that’s really at the center of everything I do. Whether I’m with my own kids, supporting clients, or helping run the practice, showing up with care and connection always comes first.
Before this, I spent eight amazing years living and working in a residential treatment home with my husband, Derek. We were “mom and dad” to a house full of incredible girls, and creating a safe, supportive, family like space became something really close to my heart. That same heart is what I bring to the work we do now.
Since helping Derek start the practice in 2020, I’ve taken on a little bit of everything; intakes, billing, scheduling, and all the behind-the-scenes stuff that keeps things moving. One of my favorite parts is connecting with new clients and helping them feel welcome from that very first call.
Outside of work, I’m all about my family, meaningful moments, and the occasional kitchen dance party.
-
Jocee Hospodarsky, AMFT
I’m a marriage and family therapist, and the work I do is deeply personal to me. I support individuals, couples, and families through some of life’s hardest moments; grief, betrayal, addiction, domestic violence, trauma, and divorce. I also work with kids and teens who are going through big changes at home, especially when there’s been loss or instability.
I’ve lived through many of these experiences myself, so I understand how heavy and overwhelming life can feel. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, seen, and supported; where you can breathe, be honest, and begin to heal. I use a mix of talk therapy, mindfulness, and CBT, always at a pace that feels right for you. You're not alone in this and I’m here for you every step of the way.
-
Matthew Valentine, AMFT
I connect best with teens and young adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, low self-esteem, pornography use, or major life changes; whether that’s in family, faith, or relationships. I bring a mix of energy, empathy, and a down-to-earth style that helps clients feel safe, seen, and understood. I also speak Spanish and enjoy working with people from all kinds of backgrounds and life experiences.
My own journey began with a lot of change. When I was 2, my dad divorced my mom and moved us from Taiwan to the U.S. A year later, he remarried, and suddenly I was one of eight siblings, four Chinese-American, four Korean-American. By the time I was 8, I lost my dad to colon cancer. Those experiences were hard, but they helped me understand what it’s like to go through big changes and tough emotions. That’s a big part of why I do what I do now.
-
Sandee Everett, ACMHC
I work with women, children, and teens, offering a safe, supportive space to work through life’s challenges. I use a blend of approaches including EMDR, CBT, ACT, DBT, and play therapy, tailoring each session to meet your unique needs or the needs of your child. My style is client-centered and grounded in compassion, empathy, and truly listening. I believe that growth happens when you feel heard, accepted, and supported exactly where you are.
I often work with clients facing anxiety, trauma, depression, or difficulties with mood and coping. Whether you’re looking for support for yourself or your child, I’m here to help you navigate it with care and consistency.
I earned my bachelor’s degree from BYU and my master’s from Purdue. My husband and I have been married for over 30 years, and we have five grown children. We raised our family in the Washington, D.C. area, Indiana, and Southern California before settling in beautiful St. George, Utah. When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me doing yoga, hiking, spending time with family, or hanging out with our dog, Beau.
-
Kendal Barney, Administrative Assistant
Hi, I’m Kendal, the friendly face and voice that helps keep things running smoothly around here. Before joining the team, I worked as a pharmacy tech, which taught me how much I love helping people, especially when it comes to their health and well-being.
Now, I’m passionate about making sure clients feel welcome, supported, and connected to the care they need. Whether I’m answering phones, scheduling appointments, or just offering a kind word, I do my best to make things a little easier for everyone.
Outside of work, I love doing nails, it’s my creative outlet and a fun way to help others feel good about themselves. For me, it’s a small way to bring a little extra joy and color into the day.