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PROGRAM DEVELOPERS

• Program Developers
• Core Therapeutic Staff

Benita Quakenbush-Roberts, Ph.D. -- CEO/Clinical Director:

Dr. Quakenbush-Roberts is a licensed psychologist (Utah license # 376641-2501), with 10 years of clinical experience. The core philosophy underlying the Avalon Hills eating disorder treatment center first originated out of her thesis and doctoral research (Quakenbush, Stein & Doty, 1996; 1998), which focused on females who overcame eating disorders, and the reported factors that facilitated their recovery. Dr. Quakenbush-Roberts has served children, adolescents, and adults with a wide range of mental health disorders in both inpatient and out-patient settings. During this time she specialized in the treatment of eating disorders and post traumatic stress disorders. Over the past three years, she has consulted with a variety of residential and wilderness programs. Dr. Quakenbush-Roberts is a member of the American Psychological Association and Utah Psychological Association.

Gary L. Roberts -- President/Director of Operations:

Mr. Roberts has been a field counselor and provided field support for Second Nature Wilderness Treatment Program for over 3 1/2 years. During this time, he supervised and participated in experiential interventions to facilitate personal growth and social skills. Mr. Roberts was responsible for the supervision and safety of over 100 adolescents, and was involved in the training of new field staff. He is certified in first aid and CPR, and has 17 years of experience in building, ground, machinery, and animal maintenance.

Mary E. Doty, Ph.D. -- Program Consultant:

Dr. Doty is a licensed psychologist (Utah license # 116922-2501) with 25 years of clinical and related experience. She has been the executive director of the Utah State University Counseling Center since 1992 and has been a member of the professional staff since 1989. Dr. Doty has specialized in both eating disorders treatment and psychological trauma treatment, as well as in the use of animal-assisted therapy with her clients. Additionally, she has many years of administrative and program development experience. She is well-respected around the state, providing education and training in identification and eating disorders treatment and traumatic disorders to numerous professional and lay groups, including several national and international professional conferences.