Jay is originally from Colorado and moved to Utah in 2022. He received his BA in English from the University of Northern Colorado and his M.Ed. in Administration from Wayne State College. Additionally, Jay has a certification in Special Education (K-12) from Western Colorado University and a School Leadership certification (K-12) from Liberty University. Jay has worked in the Special Education field since 2001 and has enjoyed working in Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah during that time. In his free time, Jay enjoys spending time with his two teenage children, riding his Harley Davidson, writing fiction novels, and relaxing at the lake.

Joseph Wallace has been working with teenagers in many capacities since 2010. His experience includes after school programs, special education, foster care, child and adolescent mobile crisis, outpatient therapy and residential treatment. Joe has worked in both frontline staff and clinical roles in his experience with residential experience. Joe received a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northcentral University. He also received a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies with an emphasis in Psychology from Weber State University. Joe has received a Level 2 certification in Attachment Based Family Therapy, certification in Motivational Interviewing and has been trained in EDMR and ERP therapy models. Joe also utilizes aspects of Structural Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy into his work with adolescents. Joe prides himself in being able to keep a calm demeanor and remain in a wise mind in high anxiety and intense crisis situations. Joe also has a passion for working with families and teenagers. He has a strong belief that parents have to be involved in treatment in order for teens to truly heal and have success moving forward.

In his personal life Joe enjoys the outdoors, fishing, camping, and swimming. He also competes in BBQ competitions. Joe and his wife have goals of traveling inside and outside of the U.S. Joe would like to become an advocate for mental health and be able to sit down with government leaders to create better opportunities for people who struggle with mental health issues.

Jager has worked in the recreation field for five years. After obtaining a Bachelor’s in Recreation Administration Jager started at LRA as a youth mentor, growing into a Lead TA, and now serving as the Experiential Learning Manager. Jager loves the gym, canyoneering, his two dogs, and playing games with friends.

Rod has worked in adolescent behavioral health for thirty years. He tried retiring in 2022, but soon realized he missed working with kids. When asked to join the talented and dedicated team at Logan River Academy, he jumped at the opportunity. Rod received his BA and MPA from the University of Utah.

With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Jennifer has dedicated her life to helping students develop the skills necessary to live healthy and fulfilled lives. Jennifer is happiest at work when providing support for those she works with, both staff and students. She strives to continuously implement the latest techniques of research-based mentoring and prioritizes the well-being and success of her students above all else. When she isn’t working, Jennifer enjoys spending quality time with her children and grandchildren. She especially loves outdoor activities such as camping and hiking, and takes full advantage of the beauty Utah has to offer.

Alisha Argyle graduated from Utah State University in 2015 with a secondary teaching social studies composite degree. She was hired at Logan River Academy just after she graduated and has been working here as a high school social studies teacher. Alisha was raised here in Cache Valley and enjoys it very much. She enjoys spending time outdoors, camping, and hiking.

Deidra Jolly has worked in education for over 20 years, with the past 6 years dedicated to teaching. She earned her degree from WGU and is currently pursuing her high school English endorsement. This is her first year at LRA, and she’s excited to be part of the team. Deidra lives in Tremonton with her husband of 23 years. They have three married children, two grandchildren, and two more on the way. She enjoys camping, reading, and working with kids.

Utaifeau’s life has been a rich tapestry of cultural experiences. Born in Germany, he was raised in American Samoa after his father’s retirement from the U.S. Army. During high school, he moved to Oahu, Hawaii, and later pursued a career in professional wrestling at the Ohio Valley Wrestling School in Louisville, Kentucky. For several years, he honed his skills in the independent pro wrestling scene across the southern United States and internationally in Japan. Utaifeau holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Family and Human Development. He is dedicated to community service and is a proud father of four children. Above all, he finds great joy in mentoring and working with others, helping them unlock their true and greatest potential. This passion for mentorship allows him to make a meaningful impact and inspire growth in those around him.