Meet Our Team

I was born and raised in Ogden, Utah, and have always been a social worker at heart—someone people naturally turn to for advice or just to be heard. I’m passionate about helping others and making a meaningful difference in their lives.

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (SSW) and a Master’s in Educational Counseling (MAEDC). My career began in Youth Corrections and included three years at Archway, followed by work with Weber School District in behavioral classes. I then expanded my experience by running foster/proctor programs for private agencies, which deepened my knowledge and passion for supporting children and adults in need. On November 15, 2013, Connect2Kids/Connect2Success opened its doors with our first foster child. Since then, we’ve grown significantly, now holding multiple contracts with the Utah Department of Human Services for foster care, mental health therapy, in-home therapy, domestic violence, substance abuse, day treatment, and more.

Throughout this journey, I’ve realized I am exactly where I belong and feel truly blessed to do the work I love.

Educational Background & Experience
I hold a B.A. in Psychology and Criminology from the University of Northern Iowa, an M.A. in Forensic Psychology from Marymount University, and an MSW from Western New Mexico University. I entered social work after realizing a government desk job wasn’t for me—I wanted to work directly with people and help children and families make meaningful, lasting changes.

Since 2016, I’ve worked in the mental health field with children, adolescents, and adults, addressing trauma, domestic violence exposure, anger management, impulse control, relationship challenges, depression, and anxiety. I am fully certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Seeking Safety (for adults and adolescents), with additional training in DBT, Play Therapy, and ongoing certification in Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs). I am also a Certified Telemental Health Provider (CTMH) and conduct sessions exclusively via Telehealth. Additionally, I provide clinical supervision to prelicensed therapists and support our agency’s overall clinical work.

In my free time, I enjoy competitive volleyball, reading, and spending time outdoors with my dogs.

I started working at a foster care agency early in my career. During that time I was also attending  Weber State University, graduating with a BS in Psychology and a minor in Family Studies. Over the next several years, I realized how much I enjoyed working with children and families and had a desire to contribute something positive to their lives. As such, I continued my education and received my Masters in Counseling through the University of Phoenix. Over the next 10 years my experience includes working with children, adolescents, and adults with various problems and needs. In 2017, after joining Connect2Success, I got my certification and began working with DV survivors. I also have certification in DBT, and Trauma-Focused CBT. While I have enjoyed all aspects of my work, my passion is working with families who have adopted children, usually from the foster care system. I provide in-home trauma-focused education and offer support and guidance in handling the day to day struggles of parenting. This has been very rewarding as I am able to use my education, and experience (as a mother of 5 and grandmother of 7) to be an active support and advocate for families. My hobbies include listening to music and singing along, working out at the gym and going hiking/biking, spending time with my children/grandchildren, and more recently in training my new puppy for future service as a therapy dog.

Hello! My name is Alaina Anderson, and I’ve lived in Ogden for most of my life. I deeply value the community and diverse culture that Utah offers. My career in social work spans several years and includes founding a residential treatment home, working in community youth programs, and managing both a foster care program and a Residential Treatment Center. I’ve had the privilege of working extensively with at-risk youth and supporting individuals with diverse intellectual disabilities. Helping people from all backgrounds reach their potential has always been deeply rewarding to me.

Since November 2024, I’ve served as COO of Connect2Success. While I’m not as hands-on with clients as in the past, I oversee every aspect of their treatment experience from intake to discharge and advocate as needed along the way. Outside of work, I enjoy motorcycle riding, reading, meditating, camping, and spending time with my three dogs, family, and friends. I also love exploring back roads, listening to loud music, and look forward each year to traveling to Oregon.

Hi there!! I am Shawna Flinders. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I graduated with my Master’s degree from the University of Utah in 2008. I have been in the Human Services field since 2008 and have provided Mental Health Therapy during that time as well. I have focused on Trauma Focused  Care, CBT, DBT, Internal Family Systems. I am also certified in Hypnotherapy.  I am always happy to help someone be their best self and improve their wellbeing for overall happiness and enjoyment of life.

Originally from Austin, Texas, I’ve spent the past several years living and working in northern Utah as both a therapist and foster care coordinator. I hold a bachelor’s degree in anthropology and sociology and am currently pursuing my master’s in social work. Certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), I draw on a range of evidence-based approaches including mindfulness, solution-focused therapy, motivational interviewing, and DBT. I’m also passionate about the future of healing and plan to continue my education in psychedelic psychotherapy.

Outside of my clinical work, I love creating through art, music, and cooking, and I feel most at home in the outdoors, whether fishing, exploring, or practicing bushcraft and primitive skills. My interests in zoology, anthropology, and psychology continue to shape how I view the world. I’m also a proud mom to a bright, curious little girl, and teaching her about the world is one of the greatest joys of my life. In all I do, I strive to bring humor, creativity, and authenticity, because I believe connection is where true healing begins.

Coming Soon..

Hi, I’m Jessica! I’m an intern clinician with Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU), where our focus is supporting the Hispanic/Latinx community. I’m fluent in Spanish. I earned my Bachelor’s in Social Work with a minor in Spanish, as well as an Associate’s degree in Spanish, from Weber State University (WSU). I have experience working in the school system, which sparked my passion for working with adolescents. 

Hi There! I’m Daxton. During my undergraduate studies, I developed a strong interest in preventing sexual assault and domestic violence by supporting the emotional and behavioral health of children and youth. After earning my Bachelor’s in Anthropology and Criminology from the University of Utah, I chose to pursue a Master’s in Social Work to further build my skills in these areas. As an MSW intern, I enjoy working with children and youth in diverse settings such as elementary schools and secure care facilities. I’m continually inspired by their resilience, adaptability, and capacity for joy. Outside of work, I love baking cookies, staying active, and exploring local bookstores for a good read.

My name is Mallory McKnight. I have a Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling and am licensed as an Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor. Before becoming a mental health counselor, I worked for two years as a rehabilitation counselor. Over the past year at Connect2Success, I’ve enjoyed working with children, teens, and domestic violence survivors. I primarily use a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach and am expanding my skills in Play Therapy. My favorite part of being a therapist is seeing clients grow and become their best selves.

Hi! I’m Nicol Moyes. I come from a background in administrative and customer service roles, and I’ve also had the opportunity to work closely with youth, which was incredibly rewarding. I’m bilingual in English and Spanish, and I love that this helps me connect with a wide range of clients and families on a deeper level. Mental health is something I’m truly passionate about. I believe everyone deserves to be heard and supported, no matter their circumstances. I try to bring strong communication, a warm presence, and genuine care to the work I do and the team I’m part of. I’ve recently begun my journey into the field of social work, and I’m excited to continue growing and finding ways to make a difference in people’s lives.

Hi! I’m Stephany Gomez. I graduated with a degree in Business Administration. I really enjoy working with people and always try to bring a friendly and positive attitude to everything I do. I’m passionate about creating a welcoming environment for clients and love making sure they feel supported and understood. Communication is really important to me, and I always do my best to be helpful and approachable. I also speak Spanish, which has allowed me to connect with and support even more clients in a meaningful way. I’m proud to be part of a team that’s dedicated to helping others!

I have a background in administrative support, customer experience, and project management. I bring a thoughtful and organized approach to my work in the mental health field, and I’m committed to creating a welcoming and supportive experience for both clients and staff.