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.

Psychology Today Profile

Coming Soon..

I am Darian Memmott. I graduated from Salt Lake Community College with an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice. I am currently a student at the University of Utah pursuing a bachelor’s degree in both Criminal Justice and Sociology. As a mother of two, I love working with kids; they see the world in a way that always leaves me in a state of wonder. I am a positive thinker who enjoys lending a hand however I can and ensuring people leave with a smile after interacting with me. I believe one positive person or encounter can have a domino effect on the rest of the day for everyone you cross paths with. The world is hard enough; let’s make it easier on one another.

Hello, my name is Yahaira Cortez. I was born in Tijuana, Mexico, and have lived in Ogden, Utah, for most of my life. I earned an Associate of Science degree with a concentration in General Studies and have also completed coursework in Criminal Justice, a field I am passionate about. I am considering returning to continue my education to further pursue my career goals.

I am passionate about helping individuals and families feel welcome, supported, and connected to their community. I am bilingual in both English and Spanish, which allows me to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. I love being part of a community that helps each other make a difference in people’s lives. A fun fact about me is that I love to travel, get the best of the world, and meet new people. I believe that every interaction is an opportunity to leave a positive impression and be remembered for the kindness and good things we share.

In my downtime I love spending time with my family and dog. We love to watch movies, play games and go out enjoy nature as in walks or drives.