Kena has been working with troubled teens for more than a decade. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Utah and earned a master’s degree in social work from Boston College.
The youngest of three children, Kena likes to joke that if you can survive older brothers you can handle anything the wilderness can dish out.
Her experience covers a wide spectrum of therapeutic environments, including prevention/intervention programs, public schools, residential treatment centers, and wilderness. Her clients have included children, youth and adults who struggled with a variety of emotional, behavioral, learning and physical health conditions.
Kena worked for almost two years as a member of RedCliff’s field staff before becoming a licensed therapist. She understands wilderness as a therapeutic environment and brings her clients clinical depth and perspective. Kena’s therapy sessions in the field almost always include Gracie, a certified therapy dog. Kena is particularly effective working with adolescent girls who struggle with depression, trauma, self-harm, and sexual acting out.
A parent herself, she understands the importance of involving parents in every aspect of the treatment process. She puts in extra hours making sure parents have current information about their student’s progress.
When she’s not working, Kena enjoys camping and rock climbing with her husband and two children. She loves running and is currently training for a triathlon.