Our Clinical Team

Risse Hancock, CMHC

Creating a safe space for healing, accountability, and growth.

About Me

Hello, my name is Risse. I have been a therapist working with teenagers and their families for 10 years, and I have absolutely loved every second of it. Before finding a passion for working with teens and their families, I spent several years as a substance abuse counselor working with individuals struggling with addiction. Through both of these career paths, I found a passion for helping people through the challenges they are facing.

What led me to my calling of helping people was my own personal struggles with depression, anxiety, and other trauma in my life. Through my own healing process, I found a desire to help other people learn how to better cope with their challenges and embrace their self-worth. I believe that everyone, no matter what their past may be, deserves to be happy and healthy.

Growing up in Wisconsin, I watched a lot of friends and family struggle with addiction to drugs and alcohol. I did not want to see others go down that same path for themselves. Because of this, I decided to open my own private practice to continue helping people in my community who may be facing struggles of their own.

I specialize in trauma recovery, PTSD, addiction recovery and relapse prevention, depression, grief and loss, and anxiety. My focused interventions include CBT, DBT, and EMDR. My goal is to create a safe space for my clients that allows them to heal, while also holding people accountable for their choices and actions. I firmly believe that growth happens when we are pushed out of our comfort zone.

I am happily married and have been with my husband since 2009. We got married in the mountains in 2014. After we got married, we decided to try to start a family. This was an emotional roller coaster, to say the least. This journey took five years of seeing doctors, losing weight, and finding healthier habits. After two miscarriages, we were finally blessed with our little girl, Aspen, who is now a healthy, sassy 4-year-old.

I love sports and being outside. Go Packers, Bucks, and Brewers. I have found a passion for enjoying nature and the great outdoors. The healing that Mother Nature gives me has helped with my own mental health, as well as bonding with my family. I hope to pass those same values on to my daughter as she grows up.

Specialties

Trauma recovery, PTSD, addiction recovery, relapse prevention, depression, grief and loss, and anxiety

Client Focus

Teenagers, families, and individuals navigating trauma, addiction, or mental health challenges

Therapy Approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and EMDR

Work Experience

Therapist at The Utah House, 2015 to 2023
Substance Use Counselor at Metamorphosis, 2013 to 2015
Substance Use Counselor at Alpine Center for Personal Growth, 2012 to 2013
Substance Use Counselor Intern at Youth Care Inc., 2012

Education & Training

Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling, Argosy University, 2013 to 2015
Substance Abuse Program Certificate, Argosy University, 2012
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Argosy University, 2012
Certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Jenny McKay, APRN

Supporting clients with thoughtful, collaborative medical and medication care.

About Me

Jenny McKay, NP, is an intelligent, board-certified provider who is dedicated to her patients. Prior to becoming a Nurse Practitioner, she worked as an intensive care nurse at Primary Children’s for 10 years.

Jenny graduated from Concordia University in Wisconsin with her Advanced Practice Registered Nursing Master’s Degree.

McKay Family Practice offers a wide variety of medical services, from pediatrics to geriatrics. Jenny provides care for yearly physicals, sports physicals, well-child checks, diabetes control, mental health, and much more.

Located in the same building as Embrace, Jenny McKay works closely with Risse to support clients in their medication needs.

Services

Medication support, mental health care, physicals, diabetes control, pediatric care, geriatric care, and family practice services

Credentials & Background

Board-certified Nurse Practitioner
Advanced Practice Registered Nursing Master’s Degree from Concordia University
10 years of experience as an intensive care nurse at Primary Children’s

Scheduling

Call or text 801-210-2445, or visit www.mckayfamilypractice.com to schedule an appointment.

Stephanie Hunt, CMHC

Helping clients heal through trauma work, connection, and meaningful therapeutic support.

About Me

Hi, I’m Stephanie. I have been a therapist for about a decade, and I love it. I began my journey working with teenagers in a day treatment program. I then began working at House of Hope with women struggling with addiction and their children.

I work with all ages and enjoy using EMDR for trauma work. I also like CBT and incorporating fun activities during therapy.

I am originally from Colorado, where most of my family is from. I love spending time with my nephew when I have the chance. For fun, I love doing Zumba and being outdoors.

Specialties

Trauma, addiction-related concerns, adolescents, women, and family support

Client Focus

Children, adolescents, and adults

Therapy Approaches

EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and activity-based therapy

Credentials & Background

Clinical Mental Health Counselor
Approximately 10 years of therapy experience
Experience in day treatment and addiction recovery settings

Jasmyne Litanski, CSW

Offering compassionate honesty, practical skills, and support for growth.

About Me

Hello, my name is Jasmyne. I am a Clinical Social Worker in Northern Utah. I graduated with my Bachelor’s and Master’s in Social Work from Weber State University. I believe in showing up for people who need or want extra support in their lives. I enjoy being compassionately honest with people in order to guide them through the goals they bring to me.

For parents who are looking for added support in raising their little ones, I am caregiver-trained in Trust-Based Relational Intervention. This method teaches children to trust their caregiver through practicing skills related to nurturing and structure. As part of this, I will teach you as a parent how to take these same skills home.

I also work with people who are interested in practicing mindfulness with the guidance and support of a therapeutic professional. I support clients who are struggling with depression, anxiety, or general mood concerns. To provide this treatment, I take a DBT-oriented approach by teaching life skills that you can take anywhere.

To fully complete these treatment approaches, it generally takes 11 to 14 weeks. If you would like to discuss either of these methods more fully, I am available for 15-minute consultations.

Specialties

Parenting support, depression, anxiety, mood concerns, and mindfulness

Client Focus

Parents, caregivers, children, and individuals seeking therapeutic skill-building

Therapy Approaches

Trust-Based Relational Intervention, DBT-oriented therapy, mindfulness-based support, and skills-based therapy

Credentials & Background

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Weber State University
Master’s Degree in Social Work from Weber State University
Certified Social Worker
Caregiver-trained in Trust-Based Relational Intervention

Amber Guerra, CSW

Creating a no-judgment space where clients feel heard, supported, and encouraged.

About Me

Hello, it is nice to meet you. My name is Amber Guerra, and I am a therapist at the West Jordan location, as well as through telehealth. I am driven by a passion to help others and work to create a no-judgment zone for my clients.

My counseling experience includes working with people of all ages who are struggling with trauma, substance use, anxiety, depression, and mental health concerns in general. I have been known by my clients for being approachable, honest, and understanding. I make a point of listening and being encouraging in the work I do, while also holding my clients accountable for their progress.

I am trained in EMDR and play therapy. I earned my Master of Social Work degree, with a clinical focus, from Campbellsville University. I am proud of earning my master’s degree despite the adverse circumstances I experienced.

My empathy and compassion give me daily incentive to be a catalyst for change in people’s lives. I have also advocated for children as a Court Appointed Special Advocate and guardian ad litem volunteer. I strongly believe that I can do anything I put my mind to despite any fears, and that my clients can do the same.

When I am not helping others, you can find me watching Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour with my 12-year-old son, at my 17-year-old’s baseball game, or watching sports with my husband on TV.

Specialties

Trauma, substance use, anxiety, depression, and general mental health concerns

Client Focus

Children, adolescents, adults, and families

Therapy Approaches

EMDR and play therapy

Credentials & Background

Master of Social Work with a clinical focus from Campbellsville University
Certified Social Worker
Trained in EMDR and play therapy
Court Appointed Special Advocate and guardian ad litem volunteer experience

Lori Wood, CSW

Celebrating small successes while supporting growth, healing, and self-understanding.

About Me

I believe that as we set goals, it is important to celebrate the small success stories along your path. As our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors develop across our lives, we may begin to question whether they feel disruptive or wrong. We all face difficulties, but too often we dismiss those feelings and struggle on.

Taking an active approach allows us to process our experiences and gain back control for personal self-care, growth, and happiness. By taking time to reflect on your own needs, you can focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life through the use of therapy.

I like to engage in a narrative-style approach where I can hear your story and understand how your journey has unfolded. I integrate different therapy modalities to bring in a broad scope of perspectives, while focusing on specific tools that help you gain control of your care. Therapy is an evolving dynamic and can be a meaningful choice as you explore your needs, experiences, and goals.

I am a trauma-informed therapist and can help you work through traumatic experiences that may be causing unsettled feelings or thoughts. Learning to recognize how trauma impacts our emotions, thinking patterns, and body can help relieve elevated symptoms.

I am also a Gottman-trained couples and family therapist who can help you identify stressors and learn new skills to improve relationship togetherness. Family life is often challenged by outside influences that disrupt the core unit, and therapy can offer space to reflect on where and how we place our focus.

I have been married to my wonderful husband for a long time, and we have faced many situations that divorced or co-parenting individuals also experience. We have both been divorced, raised a blended family, and worked through many of the struggles that come with these circumstances. We are proud of the loving, strong family unit we have created, along with lots of fun grandchildren.

My philosophy is to understand how the past and present coincide as we navigate life stages and increase awareness around how to create a healthy perspective of oneself. I firmly believe that we should not look to others to define who we are or why. Live your best self and find new ways to create a space that represents your values and beliefs.

Specialties

Trauma, life transitions, relationships, couples, and family therapy

Additional Areas of Support

Self-care, personal growth, emotional awareness, family stressors, blended family dynamics, co-parenting, and self-worth

Therapy Approaches

Narrative therapy, trauma-informed therapy, Gottman Method, couples therapy, and family therapy

Credentials & Background

Certified Social Worker
Gottman-trained couples and family therapist

Sasha Conant, CSW

Walking alongside you in your mental health journey, not leading it.

About Me

As a Certified Social Worker, I believe that you are the leader of your own mental health journey. My role is not to tell you what to do, but to walk alongside you, offering tools, insight, and support as you discover the path that feels right for you.

I work with adolescents ages 12 and older, as well as adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, self-esteem, life transitions, and faith-related concerns. Whether you are processing changes in relationships, school, career, or exploring how faith and spirituality intersect with your mental health, I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can be fully yourself.

My approach is collaborative and individualized. I draw from evidence-based modalities including DBT, ACT, CBT, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy. Together, we will focus on building coping skills while creating space for healing and growth that aligns with your values.

In our sessions, you can expect compassion, curiosity, and respect for your unique story. My goal is to support you in feeling grounded, resilient, and empowered in the face of life’s challenges. If you are ready to begin this process, I would be honored to walk alongside you.

Specialties

Anxiety, depression, trauma, and PTSD

Additional Areas of Support

Life transitions, stress, self-esteem, faith and spirituality, relationship concerns, coping skills, and grief

Client Focus

Adolescents ages 12 and older and adults

Therapy Approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy

Credentials & Background

Master’s Degree in Social Work
Certified Social Worker in Utah and Idaho
Working toward Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensure under supervision

Your journey toward healing has just begun. Embrace it.

Get Started