Monica L. Blume, LCSW, MSW, MBA
Clinical Director
With years of experience helping people with change, Monica L. Blume leads Center for Hope with a vision of providing help for all, including those most in need. Monica brings her wisdom, optimism, experience, humor, and heart to the Center.
Monica has been passionate about therapy for more than 30 years, working with individuals, couples, and families. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, obtaining her Bachelor's degree from Weber State University and her Master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA.
Monica has several areas of specialty, including family relationship issues, mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, marital struggles and intimacy issues, self-defeating behaviors, trauma, and attachment concerns. She has worked extensively with adolescents and young adults dealing with issues surrounding anxiety, depression, attachment, and social issues. She has helped address eating disorders, family discord, and self-harm.
Monica has also worked extensively with all aspects of the adoption process, helping couples prepare to adopt and complete home studies as well as supporting birth parents in making a decision and placing a child for adoption. She helps support both private and agency adoptions. She has written and presented extensively on the topic of adoption.
Monica has worked over the years in clinical, medical, residential, and academic settings. She taught at Brigham Young University and has several publications, including coauthoring the book For the Love of a Child: The Journey of Adoption, published by Deseret Book. She has spoken to audiences across the country on topics connected to being happy and healthy.
In her spare time, Monica loves to be outdoors, doing almost anything active. She is an avid runner and skier, and also enjoys cycling, rollerblading and swimming. She likes to read, write, and travel. She is the mother of six children and loves to spend time with family and friends.
Brandy King Sperle, LCSW, MSW
Assistant Clinical Director
Brandy King completed her Master's degree in Social Work at the University of Utah. She has a passion for life and the potential that people have in their lives. She graduated from Whitworth University in Spokane Washington in 2015 with a double major in Psychology and Theatre. She enjoys taking aspects from both of her undergraduate degrees and integrating them into her Social Work practice. She believes that life is full of beauty that can be shared through all types of art and expression.
After graduating from her undergrad, she worked as a Psychiatric Technician at the in-patient Psychiatric unit at the University of Utah Hospital. Brandy additionally has experience working in school social work and has a passion for working with children. She has experience in working with infants in an orphanage, building attachment.
Brandy is extremely active and enjoys training aerial arts, playing sports (mainly soccer and volleyball), and anything that has to do with theatre. She is married and is happiest when she is spending time with her family and friends.
Emma McAdam, LMFT
Emma loves helping people change and is willing to be creative in how she helps that happen. With her solution-centered approach and emphasis on building relationships, Emma works hard to help people find love, purpose, and joy in life.
Emma is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and has experience in many therapeutic settings, including juvenile corrections, wilderness therapy, residential treatment, eating disorder treatment, adventure therapy and outpatient clinics. She loves working with teenagers, families and individuals.
Emma is an experienced practitioner with anxiety, depression, trauma, learning differences and autism spectrum disorders, substance abuse, personality disorders, attachment disorders, and family relationship difficulties.
In her spare time, Emma enjoys playing with her husband and daughters, hiking, climbing, photography, building furniture, and learning new things.
Maki Hohaia, LCSW, MSW
Maki received his Master's degree in Social Work from BYU. He has experience working with a variety of populations. He additionally spent 5 years working as a mentor for youth in residential treatment in the state of Utah. He's also spent a year working with family and children, helping with specific needs and connecting them to needed services.
Maki's mental health interest also includes his experience working with the Utah County Department of Drug and Alcohol Prevention and Treatment, specifically working with individuals overcoming addiction, and those in need of overcoming trauma. Maki also worked for the LDS Church in the Development Counseling services department and spent the majority of his time helping individuals seek employment or continuing education.
Since 2020 Maki has moved to Jacksonville Florida where he is currently operating our out of state location.
Maki enjoys anything outdoors, including camping, hiking, surfing, or playing a variety of sports such as football, soccer, and rugby. He met his wife in Hawaii and they currently have 3 boys. He also likes to travel and experience new cultures and meet new people. He has a passion for videography and will typically have a camera to capture his adventures.
Korey Larsen, LCSW, MSW
Korey has been a practicing therapist for the past 13 years. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Social Work. Korey is great at building a connection with each of his clients and providing a compassionate and authentic atmosphere where discovery and healing can take place. He has experience helping individuals, families, and couples gain additional perspective of their problems and navigate towards solutions that bring understanding and resilience. He has extensive experience working with teenagers, helping them manage anxiety, depression, trauma, and adjustment issues involving change. He also has significant experience helping individuals manage addiction related to pornography and other compulsive behaviors. Additionally, he enjoys working with couples, helping to build attachments with each other that improve communication and connections in their relationships. His modality of choice with couples is Emotion-Focused Therapy.
In his spare time, Korey loves to be with his family, which consists of his wife, four sons, and two lovable boxers. He enjoys golfing, kayaking, and biking. He looks forward to visiting to see if he can help in any way in your efforts to improve relationships and emotional well being.
Lynette Baird, LCSW, MSW
Lynette Baird has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over twenty years. She received her Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Brigham Young University and her Master's degree in Social Work from University of Illinois, Urbana/Champaign.
Lynette enjoys working with youth and young adults, helping them work through anxiety, grief, life transitions, and depression. She is easy to talk with, outgoing, and upbeat and positive.
Lynette and her husband are the parents of three daughters. She loves music, hiking, reading, and travel. She enjoys having the chance to serve and lift others.
Kjrsten J. Walters, MA, LMFT
With experience in therapeutic programs spanning nearly 2 decades, Kjrstin (KJ) has expertise and understanding working with adolescents, young adults, and parents. Specifically, she has worked with many people who struggle with ADHD, depression, anxiety, trauma, personality struggles, life transition struggles, identity issues, complicated family issues and relationship issues. With a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapist, trained in systemic family work, Kjrstin is passionate about healing families.
She describes her personal approach as follows:
I love adventure. I love the unexpected growth, challenge, joy, beauty, pain and creativity that springs from entering into an unknown experience. Throughout my career, I have come to appreciate and love supporting parents as they navigate the challenging experience of a struggling child. I work to give parents tools and support to help them approach their experience as an adventure that hopefully can bring growth, challenge, joy, beauty, pain and creativity.
My therapeutic style is experiential, collaborative and simple. I seek to create teaching experiences that help people learn ways to overcome, embrace or accept the challenges they face. I strive to find ways for others to discover their own solutions that work in their lives.
She loves being outdoors, traveling, biking, climbing, rafting and spending time with her husband and 3 daughters.
Rachel Ellingson, LCSW, MSW
Rachel completed her Master's degree in Social Work at Brigham Young University in 2021, after receiving an undergraduate degree in Psychology at BYU. Rachel provides a very calming and compassionate presence. She loves the privilege of meeting new people, hearing their stories, pointing out their strengths and facilitating healing, growth and hope. Rachel practiced as a therapist with LDS Family Services for 2 years and then worked with refugees, immigrants and victims of human trafficking at the Refugee and Immigrant Center for another 21 months. She interned at Wasatch Behavioral Health, and has volunteered at Family Haven, Food and Care Coalition as well as taught internationally.
She has experience providing individual, couple, family and group therapy to individuals of all ages, and specializes in trauma, grief, adjustment issues, anxiety, and depression. She has supported survivors of trauma, sexual abuse, domestic violence and human trafficking from over 40 countries in healing, safety planning, resourcing and trauma processing. Rachel has extensive experience with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). Rachel also has experience with play therapy and sand tray therapy and especially enjoys working with young children.
In her spare time, Rachel is a composer and a performer. She loves playing the piano and guitar, singing and dancing. She directs and participates in several musical and theatrical groups, also. Rachel loves traveling and is fluent in Tagalog and proficient in Spanish and Ilokano. Rachel is married and enjoys spending time with her husband, especially in the outdoors. She looks forward to visiting with you and learning how she can support you in your personal mental health journey.
Laurie Coleman, LCSW, MSW
Laurie enjoys working with people who are open to change and improvement in their lives. She utilizes a solution-focused and strength-based approach to help individuals realize purpose, peace, and joy in themselves, as well as relationships and situations. Laurie believes it is a privilege to meet and assist clients as they work to gain self-worth and confidence in themselves.
Laurie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, obtaining her Bachelor’s degree at Utah State University and her Master’s degree at Eastern Washington University in Cheney, WA. Since 1995, Laurie has worked in various settings including state agencies, criminal justice, clinical practice, and medical settings, providing care for clients of all ages. Her areas of specialty include family relationship issues, navigating long-term and terminal medical concerns, depression and anxiety, and grief/loss. Laurie enjoys helping individuals build resilience and internal strength, as well as working to heal and establish boundaries for healthy relationships.
Laurie loves spending time with her husband and three children. Her passions include everything outside: long walks, hiking, gardening, skiing, learning, travelling, and being in or near water. Laurie especially enjoys serving others and encouraging the best in people she meets.
Naomi Christiansen, LCSW, MSW
Naomi loves working with people of all ages. She has a special interest in supporting individuals who have experienced trauma. She also loves working with couples, children, and families who are struggling to connect with each other. She believes that strengthening connections with our healthiest selves, with those we love, and with what brings us purpose and joy is possible for everyone. Naomi is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and received her Masters of Social Work from Brigham Young University. Along with outpatient agency work with individuals and families, she has experience working at a teen day treatment center, a substance abuse program at the prison, leading teen DBT groups, adult ACT anxiety and depression groups, EFT marital groups, and adult healing from sexual abuse groups. She is EMDR and TF-CBT trained and also regularly uses ACT, DBT, and IFS in her work with clients.
As an adoptive parent and former foster parent herself, Naomi enjoys supporting families and children who are navigating complex family dynamics. Before becoming a therapist, Naomi was a peer parent for DCFS and a teacher. Along with her formal training, she believes her life experience, including being an imperfect parent herself, has prepared her to bring compassion and hope to her work with clients. Naomi loves getting to know new people and values opportunities to serve in her community. She also craves alone time with a new book and will read almost anything someone recommends. Her favorite people to spend time with are her husband, children, and extended family.
Desiree Allen, ACMHC
Desiree is a dedicated and compassionate professional with a solid educational background and a deep passion for helping individuals and families navigate life's challenges. Desiree earned an undergraduate degree in Marriage and Family Studies from Brigham Young University-Idaho, where her foundation of understanding family dynamics and relationships was established. Building upon this knowledge, she is pursuing a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, gaining additional expertise in mental health care.
Driven by a genuine love for helping people, Desiree utilizes evidence-based practices tailored to meet each client's unique needs. With a focus on fostering a supportive and non-judgmental environment, Desiree works to empower clients to overcome obstacles, develop resilience, and achieve personal growth. She believes in the power of therapeutic relationships and strives to build trust and rapport with every client. Desiree is dedicated to ongoing professional development and staying current with the latest research and techniques in mental health.
In addition to her clinical work, Desiree enjoys engaging in community outreach and education, aiming to destigmatize mental health issues and promote overall well-being. Outside of her professional life, Desiree enjoys listening to audiobooks, spending time with her family, and making it to the beach in San Diego. Desiree and her husband have been married for 23 years and are the parents to 5 children and one incredible daughter-in-law.
With a warm and approachable demeanor, Desiree is here to support and guide you on your journey toward mental and emotional well-being.
Chase Evenson, MSW
Chase holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Utah Valley University and is pursuing his Master’s in Social Work at the University of Utah. With a background in working with kids and teenagers, Chase was a part of Utah County's youth crisis team and has had experience at multiple residential treatment centers. Chase embraces a holistic approach in his practice, aiming to integrate empathy, compassion, and humor into his therapeutic work. He has valuable experience supporting individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and has a particular interest in working with the LGBTQIA+ community and those navigating faith crises.
Outside of work, Chase can be found enjoying a diverse range of interests, including pickleball, antiquing, baking, and watching scary movies. He also loves to spend time with loved ones playing games and having meaningful conversations.
Aaron Brantley, B.S., CMHC-i
Aaron is a graduate student at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, where he is earning his Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management and Marketing from Brigham Young University-Idaho.
With a decade of experience in corporate settings, Aaron understands the challenges that professionals face in balancing work, relationships, and personal well-being. He is passionate about helping busy professionals, couples, teens, and individuals navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity and resilience.
Aaron takes a humanistic approach to therapy, meeting each client with empathy, humor, and honesty. He believes that everyone has a unique story and deserves to be seen and understood.
Outside of work, Aaron enjoys filmmaking, editing videos, and the thrill of finding hidden treasures at thrift stores and garage sales. He also loves lifting weights at the gym, playing pickleball, and cherishes time spent with his wife and family.
Morgan Hafen, B.S., MFT-i
Morgan is a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern currently pursuing a master’s degree at Capella University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Brigham Young University and is passionate about taking a systemic approach to therapy. Trained in several therapeutic modalities, she tailors her work to meet each client where they are. With a strong foundation in trauma-informed care through volunteer work with a sexual assault and domestic violence hotline, Morgan is deeply committed to helping indivdiduals move toward healing and growth. She has a warm and compassionate approach, deeply cares about people, and finds fulfillment in helping others navigate life’s challenges. She loves working with clients of all backgrounds and concerns, creating a space where they feel heard, valued, and supported.
She enjoys working with individuals of all ages, couples, and families, believing that relationships shape every part of our lives. Her therapeutic style is creative, narrative, and experiential—integrating tools such as nature, art, music, movement, and play to support healing beyond traditional talk therapy. Morgan believes therapy should be as unique as each client and strives to make the process meaningful, collaborative, and empowering. Outside of the therapy room, she loves exploring new places, hiking, training for triathlons, rock climbing, playing the guitar, spending time with loved ones, and getting lost in a good book.
Elli Barton, B.A., CMHC-i
Elli has a bachelor's in psychology from Utah Valley University and is a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. Elli comes
Elli is passionate about becoming a skilled and compassionate therapist, helping clients unravel physical, mental, and emotional layers to identify root causes of distress and build effective coping strategies. Elli brings experience from working in a DBT-oriented residential treatment program focused on addiction and personality disorders, as well as exposure to grief work through working at a funeral home and personal loss. Elli has experience with blended families, being in a single-parent home, and being a big sister in the Big Brother Big Sisters of America.
Elli is particularly interested in supporting adolescents, children, and adults using client-centered therapy and other diverse counseling modalities. With a strong foundation in interdisciplinary collaboration and a deep commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of others, Elli is eager to contribute to the well-being and health journey of anyone she serves.
Elli enjoys many diverse hobbies outside of work, including art, reading, crocheting, video games, hiking, and pickleball. She also loves to travel and is a big foodie. She loves spending time with her family and friends and sharing her interests with others.
Daren Elmont, B.S., CMHC-i
Kid's Camp Director/Special Projects
Daren holds a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science from Utah Valley University. He is pursuing his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. Before working as a counselor, Daren spent over a decade as a quality engineer in the medical device manufacturing industry. He believes that through commitment to improvement and attention to detail, lives are enhanced and changes become more effective and meaningful. He values both elements in his work as a counselor.
As a counselor, Daren is passionate about providing a supportive and nonjudgmental space where clients are seen, heard, and empowered. He emphasizes a collaborative approach between client and counselor. He believes that through counseling, clients are better prepared to navigate life’s challenges and accomplish their goals by developing insight, increasing awareness, and harnessing inner strengths. Daren is especially interested in helping clients navigate life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, and relational challenges.
Daren enjoys being outside, especially when camping and hiking. He particularly enjoys traveling to state and national parks with his family. He and his wife have two children."
Insurance and Payments
Accepted by all therapists
- Blue Cross Utah
- EMI
- Cigna
- Cigna Medicare
- Traditional Medicare
- Select Health
- United
- United Medicare - AARP
- TriCare West
Accepted by some therapists
- Blue Cross Florida
- TriCare East
- PHP
- Aetna
- PEHP
Payment options
- Insurance
- Self-pay ($145)
- Clergy pay