ALTIUM TEAM
Christina Ward, MS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Christina holds a Master’s degree in Psychology with a strong interest in organizational psychology and business development. Her career is complemented by extensive experience in mental health and addiction treatment, having served in diverse roles such as CEO, admissions director, clinical assistant, logistics director, and mentor-level field staff across various treatment settings. Christina’s involvement in clinical research on ketamine therapy, borderline personality traits, and schizophrenia has deepened her understanding and shaped her vision for advancing mental health treatments.
Christina believes mental health treatment should never be one-size-fits-all. She encourages curiosity, self-education, and individualized care to find the right solutions for each person. Her patient-centered philosophy reflects her dedication to empowering clients with tools and insights tailored to their unique journeys.
Outside of work, Christina enjoys reading, yoga, and exploring Utah’s breathtaking landscapes with her fiancé and two dogs. A lover of Lake Powell and an avid houseplant collector, she finds joy in both adventure and nurturing growth, whether in her personal life or her professional work.
Marty Shultz
DIRECTOR OF FINANCES
Marty is an accomplished entrepreneur known for his expertise in launching, managing, and growing startup ventures across the automotive, restaurant, and medical service industries. As the founder and former CEO of PMO Care, Marty demonstrated his ability to develop innovative business models that prioritize community impact. He is also a founding member of Altium Health, where his visionary leadership continues to shape meaningful change.
In addition to his professional achievements, Marty co-founded the nonprofit charitable foundation Mycrow Angels, which empowers impoverished communities in Latin America by creating self-sustainable employment opportunities.
With a background as a Chemical Dependency Professional, Marty is deeply committed to service and operates with unwavering morals, ethics, and values. His mission is to bring hope and healing to those in need, making a meaningful impact in both his professional and charitable endeavors.
Joel Hanson, MD
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
Dr. Joel Hanson’s passion for medicine and dedication to helping others have led to an extraordinary career at the intersection of psychiatry and internal medicine. A dual-residency graduate from the University of Utah, Dr. Hanson is Board Certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. His medical journey began at the University of Rochester School of Medicine, followed by an internship in Internal Medicine at MIBRMC/Columbia University, where he further refined his skills.
Dr. Hanson’s extensive experience in addiction medicine is highlighted by his founding and operation of the St. George Detox Hospital and his role as Chief Medical Officer at Altium Health. He has also served as the medical director for several treatment centers, including Ascendant Behavioral Health, and has been a strong advocate for telemedicine, improving access to care in rural communities. Notably, he has contributed to the development of weekend coverage units at Provo Canyon Behavioral Hospital, ensuring consistent patient care.
Dr. Hanson’s true passion lies in witnessing the transformation of the individuals he treats. He takes immense pride in helping people progress toward happier, more fulfilling lives. A diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) and the American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM) in Addiction Medicine, Dr. Hanson holds full licensure with Utah DOPL and is a recognized leader in his field. His expertise and unwavering dedication have made a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals and families affected by addiction.
Jen Thompson, LCSW
CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Jen Thompson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 13 years of experience in mental and behavioral health. She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from the University of Utah College of Social Work. Throughout her career, Jen has focused extensively on Substance Use Disorders, particularly within the justice-involved population. Her expertise extends to leadership, policy development, program creation, advocacy, and strategic planning. Jen has also served as an educator, teaching courses in the Substance Use Disorder Certificate Program and the Master of Social Work Program. She is passionate about helping individuals discover the inner strength that emerges when they believe in themselves.
Specialties:
Trauma
High-Risk/Violent Offenders and Justice-Involved Populations
Substance Use Disorders
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT)
Certifications:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Jen’s dedication to empowering individuals and her breadth of knowledge make her an invaluable resource in the field of mental health and recovery.
Jessie Ritchey, PMHNP, APRN
PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSE PRACTITIONER
Jessie Ritchey, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, is a compassionate and dedicated Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with two years of experience delivering evidence-based mental health care. She is passionate about holistic wellness and specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing a broad range of mental health conditions across the lifespan.
With a diverse background as a registered nurse, Jessie brings a comprehensive understanding of patient care, allowing her to address complex physical and mental health needs seamlessly. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Psychiatric-Mental Health from Maryville University and is board-certified through the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Her expertise includes psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and patient-centered care strategies tailored to meet each individual’s unique needs.
Committed to lifelong learning, Jessie stays abreast of advancements in psychiatry and focuses on building strong therapeutic relationships with her patients. She empowers them to achieve their mental health goals while advocating for greater access to care and reducing stigma in the mental health field.
Outside of her clinical work, Jessie enjoys spending time with her family, exploring nature through hiking, camping, and paddleboarding, and traveling. Her dedication to maintaining balance and overall well-being is reflected in her professional and personal life.
Sierra Golding
ADMISSIONS & MARKETING SPECIALIST
My personal experiences pushed me to receive treatment. I found myself seeking alternative therapies when traditional methods failed me. I was moved around the medical system with great personal expense without relief. I finally found transformative approaches that worked for me. These nontraditional methods offered me perspectives and tools that conventional therapies could not, fostering greater awareness, peace, and compassion for myself and the world around me. The profound impact of these experiences inspired my passion for helping others find their own paths to healing. Working here at Altium allows me to help people get access to a variety of forms of care, all under one roof, with an incredible team of compassionate providers.
I bring over 15 years of experience in Eastern movement and meditation practices and am a certified Yoga Instructor with 8 years of experience holding space for individuals seeking connection within their body, mind, and spirit. My academic background in Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Utah enriched my understanding of interpersonal forgiveness, dialogue mediation, and healing historical trauma. This foundation allows me to approach each person with empathy, embracing the diversity of their experiences to best serve their needs.
I am honored to join you on your journey toward transformation.
Wendy Thomas, ACMHC
PRIMARY THERAPIST
Wendy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services and Management in 2009 and her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Phoenix in 2019. With 15 years of experience in the human services field, Wendy has been working with individuals struggling with substance use disorders since 2011.
She is certified in Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT), Seeking Safety, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), bringing a wealth of expertise to her work. Wendy is passionate about helping clients build resilience and achieve meaningful change in their lives.
Outside of her professional life, Wendy enjoys football, exercising, watching movies, and cherishes her role as a proud mom to her 25-year-old son.
Lindsy Twitchell
MEDICAL ASSISTANT
Lindsy is a National Certified Medical Assistant with over 10 years of experience in the medical field. She finds immense joy in helping patients in need and witnessing their journey of healing and growth. Lindsy’s diverse background includes working in cancer care, pediatrics, family practice, and bariatrics, giving her a well-rounded perspective on patient care.
Lindsy has been married to her high school sweetheart for 20 years, and together they share four children—three of whom have grown and moved out. She and her husband currently care for their handicapped son, along with their two beloved dogs, Ellie, a toy Bichon, and Hershey, a toy Aussie Doodle. In her free time, Lindsy and her family love camping, traveling, and immersing themselves in all things Disney. If you’ve met her, you know she brings warmth and positivity to everyone around her!
Tara Laidlaw, CSW
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
With a Bachelor's in Public Health from Brigham Young University and a Master's in Social Work from Aurora University, Tara brings a broad and compassionate approach to mental health care. She specializes in supporting individuals of all ages, including young adults, the elderly, veterans, and those navigating anxiety, depression, and a range of other mental health conditions.
Tara's clinical practice is deeply grounded in the belief that growth is always possible, no matter the challenges one faces. This guiding principle informs her use of evidence-based techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing, to help clients achieve meaningful change.
In addition to direct clinical work, Tara has a passion for macro-level social work, with a focus on program development and community building.
Natalee Angeli, SUDC
CLINICAL CARE COORDINATOR
Natalee is a Licensed Substance Use Disorder Counselor who began her journey at Altium Health as an intern and is now a valued member of our team. She earned her Associate of Science degree in Social Work with honors from Salt Lake Community College and completed their Substance Use Disorder Counseling program.
Natalee has been working in the field of addiction for over a year, starting as a case manager before becoming a counselor. She is passionate about helping individuals on their path to recovery and brings empathy, dedication, and professionalism to her role.
Currently, Natalee is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Family and Human Studies at Utah Valley University with the goal of becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist.
In her free time, she enjoys hiking and baking.
Malia Abramson
CLIENT CARE COORDINATOR
Malia is a passionate and dedicated student at the University of Utah, where she is pursuing a degree in psychology and criminology. With a strong curiosity about human behavior, she is working toward her goal of becoming a therapist, driven by a desire to help others cultivate self-love and empathy.
A Utah native, Malia feels deeply connected to her roots and cherishes the sense of community her home state provides. When she's not immersed in her studies, she enjoys quality time with her two cats and her dog, who never fail to bring joy and comfort to her life. Music is another important part of her world, offering her a creative outlet and a way to recharge.
Malia is committed to making a meaningful difference in the mental health field, and as she continues her academic journey, she remains focused on supporting and uplifting those in need.
Sonia Maughan
MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST
Sonia Maughan, a proud "Domini-Rican," was born in the Caribbean and raised in the vibrant city of Miami, Florida (how she ended up in Utah remains a fun mystery!). Sonia began her journey in the arts, participating in a performing arts program with The Young Americans in California and studying Music Business and Performing Arts at Miami-Dade College. While her love for the arts runs deep, Sonia has always harbored a passion for healthcare, which has guided her throughout her career.
With a wealth of experience spanning front office, back office, administrative, management, and technical roles, Sonia has worked in various settings, including clinics, hospitals, home health, hospice, private care, the legal field (as a medical records specialist), and now in mental health services. Her diverse background has equipped her with a broad skill set and a deep understanding of patient care. Sonia believes that every person deserves dignified, respectful, and accessible healthcare, and she is grateful to contribute to Altium Health's mission of serving the local community.
Sonia is blissfully married to the love of her life, and together they share a joyful home with their fur baby, Leah—the sweetest princess pup in all the land! In her free time, Sonia embraces her creative side as a Latinx artist and self-proclaimed Karaoke Queen. She also enjoys concerts, music festivals, theatrical plays, and musical theatre, participating as an enthusiast, performer, and behind-the-scenes crew member. Sonia proudly serves on the Board of Trustees for the West Valley Arts Foundation, reflecting her dedication to fostering creativity and community engagement.
Whitney Steele
BILLING SPECIALIST
Whitney Steele, 29, is a skilled and dedicated billing specialist with a diverse and inspiring background. Born in Illinois and raised in Idaho, Whitney has recently returned to her Illinois roots. As a proud mother of two children and two bonus kids, her life is filled with love, energy, and a deep sense of family.
After completing her studies in billing and coding, Whitney discovered her passion for the billing field, where she has since thrived in her career. Her journey highlights her unwavering dedication to both her profession and her family, balancing her vibrant home life with her commitment to excellence at work.
Jellese Johnson
INSURANCE COORDINATOR
Jellese Johnson is a proud mom to three beautiful children who keep her on her toes and fill her days with joy. When she’s not busy chasing after her little ones, you’ll find her in the garden, nurturing plants and preserving the harvest—her passion for homegrown food runs as deep as her Idaho roots. Originally from southeastern Idaho, Jellese now calls rural Utah home, where the serene landscapes and wide-open spaces provide the perfect setting for her outdoor adventures.
A true lover of all things fall, Jellese cherishes crisp autumn days spent on scenic drives and hikes, soaking in the vibrant colors of the season. Family trips to the Oregon coast are another treasured tradition, where the ocean waves and salty air bring moments of relaxation and connection.
With over a decade of experience in the healthcare industry, Jellese’s caring nature shines in everything she does. Whether she’s tending her garden, exploring the great outdoors, creating the perfect spreadsheet, or making cherished memories with her family, Jellese brings dedication, enthusiasm, and a genuine sense of compassion to every aspect of her life.
Brené Brown
“Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up.”
Mariska Hargitay