Havenwood Academy Podcast
Hosted by Josh Gardner - CFO of Havenwood Academy - this show takes you behind the scenes of Havenwood Academy, a world-class residential treatment center in Cedar City, Utah.
Each episode shares real stories from our dedicated care providers - the people on the front lines helping young women heal from complex trauma, rebuild trust, and reclaim hope. You’ll hear the challenges, breakthroughs, and deeply human moments that make this work life-changing.
If you care about mental health, trauma-informed care, and the power of community, this is your inside look at how resilience is built and lives are transformed.
Havenwood Academy Podcast
Tana Frey | Assistant Clinical Director & Therapist at Havenwood Academy
In this episode, Tana Frey, Assistant Clinical Director and Therapist at Havenwood Academy, shares her 21+ years of experience in adolescent treatment. She discusses the realities, challenges, and rewards of working in the field, offering an insider’s perspective on trauma-informed care, building safety and trust with students, and creating supportive team environments.
Tana reflects on her journey - from her first experiences in wilderness therapy to her current role at Havenwood - highlighting what makes the organization unique, the importance of self-care, and how staff, students, and families can navigate the highs and lows of this work.
Whether you’re considering a career in adolescent therapy, already working in the field, or curious about trauma-informed care, this episode is full of insight and encouragement from someone dedicated to helping youth thrive.
00:00 – 00:06
Hewan Amare: So first off, introduce yourself, give us your name, role, and what inspired you to join Havenwood.
00:06 – 02:50
Tana Frey: My name is Tana Frey. I am the Assistant Clinical Director and Therapist at Havenwood… [continues with detailed personal story and background in adolescent treatment].
02:50 – 02:53
Hewan Amare: How does your role impact a student's healing or sense of safety?
02:53 – 05:29
Tana Frey: As a therapist, my part of my job is to create a space where we can work through trauma… [discussion of safety, teamwork, and therapeutic relationships].
05:29 – 05:43
Hewan Amare: Share a moment that made you think this is why Havenwood is different.
05:43 – 13:12
Tana Frey: When I first interviewed with Havenwood, I was working in private practice… [details of interview experience, trauma-informed approach, and work-life balance].
13:12 – 13:25
Hewan Amare: What are some things that someone should know before stepping into this work and just knowing whether this is even the right fit for them?
13:25 – 18:00
Tana Frey: This work is hard… [discussion about personal growth, parallel process, teamwork, and understanding the challenges of adolescent treatment].
18:00 – 18:07
Hewan Amare: On those hard days, what's your go-to coping skill?
18:07 – 23:27
Tana Frey: I listen to music, audio books, connect with my support system… [shares strategies for self-care, coping with challenges, and replenishing energy].
23:27 – 23:34
Hewan Amare: Any final messages for staff, students, or families?
23:34 – 25:39
Tana Frey: My overall message is… we will get through this… [message of hope, trust the process, and allowing growth through challenges].
