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
Megan Quintana, LPN – A Nurse’s Heart for Trauma Recovery at Havenwood Academy
In this heartfelt episode, Megan Quintana, Licensed Practical Nurse at Havenwood Academy, opens up about her unique path into trauma-informed care for adolescent girls.
Growing up in a foster home that welcomed teenage girls, Megan shares how those early experiences drew her to psychiatric nursing, why even the smallest nursing moments (like pulling out a sliver) can become profound healing connections, and what “world-class” trauma treatment really feels like on the ground.
From emotional parent thank-yous to the magic of Wednesday Sandwich Day and Havenwood’s relentless culture of continuous improvement, this conversation is full of hope and humanity.
Essential listening for parents, clinicians, and anyone who believes compassionate care can change (and save) young lives.
[00:00] Hewan Amare: So first off I just want you to start by introducing yourself, your name, role, and what inspired you to join Havenwood.
[00:07] Megan Quintana: My name is Megan Quintana. I am a nurse here at Havenwood…
[00:39] Hewan Amare: Okay, that’s what called you to trauma treatment specifically and what keeps you here?
[00:45] Megan Quintana: So, trauma treatment specifically…
[01:17] Hewan Amare: Amazing, and branching off of that, how does your role impact a student’s healing or sense of safety?
[01:24] Megan Quintana: I like to think that nursing is all based on healing, right…
[01:57] Hewan Amare: Yeah, okay. And in your opinion, what does world-class trauma treatment look like in your role?
[02:04] Megan Quintana: I never thought of world-class trauma treatment before I got here…
[02:27] Hewan Amare: And share a moment that made you think “this is why Havenwood is different.”
[02:32] Megan Quintana: That seems to happen quite a lot actually for me…
[03:14] Hewan Amare: Yeah, that’s amazing because I think it shows that you’re also supporting the parents in a way as well…
[03:26] Hewan Amare: And in your role at Havenwood, what is one skill or mindset that has helped you grow?
[03:31] Megan Quintana: One skill or mindset… continuous improvement…
[05:05] Hewan Amare: This is more of a lighthearted question, but do you have a favorite Havenwood tradition or inside joke?
[05:13] Megan Quintana: Hmm. I don’t know if everybody loves it, but on Wednesdays is sandwich day…
[06:01] Hewan Amare: Okay, and just one closing question, do you have anything exciting on the horizon? Anything that you’re looking forward to?
[06:11] Megan Quintana: Hmm. So, Havenwood has been growing quite a bit…
[06:32] Hewan Amare: Okay, well that’s awesome.
