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
Charity Lynch - Therapist at Havenwood Academy
In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, therapist Charity Lynch shares how her own childhood trauma - and later, her son’s struggles - shaped her path toward becoming the calm in the storm for teens at Havenwood.
From breaking down trauma responses in a way kids can finally understand, to helping students regulate with equine therapy, to bringing Bruce Perry’s Six Rs to life across campus, Charity offers an inside look at what real healing looks like day-to-day.
She also opens up about the emotional reality of the work: the breakthroughs, the setbacks, the laughter, the rituals that keep her grounded, and the incredible joy of seeing students who once felt hopeless step into college, careers, and lives they never thought possible.
Whether you work in behavioral health, education, or simply care about healing relationships, this conversation will inspire you and stay with you.
00:00 – What is your name, role, and what inspired you to join Havenwood?
My name is Charity Lynch. I am a therapist here at Havenwood, and what inspired me to join Havenwood is that I was a child like the kids we serve… [continues]
00:39 – Describe Havenwood in one word and why you chose that word.
I would use the word camaraderie… [continues]
01:01 – What does a Havenwood day look like for you?
I'm a therapist here, so my day-to-day is a lot of sessions… [continues]
01:53 – How does your role impact a student's healing or sense of safety?
I like to be the calm in the storm… [continues]
03:03 – How does your team bring Bruce Perry’s Six Rs and trauma-informed care to life?
I feel like we bring it to life in every way… [continues]
04:11 – How do your students respond to equine therapy, especially when they’re anxious?
Horses are phenomenal… [continues]
05:12 – What is one skill or mindset that has helped you grow?
I think the mindset that helps me grow is wonder… [continues]
06:01 – What is something intentional you do behind the scenes that others may not see?
I'm a somatic therapist, I'm a brain-spotting therapist… [continues]
06:55 – Do you use somatic therapy with all the kids you work with?
Somatic therapy is something I use with probably 95% of my kids… [continues]
07:58 – What is something someone should know before stepping into this work?
I think you should know your own triggers… [continues]
08:46 – What is your favorite Havenwood tradition or inside joke?
We have so many. My favorite Havenwood tradition is the cardboard boat race… [continues]
09:57 – Do you have anything exciting on the horizon you're looking forward to?
I have some kids that are graduating pretty soon… [continues]
10:51 – Do students ever stay in touch after graduating?
Most of the time, the kids reach out to us… [continues]
