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
Jake Clayton, Executive Director at Havenwood Academy - Transforming Trauma Treatment
In this episode of Havenwood Academy Podcast, we sit down with Jake Clayton, Executive Director at Havenwood Academy, to explore what world-class trauma treatment looks like in action. Jake shares insights into his approach to behavioral health, the systems and rituals that create meaningful experiences for students, and how his team balances high-level impact with compassion and care. From day-to-day challenges to unique innovations in residential treatment, Jake opens up about the lessons he’s learned and the small actions that make the biggest difference.
Whether you’re in behavioral health, leadership, or just passionate about creating positive change, this episode is packed with practical strategies and inspiring reflections.
00:00:00 - 00:00:05
Host: Start by introducing your name, role, and what inspired you to join Havenwood now?
00:00:05 - 00:00:31
Jake Clayton: My name is Jake Clayton. I'm the executive director here at Havenwood Academy, and the reason I've joined this excellent team is really to provide world-class trauma treatment to our guests who wouldn't otherwise receive it. I love that we get to put the pieces of the puzzle together for some of the most complex cases across the nation, and to do it in a way where we are challenging industry norms.
00:00:31 - 00:00:36
Host: Okay. That's awesome. And what caused you to trauma treatment specifically and what keeps you here?
00:00:37 - 00:01:24
Jake Clayton: You know, something I think about quite a bit working in this industry is what am I going to think about the work that I do ten or twenty years from now? Am I going to be proud of the things I'm doing on a day-to-day basis? Thinking in that pattern keeps me grounded and present. The work isn’t easy—long hours, challenging events—but I choose behavioral health to make a lasting impact on lives.
00:01:26 - 00:01:34
Host: And just kind of branching off of that, what does world-class trauma treatment look like in your role specifically?
00:01:34 - 00:02:24
Jake Clayton: For me, world-class trauma treatment is about developing systems that ensure excellent experiences for both our staff and guests. For example, our admissions process includes limo pickups, personalized greetings, favorite snacks, and color-coded attire. My role is to make sure these systems run consistently day after day.
00:02:24 - 00:02:49
Host: That's awesome. What does a day in the life look like for you?
00:02:49 - 00:03:40
Jake Clayton: My day varies but mainly involves supporting our teams and managing chaos. I troubleshoot daily issues while balancing long-term systems planning to stay aligned with our mission.
00:03:40 - 00:04:46
Host: What is one innovation, ritual, or culture piece at Havenwood that you love or are passionate about?
00:03:50 - 00:04:46
Jake Clayton: I'm passionate about developing competent, skilled direct care staff. We emphasize practical skill training over just theory—daily role-plays, micro-trainings, and exercises ensure our staff is ready to deliver world-class trauma treatment.
00:04:46 - 00:05:56
Host: How do you gauge what should improve and what’s going well?
00:04:55 - 00:05:56
Jake Clayton: We track data rigorously. Incident reports, student feedback, and promoter scores guide improvements. We review this feedback weekly to ensure students are having a positive, safe experience.
00:05:56 - 00:06:36
Host: What should someone know before stepping into this work?
00:06:36 - 00:07:12
Jake Clayton: It’s a field of highs and lows. Some days are incredibly rewarding; others are tough. Accepting both and embracing growth is key.
00:07:13 - 00:08:14
Host: On tough days, what skills or routines help you reset?
00:07:18 - 00:08:14
Jake Clayton: Morning rituals like exercise, meditation, and gratitude help me start grounded. After work, I symbolically leave work behind by putting my badge and keys in the car, allowing me to be fully present at home. Systems that support work-life balance are also critical.
00:08:14 - 00:09:57
Host: What is your favorite Havenwood tradition or inside joke?
00:09:15 - 00:09:57
Jake Clayton: I love playful interactions with my team, like emoji reactions and key phrases on Slack. Humor helps us navigate the serious nature of our work.
00:09:59 - 00:11:30
Host: Final reflection—what message do you have for staff, students, or families?
00:10:06 - 00:11:30
Jake Clayton: The real work is in the day-to-day moments. Focusing on meaningful interactions every day—checking in on a student, noticing subtle struggles—drives lasting impact. Small, intentional actions create big change in treatment experiences and outcomes.
