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
David Rees - Teacher at Havenwood Academy
In this episode, we sit down with David Rees, a dedicated science teacher at Havenwood Academy, to explore how education and trauma-informed teaching intersect. With over 13 years of experience, David shares his passion for helping students with trauma backgrounds find wonder in science, develop emotional regulation, and grow both academically and personally. From hands-on lab experiences to everyday lessons about the universe, David reveals how teaching can be a catalyst for healing.
Whether you're an educator, parent, or anyone interested in trauma-informed care, this episode offers insights into the powerful role education plays in recovery and personal growth.
00:00:00 – 00:00:04
Host: What is your name, role and what inspired you to join Haven Wood?
00:00:04 – 00:00:30
David Rees: My name is David Reece. I teach science… That's what I enjoy doing.
00:00:30 – 00:00:56
Host: So hey, awesome. And can you describe Haven Wood in one word and why?
David Rees: I think accepting is a good word… So I would say accepting.
00:01:00 – 00:01:38
Host: Good answer. What calls you to trauma treatment and what keeps you here?
David Rees: Oddly enough, I consider this just teaching… But of course, my focus is on doing that through science education.
00:02:11 – 00:02:33
Host: That's awesome… As a teacher, what does a Haven wood day look like for you?
David Rees: I'll come in… And I'll do that 3 or 4 classes in a row.
00:03:39 – 00:03:47
Host: That's awesome. It sounds busy, but fun. Can you share a moment that made you think, this is Havenwood? What is different?
David Rees: I had a student… And since that time, that student has gotten a lot better…
00:05:45 – 00:06:00
Host: Yea for sure. And just adding to that, what is something intentional that you do in your work that outsiders might never see?
David Rees: I like to take ordinary objects… And it's just kind of miraculous to think about. That's one of the reasons why I teach, and I enjoy teaching science.
00:08:02 – 00:08:29
Host: I think as a teacher you're often focused on the growth of your students. But for you, what is one skill or mindset that has helped you grow?
David Rees: You know, tree trunks have to adapt to the weight of the leaves… It'll force your own growth because you need to support them in ways that you have never had to support anyone else before.
00:09:11 – 00:09:25
Host: Totally. Yeah. And what helps you reset on tough days?
David Rees: I'm an amateur astronomer… For me, it's the night sky.
00:09:31 – 00:10:06
Host: I can imagine. What is your favorite Havenwood tradition or inside joke?
David Rees: An inside joke… So we just play my stomach at a loud noise as students to get back from being distracted.
00:10:10 – 00:10:24
Host: You know, it's funny. What is one surprising fact about you?
David Rees: I grew up for a while in Hawaii… But yeah, that's just that's a surprising,
00:10:26 – 00:11:05
Host: And super cool. And yeah, just a closing message. Do you have any messages for staff, students or families?
David Rees: Staff? Keep up the work… And keep up hope. Follow the program and build a life for yourself because you're worth it.
