Moonridge Academy is thrilled to welcome Annette Pelletier, LCSW, CTRTC as the newest member of their clinical team. Annette comes to Moonridge Academy with a great deal of experience. Annette received her Master’s Degree in Social Work at Texas State University in San Marcos, TX. Annette is skilled at treating a variety of conditions such as depression, anxiety, family relational issues, eating disorders, attachment disorders, substance abuse disorders, and emerging personality disorders. Annette specializes in the treatment of those who have experienced complex trauma. She utilizes a combination of trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), reality therapy, motivational interviewing, equine-assisted psychotherapy, and experiential/adventure-based interventions. Annette is certified in choice theory and reality therapy through the William Glasser Institute. Annette also received EMDR training through the EMDR Institute, where she received her certification of completion for EMDR Part 1 and part 2. Additionally, Annette has attended training in trauma-focused equine assisted psychotherapy approach and most recently completed a specialized training in the use of equine-connected EMDR.
Annette loves outdoor recreation which aligns well with Moonridge Academy's emphasis on adventure therapy. When asked what she loves doing in her free time, Annette said, "Rock climbing and my family are my passions outside of my work. I love traveling to get to cool climbing areas and love how I can push myself beyond what I believed to be my limit or how I can take it slow and casual to just enjoy the moment. Other things I enjoy doing are just being outside in nature, camping, hiking, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, Latin dancing, reading, and going to the beach. Additionally, I have a great love of animals."
Annette is excited to start working with the younger students at Moonridge, "I love helping young women to see their worth; to help them recognize they are enough, always have been enough, and always will be enough. I enjoy helping them navigate how to express their thoughts and feelings more openly and using their voice to show up in their lives in a more authentic way. The greatest reward for me in this work is the relationships I get to build with these amazing young women and their families."
Emotionally, developmentally and clinically there is a difference between a younger teen and an older teen; their needs and wants are different, as is the way in which they process information and in how they approach problems. Moonridge Academy's dynamic clinical team, led by Clinical Director Lacey Heinzelman, LMFT, LCMHC, works closely to provide strong clinical support for students who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma, and attachment issues. All members of the clinical team are creative in their process including art projects, play, sand tray and music into therapy sessions. This is so essential with the younger students served at Moonridge Academy. Lacey has advanced training in Brainspotting, Trauma Sensitive Yoga and HeartMath Strategies. She is a trained family therapist, working with the entire family system to create long lasting change.
Like Lacey, Primary Therapist Cam Rowley, CSW utilizes a modality of clinical approaches as she works her clients. Cam feels that the use of Adventure Therapy and Equine Therapy is essential to help the students recognize and build on their individual strengths. Adventure Therapy Director Ruth Morrow, LCMHC rounds out the clinical team. Ruth is excellent at cultivating relationships with the students inviting them to change through the use of outdoor adventure and DBT skills. Ruth is trained in EMDR Therapy, DBT Therapy and Equine Therapy. The clinical team's commitment to the students exemplifies the Moonridge mission statement: “We are all in, everyone of us, every day, for every child”.
About Moonridge Academy
Moonridge Academy is a premier residential treatment center for younger girl ages 11-15 years located in Cedar City, UT. Moonridge Academy specializes in healing trauma and addressing mental and emotional challenges using different therapeutic modalities including EMDR, CBT, DBT, Play Therapy, Equine Therapy and Adventure Therapy. As a small program of only 16 students, Moonridge Academy allows for a high degree of individualization in both clinical and academic services. By combining a nurturing home-like environment with a sophisticated clinical approach, Moonridge Academy is tailored to meet specific needs and to assist students in developing coping skills and identity.