St. George Office Staff

Matt Eschler, PHD, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

Clinical Director in St. George

Matt lives in St. George, Utah where he and his wife Chris are enjoying their life with each other. Since their kids have grown and moved out perusing their dreams Matt and Chris travel the world. They want to visit 200 countries before the are done. Matt and Chris are active in their community and enjoy working out, training for marathons, and spending time participating in numerous activities with their adult children. Matt has received his Ph.D. in Psychology. He is focused on the arena of resolving personal conflicts and improving interpersonal relationships. In addition to his Doctorate Degree Matt has earned a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy, studied Criminal Justice, and received a category I licensure with Peace Officer Standard of Training along with a degree in the Arts of Business Management. Matt spends his time counseling with high conflict couples & personality disorders. Matt has taught numerous students as a professor at Dixie State University and hopes to be part of the positive growth of Southern Utah.

Licensed in Utah & Nevada.

Chad Olson, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

Approved Supervisor, St. George

Chad Olson is a licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of Utah. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Marriage, Family and Human Development. He graduated from Brigham Young University as the valedictorian of his class. He continued his education at BYU by earning a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. After graduation, he worked for LDS Family Services in Provo. He moved to St. George in 2008 and worked at a private outpatient clinic. He has co-authored numerous journal articles on various subjects (e.g., boundary ambiguity, prevalence and acceptance rates of pornography use, and marriage readiness).

Martin Koford, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Therapist

Clinical Director in Mesquite

Each of you has a life story and within that story are opportunities for growth, happiness, and fulfillment. Many of you are feeling emotional pain, frustrations, anger, fear, and hopelessness. You are not “broken” just likely realizing that the problem-solving tools that may have worked in the past may be dull or worn. Many times we are not sure what to do, or where to look for help. Likely, many have tried friends, family, partners, etc., and many times they have great advice relative to their worldview. Although this type of support is invaluable, there are times when a professional counselor is needed.

I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and have the training and life experiences that enable me to help tailor a personal counseling experience for you. I provide treatment for individuals, couples, families, and groups. I have a Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling combined with years of experience. I work with anxiety, depression, addiction, marriage and family, and stress management issues. Additional training and certification include: Prime for Life Instructor and Prime Solutions for substance abuse and addiction treatment; completed Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy; domestic violence offender and survivor treatment. My undergraduate work focuses on business administration. I have many years of experience dealing with business system solutions. Managing a business can be frustrating and overwhelming at times and having additional support can offer objectivity and guidance toward solutions.

I enjoy the outdoors and participate in bicycle riding, dirt bike riding, and hiking in the beautiful desert we live in. Happiness is an action and to realize it one must participate in life, overcome obstacles, and take time to enjoy the small successes of each day. Most of us have struggles, that is a given, it is how we deal with our challenges that determine the outcome. Improving our weaknesses while building our strengths can help us realize our full potential and increase peace, joy, and happiness within our lives.
Please schedule an appointment and let’s begin the journey toward empowerment and living your life to its fullest potential.

Licensed in Utah & Nevada. 

Alan Dressler, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

I have spent my career in the field of Criminal Justice. During the course of my career I found that I had the ability to connect with individuals and families in crisis. Maintaining mindfulness and calm amidst the storms of peoples lives has been helpful in assisting families and individuals into healthier lifestyles.

I am loving being a counselor and hope that we can meet and begin Achieving the future you desire!

•       Mood Disorders

•       Couples / Family Counseling

•       Substance Use & Abuse treatment

•       Court Ordered treatment

Ecko Ashmore, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

Are you having difficulty creating the life you deserve? I can help you understand and overcome obstacles that are holding you back. My focus is to help you feel empowered to make the changes you desire. Social issues, friendships, the need for self-care and support systems are all issues that bring people to individual and couples counseling. Making it through all of the ups and downs will require a strong social support system. I will create a specific focus on what you are experiencing and help you work toward your vision of the life you are trying to create.

I specialize in trauma, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, self-esteem issues, domestic violence, and substance abuse. In addition, I work with a wide range of client concerns including relationship difficulties, communication, parenting skill, sexual and gender identity, self-identity, finding a sense of purpose and adjusting to life changes. I also provide a supportive environment for clients in the LGBTQ+ community. I am trained in EMDR and have had training in WPATH. I work with adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I draw from various evidence-based approaches. We will work together to decide what treatment approach is best for you to reach your full potential. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you on your journey.

Area of Interests include: Individuals, Couples, Families, Mood Disorders, LGBTQ+, EMDR-Trauma.

Steve Child, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Steve earned his Master’s Degree in Social Work from Arizona State University. He is a licensed clinical social worker and has been a therapist for the past 22 years. He has enjoyed sharing his knowledge and expertise with thousands of students as an adjunct professor for Utah State University and Dixie State University for over 15 years.
Steve’s background and specialties are treating couples and individuals who have experienced trauma. He uses the latest techniques in EMDR, Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, putting special emphasis on understanding our own and our partner’s internal experiences. His strength and passion is working with family systems, knowing what will build understanding and make long-lasting change. He has great insight into different family systems and the power of a relational bond on behavior and emotional health. He does terrific work with adoptive families. Steve’s calm and even personality is very grounding to families when they are dealing with very stressful situations.
Steve and his wife of 28 years enjoy spending time with their three children, and their new son-in-law and daughter-in-law. They like to travel and escape too far off places, as well as enjoy the beauties we have nearby. They love to go boating, and their most favorite place is Lake Powell, with Disneyland being a close second, but that does not involve water. In his quiet time, he likes to read, take photographs, exercise, and care for their garden.
“We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” – Albert Einstein

Brad Workman, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Brad has spent his working life helping people find peace & happiness in outpatient clinics like ours. Brad has joined with Ascend Counseling & Wellness because he believes that mental health and physical fitness includes more than just medication management. He sees each client as a unique individual that has specific needs to be addressed. Before prescribing any type of treatment plan he will get to know you and discover your unique needs. After this initial interview Brad works with you and any other providers on your Ascend Counseling & Wellness Treatment team. This therapy & medication management integrated approach to medicine will create a secure pathway that will work for your unique experience toward peace and tranquility.

Brad Workman has been blessed to work with the full life span of clients. I’ve spent my career working with individuals and families suffering with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders, I can assist families with a chronic mentally ill person in their midst, and I am experienced with assisting a team with clients presenting with a personality disorder.

I use a solid holistic approach to mental and physical health. I am excited to share some of my ideas with you. If you believe I can be of assistance to you and your family please give us a call at Ascend Counseling & Wellness.  We have offices in St George, Hurricane, Kanab, Cedar City, Mesquite Nevada, and Delta Utah. We can do Tele-health if you are not near one of our several clinics.

Katie Soli, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

Katie Soli, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Katie has worked in the mental health field for over 20 years. Katie has experience with Trauma treatment, residential treatment and outpatient treatment and is passionate about working with individuals and families in crisis.

Katie attended BYU-Hawaii where she received her undergraduate psychology degree. After this she attended Chaminade University where she received her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Katie specializes in trauma, adoption, attachment, anxiety, depression, crisis, women’s issues,  self-esteem issues and much more. Katie is trained in EMDR, Brainspotting, and uses various modalities as needed including Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, Transactional analysis, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative therapy, DBT, systems, behavioral, and solution focused.   Her goal is to help each individual find what works for them and to help them find their inner strength to navigate through the challenges they face in life.

Katie has 4 children of her own and enjoys the outdoor opportunities in the area with her children. When Katie is not working you can find her gardening, exploring, traveling, or planning for her next adventure.

Quinn Boyer, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

Kenzie Foulger, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

Kenzie moved down to St. George from Salt Lake City in the Fall of 2020. She loves the outdoors and enjoys being able to rock climb and bike year round. Kenzie is married to the love of her life and has a chocolate lab who accompanies Kenzie and her husband on their adventures. They love to travel the world and love to try new things.

Kenzie started working in the therapeutic world back in 2016 at a residential treatment center for boys. She worked her way in all the different positions but could not help in the way she wanted to as a therapist without furthering her education. Kenzie left the treatment world to get her Masters in Marriage and Family at Dixie State University. She is also a part-time instructor at Dixie in the Psychology Department and coaches rock climbing. She finds pleasure in having variety in her life and doing what she loves as much as she can.

“ I believe therapy has a limitless number of benefits for anyone and everyone no matter who they are or what they have been through. I am devoted to assisting families, couples, and individuals discover what their happiness looks like and how to get there. I have a genuine understanding that everyone has a story, and that story needs to be heard. I enjoy actively listening to clients tell their story and validating their experience. Every client is unique and views the world and themselves differently. I love helping clients live the best life they can through creating their own special identity and world they want to live in.”

Kenzie is passionate in working with couples and families to process conflict. She has worked with issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, betrayal, low self-esteem, substance abuse, adjustment disorders, processing disorders, gender dysphoria, and relationship conflict (parent-child, marital, and family).

Alyson Ford, Intern Marriage & Family Therapist

As a business owner for the past 12 years, as well as a mother of two boys and two dogs, I have found my true passion in helping others through life challenges. As an intern therapist, my therapeutic style supports people on their personal journey of change, recovery, and life fulfillment. My clients recognize me for being proactive in a calm, safe atmosphere.

I am ambitious in working with various concerns such as trauma, depression, anxiety, LGBTQ+, faith crisis, and sex therapy and betrayal. I work with individuals, couples, and family relationships.

The decision to begin therapy is often one of the best decisions you will ever make in your life. Schedule today to get started on your personal journey to a more harmonious life. I have a flexible schedule with morning and evening appointments available.

Julie Mathews, Intern Marriage & Family Therapist

The human mind fascinates me and holds the capacity to create healing and wellness for the soul.  I believe in methods of self-acceptance and understanding when working toward change. However, I won’t back away from helping you discover the unhealthy patterns and behaviors stopping you from moving forward.  Life is messy, mental health is complex, and relationships are complicated, but restoring hope is always possible.

I feel fortunate to call the red mountains of southern Utah my home, and am inspired by the beauty surrounding me. I am a proud wife and mother of four beautiful boys and one daughter-in-law.  Being a grandma is the icing on the cake.  I love to cook and create in the kitchen, and I plan all vacations around hiking because the mountains are always calling.

Albert Einstein once said, “The only source of knowledge is experience.”  My experiences have led me on a path to a better understanding of myself, and an ability to hold compassion for others as we all journey through life together.

Stephanie Judd, Intern Marriage & Family Therapist

Stephanie welcomes individuals, couples and families to address relationship and life concerns. She provides competent and compassionate care to help clients define long-lasting solutions and goals. She is a natural peacemaker but highly skilled at confronting conflict to discover ways to instill hope and move toward healing. In addition, Stephanie has a specialization in Medical Family Therapy and uses evidence-based methods to manage the emotional and psychological impact of chronic pain, disease and medical concerns. She is also a Certified Health Coach where she received training in nutritional psychology. Stephanie and her clients work toward taking greater care of mind, body, and relationships.

Stephanie enjoys Southern Utah’s natural beauty and recreation. She has instructed tennis for 20+ years, teaching ages from 2 to 92, which is where her love for helping others began. She is a mother of three children and is married to the love of her life.

“I see the potential of others and help them see that potential in themselves. I became a Marriage and Family Therapist to offer support to those yearning for peace and happiness. I am passionate about enhancing individual worth, relationships and connections in life.”

Bracken Lovell, Intern Marriage & Family Therapist

Chris Eschler, Relationship & Personal Development Coach

Chris Eschler is an athlete, a mom, a grandmother, a wife, and manages the financial health of Ascend Counseling & Wellness. Chris lives to travel with her husband and enjoys time with her kids and grandchild. She is attending BYU Family Studies and hopes to assist her husband in defending families and helping people with their most intimate relationships.

Chris has worked with her husband in various business ventures for the past 33 years. Family owned and operated businesses have been part of her life for most of her life. She loves creating opportunities for her family.