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, LMFT, is a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in providing comprehensive treatment for individuals, couples, and families. With a commitment to fostering healing and growth, Katie integrates a holistic approach to therapy, addressing a wide range of mental health concerns including ADHD, anxiety, trauma, and depression.

Credentials and Certifications:

• ADHD Treatment Certification: Katie has pursued specialized training and certification in ADHD treatment, equipping her with the knowledge and skills to effectively support individuals in managing symptoms and optimizing their functioning.
• Anxiety Treatment Certification: With advanced training in anxiety treatment, Katie offers evidence-based interventions to help clients alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorders and regain a sense of calm and control in their lives.
• Auricular Acupuncture Technique: Katie is trained in auricular acupuncture, a complementary therapy that utilizes specific points on the ear to promote relaxation, stress reduction, and emotional well-being, enhancing the effectiveness of traditional therapeutic approaches.
• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): As a certified EMDR therapist, Katie specializes in trauma resolution, guiding clients through the process of reprocessing distressing memories and experiences to alleviate symptoms of trauma and foster healing.
• Trauma-Informed Care: Katie approaches therapy from a trauma-informed perspective, recognizing the impact of past trauma on individuals’ lives and utilizing compassionate, evidence-based interventions to support healing and resilience.
• Depression Management: Katie has expertise in depression management, offering a range of therapeutic techniques to help clients navigate feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and low motivation, and regain a sense of purpose and joy in life.

Approach to Therapy:

Katie believes in the power of a collaborative and strengths-based therapeutic relationship, where clients feel supported, heard, and empowered to make positive changes in their lives. She utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches, family systems theory, and somatic techniques, tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual, couple, or family.

About Katie Soli, LMFT:

Katie earned her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Chaminade University, Honolulu Hawaii, and has since accrued extensive experience working in diverse clinical settings. Committed to ongoing professional development, she stays abreast of the latest research and therapeutic innovations to provide the highest quality care to her clients.

With warmth, empathy, and a genuine passion for helping others, Katie creates a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their challenges, gain insight, and develop practical strategies for coping and thriving. She believes that healing is possible for everyone and is honored to accompany her clients on their journey towards greater well-being and fulfillment.

Quinn Boyer, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

Quinn is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience treating a wide range of areas in mental health. He believes the therapeutic process should focus and work towards identifying the main root causes that are creating the patterns of challenges that we experience both personally and interpersonally.

Once causality is identified, the therapy process then begins working to develop the appropriate therapeutic tools necessary to create change. Through this safe, confidential, and supportive process, Quinn believes goals can be achieved. Quinn provides counsel and treatment for individuals, couples, and families.

Areas of expertise and services include:

• Anxiety, panic, depression, suicidal ideations, self harm.
• Parent/child conflicts, parenting skills, family patterns.
• Marital and Premarital Counseling.
• PTSD, trauma, abuse.
• Grief
• Addiction: substances, gaming/electronics, pornography, food, gambling.
• Performance anxiety (sport, business, education)
• Young adulthood, life phase transitioning and launching.
• Major life adjustments.

Alyson Ford, Associate 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.

Stephanie Judd, Associate 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, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

Several years ago I learned that I love to build and remodel homes. I love seeing the raw or undiscovered value come to light. At some point I realized that there is deep meaning in helping “build” and “remodel” others by helping them discover their own worth. I am a people person. I have always loved people and believed in their potential to overcome hardship and succeed at reaching their goals. Above all else, I am a husband and a father as nothing brings more fulfillment and joy into my life as we grow, learn, and experience life together.
As a former college wrestler, I have always held that the majority of success in life is a mental rather than a physical challenge. I find great meaning in helping others become their best selves through this lens. I believe in hard work and dedication; thus, I will stand by you through life’s transitions.

I am from Delta, Utah. I completed a bachelors degree in Psychology at Colorado Mesa University and a masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Northcentral University, a COAMFTE-approved program. I am an enthusiastic learner with experience working in various roles with at-risk adolescents with anxiety and depression as well as adults with severe mental illness and addiction. I have particular interest in working with couples’ relational struggles and families with adolescents. I work with people of all ages struggling with various mental health concerns and take great pride in helping others find deeper meaning and success in life.

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.

Tyler Van Tassell, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist

Tyler is a compassionate Associate Marriage and Family Therapist that is dedicated to providing exceptional therapeutic support for individuals, couples, and families. Tyler obtained a Bachelor’s degree at Brigham Young University in Family Studies. Continuing his education at the University of Southern Mississippi, Tyler received a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. While in Mississippi, Tyler had the opportunity to work with a diverse population and a variety of issues.

Tyler is grateful for the privilege of assisting others along their path toward change and growth. It is an honor for Tyler to be able to listen to people’s stories, walk with them through their path of growth and change, and help them become who they aspire to be. Tyler is dedicated to promoting growth and assisting his clients in establishing the type of relationships they desire in their lives.

Tyler enjoys traveling, exploring, watching or playing sports, and spending time with his family.

McKinley Carr-Merrill, Intern Marriage & Family Therapist

McKinley strives to be an ally for all. She firmly holds the belief that peace is attainable even amid life’s toughest questions. With her unique blend of warmth and humor, she emphasizes that therapy is a collaborative experience.

Currently pursuing her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Utah Tech, she is deeply committed to helping others form healthy relationships. As a former suicide prevention trainer, she understands the profound importance of infusing hope.

McKinley and her husband, Ridge, both teach high school in St. George and share a passion for their pottery business, biking, rock climbing, thrifting, vacationing with family, and collecting children’s books. McKinley is currently accepting new clients— individuals, couples, or families.