Leadership
John L. Stewart, LCSW
Executive Director
After earning his BA from Utah State University, John went on to Brigham Young University to earn his Masters of Social Work. He is an approved supervisor for interning social workers. John has been practicing in the mental health field for the past twenty years, specializing in addictions, attachment, mood disorders, trauma-related disorders, and therapist training. John developed New Haven's trauma model, upon which most of our therapeutic interventions for PTSD hang. He has also developed and managed intensive outpatient and general outpatient programs for drug and alcohol services. John worked five years as clinical director at a private, non-profit agency doing therapy, training interns and professionals, and developing programs. In addition, he developed and directed Crisis Line Services prior to involvement in the mental health field.
John has been involved in community-based youth organizations for the past 20 years. John is on the National Board of NATSAP and also serves on BYU's Social Work Alumni Organization. He is fortunate to be married to a wonderful woman, with whom he has three sons. John loves to travel and be in the outdoors, camp with his kids, and is a geography wizard. He is a fantastic cook and is well-versed in Native American lore.
Listen to John's Sound Advice.
Nevin Alderman, LPC
Clinical Director
Nevin's involvement in residential treatment began in 2001 when he worked as a residential staff supervisor while completing his Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Early Childhood Development at Southern Utah University. He then went on to complete a Master's Degree in Counseling and Guidance from New Mexico State University. Nevin spent the next several years working in residential treatment with at-risk youth and their families. He also spent time working in community mental health, assisting victims of abuse and trauma.
Nevin has several specialty areas, including: family relational issues, anxiety, mood disorders, destructive behavior, trauma, and substance abuse. Nevin has a passion for the field of mental health, and a strong belief in the capacity of each individual to grow and overcome life's obstacles. New Haven is fortunate for the personality, skill and experience that Nevin shares with Students, Families, Professionals, and Employees.
During his spare time, Nevin enjoys spending time with his family, exercising, and participating in outdoor recreation. Nevin comes from the southern part of the State of Utah- Kanab. He is a ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) enthusiast.
Laurie Laird, M.Ed.
Utah State Teaching License, School Counselor License, Special Education License (Endorsements: Family and Consumer Science, Biology, Mathematics, and Mild/Moderate Disabilities)
Education Director
Laurie is a graduate of Brigham Young University's secondary education program and has a master's degree in educational counseling from the University of Phoenix. She taught family and consumer science, math, and biology for 15 years in the public school system to junior and senior high school students. She has also worked as a comprehensive guidance counselor specializing in career development and counseling. Her various capacities of service in the Utah education system include curriculum developer, student-teacher coordinator, teacher in-service trainer, and school-to-careers specialist. Laurie is special-education certified and specializes in learning styles, learning disabilities, behavior management, trauma, NLD, and negative mind processes. She is currently an instructor at University of Phoenix, teaching adults in the Special Education Teacher Master's Program
Laurie has four children and enjoys running, sewing, travel, and the outdoors. She lives on a farm in the country, complete with emus, horses, chickens, and dogs.
Listen to Laurie's Sound Advice.
Kris Kilpatrick
Residential-Program Director
Kris graduated from Utah Valley University with a bachelor's degree in psychology and has been with New Haven since May of 2000. Kris spends the majority of his time at New Haven doing what he loves most – working with and training the front-line staff and interacting with the girls. He specializes in passive physical and non-physical crisis management and working with girls who display oppositional behavior, personality disorders, and depression. Kris oversees the Residential Department and facilitates New Haven's weekly management meeting. He led the implementation of New Haven's emergency preparedness program and has presented on the topic on several occasions at national conferences.
Kris and his wife Katie, have a daughter and two sons. They have worked as foster parents and have a combined 20 years experience of working with teenage girls. In his spare time, Kris likes to be outdoors with his family and two dogs. He likes to fish, camp, and cook new things (he cooks a mean fried turkey!). Kris is an avid sports fan and loves to talk sports, (particularly college football and basketball) with anyone who will engage.
Debbi Johnson, SPHR
HR Manager
Debbi joined the New Haven team in 2007. She brought with her 12 years of Human Resource experience. She has worked as the HR Manager in a variety of fields including computer support, telecommunications and manufacturing. Debbi enjoys working at New Haven because of the culture of unity and caring that exists here. She has been very impressed with the program philosophy, the people and the girls and she loves witnessing the dramatic changes the girls make while at New Haven. Debbi enjoys reading, going to the movies and spending time with her family. She has a wonderful husband, four daughters (also wonderful) and 10 grandchildren who are the light of her life.
Jacqueline Fairbanks
Admissions Director
Jacqueline earned a Bachelor degree from Brigham Young University in Marriage, Family, and Human Development. She has been employed at New Haven since 2005 when she began working as a residential staff member. Since that time she has seen many special and miraculous things take place. Jacqueline is passionate about her work and strongly believes in New Haven's philosophy and treatment approach. She enjoys working with families and helping them to feel a sense of hope in knowing their daughter and family can heal.
Jacqueline grew up in Colorado, but has lived in Massachusetts and California. She has spent a lot of time in different areas in Mexico where many of her family members live. Her experiences of visiting and spending time in Mexico throughout her life, volunteering in a diversity club, as a peer counselor, as a leader in a volunteer organization for adolescent youth and helping to teach orphans and build an orphanage in Ensenada, Mexico have all significantly contributed to her love of different cultures, meeting new people, and serving and helping others.
Jacqueline enjoys traveling(especially if there is a beach nearby), working out, going to movies, kayaking, taking walks with her husband, and spending time with her family.
