Denise Madsen, LPC (Clinical Director)
Denise brings a myriad of experience and expertise in the Substance Abuse, Mental Health and Domestic Violence fields that spans 9 years. Denise received her Bachelor of Social Work in 1992 from Brigham Young University and her Master of Counseling with a focus on Mental Health from the University of Phoenix in Salt Lake City in 2002. Denise’s past experience and expertise in the field includes but is not limited to dual diagnosis, DSM-IV Multi-axial Assessment, 12-step programs, chemical abuse, and domestic violence counseling. She has overseen and supervised as a clinical director, case manager and group leader. She has been responsible for intakes, assessment / evaluation, case shaping, meeting clinical requirements, psychiatric testing, providing clinical supervisory care, overseeing quality assurance programs, education, staffing, program management as program director, program administration as program administrator, as well as licensing of outpatient staff. She has had experience in identifying appropriate assessment tools and developing diagnostic evaluations of patient’s substance abuse and domestic violence as well as any co-existing conditions. She efficiently and effectively applies her clinical skills to match the chemical dependent / domestic violence group dynamics and reinforces group leadership.
Jerry Larcher, LSAC
Jerry has been involved in the substance abuse field since 1988 having 21 years experience to enrich Positive Adjustments with. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 1988 from the University of Utah – Salt Lake City. He offers Positive Adjustments 18 years of Inpatient Substance Abuse experience as a case manager and supervisor and another 3 years experience in Out-patient Substance Abuse Treatment as a Substance Abuse Councelor. Jerry is also certified as a DUI Instructor. Jerry currently is involved in performing Substance Abuse Assessments, teaching group sessions and individual sessions as well as teaching educational classes including the DUI – Prime for Life Education Series.
William Tandy, CSAC
Bill brings a variety of life-enriching experiences with him as well as a dedicated love of helping people help themselves. Having obtained his Masters Degree in Counseling and Human Development from Troy State University, Bill has worked in a juvenile treatment facility, a halfway house for released state and federal parolees, and as a Texas Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor providing treatment in a Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Facility in Brownwood, Texas where he provided individual and group counseling, conducted seminars, conducted assessments, developed individualized treatment plans, led his facility in the transfer from paper to digital files, and performed all unit intakes—as well as training in several new counselors. He relates that his greatest contribution was in helping clients believe in themselves by setting and achieving goals to a better life and lifestyle. Bill is also a Certified Anger Management Specialist. Bill’s civilian career having been interrupted several times by recall to active duty, he also maintains Senior Professional Human Resources certification. Because of his additional Human Resources background, Bill understands the particular employment challenges that are faced by clients at Positive Adjustments and is here to provide direction and encouragement as necessary. Bill started his military career as a new Air Force enlistee and during Vietnam, went to distinguished service as a Gunner/Airborne Weapons Mechanic where he was awarded 4 Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Later, as an Air Force officer, he was selected as Intelligence Officer of the Year on three occassions, separating from the service from his last recall period as a Lieutenant Colonel with the award of the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. Finally, as a result of his love of languages and cultures which was satisfied by living abroad, Bill brings a unique multi-cultural dimension to Positive Adjustments that is highlighted by his fluency in Spanish.
Deborah Cowan, CPCI
Debbie received her education from Utah State University where she received both her Bachelors of Science and Masters of Science degrees in Psychology and school counseling. She obtained her practicum work necessary for her CPCi licensure under the direction of University of Phoenix. Debbie has 18 years of experience in the counseling field. She obtained her experience with at risk clients in places such as; Price Child Advocacy Center for Abused Children, Carbon County Youth in Custody, Carbon County Youth Corrections, Internship Carbon County School District K-12 School Counseling. Residential Living at Clearfield and Weber Basin Job Corps. Substance Abuse Counselor at Bountiful Treatment Center. Debbie's array of experience brings new insights and abilities to treat many variables that our clients may face.
Manuel Vorher, Instructor
Manuel is our Hispanic DUI Instructor and has worked for us since 2001. He brings a lot of experience to Positive Adjustments in teaching the Spanish clientele. He has also been instrumental in translating English forms into Spanish, translating the Substance Abuse Lesson Plans and assists as a Hispanic Interpreter.
Ben Howard, Instructor
Ben brings a unique and personal perspective to the Positive Adjustments team. He is a Utah State trained Victim’s Advocate and an expert in trauma release. Through individual and group training, he has helped clients nationwide through the processes of “letting go” of past trauma’s, victimizations, injuries and abuse. Through personal knowledge and experience, Ben meets client(s) “where they are” and guides them through gentle processes of personal introspection, understanding and healing. As many addictions are coping mechanisms for past trauma’s, Ben brings a crucial element to the addiction recovery process.
Paul Goodwin
Paul is the Executive Director and President of Positive Adjustments. Paul gained some of his experience in the substance abuse field while working and directing the Addiction Recovery Program with LDS Family Services. Paul's formal education is in psychology with an emphasis in addiction recovery counseling. Along with his extensive experience in business ownership and management, he brings that knowledge to the direction and overseeing of the company. He has been instrumental in the development and implementation of all aspects of our programs so they are efficient, timely and progressive. Paul has also been involved in the development of the written policies and procedures manual and is in charge of quality assurance and administrative protocol. Paul is experienced in working with regulatory authorities, licensure boards, insurances, and governmental administrations. He also offers a wealth of information and experience in marketing and administration.