Our Children’s Center Team
Kailey Markos, ACMHC
Works with: children 5-17 years oldSpecializes in: working with children and teens, skill building (emotional regulation, impulse control, resiliency), and improving family communication.Favorite types of therapy: play therapy, expressive art therapy, narrative therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
“My goal as a therapist is to create a safe space for my clients to express and explore their emotions, identify undesirable thoughts or actions that are keeping them from their maximum potential, and support them as they learn and apply essential skills for lasting change. I have worked with children and adolescents as a mental health professional over the last five years: two years in an intensive outpatient (day treatment) setting, two years in an inpatient behavioral health unit, and for the last year I had the opportunity to work for Weber School District serving six different schools providing group and individual counseling. I utilize a variety of interventions with my clients such as play therapy, expressive art therapy, narrative therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
I have two Bachelor of Science Degrees from Weber State University; the first is in Communication with an emphasis in Interpersonal and Family Communication and the second is in Psychology. I also received a Master of Science Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. I am excited to have the opportunity to further advance my skills as a therapist here at the Tree of Life Children’s Center!
When I am not in the office you can find me hanging out with my husband and our two cats, reading, crafting, or going on vacation.”
Madison Martinez, CSW
Works with: children 5-13 years oldSpecializes in: ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, Anger, ODD, depression, and behavioral/emotional dysregulation.Favorite types of therapy: Play Therapy, Bibliotherapy, and Expressive Art Therapy
“I am very passionate and determined to help children find their voice, understand and regulate their emotions, as well as assist them in learning coping techniques to overcome life’s obstacles. I love working with parents by being able to offer support, resources, and tools/skills to empower them in the home or an environmental setting with their kids! I have a great understanding of the value therapy has in helping children foster their emotions and continue to grow. My goal is for every client and parent I work with to feel safe, comfortable, and valued in our sessions. I utilize a variety of different techniques such as Play Therapy, Mindfulness, Strengths-Based, Behavioral Therapies, CBT, Client-Centered approach, Expressive ARTS, Bibliotherapy, psychoeducation and much more. I believe in meeting my clients and their families where they are at, working to help create positive change, as well as working to build a strong relationship with all family members involved. I prioritize the therapeutic relationship by emphasizing rapport building. I have a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky, and a Bachelor’s degree also in Social Work from Weber State University. I have experience working with children and young adolescents as a Registered Behavioral Technician providing one on one treatment in a therapeutic day facility and as a Case Manager. I have certificates in Trauma Focused CBT, Sand Tray therapy, and I am working on further training in play therapy and attachment. Outside of work, I am most likely spending my free time with my family, my two dogs, reading or anything outdoors such as camping, swimming, hammocking, or hiking!”
Kenzie Worrell, CSW
Works with: anyone 6 years old and up!Specializes in: anxiety, Autism, behavioral/emotional dysregulation, but will work with anyone!Favorite types of therapy: CBT, play therapy, and mindfulness
“From a young age I was always very social and enjoyed helping those around me. I loved making connections with people and knew I wanted to pursue a career where all of these things were possible. I began college at Utah State University, found the field of social work, and fell in love with its values. I graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work degree and a minor in Human Development and Family Studies in May of 2023. I then went on to obtain a Master of Social Work degree from Boise State University and graduated in August of 2024.
My experience working with children and families comes from a variety of settings. While in college at Utah State University, I worked as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) at an in- home ABA therapy company working with children on the Autism Spectrum. I then took those skills and worked at an elementary behavior unit in Weber School District teaching children about emotional intelligence and behavior regulation. Most recently I worked for the Division of Child & Family Services as a Child Protective Services caseworker where I was able to work with children and families experiencing trauma.
I am passionate about working with children to help them learn and navigate the world around them as they find their voice and understand their emotions. It is my goal for every child and family I work with to feel valued and heard in our sessions! Outside of work you can find me spending time with my loved ones, enjoying the outdoors, traveling, and listening to country music.”
Kasidi Parkinson, ACMHC
Works with: children 5-15 years old.Specializes in: anger, ADHD, anxiety, but will work with anyone!Favorite type of therapy: expressive art therapy!
“I am passionate about working with children and teenagers who have experienced trauma. As a therapist I strive to allow a space for children and teens to express their emotions and process their experiences. I utilize a trauma informed approach with different theoretical frameworks including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and Mindfulness. I am excited and eager to continue increasing my therapeutic skills and training.
I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work with a minor in Criminal Justice from the University of North Dakota and a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology from Arizona State University. I have experience working in a domestic violence shelter and Utah’s Division of Child and Family Services. My professional experience has prepared me to work with diverse populations and family dynamics.
Outside of work I enjoy reading. The genres I mainly enjoy are High Fantasy and Classics. I also enjoy writing.”
Alison Whitmore, CSW Intern
Works with: all agesSpecializes in: anxiety and perinatal mental health, but will work with anyone!Favorite types of therapy: Client-centered therapy and CBT
“From a young age, I’ve felt drawn to the field of mental health and inspired to pursue a career in social work. Throughout my life, I’ve witnessed the power of safe, nonjudgmental spaces where people can express themselves and be heard—spaces I now strive to create. I believe in the innate potential of every individual and their right to live a life of love, joy, and purpose.
I am particularly passionate about working with children, teenagers, and mothers. I value the healing power of empathetic listening and collaborative growth. My approach integrates goal-oriented planning with mindful, compassionate presence. I find deep meaning in supporting others as they navigate challenges and build resilience.
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Utah State University and am currently pursuing my Master’s in Social Work at Boise State University. My professional experience includes working with children and adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their families. I have worked as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), providing therapeutic play-based interventions, and as a Social Services Worker (SSW) in an intensive day-treatment setting for teens with autism.
Outside of work and school, I love spending time with my family outdoors. Hiking, camping, traveling, exercising, and reading are some of my favorite ways to recharge and take care of myself."
Tenille Sealy, LCSW
Works with: anyone under 15.Specializes in: attachment, anxiety, disruptive behavior, but will work with anyone!Favorite type of therapy: experiential therapy- play, art, storytelling, etc.
“I have always loved helping others. When I decided to become a social worker my mom said that she always knew that is what I would become. My passion is working with children of all ages.
I love spending time helping children identify their own strengths and how to use those strengths to overcome the challenges they are facing. My favorite thing about working with children is being creative and playing while building skills for managing behaviors and emotions, expressing needs and healing from trauma. I use a combination of CBT, mindfulness and experiential activities to help clients build on their own strengths and add new skills.
I got my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work at Utah State University. I have worked for the last 7 years in a community mental health agency. While there I ran children’s groups (which included children ages 4-16) and worked to coordinate care in the local elementary schools.
In my free time I enjoy playing the piano, camping or hanging out with my family. I love baking and spending time in my yard and community. I also enjoy attending local plays and music performances and watching my four boys play their cellos, violins, drums, guitars and our piano. As you can imagine, my house is a little loud. We spend a lot of time at Bear Lake sailing, fishing and beach combing with my family and my dogs.”
Kelci Beus, CMHC, RPT - Clinical Director
Works with: anyone from 3 to 103.Offers teletherapy (clients 13+)!Specializes in: working with children and client-centered play therapy, but loves working on increasing emotional intelligence (and will work with anyone!).Favorite type of therapy: client-centered play therapy for young children, ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and a mix of CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy) and client-centered for older kids, teens, and adults.
“I was born and raised in North Ogden. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to return to my hometown and to give back to the community through my work here, and make it a priority to do this. I am trained to work with individuals, families, and children. My passion truly lies in providing therapy for children. I believe that the more tools and self-understanding that we provide kids with during their development, the more able they are to face life’s challenges and be a positive part of society. I think that parents and caregivers are essential for positive changes, and also work closely with them in session at times. I have experience working with children that have experienced trauma, behavioral disorders, and the foster care system.
Part of what led me on the path of becoming a therapist was my time working at the Center for Grieving Children in Ogden. I got to facilitate groups geared toward helping children understand emotions and changes in their lives. This sparked my interest in helping kids and families feel more comfortable with emotions and their function. For my graduate internship, I worked at an elementary school with a School Psychologist in Washington state. This gave me insight into how the school system impacts children at various levels of development. I also found how important it is to consider the child individually and how to tailor the needs to them throughout this process. I facilitated individual and group therapy at the school, primarily focusing on social skills and other academic challenges.
After completing my graduate studies, I worked at a Play Therapy counseling agency in Idaho for about a year. Throughout that experience, it affirmed my passion for what I do. The general idea of Play Therapy is that while children can’t verbalize some things (like hard experiences or feelings), play becomes the language and the toys become the words. I watched this come into action time and time again and loved the insight that I saw in sessions but also what I learned each time it happened. I knew that this is what I wanted to bring back “home” with me so I could impact my community.
My therapeutic approach is rather eclectic working with individuals and groups, utilizing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), behavioral and existential theory. I believe in using a solution-oriented approach to help alleviate symptoms and gaining insight into what can be done more positively. I have training in play therapy and enjoy facilitating play therapy with children of all ages as a registered play therapist in Utah. I enjoy the flexibility and dynamic that play introduces into my work. I have completed Expressive Sandtray Therapy training, as this will enhance my play therapy skills further. I have also completed training in Autplay, which is specifically designed for children and teens with neurodevelopmental diagnoses, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
When I am not in the office, I enjoy spending time outside with my family, seeing movies, eating ice cream, and have a passion for running as a stress reliever. You may also catch me talking about Harry Potter or Marvel movies, the Utah Jazz, and Washington State University football with my time off. I am a Clinical Mental Health Counselor (Utah License 10822128-6004). I am a Registered Play Therapist (Registration Number: T5833) and a member of the Utah Association for Play Therapy. Additionally, I hold a Master’s degree in Community Counseling from Washington State University and my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Weber State University.”
Kaitlan Tyrell - Operations Director
We could not do this work without the hard work from our amazing administrative leadership and staff. Kaitlan has faithfully grown with Tree of Life from the beginning and keeps our operation running smooth so that our clinicians can do their best work possible. If you use our services you will undoubtedly work with Kaitlan on a regular basis and will quickly come to realize how much of a role she plays in our day-to-day operations. Please make sure to give her, or any of our fantastic Administrative Assistants a quick smile and greeting when you see them!