CLINICIANS

Compassionate Experts: Meet Our Clinicians

RMU Clinicians are dedicated to guiding clients through their journey to emotional well-being and personal growth.

Brandon Wilde, PhD., CMHC (UT), LPC (AZ), LCPC (NV), NCC, ACS

Dr. Wilde practices Professional Counseling primarily in the Intermountain West, as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Utah, a Clinical Professional Counselor in Nevada, and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Arizona. With an M.S. in Counseling-Marital, Couple, and Family; and a Ph.D., in Counselor Education and Counseling, Dr. Wilde has over 15 years of experience in clinical practice as well as supervising and teaching Clinical Mental Health, Addiction, and Couple and Family Counseling clinicians.

His undergraduate degree is from the University of Utah and his Doctor of Optometry is from Pacific University. Dr. Wilkins continued his education and completed a Fellowship in Primary Care. Dr. Wilkins has also received additional specialty training in primary care, ocular diseases, anterior segment and laser certifications. During his Military Service he had a special interest in disaster management and completed a Masters Degree in Health Science with emphasis in “Medical Emergency and Disaster Management”. Dr. Wilkins is very interested in research of the cornea, anterior segment and disease management and participates in FDA trials at Utah Eye Centers. He has served as an adjunct professor at multiple Universities all over the United States. He is Past President of the Utah Optometric Association. Also he is the Utah director for the Special Olympics “Open Eyes” program. He volunteers extensively for “Friends for Sight, “Utah Partners for Health” and”Charity Vision.” When he is not at one of our clinics he is busy with his beautiful wife, amazing nine children, and 14 unbelievable grandchildren. They all enjoy family parties and the great outdoors.

INTERNS

Tarnue Ali

Cohort 5

Tarnue brings skills in the areas of trauma-informed care and mindfulness, adolescent trauma, anxiety and depression, ADHD and social emotion regulation, and family systems. He graduated from Southern Utah University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is working on his Master’s degree in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling at RMU.

Scott Andrus

Cohort 7

Scott has a clinical focus on grief, trauma, depression, anxiety, LGBTQ, and neurodivergence. His therapeutic approach is an integrated style using behavioral, existential, person-centered, and play interventions. Scott is pursuing a dual degree in Mental Health Counseling (MHC) and School Counseling at RMU. He is available for clients seeking virtual services.

Stacie Bunton

Cohort 8

Stacie is passionate about Positive Psychology enables me to champion a strengths- based approach, emphasizing personal growth, resilience, and the pursuit of authentic Happiness. She gravitates towards modalities like REBT, which empower individuals to confront and challenge irrational beliefs fueling emotional distress. Through this process, clients embark on a journey of self-discovery, cultivating resilience and fostering a more adaptive mindset. The mother of four is immersed in graduate studies, with particular resonance for modalities such as Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) and Positive Psychology.

Dacya Erickson

Cohort 9

Dacya believes in the transformative power of therapy and is committed to providing a safe space where you can feel empowered to explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences. She is drawn to areas such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, parenting issues, and self-esteem. Her approach to therapy is deeply rooted in empathy, authenticity, and a nonjudgmental presence to untangle the challenges you are carrying.

Chanel Judkins

Cohort 9

Chanel has worked in social services as a case manager for many years and is passionate about helping people obtain the resources and support they need to live their lives to the fullest. With a bachelor’s degree in Spanish, she is interested in providing counseling to adults who are experiencing a faith transition, adults who are struggling day to day with depression and/or anxiety, and those whose first language is Spanish. She is currently working Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at RMU.

Ashley Paynter

Cohort 9

Ashley is passionate about maternal mental health and her specialties include pregnancy, postpartum, women’s health, body image, anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. Ashley has a bachelor’s in Health Education and is working toward her Master’s degree in Counseling in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at RMU.

Jessica Ryan

Cohort 9

Jessica is a dedicated therapist passionate about empowerment and inclusivity in personal growth. Her practice is rooted in the principles of feminism, focusing on empowering individuals from all walks of life along their unique life journeys. Jessica specializes in supporting women, minorities, LGBTQ+, and disabled individuals in navigating life’s challenges and embracing their inherent strength and resilience. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is working toward a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at RMU.

Millie Pfaff

Cohort 9

Millie brings a holistic approach to therapy that values each family member’s mental health. As a former foster parent turned adoptive parent, she understands the complexities of family dynamics and the importance of nurturing strong bonds. Clients can expect a safe and non-judgmental space where they can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Millie has a Bachelor’s degree in Marriage and Family Studies and is working toward a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at RMU.

Joanne Reid

Cohort 8

Joanne is a two-time Olympian for Team USA, who blends her passion for mental wellness with the discipline and resilience gained from her sports background. Her focus areas include supporting individuals through anxiety, life transitions, relationship difficulties, and embracing neurodivergence. I especially enjoy working with adolescents, youth, and the LGBTQ+ community. Joanne is deeply interested in exploring the intersections of mental health, sports psychology, and personal development.

Service Provider Clinicians are graduate students in their second year of the Professional Counseling master’s degree program. Supervisors are Ph.D. level and/or licensed as Clinical Mental Health Counselors who are RMU faculty/staff. Students receive supervision via the use of live observation and session recordings. (Recordings are used for instructional purposes only and are erased afterward.)