Clinical
Steven M. Gentry, PhD
Dr. Gentry is a Child & Family Psychologist and the Executive Director of PATS and its companies. He received his B.S. in Psychology from Brigham Young University, his M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Louisville, and he completed a year-long internship at Primary Children’s Medical Center. Dr. Gentry also completed one year of specialty training in Marriage & Family Therapy while at the University of Louisville.The founder of PATS (est. 1995), Dr. Gentry has been providing outpatient psychological services for over 20 years. He specializes in treating children and adolescents with any of a number of struggles. Dr. Gentry also has extensive experience working with adults struggling with personal and relational problems. Dr. Gentry’s therapeutic approach is Cognitive-Behavioral, which has been shown to be a particularly effective method for reducing depression and anxiety. He has written a number of articles on parenting, relationships, and issues related to mental health. Married and the father of four, Dr. Gentry enjoys traveling, shopping for antiques with his wife, playing the piano, and playing chess.SPANISH: El Doctor Gentry habla español fluidamente, y sus pacientes incluyen personas de varios países y culturas hispánicos.
Ryan Gunnell, LMFT
Ryan Gunnell received a Bachelor’s of Art Psychology degree from Utah State University in 2006 with a minor in Spanish. He then graduated with a Master’s of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy degree from Valdosta State University (southern Georgia) in 2008. Mr. Gunnell joined PATS in September 2011 as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. He is the Clinical Director of our Eagle Mountain office and sees patients at that location exclusively. Mr. Gunnell has extensive history of working with under-privileged, lower-income families; providing services to youth who are in trouble with the law or struggling in school, and having family problems at home. Mr. Gunnell has also taught courses on Family Violence to both victims and perpetrators. Mr. Gunnell specializes in the treatment of adolescents and families dealing with stresses of anger, oppositional behavior, defiant behavior, aggression, and ADHD. While focusing on the contributing factors of both the child and the parents, Mr. Gunnell employs the training of MRI, Narrative, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Solution-Focused therapy. Mr. Gunnell is fluent in Spanish – se habla español – así que se siente cómodo conversando con la gente latina. A native of Logan, Utah, Mr. Gunnell is married and has two little boys. He enjoys mountain and road biking and anything to do with the outdoors.
Chris Wallace, PhD, LMFT
Chris Wallace is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. He received his B.A. in Liberal Arts from Sarah Lawrence College, and earned his M.S. in Family Life Education (1981) and PhD in Marriage & Family Therapy at Brigham Young University (1990). He is the author of AANCHOR – a curriculum that is an alternative to traditional sex education, which he trained teachers in from Utah, California, New Mexico, Arizona, and Idaho to deliver the curriculum, then tested for outcomes. AANCHOR demonstrated that it was possible to reduce sexually permissive attitudes in adolescents. Dr. Wallace also interned at the child/adolescent psych department at the Utah Valley Hospital (1984-1985) then at the request of the Utah Governor, worked three years at the Heritage RTC (Provo, 1988-1991), then worked as the Clinical Director for the Anasazi Foundation from 1991-2003. Dr. Wallace specializes in working with patients who struggle with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, marital challenges, and sexual abuse. Dr. Wallace’s therapeutic approach relies primarily upon the philosophical work of Dr. Terry Warner (who examined why and how we humans resist solution), and Cognitive-Behavioral approaches. Now empty nesters, he and his wife enjoy grandchildren, traveling, hiking, and home cooking with friends and family.
Valerie Bunker, LMFT
Valerie Bunker is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She received her BA in Music with a double major in Marriage, Family and Human Development from Brigham Young University. She earned her MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Loma Linda University. Valerie recently moved to Utah from Southern California and joined PATS in February, 2020. She has over fifteen years of experience working with children, adolescents, couples, families, and individuals with various needs. Her therapeutic techniques include a combination of Cognitive Behavioral and Solution Focused therapies. She has experience helping clients with depression, anxiety, and relationship issues, including marriage and parenting. Her experience also includes working with individuals struggling with recent or past trauma. Valerie is married with four children and enjoys music, spending time with her family, and taking trips to the beach.
Leah Ward Stratton, LCSW
Leah is a Licensed Certified Social Worker. She graduated with her BS in Behavioral Science from Utah Valley University and received her MSW from the University of Utah in May, 2019. Leah has received training and specializes in working with those who have experienced trauma. Leah is excited to work with PATS and strives to bring empowerment into every session. Leah prefers utilizing Feminist Multicultural, Cognitive Behavioral, Solution-Focused, and Emotion-Focused theories among others in her sessions. She is certified in EMDR. In her free time, Leah enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing games, listening to music, and traveling.
Lauren Cheney, BS
Lauren is a second year Master of Social Work Intern. She completed a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Brigham Young University in 2019. She is currently in a Master of Social work program at Utah Valley University and will graduate in May, 2023. Lauren has had a variety of experiences throughout her educational pursuits that have included working with adults at Wasatch Behavioral Health, volunteering with adults at the Utah State Hospital, and most recently finishing an internship as a school social work intern at Provost Elementary School. She has experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with clients and enjoys using this modality, as well as incorporating mindfulness. She appreciates the person-in-environment framework that social work provides and utilizes this framework with her clients. Outside of school and work, Lauren enjoys spending time with friends and family, being outdoors, traveling, dancing, and swimming.
Charelle Hagen, BS
Charelle graduated from Utah Valley University with a BS in Sociology and a minor in Family Science. She is currently a Master of Social Work student and will be graduating from Utah Valley University in April 2024. She has trained and volunteered with several organizations including The Refuge, The Children’s Justice Center, and Zions Children of Haiti. Charelle has worked as a resource paraeducator in the Alpine School District where she gained hands-on experience working with students to address appropriate behavior, and positive social interactions needed to achieve academic success.
She has a passion for working with teens and helping them find solutions while navigating difficult situations. She likes to utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy along with a focus on mindfulness to help her clients find balance while working through challenges. Her life experience has allowed her to assist those struggling with divorce, blended families, and other relationship issues. Charelle enjoys spending time with her husband and kids, watching the Utah Jazz, traveling, and working in her yard.
Jennifer Anderson, BS
Jennifer is completing her last year in the Master of Social Work Program at Utah Valley University. During her first year of schooling, she provided therapy and services in the Alpine School District, working at two schools in Orem. There she had the opportunity to work with both children and adults. Jennifer likes to use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to aid in changing thinking patterns while building confidence in individuals. She also loves Strength-Based Therapy, which allows clients to find their true potential and believe in themselves. Her passion for providing individual therapy and mental wellness has been built through personal life experiences and a genuine love for helping others find peace and happiness. Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband and children, running outside, baking, and appreciating seemingly small moments in life. Habla Espanol.