To Our Colleagues, Friends, and Families, 

As this very unpredictable year comes to a close, Sunrise cannot help but to reflect on all the lessons and growth brought about by 2021’s trials and tribulations.

We are ever evolving and changing with the times as our eyes are opened to what our students and families need and deserve.

In 2021, we celebrated Amanda McNatt stepping in as our Executive Director,  as Brad Simpson shifted to other responsibilities within Sunrise.  Amanda was our former Senior Residential Director and we are excited to have her in her new role as a female executive leader for a female program.

In 2021, the pandemic helped us understand that our parents need more support. We implemented parent support groups, more DBT skills training, and continued family therapy and supportive visits.

The pandemic also brought to light how extremely grateful we are for our home community at Sunrise. Each and every employee displayed willingness to stretch and learn this year. Our hearts are full of gratitude and service.

In 2021, due to changing legislation from the state of Utah, we are critiquing policies and procedures to best serve our community and stay aligned with best practices.

In 2021, Sunrise continued to strive towards becoming a certified DBT program through the DBT- Linehan Board of Certification. We began working with professors from Duke University who help us hone and perfect our therapeutic skills and DBT adherence.

In 2021, Giving back to our communities also remained a valid need. We continue to support our community locally through student and staff volunteering opportunities, nationally by supporting the National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder, and internationally by donating resources to Casa Hogar.

In 2021, within the Dialectical Behavior Therapy community, we have partnered with clinicians worldwide to translate some of our DBT web resources to French and Portuguese in order to support more clinical intervention. We offered numerous webinars, trainings, and discussions to help broaden the awareness and benefits of utilizing DBT to help people create a life worth living. We met many new amazing DBT clinicians and programs and maintained relationships with existing DBT friends.

So all in all, yes, 2021 was a year full of trials and triumphs, but we end on a high note of positive change and growth. Thank you to all of you who helped guide, support, and encourage us along the way. 

All our Gratitude,

The Sunrise Team