Our Story
New Beginnings Therapy was founded in September of 2018 by Dr. Carly LeBaron. Her family has been doing business in Cache Valley for over 100 years. Her great-grandfather, Al Larsen, founded Al's Sporting Goods in 1921 and her grandfather, Darwin Larsen, founded Al's Trophies & Frames in 1954. She is incredibly proud to be a 4th generation small business owner here in Logan.
​
New Beginnings Therapy was created with you in mind. Our practice is hand-crafted to make you feel comfortable, supported, and heard. We are constantly growing and changing, just like you. If there is ever anything we can do to make your experience better, don't hesitate to tell us!
​
Here, your voice matters.
Meet Our Staff
THERAPISTS
Dr. Carly LeBaron, Ph.D., LMFT (She/Her) ***Waitlist for New Clients***
I've been working with my amazing clients since 2008, starting in Utah County and now in Cache County. I received my Bachelor's degree in Psychology at Utah State University (Go Aggies!) and my Master's and Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy. I have worked in a community clinic, a women's center, and several group private practices before opening New Beginnings. I also published my first book in 2017, "Shattering the Porcelain: Overcoming Perfectionism and People-Pleasing and Becoming the Real You" and my second book, "Some Body to Love: 12 Weeks to a Better Body Image" (complete with Companion Journal) in 2021! I'm completely biased, but I have the best job in the world and it's an honor to meet and work with my clients.
​
I am married to my best friend and we have three incredible sons and a dog named Bandit. I love to write, cook, bake, read, go hiking and camping, landscape, and be outside. I'm a total foodie and yoga enthusiast! Right now, I'm trying to learn to play the piano and working hard every day to be my authentic self. Come grow with me!
​
**Dr. LeBaron is licensed in both Utah and Idaho, and can provide telehealth to clients living in both states.**
Client Specialties:
-
Women's issues
-
Depression & Anxiety
-
Eating Disorders & Body Image Issues
-
Perfectionism & People-Pleasing
-
Boundaries & Assertiveness Training
-
Faith Crisis & Faith Transition
-
Couples Therapy
-
Trauma & EMDR therapy
Madeleine Pugmire, LCSW, PMH-C (She/Her) ***Accepting New Clients***
Client Specialties:
-
Pregnancy, Postpartum, & Peripartum
-
Infertility
-
Miscarriage & Infant Loss
-
Motherhood Challenges
-
Trauma & Brainspotting
-
Issues faced by Teen Girls & College Women
-
Anxiety & Depression
-
Self-Esteem & Body Image Issues
I have always had a passion for helping others reach their full potential and I am excited to be working my dream job! One of the most important goals for me, as a therapist, is to break the stigma attached to seeking treatment. I firmly believe we are not broken and need fixing, but are hurt and need healing. I received my Master’s degree in Social Work from Utah State University. I am passionate about women's health, especially when it comes to motherhood. I am a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Therapist and have been specially trained to provide support for issues that arise from infertility, pregnancy, childbirth, and parenthood. I also specialize in anxiety, depression, and trauma. I am committed to compassionate, non-judgmental, & personalized care.
​
I grew up in a diverse, southern Texas community and moved to the East Coast after graduating with my Bachelor's. I have been exposed to a variety of different cultures and perspectives. This allows me to connect with people from all walks of life. I never imagined I would stay in Logan, but have put down roots after meeting my husband during school. When I am not working I can be found at the park with my kids or enjoying some solitude exploring the aisles of TJ Maxx. I believe that each day is a new possibility and I look forward to what the future holds.
​
**Madeleine is licensed in both Utah and Idaho, and can provide telehealth to clients living in both states.**
Ashley Bell, MMFT, LMFT (She/Her) ***Waitlist for new clients***
Struggles in life are often intimately tied to how we experience our relationship with ourselves, others, and how we make meaning. As a therapist I believe we humans are wired for connection, healing, and purpose. In therapy, I will collaborate with you to find paths to wellness through a compassionate stance.
I am passionate about infusing warmth, creativity, honesty, humor, and current research based methods to help produce desired changes. I access your strengths using approaches including Internal Family Systems, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and EMDR.
Seeking healing in your life (and subsequently in your relationships) is a brave step. No one should feel like they are navigating difficulty alone. I will be there to provide you the safety, empathy, and support as we create a healing path tailored for you. Please reach out and together we can see if I am the right fit for you.
Client Specialties:
-
Trauma, PTSD, & EMDR Therapy
-
Depression & Anxiety
-
Couples Therapy (Gottman Level II certified)
-
Perfectionism & People-Pleasing
-
Recovering from Abusive Relationships
-
Faith Crisis & Faith Transition
-
LGBTQIA+ Individuals
-
Self-Esteem & Body Image Issues
Amanda Crosland, MSW, CSW (She/Her) ***Waitlist for New Clients***
Client Specialties:
-
Anxiety & Depression
-
Grief & Loss
-
Animal Assisted Therapy
-
Family Conflict & Life Transitions
-
Body Image Issues
-
Spirituality
-
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
-
Sand Tray Therapy
I graduated from Utah State University in 2021 with my Bachelor's in Social Work and received my Master's degree in Social Work from Boise State University in 2022. I work largely with older adolescents and young adults. I have a background as a registered behavior technician, a high school social worker, and now practice clinically since receiving my graduate degree. I am married, and currently living in Smithfield. I look forward to all the chapters coming up in my life. I am passionate about guiding people to have more fulfilling and happy relationships in their lives. I work to help clients realize they are important and valued in their own lives and in the lives of others. I am a certified professional dog trainer and enjoy implementing animal assisted therapy in session.
As we grow into adulthood, oftentimes our childhood anchors need refining. I value pressuring my own development and the development of others. The paradigms I use in therapy empower people to create richer and happier lives with more authenticity. I encourage clients to sort through what they think is true about the world and who they are, which leads to knowing and accepting themselves as well as an ability to see and act wisely in their own lives.
Julia Peterson, MSW, CSW (She/Her) ***Accepting New Clients***
Life comes with all kinds of different challenges and you do not need to navigate them alone. I offer a safe space for clients to be heard, validated, and understood with the challenges and circumstances they are facing. I specialize in working with teens and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, and disordered eating. I use an integrative approach through evidenced based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy tailored to each client to help them reach their desired outcomes and goals.
I offer a nonjudgmental, compassionate, and empathetic space for clients to share their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I believe that you are the expert of your own life and as a therapist, I am here to advocate and support you in any way that I can to help you in meeting the goals you envision for yourself.
I am a huge animal lover and enjoy spending my free time hiking with my cocker spaniel in the beautiful Utah mountains. I love trying new creative things including watercolor, yoga, and anything outdoors. I am here to assist you in gaining empowerment and move toward your most authentic self. You are deserving of healing and a life worth living. Please reach out to schedule an appointment, I would love to meet with you.
Client Specialties:
-
Eating Disorders
-
Body Image Issues
-
Depression & Anxiety
-
Low Self-Esteem
-
Faith Crisis & Faith Transition
-
Trauma & PTSD
Hanna Conn, MA , LAMFT (She/Her) ***Accepting New Clients***
Client Specialties:
-
Anxiety
-
Depression
-
Couples Therapy
-
Loved Ones of Dementia Patients
-
Individuals with Disabilities
Self-care is about listening to ourselves and caring about what we hear. Our body, emotions, and thoughts often send us signals about what needs attention. Seeking therapy means you are listening to something inside you that wants support or wants change. I am here to listen to your story and support your growth.
​
I am from California, and from a very young age, I have craved feeling more grounded by a simpler life. Moving to Cache Valley was a huge act of self-care. I am proud of where I’m from and look forward to becoming more and more of who I want to be!
I completed a master’s degree in clinical psychology at Antioch University Los Angeles. Previously, I earned an undergraduate degree in psychology and social work at The Evergreen State College in Washington State. I have been an intern or volunteer at several social service agencies since I was 18. I have also been involved with a couple of service-oriented groups as early as middle school. Providing support is my passion and I look forward to serving my new community as a therapist.
I now live in a small home in the valley where I love melting by the fire with my boyfriend, our sweet dog, and our two strange cats. I love rock climbing, surfing, snowboarding, and skateboarding - sports that are so fun I don’t even realize I’m working out! I hope our paths cross so I have the opportunity to learn about you!
Maria Lopez, Master's Intern (She/Her/Ella) ***Joining our practice January 2025***
​Yo Hablo Español
I graduated from Utah State University in 2021 with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. Currently, I am working toward my Masters in Social Work through Boise State University, on track to graduate in a couple of years. I greatly value justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion and have worked closely with the Latine and LGBTQ+ communities during my undergraduate career and after graduation. I often refer to myself as your local social justice warrior!
I was born in Nicaragua and I grew up in the Salt Lake County area, so I am a big city girl at heart. However, I am married and my husband has shown me how much there is to love in Cache Valley since the day we met, so I've been in Logan since 2017. My husband and I have the sweetest rescue dog and we love to be out in nature as much as possible with him. Otherwise, I spend my time crocheting and cooking, and generally curling up on the couch with my family.
I strongly stand by the idea that we are each living life for the first time and there is alway room for error. I choose to treat everyone with kindness and empathy and provide a safe and open environment to be your authentic self. I use a strength-based approach and a variety of evidence-based practices to teach clients to work with their challenges and find creative ways to improve their quality of life.
Client Specialties:
-
Anxiety
-
Depression
-
Couple relationships
-
Women's Issues
-
Fostering Independence
-
-
Latine clients
-
LGBTQIA+ clients
Sadie Geddes, Master's Intern (She/Her) ***Joining our practice June 2025***
Client Specialties:
-
ï‚·Couples Therapy
-
Children 0-11 years old
-
Motherhood/Parenting Challenges
-
Spirituality
I believe that people of all ages seek to be valued, loved, and fulfilled. While we can find these things within ourselves, I also believe that humans are relational by nature and ascribe much of their worth through their relationships. This intricate arrangement between ourselves, relationships, and surroundings can sometimes be challenging to harmonize. Through therapy,
we have the chance to find and maintain that harmony.
I graduated from Utah State University in May 2022 with my Bachelor’s in Family Life Studies. I am currently earning my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and will graduate Fall of 2026. With a big smile and calm presence, I passionately seek to serve those who face challenges in their marriage, motherhood, parenting, spirituality, and child development.
My high school sweetheart and I grew up here in Cache Valley and love to be surrounded by the mountains. We have two beautiful girls, and a big fluffy cat named Kitty. I enjoy travelling, painting, event planning, cooking (and then eating), and cheering on the New York Yankees.
STAFF MEMBERS
Brielle Merkley, Receptionist (She/Her)
I was raised in Cache Valley my whole life before heading off to southern Utah for the last 4 years. I’m so excited to be back in this beautiful place.
I’m attending Utah State to obtain a degree in Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education, and hope to continue on to a career in Speech Language Pathology.
I enjoy photography, music, reading, traveling, skiing, and being outdoors.
I love getting to know new people and I can’t wait to meet you!
Dixie Hill, Receptionist (She/Her)
I am originally from a rural town in Southern California, where I met my husband in high school. I moved to Logan over a year ago and have loved being here since.
I am currently attending Utah State to obtain a degree in Health Education and Promotion with a Community Health emphasis, with a dual minor in Psychology and Mental Health Advocacy. I plan to continue on to graduate school focusing on School Psychology and a career in Adolescent Therapy.
I enjoy hiking, going to the Aggie football and basketball games, traveling, and baking.