Dr. Richard Hydo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a UAMFT approved supervisor, and a Certified Family Life Educator. He is an Assistant Professor in the Social Work program, in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Prior to joining the faculty with Salt Lake Community College, he taught full-time for seven years with Utah Valley University within the Family Science, Social Work, and Master of Marriage and Family Therapy programs. Additionally, he served for three years as an administrator and clinical director for the UVU Stronger Families Program.

As a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Hydo is a firm believer in the benefits and opportunities derived from academic pursuits. He holds great passion for inspiring and teaching our next generation of leaders and feels a deep sense of responsibility to afford students of color the opportunity to see themselves within faculty of like backgrounds, while expanding their understanding of their academic and career opportunities.

Dr. Hydo completed a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master of Social Work with the University of Utah, a Master of Business Administration with Texas A&M University, and a Doctor of Social Work with an emphasis in advanced clinical practice with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Prior to entering the field of mental health, Dr. Hydo completed coursework and licensure as an insurance agent, mortgage officer, stockbroker, and investment advisor representative where he provided sundry planning and financial services to Utah families and companies for a decade.

Civically, Dr. Hydo has previously served as a neighborhood Precinct Chair, Senate District 3 Chair, and as a member of the Salt Lake County GOP executive committee.

Dr. Hydo met his wife during his first semester of graduate school at the University of Utah. Together they are the proud parents of two chatty and inquisitive daughters and a rambunctious, energetic son. Dr. Hydo’s hobbies include spending quality time with his family in the mountains, site seeing God's Country in his vintage RV, and spending time with Ohana exploring his Hawaiian roots on the islands.

Ashli Hansen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and full-time Instructor in the SLCC Social Work program, in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Prior to joining the faculty at Salt Lake Community College, Ashli taught in the Family Science program at Utah Valley University and the Department of Psychology at Brigham Young University.

Ashli worked in New York City for various television networks before taking the obvious next step in her broadcast career – to become a social worker. Ashli’s nontraditional career trajectory, which includes experience in journalism and health and nutrition consulting, enriches her approach to social work practice and education. Ashli holds a Master of Social Work degree from Utah Valley University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications (Broadcast Journalism) from Brigham Young University.

In addition to her duties as part of the social work faculty, Ashli works as a clinical mental health therapist. Ashli has gained extensive experience working with diverse populations (individuals, couples, and families) facing various mental health and cognitive challenges in a generalized, outpatient setting. She specializes in treating those with severe anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders. A major focus of her clinical work is teaching evidence-based anxiety and OCD management. She has also worked with survivors of sexual assault, domestic and intimate partner violence, and human trafficking as a member of the Community Therapy team at South Valley Services. She has developed curriculum in various clinical capacities, including HIPAA training in a therapy setting and an 8-week course on Healthy Relationships for survivors of intimate partner violence.

A native of Salt Lake City, Ashli maintains strong ties to her Utah roots while bringing a broad perspective shaped by her professional experiences and travels. Outside of her academic and clinical work, she pursues diverse interests including vocal performance, strength training, boxing, and watching her favorite sports teams. She values her close family relationships and brings the same dedication to her personal connections that she offers in her professional life.

Ashli is committed to student success and maintains an open-door policy. She welcomes opportunities to engage with students and provide mentorship throughout their academic journey. Students are always encouraged to reach out for support, guidance, or professional development conversations!

Raised on a small ranch in Southern Idaho, Kael M. Pope grew up with a strong work ethic, deep sense of community, and an early appreciation for resilience. These values have carried him through a career dedicated to helping others, shaping systems of care, and guiding future behavioral health professionals.

Kael began his academic journey at Salt Lake Community College (SLCC), where he played basketball and—most importantly—met his wife, Ashley. He credits SLCC with not only providing a foundation for his professional path, but also with introducing him to the person who would become his lifelong partner. Kael is profoundly grateful for his time at SLCC and is proud to now give back as a faculty member.

He went on to complete the Substance Use Disorder Counseling (SUDC) program, followed by both a Bachelor and Master of Social Work (BSW & MSW) at the University of Utah. His academic training laid the groundwork for a clinical career deeply rooted in trauma-informed care, mental health treatment, and innovative program development.

Over the past decade, Kael has held multiple leadership positions in behavioral health, including serving as Clinical Director at ARDU Recovery Center and Renaissance Ranch, where he oversaw clinical services, curriculum development, and professional supervision. He has provided clinical supervision to student interns, associate-level clinicians, and licensed therapists, totaling over a decade of experience in mentorship and training.

Kael's professional portfolio includes specialized work in dual diagnosis treatment, trauma recovery, and the development of early intervention programs. He is a strong advocate for evidence-based care and ethical standards within the field.

Currently residing in Salt Lake County with Ashley and their four children, Kael brings his clinical expertise and personal passion into the classroom. As a professor at SLCC, he is committed to elevating the quality of care in the substance use disorder treatment field by preparing students to be ethical, effective, and well-prepared for real-world challenges.

Kael sees teaching not just as a profession, but as an opportunity to impact the next generation of practitioners and ultimately improve outcomes for individuals, families, and communities impacted by addiction and mental health issues.

Bilingual Mental Health Therapist

Javier was born in Colombia, South America. He received his Master's in Social Work from the University of Utah with an emphasis in Mental Health and Global Social Work. He also received his bachelor’s in social work and a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching Spanish. He works as a bilingual Mental Health Therapist and teaches at Salt Lake Community College and the University of Utah.

Javier works with communities in different settings, and as a mental health therapist he utilizes: CBT, MI, Client Centered, Trauma Informed and mindfulness as the main interventions. His biggest strength, “being able to see and be present with the clients in a; caring, vulnerable, compassionate, empowering, and a safe space.” Javier is currently getting certified as substance use counselor

For the last fourteen years he has been working with nonprofit organizations as an instructor and coordinator serving disenfranchised communities in the areas of Glendale, West Valley, Kearns, Rose Park, and North Salt Lake. He has developed curriculum and delivered programs centered around increasing protective factors and decreasing risk factors for youth and families.

During his spare time, he loves to cook, write poetry, and spend time with his biggest treasure, his family.