Layna Mecham

Trauma-informed Corrections and Reentry Coordinator and SUDC Counselor with 20+ years of experience supporting justice-involved, pregnant, and postpartum individuals, and families through integrated substance use treatment, counseling, and program management. Certified in domestic violence advocacy and intervention via the Utah Association of Domestic Violence and Victim Advocacy (UADV), specializing in support for both victims and perpetrators. Licensed to deliver auricular acupuncture (AcuDetox) as a therapeutic intervention.

Skilled in providing clinical SUD counseling for complex populations, including post-incarceration individuals and DCFS-involved families. Expert in managing complex caseloads, coordinating continuity of care, and collaborating with correctional medical teams and community providers to improve engagement and outcomes.

Counselor (SUD) at CLD 3 (2026-03 – Present)

• Provide specialized substance use disorder counseling for individuals transitioning from incarceration.
• Deliver clinical interventions for survivors of domestic violence and facilitate treatment for individuals mandated for domestic violence perpetrator programming.
• Provide clinical counseling and support for clients involved with the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS), focusing on family safety, stabilization, and recovery goals.

Corrections and Reentry Coordinator / Jail Program Manager / Perinatal Services Coordinator / Counselor (SUDC) at Project Reality (2018-11 – Present)

• Provide administrative oversight and operational leadership for jail-based substance use programming, including staff coordination, clinical documentation, and service delivery.
• Direct perinatal services, providing specialized support, care coordination, and clinical interventions for pregnant and postpartum individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
• Coordinate reentry planning and continuity of care for justice-involved individuals transitioning from incarceration to community-based treatment.
• Deliver trauma-informed care and administer auricular acupuncture (AcuDetox) to support client stabilization.

Program Coordinator / Drug Court Liaison / SUDC Counselor / Case Manager at Valley Behavioral Health / FIRST Program (2014-01 – 2020-12)

• Coordinated program operations, including staff supervision, scheduling, and daily activities for the FIRST women's and children's day treatment program.
• Served as the primary Drug Court Liaison for both state and federal courts, facilitating communication, reporting, and compliance monitoring.
• Conducted jail in-reach services for pregnant women to facilitate early engagement and transition into treatment.
• Provided substance use disorder counseling and case management for clients involved in drug court and DCFS programs.
• Represented the program at DCFS court hearings and facilitated Child and Family Team Meetings (CFTM) to ensure integrated care and family stabilization.
• Oversaw intake processes, admissions operations, and maintained accurate daily census reporting to ensure operational efficiency.

Contract Group Facilitator, Assessment and Referral Services at Psychiatric Department, University of Utah (2009-01 – 2020-12)

• Facilitated short-term, interim group sessions for clients awaiting psychiatric and substance use disorder (SUD) assessments.

Assistant Care Coordinator at Salt Lake County ATR (2013-01 – 2015-12)

• Oversaw funding and grant requirements for a time-limited federal grant program providing recovery support services.
• Authorized funding, provided support for service billing, and managed service authorizations to ensure client access to care.
• Trained and supervised case managers on the administration of recovery support services, ensuring consistent service delivery, adherence to grant requirements, and high clinical standards.
• Provided administrative oversight for all stakeholders and Salt Lake County treatment providers to ensure service quality, billing accuracy, and contractual adherence.

SUDC Counselor at First Step House (2008-01 – 2013-12)

• Delivered comprehensive, evidence-based substance use disorder counseling for residential and outpatient populations.
• Provided specialized clinical services for clients under the Drug Offender Reform Act (DORA), ensuring adherence to legal mandates and treatment goals.
• Managed collaborative relationships with courts, probation, and the Legal Defender Association (LDA) to support client legal and clinical compliance.
• Developed and executed highly individualized treatment plans and provided intensive crisis intervention.

SUDC Counselor / Support Staff Supervisor / Facilities Manager / Recreational Program Coordinator at Odyssey House (2002-01 – 2009-12)

• Provided clinical SUDC counseling and facilitated recovery-focused interventions for residential clients.
• Directed daily facility operations, including maintenance, safety compliance, and infrastructure management.
• Served as Weekend Supervisor, providing clinical and administrative leadership during off-hours and managing high-acuity crisis situations.
• Supervised, trained, and mentored support staff to ensure adherence to organizational policies and trauma-informed care standards.
• Coordinated and supervised volunteer services, managing recruitment, training, and integration of volunteers into program operations.
• Planned, organized, and oversaw all recreational programming and logistics.

Recreation Director at Boys and Girls Club (1999-01 – 2000-12)

• Designed and facilitated youth recreational programs focused on social engagement, skill-building, and positive development.
• Implemented targeted gang prevention and intervention initiatives for at-risk youth.

Support Staff at Rocky Mountain Youth (1998-01 – 1999-12)

• Provided direct care and intensive supervision for high-needs youth within a residential group home setting.
• Implemented trauma-informed intervention strategies to support youth navigating significant behavioral, emotional, and systemic challenges.

Bachelor of Science in Human Services – Liberty University (2027-03)

Associate of Science in Social Work – Salt Lake Community College

– University of Utah (2008-01)