Our Therapists

Jenny Maldonaldo

Owner/Therapist

I believe therapy is most effective when anchored in connection, which is why I prioritize the face-to-face experience, though I can adapt to virtual sessions if needed. My approach is driven by compassion, respect, practical skills, and a commitment to honoring each person’s autonomy. I strive to create a safe, trusted space where healing can begin. My philosophy isn’t about fitting people into a model—it’s about honoring their humanity and providing the tools they need to navigate their unique path.

I see people as valuable and capable of new learning to better understand themselves and problem solve. I am continually impressed by my clients' resilience and willingness to grow. Together, we seek the optimistic, realistic (and humorous) view as we use practical tools to overcome. When problems seem impossible to work with, it can feel overwhelming. I provide space to explore your emotions and learn effective tools to feel relief.

Holding a Bachelor Degree in Psychology and a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, the past decade I’ve supported individuals, couples, and families dealing with relationship distress and life transitions. Also as a Certified Grief Informed Professional, I guide couples, families, and individuals in finding constructive ways to cope with loss and grief, including the profound impacts of child loss, faith transitions, medical trauma, and betrayal.

Outside of work, I enjoy time with my husband traveling, camping, and chilling with our family and our dog, Benny.

Shandy Beckstead

Therapist

My therapeutic style is rooted in empathy, respect, and mindfulness. I believe in meeting each person where they are, honoring their unique experiences and perspectives. By focusing on the whole person, I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and goals with confidence and clarity. I also value the power of mindfulness in fostering personal growth and resilience. My approach incorporates mindfulness techniques to help clients develop greater self-awareness and cultivate a sense of inner peace. I believe the best avenue for change is through holistic and systemic modalities. To me, individuals need to be empowered to take control of their mental health.

The last 7 years I have spent working with teens, families, and homelessness populations in the nonprofit sector. I will graduate with my Masters Degree in Social Work April 2025. In my free time I enjoy building workshops that help other helping professionals combat compassion fatigue. I enjoy the Utah outdoors and try to visit the nearby national parks yearly!

Our clients say...

“Top Notch Therapist. I started working with Jenny at one of the all time lowest points in my life...She is humble beyond words so she would never really accept the credit I give her for helping me to find my way out of the hole I was in. I well up with so much gratitude every time I reflect back at where I was and where I am now. "

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About Us

Watermark Counseling in Draper, Utah is so named because a watermark is a permanent mark that signifies both quality and authenticity. It's also an indicator of value. We value our clients and are sincerely dedicated to the process of providing quality mental health care. We care about the relatability of issues and normalizing the often complex human experience. We're confident good therapy can result in developing post-traumatic growth, practical coping skills, and lifelong healing.

Just as we can identify a watermark, we can also learn to look beyond the immediate challenges and uncertainties in life. Doing so allows us to discover a deeper sense of confidence, peace of mind, and a lasting ability to solve problems. Our approach works to support and amplify your inherent strengths, which may be difficult to recognize on your own but can be discovered through effective therapy.

Our Mission Statement

It is our mission to support the self-advocacy, empowerment, and healing of our clients and fellow human beings.

We see all human beings as being worthy and worth it. People are valuable simply because they breathe.

We see each person, couple, and family as capable and in a constant state of growth.

We believe in the healing power of autonomy.

We believe all humans are entitled to express, laugh, grieve, and speak the unspoken. Like our friend Mr. Fred Rogers once said, “If it’s mentionable, it’s manageable.”