Michael Alger, Executive Director &
Jessica Alger, Vice President

Michael grew up the oldest of five children in a service-oriented family in Northern California.  Active in community, church and school, he has been an advocate of youth since his own days as a teen when his passion for working with and helping youth began. 

Michael served a two-year humanitarian mission for his church on the island of Puerto Rico. Fluent in the Spanish language, he had the opportunity to serve the people of Puerto Rico;  helping them to improve their personal lives, strengthen their families, and to better understand the importance of a relationship with their Creator. There, he further learned the value of hard work, faith, and service towards others. 

Michael and Jessica worked with troubled teens at a successful program in southern Utah.  Over the years, Michael and Jessica watched students graduate from many youth programs, only to struggle when they returned home placed back in their “comfortable” environment. 

It was observing the frustration of relapse to old behaviors, and many honest conversations with young people about to ‘graduate’ their program and fearful of returning to their homes and their old challenges that brought about the creation of this new and innovative program.  Michael and Jessica wanted to give students the option of starting over in a new environment, away from home in a student housing atmosphere.  After years of thoughts on program development, they created At The Crossroads to help these youth transition as young adults into society and with the proper values and tools to be successful in life. 

The Algers have learned the personal benefit and power of dedicating their lives to the service of others and have brought that strength and dedication to At The Crossroads.  Michael and Jessica love youth and are fully dedicated to the success of each student. “We love working with teens and young adults.  We have seen first-hand the destruction caused by drugs, alcohol, and unhealthy habits to individuals, their family, and friends.  It is incredible to watch someone want to change and gain the courage to become a better person. We are here to assist these young adults in that transition.  We have the greatest jobs in the world.”

Matt Eschler, LMFT, Clinical Director

Matt lives in St. George, Utah where he and his wife Chris are raising three awesome children. Matt and Chris are active in their community and enjoy working out, training for marathons, and spending time with their children.

Matt is continually striving for excellence. He is currently engaged in earning a Ph.D. in Psychology and receiving extensive training in the area of resolving personal conflicts and improving interpersonal relationships. In addition to receiving a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy, Matt studied Criminal Justice and received a category I licensure with Peace Officer Standard of Training along with a degree in the Arts of Business Management.

“I believe that everyone experiences difficult times in their lives and sometimes it is valuable to get help along the way. I strive to make the process of learning and growing as nurturing and efficient as possible. I am a solution-focused systemic family counselor with a mission to help others recognize true needs by developing individual purpose promoting change without blame. With the rapid changes in family, work, and lifestyle problems occur. My goal is to help develop solutions that promote success and happiness in life.”

Brian Virgin, Program Director

Brian Virgin joins the team from Charlotte, North Carolina. He is joined in southern Utah by his wife Shannon and daughter Payton.

Brian has spent almost his entire adulthood in the service of youth. Brian served a two-year humanitarian mission for his church in upstate New York. He served as a volunteer with the Spanish Action Coalition teaching Hispanic youth to speak English.

Brian has always felt a responsibility to serve others. He worked for a youth residential treatment center before moving to Charlotte. While in Charlotte he worked for the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services as a certified bilingual eligibility specialist and interpreter.

“I feel very lucky to be able to work with this “one of a kind” program. At The Crossroads engages its students at the most pivotal time in their lives. The program structure mixed with real world experience helps students in making a “real life” transition into an independent and healthy adulthood.”

Ryan Ford Stevenson, Clinical Therapist

After completing his Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Utah, Ryan and his family, moved south to St. George to enjoy the sunnier climate. It made perfect sense as Ryan enjoys outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, camping, and other sports popular in this area. His greatest adventure yet has been parenting an energetic baby boy and nurturing a meaningful relationship with his wife of three years.  

As a therapist Ryan feels it is important to help clients explore ways in which they can live happier and healthier lives. Using a humanistic approach, he connects with clients in the office or out in nature. Ryan employs a broad range of interventions and methods to guide his clients to a better understanding of themselves and their environment.

Ryan’s professional employment has included work with behaviorally challenged and troubled teens, adult out-patient at Valley Mental Health in Salt Lake City and college aged students at the University of Utah Counseling Center.

Iuri T. Melo, CSW, Clinical Therapist

Iuri T. Melo is a Certified Clinical Social Worker whose passion is to counsel adolescents and adults who are stuck in the clutches of addiction.  Iuri’s relationship focused approach enhances clients desire to form a therapeutic alliance which is conducive to change and progress.  Iuri’s passion also includes Adventure Based Therapy, where he utilizes Rock Climbing, Bouldering, and Rappelling as tools to teach critical life lessons.

Daniel Alger, Board Member
Private Business Owner

Dan has worked with youth all of his adult life, teaching high school students, coaching baseball and serving in leadership positions in church youth programs.

Dan recently retired after over 25 years as a successful private business owner. Under Dan’s direction, the health care facilities he owned and managed received numerous recognitions statewide and nationally in excellence and systematic quality. His real world experience is a great asset to Crossroad students in the areas of independence, hard work and financial management

Karl Hutchings, Jr., Advisory Board

Karl joins the Crossroads advisory board with 21 years experience at Dixie State College as an instructor and working with youth as part of the Dixie Co-operative education program. This is a program that helps students become successful in their work experience. Karl is a great motivational instructor and a great asset to the Crossroads team.

Russ Adamson, House Manager

Russ Adamson joins Crossroads as our House Manager.  Russ' responsibilities include Crossroads service coordinator.  He works with students in planning and coordinating Saturday morning service projects and tracks each student’s service hours.  Additionally Russ is in charge of the nightly devotionals.

Russ moved to St. George from Northern Utah to join the Crossroads team and is joined by his wife Susan and their son Boston.   We are excited to have him as a member of our team.