Fotuopala'au Soliai,
LCSW

Clinical Director/Therapist

Education

  • PhD in Social Work candidate, University of Utah
  • Master of Social Work, Brigham Young University
  • Bachelor of Social Work, Brigham Young University
  • Associates of Art, American Samoa Community College
Work Experience:
  • Community Liaison/Counselor, Asian and Pacific Islander Association of Utah
  • Therapist, Sex offender Treatment, Cy Roby and Associates
  • Consultant, Queens Center Non-Profit Residential
  • Council Member, Governors Advisory Council on Pacific Island Affairs State of Utah
  • Samoan Language Instructor, Missionary training Center
  • Utah State Hospital
  • Internships (Veterans Affairs hospital, Salt lake City, LDS Family Services, Sydney Australia, Utah Boys Ranch, West Jordan.)

Interests:

Although, home (American Samoa) is thousands of miles from Utah, it has been a great adventure learning and understanding who I am and where I came from while away from home. Many of my personal philosophies, hobbies, and volunteer work have been strongly influenced by my Samoan Heritage. As part of my culture I have grown to cherish family ties and understand the importance and value of children to their families and I am gratified to be part of improving those relationships.

Comments on DRA:

Diamond Ranch Academy has helped me gain tremendous insight into adolescent behavior and has been a very effective place in assisting teens in understanding themselves and the reasons for changing their behaviors. I also consider myself a very happy person and very easy to be around. This allows me to develop close and trusting relationships with my students. I also have the ability to set boundaries and not allow youth to manipulate me, thus I am not only easy to get along with, but respected.

Working with parents is another opportunity that I have enjoyed here at DRA. It has been rewarding to understand the different social, economic, and cultural dynamics that have contributed to some of today's issues with our youth, and it is heartwarming to work with parents to see their role in the change process and assist them with new ways to relate to youth that are healthy and productive.