Pioneer Theatre Company is proud to partner with the University of Utah’s School Mental Health Collaborative for our production of Dear Evan Hansen. This collaboration reflects PTC’s ongoing commitment to telling stories with care, authenticity, and respect for the real experiences behind them.
Throughout the rehearsal process, mental health experts from the Collaborative have led workshops with our cast, helping them approach the show’s complex themes—like isolation, connection, and healing—with sensitivity and insight. The partnership also provides ongoing support for the actors throughout the run, ensuring that the emotional weight of the story is balanced with mental well-being.
“At the Utah School Mental Health Collaborative, we are thrilled to partner with Pioneer Theatre Company in support of Dear Evan Hansen. This production highlights themes of isolation, connection, and hope that resonate deeply with the work we do every day in Utah schools,” said USMHC Program Director Sean Weeks, Ph.D. “Working with the cast, providing mental health resources, and coordinating ways to engage with the community ensures that the story connects with the lived experiences of many Utahns. We are always excited to find ways to work together within the University of Utah and are honored to collaborate with PTC in bringing both artistry and awareness together on stage.”
The partnership culminates in a special community event, “Strength in Connection: A Conversation About Mental Health in a Hyperconnected World,” on Saturday, November 8 at 4:45 PM, following the matinee performance. This free public conversation will feature:
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Moderator: Aaron Fischer, Ph.D., BCBA — Professor of School Psychology, Adjunct Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry at Huntsman Mental Health Institute, and Executive Director of the Utah School Mental Health Collaborative.
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Panelists:
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Olivia Holter, Ph.D., Child and Adolescent Psychologist at the University Developmental Assessment Clinics and West High School Clinic.
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Karen Manotas, M.D., Director of Mental and Behavioral Health Services at West High School Clinic and Director of School-Based Psychiatry for the Utah School Mental Health Collaborative.
- Aimee Winder Newton, Senior Advisor to the Governor and Director of the Utah Office of Families, Salt Lake County Council Member, and member of the Behavioral Health Services Advisory Council.
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Together, we’re honored to bring both artistry and awareness to the stage—reminding us all that no one is ever truly alone.
About the Panelists
Aaron Fischer, Ph.D BCA (Moderator) Dr. Fischer is a Professor of school psychology in the College of Education, adjunct professor of pediatrics, and adjunct professor psychiatry at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. He serves as executive director of the Utah School Mental Health Collaborative, which partners with numerous school districts across Utah to provide technical assistance, training, and direct mental health support for effective integration of behavior health in education settings. Dr. Fischer is a Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst who has worked over 20 years to improve the wellbeing of students, educators, and caregivers.
Olivia Holter, Ph.D (Panelist) Olivia G. Holter, Ph.D, is an Assistant Professor (Clinical) and Child and Adolescent Psychologist in the University Developmental Assessment Clinics (UDAC) and the West High School Clinic (WHSC). Specializing in the care of underserved communities, including rural communities, Dr. Holter completed her American Psychological Association pre-doctoral internship at Illinois State University’s Psychological Services Center and her post-doctoral work at Valley Psychological Services in Ellensburg, Washington. In addition to being a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Holter is also a Nationally Certified School Psychologist. Throughout her training and professional career, Dr. Holter has worked across 5 outpatient mental health clinics, 4 integrated pediatric and family practices, and with over 25 school districts mainly in rural settings.
Karen Manotas, MD (Panelist) Karen Manotas, MD is board-certified in Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Serving full time in school-based psychiatry and mental health, Dr. Manotas holds a primary appointment in the Department of Psychiatry and an adjunct appointment in the Department of Pediatrics. In both roles, she works to expand access to high-quality child and adolescent psychiatric care across Utah schools, partnering with families, educators, and school systems to support students. Her academic and clinical work centers on program development and systems-level innovation to improve mental health care for children and adolescents. She is passionate about building sustainable school-based psychiatry models that reduce wait times, integrate with primary and behavioral health care, and strengthen the supports surrounding students both at home and in school. Dr. Manotas’ ongoing efforts include workforce development, program evaluation, and advancing evidence-based school mental health practices that create equitable access to psychiatry and improve outcomes for youth and families statewide.
Aimee Winder Newton (Panelist) Aimee Winder Newton serves as Senior Advisor to Governor Cox and Director of the Utah Office of Families. She has championed youth mental health education, social media legislation, home visiting programs for vulnerable families, and other upstream policies to strengthen families in Utah so children have better outcomes. Aimee also serves on the Salt Lake County Council and is on the county’s Behavioral Health Services Advisory Council. She is a 2020 candidate for Utah Governor and was recognized by Utah Business Magazine in 2024 as one of Utah’s Most Influential Women. Aimee is a graduate of the University of Utah. She and her husband, Matt, have been married for 32 years and have raised four children. They love spending time with their grandbaby.
