The XLR8 Team

Meet The Team

Nathan Pond, CMHC/Owner/Personal Trainer

Nate is an Clinical Mental Health Counselor with experience as a therapist at multiple counseling and treatment centers, both outpatient and inpatient.  Nate graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Psychology at Utah Valley University.  He continued his education at Argosy University and graduated with his Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling.  Nate has been a therapist in inpatient residential settings, substance abuse centers, therapeutic ranch, wilderness therapy, and outpatient counseling centers.  He specializes in behavior therapy, is trained in play therapy, certified in EMDR, and has worked with clients as young as two to as old as ninety.  He has also been a presenter for Fight the New Drug (pornography), and multiple other fitness and psychology expos.

Nate is a certified personal trainer and has multiple different coaching licenses with over ten years experience working as a trainer and fitness coach.  He has clients across the country and has implemented exercise programs at multiple therapeutic treatment facilities.  He is the creator of a therapeutic tool called Cognitive Physical Conditioning (CPC) that incorporates physical exercises to assist in the treatment of mental health issues.  This evidence-based program helps the body to heal from hormone and neuro-chemical imbalances caused by a disorder.  Using the concepts of CPC he has created an exciting therapeutic fitness class called EMOSHA.

Nate has always been a fitness enthusiast.  He played college soccer all four years of college and was a captain for three of those years.  He has set NCAA records in goalkeeping, was voted as player of the year in 2010, and even had opportunities to try out professionally. 

He also loves archery, writing, and being outdoors spending time with his 5 kids.

"I have been told that I am a really easy person to talk to and I try to create a relaxed atmosphere in therapy.  I enjoy helping people find their own strengths to solve problems. I have years of experience working with little kids using play therapy.  I have over a decade's experience working with teenagers.  Most of my schooling was done to work with adults.  I even have military experience to work with veterans.  But I also always strive to find and use the best methods to improve your success."

Joseph Gleed, CSW

Joseph Gleed is a Clinical Social Worker.  He graduated from Utah Valley University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and his master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Utah in the spring of 2021.  Joseph is passionate about supporting others as they improve their mental health and develop solution-focused strategies to live a more meaningful and valued life.  His areas of expertise are trauma, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, domestic violence, human trafficking, and PTSD working with children, adolescents, families, couples, and veterans.  Joseph is a Certified Sexual Assault Counselor to better support those who have experienced various forms of interpersonal violence and also works to rescue trafficked children in multiple countries around the world, working with groups such as Operation Underground Railroad, the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, and the Child Liberation Foundation among others.  He has been awarded the Diplomat for the Comisión Internacional De Derechos Humanos for his work rescuing trafficked children in Mexico, including the largest such operation in Mexican history.

Joseph utilizes a client- and strength-centered cognitive-behavioral approach to therapy using a variety of evidence-based practices including, and with a focus on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Trauma Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (TFACT), and EMDR.  Joseph also utilizes Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), treatment of PTSD, Mindfulness and Meditation, Gottman certified couples therapist, the treatment of complex grief, and more working with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to.

Joseph is also the creator of a program for women (The Victor Course) who have experienced trauma in its many forms utilizing Krav Maga self-defense training in combination with individual and group therapy designed specifically to rebuild the sense of strength, confidence, safety, resiliency, self-control, and self-efficacy lost after a traumatic event through a mind-body integrated approach to treatment. 

In addition to being a therapist and involved in rescue operations for child trafficking, Joseph has spent the last two decades as a self-defense expert teaching courses locally, nationally, and abroad to children and adults from every walk of life. When Joseph isn’t in therapy sessions he spends his time with his wife and six children playing games, enjoying the outdoors, reading, and at his family’s self-defense and martial arts gym in Sandy Utah, Unified Krav Maga.    

Maca- Licensed Therapy Dog in Training

Maca is a Belgian Malinois that was born as part of a litter of dogs bred to be police and security dogs.  However even as a young puppy she showed she was too friendly and calm to join her siblings in security work.  But she still wanted to serve people and happened to find a dog lover looking for a friendly and calm dog to take over as XLR8’s therapy dog when Roni retires. 

She started her training while still a puppy and was quickly accepted by Roni as his apprentice.  He has shown her how to be an amazing therapy dog and Maca has picked up on his example.  Now the two furry friends -- Maca Roni -- work together bringing joy and peace to those they interact with.  They have been together at expos, parades, and can be found together bringing smiles and making life better at XLR8.

Roni- Licensed Therapy Dog

Roni is an 8 year old boxer mix. Throughout his whole life he has demonstrated calmness and peace showing he has the personality and potential to become a therapy dog.  After qualifying to enter the program in October of 2023 he went through 8 months of hard work until he passed his final test and became a licensed therapy dog June 2024.

Roni can work with both kids and adults, and he is trained to help improve people’s emotions.  He also has an endorsement and training to help military veterans. He knows when it’s time to play and when to work and is always obedient, no matter the situation.  He meets everyone with kindness and though he loves a bone to chew, does not have a mean bone in his body. He loves to show off all the tricks he knows, especially for a treat or two.

Roni has always enjoyed helping people and loves interacting with others.  He is sensitive to other’s feelings and understands when he is needed and can help bring a smile to someone else.  He enjoys being close to others but is content with giving space as needed.  You’ll likely see Roni with his handler and therapist, Nathan Pond.  Roni is waiting for gentle hands to pet him and is excited to meet you!