Youth have to believe in themselves and possibility. Humans have great capacity for change and growth, but if they don’t see this and feel it, they often remain stifled and stuck. Individuals not only need to believe in themselves but also have people in their lives who regularly remind them of their capacity to change despite the circumstances that may be happening at the time. Through a team approach at Gateway with parents, we all support each other in helping each youth discover and develop these possibilities so that they and their families can move forward.
Boston Bushnell
LCSW
Clinical Director
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Credentials
Master of Social Work, University of Utah
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, University of Utah
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Philosophy
Boston is a firm believer that creating a deep and trusting relationship is the most crucial part to having an impact on someone else. “As a therapist, you can only go as deep as the trust goes.” Boston spends a lot of his time building rapport and connecting with the students for this reason.
The other principle that Boston tries to instill in each student is the idea that ownership over your actions creates empowerment rather than shame. “First comes awareness, then comes choice.” Boston helps clients recognize how their choices have impacted them and others through a non-judgmental approach. “Owning your choices” ultimately allows individuals to be in the driver’s seat of their own lives and to have the power to do something different.
Professional
Boston began his Gateway career in 2014 where he worked for four years as a staff mentor building strong rapport with the boys through sports, music, art, and other shared passions. In 2018, Boston left Gateway to pursue his Master's degree in Social Work at the University of Utah with the hope of returning to Gateway as a therapist. After Boston finished his Master's degree and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2019, he worked with adults struggling with substance use and addiction. In 2021, the stars aligned and Boston returned to Gateway to pursue his passion of working with teenagers. Over the next three years, Boston headed up the transition program at the Gateway House helping students to practice and solidify their new skills in the community in preparation for their return home, transition to boarding school, or college admission. In 2024, Boston was promoted to the Clinical Director position.
Personal
Boston is passionate about life and wants to do ALL of the things. One of his newest and greatest passions is spending time as a dad. Boston has a 10 year old stepson, a 1 ½ year old daughter, and another daughter to be born late September 2025. When Boston is not working or with his family, you're most likely to find him golfing with friends, hitting jumps and dropping cliffs on his snowboard, or mashing home runs in slow pitch softball tournaments.
Creating Student Success
Boston's experience across multiple roles at Gateway—from staff mentor to therapist to Clinical Director—gives him a unique and comprehensive view of what students need to thrive. He understands that student success is not one-size-fits-all and requires a personalized, relationship-driven approach. Whether mentoring through shared interests or leading transition planning, Boston meets students where they are and helps them connect their progress to real-world goals. He champions student growth by fostering self-awareness, building coping skills, and ensuring each youth leaves Gateway with a strong sense of direction and hope for the future.