About Us
Preston Tenney, Ed.S.
I was raised in a small town in Northeastern Arizona as the 4th of 8 children. As a child, I thrived in the school setting. My experience drastically changed when, as a teenager in high school, I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. I had little desire to go to school and participate in activities I had previously enjoyed. When I began receiving professional help, my outlook changed for the better. I returned to school and found joy in daily activities again. Through my personal experiences of learning how to manage anxiety while living a full life, I felt I could use my experiences and acquired skills to bless the lives of other young people who faced similar life challenges. In addition to understanding more about myself, I became fascinated with understanding people – their strengths, weaknesses, motivation, and personality, etc.
After striving to improve others’ lives during a full-time 2 year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Washington state, I continued my studies at Northern Arizona University. My personal experiences combined with my enthusiasm for understanding human behavior led me to pursue a Bachelors of Science in Psychology with a minor in Social Work.
As part of my undergraduate research, I participated in evaluating a critical thinking elementary school program. In addition, I worked as a caregiver in a before-and-after school program for the Flagstaff Arizona School District. These experiences, combined with my desire to be in a helping profession, and a Google search, steered me towards the field of School Psychology. In 2010, I was accepted into Brigham Young University’s School Psychology graduate program. I enjoyed associating with and learning from my wonderful cohort and professors. In 2012, I began my professional journey in the Jordan School District as an intern and then as a licensed school psychologist in 2013, following graduation from BYU with an Educational Specialist Degree in School Psychology. Since I began working for the Jordan School District, I have pursued opportunities for professional growth and development in the form of mentoring, management, and supervisory roles, including positions after school hours that provide experience with students of all ages. In 2022, I earned my Administrative license through Southern Utah University. Currently, I am partnering with faculty from BYU and school psychologists from four other local school districts to collaborate on a research project that aims to improve the supervision practices of school psychologists. This group plans to present our research findings at national conferences.
Working with Dr. Allred at Utah Excel Psychology has given me additional opportunities to further my skills and broaden my reach to help others. He has entrusted me to aid him in providing support and help to the community through psychoeducational evaluations. I enjoy working with youth of all ages and my goal is to continue helping parents support their children’s growth and development.
Outside of work, I am living my lifelong dream as a member of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. I met my wife while singing in the choir and we married in 2020. I enjoy spending time with my wife and our dog (she is my wife’s dog, but we both love her!), international travel, photography, and keeping plants alive in my yard.