September Newsletter
Certified Advocate, Michelle Benham
New Legal Solutions for Survivors
Michelle Benham, Legal Advocate Coordinator, has become a Certified Advocate through the Community Justice Advocates Program (CJAU). With this certification, individuals can now receive legal advice and assistance related to abuse and stalking issues directly from Mrs. Benham.
Survivors of domestic violence are often isolated from family and friends, lack economic resources, and struggle to maintain housing or employment. The financial strain of abuse frequently makes securing legal representation difficult, underscoring the critical need for accessible pro bono legal services.
The Certified Advocate Partners Program (CAPP) is the longest-running community-based legal advocacy program in the Utah Legal Regulatory Sandbox. Born from a clear need for community-driven solutions, the program was granted authorization to operate in February 2021 and has been groundbreaking in expanding access to legal services for underserved Utahns. Through the end of 2024, CAPP-trained advocates served 402 Utah residents, educating them on their rights and, when appropriate, assisting them with protective order requests.
As a Certified Advocate, Benham can provide legal advice, assist with document drafting (including obtaining, modifying, dismissing, or extending civil protective orders and stalking injunctions), prepare clients for hearings, and sit at counsel table to advise and support clients during court proceedings.
Beyond safety, civil legal aid helps survivors gain economic independence and rebuild their lives. It reduces repeat incidents of domestic violence, cutting public spending on medical care, special education, and counseling for affected children, while also improving workplace productivity and reducing lost wages. Ultimately, legal aid empowers survivors by giving them the tools and knowledge to navigate the civil court system and protect their rights.
Congratulations to Michelle!KPCW Pledge Drive
Tune into KPCW Radio Thursday, Sept. 17 at 10 AM!
We’ll be hosting an hour of KPCW’s Summer Pledge Drive to raise money for the Wasatch Back’s public media station.
Call (435) 649-9004 or donate online at KPCW.org and mention us to help us earn free underwriting!
Open House
Learn more about how you can promote peaceful partnerships in your communities!
Join Peace House during Domestic Violence Awareness Month (#DVAM) on October 24 from 9:30-11:30 AM to visit our campus and learn about services we provide. Enjoy light breakfast, hot drinks and activities.
Welcoming New Board Members
Cecile Johnston
As a social scientist and survey methodologist, Cecile led research programs for government agencies and major corporations throughout the United States and internationally. Her career included living in Bangkok, Thailand, where she directed marketing research with the Thai consumer. She served as Research Director for public health initiatives, including a Child Survival program and a Family Planning Project in 28 countries. She conducted research for organizations including the FDA, CDC, NIH, USAID, the U.S. Postal Service, McDonald’s, Marriott, ExxonMobil, and The Washington Post. Cecile concluded her career as a Senior Vice President at Ipsos, one of the world’s leading market research firms.
An enthusiastic hiker, skier, and Mah Jongg player - and a former avid tennis player - Cecile is passionate about giving back to her community. She is honored to continue supporting Peace House’s mission and looks forward to serving the organization and the community as a member of the Board of Directors.Coleen Reardon
Beginning in April 2022 through January 2025, Coleen served as the Director of Marketing for Silverado Resort in Napa, CA, where she oversaw all marketing and communications efforts including branding, strategic planning, sponsorships, public relations, media buys, social media, content creation, web, digital and mobile platforms. Previously she was employed at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, UT for 28 years and was a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). She served as the resort’s Communications Manager until 1999 when she was promoted to the Director of Marketing, transitioning to the VP of Marketing in 2020. As VP of Marketing, Ms. Reardon oversaw the resort’s events department, monitoring the coordination and production as Deer Valley became an official venue for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games.
Ms. Reardon returned to Park City in February 2025 after retiring from Silverado Resort.Kristen Bogenrief
Before her retirement, Kristen Bogenrief was the Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration/CFO and Assistant Treasurer for the Personal Care Products Council. Her responsibilities included financial management and planning; corporate tax planning and compliance; treasury, banking and investment management; and audit planning and liaison. She also was responsible for human resources, employee benefits, and compensation; management of IT; office services; and purchasing and contracts management.
Bogenrief currently serves on the Boards of various nonprofit organizations in the Park City area She also provides consulting services to organizations on a volunteer basis. She is a certified public accountant in Virginia and has over 40 years of experience with nonprofit organizations.