Counselors
Call (605)886-0123 to schedule an appointment
Coordinator
LAC
Cynthia Binde has been with the Human Service Agency since 2012 and is the Addictions Coordinator and specializes in Chemical Dependency.
Education: Cindy graduated from South Dakota State University in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. She obtained her Certified Addiction Counselor degree in 1998 and Licensed Addiction Counselor degree in 2013 both from the University of South Dakota.
Background/Experience: Cindy has spent 21 years working in addictions. She is experienced working with clients of all ages, including families and in group counseling and facilitates aftercare groups.
Activities: Outside of her work, Cindy enjoys walking, swimming, reading, doing puzzles, and spending time with her grandchildren.
CAC
Abbygail Bartlett has been with the Human Service Agency since August 2022 and is a Certified Addictions Counselor
Education: Abbygail graduated from Southeast Tech in 2016 with an Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration and an Associate of Applied Science in Entrepreneurship. In May 2021, Abbygail graduated from the University of South Dakota with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. She minored in Addiction Studies and is a Certified Addiction Counselor.
Background/Experience: Prior to working at HSA, Abbygail worked as a security officer at Avera Behavioral Health, a clerk at the Minnehaha County Courthouse, and worked as a correctional officer for 4 years at Mike Durfee State Prison and the South Dakota State Penitentiary.
Activities: Outside of her work, Abbygail enjoys traveling, hiking, working out, and spending time with her friends and family.
ACT
Melody Tesch started working at HSA in 2022 as a Receptionist. She has been working as an Addictions Counselor Trainee since January 2024 and currently runs the Intensive Outpatient Program, completes Assessments and Individual Counseling.
Education: She received her certified medical assistant degree from Lake Area Technical Institute in 2001 and is currently enrolled in the Addictions program at USD. She is intending to graduate in May 2027.
Background/Experience: She has worked in multiple hospitals with the most recent being at Brown Clinic as a Patient Care Staff member and then as a Case Manager.
Activities: Reading, children’s sporting activities, diamond art, and walking the dogs
ACT
Rachell Schliesman started with HSA in August 2024 as an Addiction Counselor Trainee and is currently doing the Chemical Abuse Treatment Program, CBISA, and Aftercare. She will also complete Assessments, and fill in where needed.
Education: Rachell attended the University of South Dakota where she graduated in May 2024 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology with a minor in Addiction Studies. She is working towards her certification to become a Certified Addiction Counselor.
Background/Experience: While attending the University of South Dakota Rachell worked in the Psychology department for the work study program but she also was involved in multiple research studies for graduate students. Prior to working at HSA she has worked in the Watertown community for years.
Activities: Rachell's hobbies include hanging out with my family and friends. She has a fiancé and 2 beautiful daughters. Her daughters keep her very busy most days but when she is not busy with their schedules she enjoy relaxing at home, going to the lake/pool, and sometimes going golfing when schedules allow.
Coordinator
LCSW-PIP, QMHP
Cora Lowry has been with the Human Service Agency since 2020 and is the C.A.R.E. Service Coordinator.
Education: Cora attended the University of Sioux Falls where she received her Bachelors of Arts Degree, specializing in Social Work. She then received her Masters of Social Work through the University of Denver.
Background/Experience: Cora is currently a Licensed Certified Social Worker eligible to engage in private, independent practice. Cora is a part of the Codington County Treatment Court team. Prior to becoming the C.A.R.E. Services Coordinator, she provided individual therapy at the main agency for four years. Cora is trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy.
Activities: Outside of her work, Cora enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Alice Carlson has been with the Human Service Agency since 2002 and is currently a Residential Specialist Supervisor. She assists with independent living skills for consumers that have a mental illness.
Education: Alice graduated from Waverly High school in 1979.
Background/Experience: Alice has spent the past 17 years working with individuals with a mental illness.
Activities: Outside of work, Alice enjoys camping, playing cards, and spending time with her grandchildren.
Shaelynn joined HSA in January 2025 and is currently in a “C.A.R.E. Vocational Specialist” position.
Education: Shae received her bachelors in psychology in 2014 from Kent State University. She went on to obtain her masters in addiction counseling in 2017 from Grand Canyon University. She is currently working on a dual masters degree in Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling through Walden University. Her projected graduated date is in February of 2027.
Background/Experience: Shae brings about 5 years experience working with individuals engaged in substance use treatment. During her time as a substance abuse counselor, she worked in both correctional, outpatient, and residential settings that prioritized dual-diagnosis. Recognizing the importance of further education, Shae took a break from her professional career to pursue advanced studies, expanding her knowledge and skills in the field of mental health counseling. During this period, she gained new insights into leadership, strategy, and team management by working as Retail Banking Service Specialist at Plains Commerce Bank.
Activities: Outside of work Shae enjoys spending time with loved ones (including her cats), engaging in a wide array of creative activities, staying physically active in the gym and outdoors, and being an active member in her 12-Step Recovery group.
RN
Tanya Nelson has been with the HSA this time for 2 years as the CARE RN. She previously worked at HSA as a Med Transport and then as a Case Manager.
Education: Tanya graduated from USD with her Associate Registered Nursing degree in May of 2014 and in May of 2012 with her Associates Licensed Practical Nursing from LATI. In 2004 she graduated from MMC with a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science and a minor in Criminal Justice.
Background/Experience: Tanya had worked in a variety of roles as a nurse from inpatient at PLH, to home care for both the elderly as well as health compromised children requiring home nurses to her current position within the Human Service Agency. This role has incorporated some of her past schooling and learning as mental health and addiction was not an area she had done much with prior to come to HSA.
Activities: Outside of work Tanya enjoys watching any sports her children are involved in. Her daughter currently plays softball for DWU and in the summer her son, youngest daughter and soon to be daughter in law play recreational softball. Her son is going to get baseball back up and running in Miller so she is excited to watch as he takes on the role of coaching youth baseball.
Abby Weiss joined Human Service Agency in January 2020. In June 2024, she began working as the Programming Specialist for the C.A.R.E. program.
Education: Abby graduated from Mount Marty University in Watertown, South Dakota, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. She is currently enrolled in the School of Social Work program at Louisiana State University and will complete her Master's in Social Work in the spring of 2025.
Background/Experience: Before joining C.A.R.E., Abby was a Direct Support Professional at New Horizons in the Community Services department for four years. In that role, she assisted individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and supported those living in the community.
Activities: Outside of work and school, Abby enjoys spending quality time with her family. She is also keen on being creative, listening to podcasts, and traveling.
Charlie Ward has been with HSA since 2018 and is currently in a “C.A.R.E. Case Manager” position. She has also worked as a “Conflict Free Case Manager” for the New Horizons Division of HSA.
Education: Charlie received her bachelors in 1989 from Northern State University in Sociology and Community Service with minors in Business and Gerontology. Currently, she is working on her MSW from the University of South Dakota and plans to graduate in December 2025.
Background/Experience: Prior to HSA Charlie worked at Advance as a Residential Supervisor and Young Adults in Transition instructor. Charlie is a retired Nursing Home Administrator and served elders in both South Dakota and Colorado for 27 years. During that time she served on the Board of Directors for South Dakota Health Care Association for nearly a decade to advocate for elders' rights as well as Medicare and Medicaid funding and reform.
Activities: Outside of work Charlie enjoys time with family, cooking, reading and being active in her community.
Madison Shaw has been with HSA since 2024 and is currently a C.A.R.E Case Manager and Prevention Specialist for NEPRC.
Education: Madison received her bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Religion from SDSU in 2022. She is currently working on her MSW from the University of South Dakota and plans to graduate in May of 2026.
Background/Experience: Prior to HSA, Madison worked at the Department of Social Services as an administrative assistant for economic assistance and CPS.
Activities: Outside of work, Madison enjoys spending time with family, reading, watching football, and anything outdoors related.
CSW-PIP, LAC, QMHP
Dave Mendel has been with the Human Service Agency since 2012 and is a Clinical Therapist and provides outpatient therapy for adults and adolescents. Dave specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Co-Occurring disorders, Mental Health and Anger Management.
Education: Dave graduated from the University of South Dakota in 1990 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and English. He attended the University of Iowa and received his Master’s in Social work in 2008.
Background/Experience: Prior to his work at HSA, Dave worked at the Human Services Center in Yankton, the IMPACT program in Yankton, the Adolescent Inpatient drug and alcohol treatment program at HSC and provided co-occurring treatment at the Mike Durfee State Prison in Springfield. Dave is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Activities: Outside of his work, Dave enjoys golfing, riding his motorcycle, backpacking and traveling.
Jennifer Rudebusch has been with the Human Service Agency since 2019 as a Program Specialist with the CARE Team and in 2021 transitioned over to Masters Level Mental Health Case Manager for Outpatient services.
Education: Jennifer received her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Service Counseling from Wayne State College in 2018. She completed her Master of Clinical Mental Health degree from Wayne State College in 2021. She is working toward provisional licensure. She is a member of Chi Sigma Iota (an international counseling academic and professional honor society), trained in ASIST and Accelerated Resolution Therapy
Background/Experience: Prior to her work at HSA, Jennifer worked at a dual-diagnosis, substance abuse and mental health treatment facility for women in Norfolk, NE.
Activities: Outside of her work, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family, dogs, reading and crafting.
LPC-MH, QMHP
Wendy Eggen started working at HSA in September, 2024 as an outpatient counselor. Wendy is a LPC-MH, QMHP. She does mental health assessments and individual counseling for adults.
Education: She received her undergraduate degree in Business Education from Dakota State University in 1989. She received her masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2019 from Colorado Christian University.
Background/Experience: She has worked at the Human Services Center, as well as most recently at Lewis & Clark Behavioral Health Services in Yankton, SD, as an outpatient counselor.
Activities: Outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, fishing, and walking her dog.
M.S., LPC Supervisee, NCC
Hannah Faulhaber has been with HSA since 2024 and is a Masters Level Mental Health Case Manager.
Education: Hannah received her Bachelor's degree in Human Development & Family Studies from South Dakota State University in 2022. She then earned her Master's degree in Counseling & Human Resource Development with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from South Dakota State University in August of 2024.
Background/Experience: Prior to working at HSA Hannah worked at the Boys & Girls Club of Brookings for four and a half years as the Behavior Management Lead Youth Development Professional. While at the Boys & Girls Club she worked with members on social emotional learning. She also worked with staff on the implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) into the Club setting.
Activities: Outside of work Hannah enjoys baking, watching reality TV or Marvel movies with her fiance, and anything true crime related. She also enjoys traveling to Minnesota whenever she gets the chance to spend time with her family and friends.
PA-C
Carrie Dylla has been at the Human Service Agency since 2007 as a Physician Assistant in Psychiatry.
Education: Carrie received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Science from South Dakota State University in 1999. From there, she obtained her Physician Assistant Studies Certification from the University of South Dakota School of Medicine in 2001.
Background/Experience: Carrie has 18 years of experience practicing medicine fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.
Activities: She enjoys spending time with her husband (Jim) and children Emma (15), Max (12), and Sam (9) while attending their various activities, as well as instructing group fitness classes at the community wellness center.
MSN, PMHNP-BC
Josie Ries
Education:
Background/Experience:
Activities:
Coordinator
MSW, LCSW-PIP, QMHP
Heather Stricherz has been with the Human Service Agency since 2010 and is currently clinical director of behavioral health. She sees all ages of clients and has been trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Moral Reconation Therapy, Functional Family Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality. When working with children and families, Heather utilizes play-based and behavioral interventions along with assisting families with accessing further supports. Heather provides therapy in individual, family, and group formats. She also provides supervision for all levels of licensure for social work and counseling. She is a board approved supervisor for the South Dakota Board of Examiners for Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists. Heather oversees Mental Health Juvenile Justice services as well as working with Diversion.
Education: Heather received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Northern State University in 2002 and her Master in Social Work from the University of South Dakota in 2017.
Background: Heather has worked with many programs within the agency including New Horizons; Serenity Hills; CARE; Children, Youth, and Family Services; and Outpatient services. She provides crisis services while on-call and QMHP evaluations. Heather is a Licensed Certified Social Worker eligible to engage in Private, Independent Practice and a Qualified Mental Health Professional.
Activities: In her spare time, Heather enjoys spending time with her husband and son and their cat and four dogs, listening to podcasts, reading, gardening, and diamond painting. She is also an instructor at Mount Marty University and teaches experimental methods, memory and cognition, and health psychology.
MSW
Jamie Block has been with the Human Service Agency since 2019 and is a Mental Health Case Manager. She provides services to adolescents and adults, facilitates adolescent MRT group, and co-facilitates the adolescent DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) Group.
Education: Jamie received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Human Service from Mount Marty College in 2018 and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of South Dakota in 2022.
Background/Experience: Jamie has previously worked at New Horizons supporting adults with intellectual disabilities and was a member of the Behavior Support Committee and also provided case management. She has completed training for DBT, MRT, Advanced MRT, MRT Trauma training and Accelerated Resolution Therapy. She previously provided counseling services at the High School and was the Systems of Care Coordinator.
Activities: Outside of her work, Jamie enjoys reading, music, spending time with her family, and anything to do with nature.
MS
Debra Griffith has been with the Human Service Agency since 2020 and is a Master Level Mental Health Case Manager. Debra specializes in advocating for and working with diverse individuals that include neurodiversity, gender diversity, and sexual diversity. They work with children, adolescents, adults, and families; utilizing play-based interventions with all ages and all communication abilities.
Education: Debra received their Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and Spanish from the University of South Dakota in 2002. They completed their Master of Science degree in Counseling and Human Development specializing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2020.
Background/Experience: Debra has been working with neurodiverse and differently abled individuals since 2013, teaching employment skills. In addition to Clinical Mental Health, they completed all coursework toward attaining certification for play therapy. Debra is a member of the American Counseling Association, South Dakota Counseling Association, and the Association for Play Therapy.
Activities: Outside of work, Debra enjoys coaching youth soccer, doing research, hiking, and spending time outdoors.
LPC-MH Supervisee, NCC, QMHP
Mary Claire Bauer has been working with the Human Service Agency since 2022, works as a Licensed Clinical Therapist and Master's Level Mental Health Case Manager. She is trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and Clinical Yoga for Mental Health.
Education: Mary Claire has a Master's degree from Walden University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, as well as a Master's Degree from South Dakota State University in Family and Community Services.
Background/Experience: Mary Claire has previous experience working with youth as a 4-H Youth Program Advisor. She has been working with youth and adult clients since her start here at HSA.
Activities: Outside of work, Mary Claire spending time with her family and friends. She enjoys the outdoors such as hunting, fishing, and gardening. She also enjoys crafting and yoga.
MS, LPC-Supervisee
Brittany Macks has been with HSA since 2023 and is currently a Mental Health Case Manager and Systems of Care Coordinator. She specializes in working with adolescents and adults. Modalities used include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focused Therapy.
Education: Brittany received her bachelor's degree from South Dakota State University in 2017. She received her Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health from Grand Canyon University in 2024.
Background/Experience: Prior to working at HSA, Brittany worked for an organization called Girls Inc. as a program specialist. Additionally, she completed her practicum with Rapid City Counselors, specializing in seeing children utilizing play therapy methods. She is a member of the National Honor Epsilon Society, Psi Chi Honor Society, Alpha Chi Honor Society, and the American Counseling Association.
Activities: In her free time, Brittany enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and dogs, reading, traveling, embroidery, and enjoying nature when the weather is warm!
MSW, LAC, LCSW, QMHP
Elycia Anderson has been with HSA since 2024 and is currently in a "Masters Level Mental Health Case Manager" position. Traditionally and in the past she has specialized in trauma and co-occurring.
Education: Elycia received her bachelors in 2020 from Southwest Minnesota State University in Justice Administration. She took the certificate program for addictions in 2022 and became a LAC in 2023, graduated with her MSW from the University of South Dakota in 2024 and has obtained her LCSW.
Background/Experience: Prior to HSA Elycia worked in residential substance use treatment at the Glory House in South Dakota, providing group and individual services to both residential and outpatient clients. She currently provides co-occurring support in her position in the Army National Guard.
Activities: Outside of work Elycia enjoys spending time with her animals, hunting, fishing, and reading.
Coordinator
LAC
Deborah Hamer has been with the Human Service Agency since 1996 and is the Coordinator at Serenity Hills where she works with residents experiencing co-occurring disorders including mental health and addiction to include withdrawal.
Education: Deb graduated from Western Area Vo-Tech with an Associate’s degree in Business Administration. She then completed medical and psychology course work at Sayre Jr. College in OK and more recently South Dakota State University. She completed course work necessary to become a Licensed Addiction Counselor from the University of South Dakota.
Background/Experience: Deb has spent nearly 30 years working in the mental health and addiction field. Prior to coming to the Human Service Agency she worked in Intensive Outpatient Treatment, Aftercare, Adolescent Prevention and DUI Class. She worked with adolescents and adults. Deb has been employed at the Human Service Agency for 23 years as an addictions counselor, Coordinator of Addictions Services and for the past 10 years she has been Coordinator of Serenity Hills Halfway House and Detox Programs. Deb is a Licensed Addictions Counselor, Nationally Certified Gambling Counselor II and an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She has experience working with clients of all ages, including families and group counseling. At Serenity Hills she completes admissions for the halfway house, supervises CD counselors, Medical Staff and Transportation Personnel along with facilitating Addictions Groups and doing Individual Counseling. She has worked in both the Outpatient and Inpatient settings. Deb is a member of the South Dakota Board of Addiction and Prevention Professionals, the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium, a Certified South Dakota Public Safety DUI Program Instructor and Trainer.
Activities: Outside of her work, Deb enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, camping and riding motorcycles.
BA, CESP
Cassie Swedeen has worked at Serenity Hills since fall of 2020, starting as Medical Personal and has been Case Manager since 2022.
Education: Cassie graduated from Mount Marty University with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Psychology December of 2022.
Background/Experience: Cassie has experience working with all ages ranging from working at an in home daycare, to a nursing home and in the most recent years working with adults coping with addiction and mental health.
Activities: Outside of work Cassie enjoys spending time with family, friends, going to the lake, and Jeeping/rock crawling in the hills or mountains.
RN
Amber Hughes has been with the HSA since 2011. She is a Registered Nurse and the Medical Personnel Supervisor at Serenity Hills. Amber oversees all medical aspects of the halfway house, detox, and safe room. She is passionate about the clients we serve and helping them to achieve their goals for a better life.
Education: Graduated from Lake Area Tech with Med/Fire Rescue Diploma in 2012. Practical Nursing Diploma in 2013. General Studies at USD in 2018 and earned Registered Nursing degree from LATC in 2020. Certifications include Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support from American Heart Association and Trauma Nurse Core Course from Emergency Nurses Association.
Background/Experience: 11+ years working with HSA at Serenity Hills. Amber has worked every shift and position in the medical staff starting as an EMT in 2011. Her last 2+ years were spent working at Prairie Lakes Hospital in the Emergency Room and still currently PRN.
Activities: Travelling as much as possible, spending time with my family, reading about and watching true crime documentaries.
ACT
Shay Hughes started work here at the Human Service Agency in October of 2024. She is currently an addictions counselor in training.
Education: A part time student at the University of South Dakota, Shay Hughes is studying in the Addictions Program.
Background/Experience: Shay is new to the addictions field and is excited to learn within the community and HSA.
Activities: I like kayaking, traveling, and spending time with my nine grandchildren.
BBSC, MRT, CTP
Shannon Crosby has been with Human Service Agency since April 2022, is currently in their 2nd semester of Internship, and is approaching graduation in May 2025. At that time, they will have earned an Honors level Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Education: Previous undergraduate education and a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Health Science was obtained through the Bachelor of Behavioral Sciences program, with specialization in trauma, at Grand Canyon University located in Phoenix, Arizona. Currently, Shannon is enrolled in their final semester at Antioch University New England in the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. In addition to their academic career, Shannon has received certification in Basic, as well as Advanced Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT), Basic Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Skills Training (DBT), Certified Trauma Professional (CTP), Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), and Restoration to Competency Training.
Background: Shannon is an outreach counselor for six area schools: Sisseton Middle School, Sisseton High School, West Side Elementary School, Summit K12 School, Wilmot K12 School, and Tiospa Zina Tribal School. Prior to their work at Human Service Agency, Shannon was the Batterer Intervention and Prevention Program Group Facilitator for Wac’ang’a Inc., as well as a 9-1-1 Dispatch Team Member for the Roberts County Sheriff’s Department.
Shannon is currently a member of the American Counseling Association, Chi Sigma Iota, The National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and Alpha Chi National College Honor Society.
Activities: Outside of work and school, Shannon likes to spend time with his family, spoil his granddaughter, travel with his wife, listen to live music, paint, write, and work outside.
MS, MRT
Kayla Wellnitz has been with the Human Service Agency since January 2023. Kayla is currently in a Master's Level Mental Health Case Manager position. Prior to this position, Kayla worked at C.A.R.E. as the Outreach Case Manager. For services, Kayla provides play therapy techniques to children as young as 3, individual, marriage/couples, and family counseling. Her speciality training consists of Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Gottman's (couples), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Moral Reconation Therapy, and working with severe and persistent mental illness. Kayla currently works in Sisseton on Mondays, Milbank Tuesday-Thursday, and in the Watertown office on Fridays.
Education: Kayla received her Bachelors of Science degree focusing on Pre-Medical Sciences in December 2021. In 2024, Kayla received her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health. Following all levels of licensure, Kayla will be applying to medical school for psychiatric medicine.
Background/Experience: Prior to working at the Human Service Agency, Kayla worked in the hospital setting working providing care to all ages including phlebotomy. Before this work, Kayla worked as a Complaints Department Manager at a call-center where she was trained in de-escalating various situations. During that time, Kayla also was a member of ToastMasters International and was the President of the Milbank Area Chapter.
Activities: Outside of work, Kayla enjoys collecting anything Halloween related, thrifting, riding motorcycle, restoring vehicles/motorcycles with family, watching horror movies and historical documentaries, and spending time with her cats, dog (Zeus), her two children, and her husband.