Human Service Agency

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.

Meghan Brink has been with the Human Service Agency since 2012 and is a Licensed Addictions Counselor. She specializes in Co-Occurring Disorders, Addiction in Adults and both Individual or Group Counseling.

Education: Meghan received her Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice and Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science from Mount Marty College. She graduated in 2012 with her Master of Science in Education Counseling from Northern State University.

Background/Experience: Meghan has primarily spent her career working in addiction, is part of the Codington County Drug Court, and facilitates the CBISA (Cognitive Behavior Intervention for Substance Abuse) group. She is currently awaiting licensure to become a Licensed Professional Counselor. Meghan received the “Hero of the Battlefield” award from the Army for her contribution to mental health research for returning soldiers.

Activities: Meghan is very family oriented. Outside of work, she enjoys having cook-outs, camping, going to the races and movies. She enjoys playing softball and throwing darts.

Michelle Achterberg has been with the Human Service Agency since 2017 and is an Addiction Counselor who specializes in individual and group sessions for adolescents and adults.

Education: Michelle graduated from the University of South Dakota in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Addiction Studies.

Background/Experience: Michelle is currently working on becoming a Licensed Addiction Counselor. The services that Michelle provides include: Addiction Assessments, DUI 1st Evaluations, Individual Chemical Dependency Counseling for adolescents and adults, Adult Aftercare Groups, Chemical Abuse Treatment groups, and Intensive Outpatient groups.

Activities: In her spare time, Michelle enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

Jennifer Hansen began working at Human Service Agency as an Addiction Counselor in May 2020. Jennifer facilitates Intensive Outpatient Treatment for Adults.

Education: Jennifer graduated from South Dakota State University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. She is currently enrolled at the University of South Dakota and set to begin classes next semester to get her Bachelor of Science degree in Addiction Studies.

Background/Experience: Jennifer is currently working on becoming a Licensed Addiction Counselor. The services she is able to provide are Addiction Assessments, DUI 1st Evaluations, Individual Chemical Dependency Counseling for adults and Intensive Outpatient groups.

Activities: In her spare time she enjoys cooking with her family - brother, cousins and her uncles. She loves to spend as much time with her 2 children (ages 18 and 4). She also enjoys reading and camping with her family.

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.

Dee Nogelmeier has been with the Human Service Agency since 1986 and is a Representative Payee/Liaison/Case Manager for SSA Benefits and coordination of services with the Human Service Center.

Education: Dee received her Bachelor of Science degree from Black Hills State College in 1979.

Background/Experience: Prior to her work at HSA, Dee gained experience through her work at Black Hills Workshop, but has spent 33 years working with the Human Service Agency.

Activities: Outside of her work, Dee enjoys outdoor activities, horseback riding, anything related to horses and a lot of family activities.

Jennifer Juracek has been with the Human Service Agency since 2019 as a Program Specialist with the CARE Team.

Education: Jennifer received her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Service Counseling from Wayne State College in 2018. She is currently working towards her Master of Clinical Mental Health degree from Wayne State College.

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, friends, and her dog, Nova.

Lori Enstad has been at the Human Service Agency since 1989. She is currently our CARE Team Member-Vocational Specialist. She assists clients in finding a good job match and then provides clients with supports to maintain employment.

Education: Lori received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Northern State College in 1980.

Background/Experience: Lori has worked with many local employers through the years. She has attended many vocational trainings offered through the SD Division of Rehabilitation Services, the USD Center for Disabilities and Kenfield Consulting. Lori is a Certified Employment Support Professional and is a member of the Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities.

Activities: Outside of her work, Lori enjoys spending time with her family, especially her new granddaughter.

Lynn Amdahl has been with the Human Service Agency since 1992 and is the CARE Coordinator specializing in providing experienced services in the areas of Serious Mental Illness, PTSD, life development and aging, grief, depression and anxiety.

Education: Lynn obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Dakota in 1988 and her Masters of Social Work from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1990.

Background/Experience: Prior to her work at HSA, Lynn worked in hospital based medical social work. She is a Certified Social Worker licensed for private independent practice and qualified mental health professional. She has 27 years of experience at HSA and is experienced working with mental health and addiction issues including co-occurring illness. Lynn is a member of the Critical Incident Stress Management team and was a 2013 recipient of the Watertown Mayor’s Distinguished Service Award.

Activities: Outside of her work, Lynn enjoys traveling.

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.

Lisa Parks has been with the Human Service Agency since 2016 and is an Outpatient Mental Health Therapist specializing in individual and couples therapy.

Education: Lisa obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Illinois State University in 1996 and her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University in 2017.

Background/Experience: Prior to her work at HSA, Lisa worked in individual therapy at Lutheran Social Services in Illinois. She was previously a Case Manager with HSA’s CARE program. Lisa is a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

Activities: Outside of her work, Lisa enjoys movies, antiquing, decorating, and spending time with her family and pets.

Cora Sorensen has been with the Human Service Agency since 2020 and is a Mental Health Case Manager

Education: Cora attended the University of Sioux Falls where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree, specializing in Social Work. She recently completed school at the University of Denver for her Masters of Social Work, specializing in Mental Health and Trauma. Cora is currently working on getting licensed as a LCSW.

Background/Experience: Cora is currently licensed as a Licensed Social Worker. Prior to her work at the Human Service Agency, Cora was a Prevention Coordinator with the Boys and Girls Club in Watertown where she taught prevention curriculum to the youth who attended the Boys and Girls Club. Cora has also volunteered with NAMI for about one year.

Activities: Outside of her work, Cora enjoys spending time with her family and friends and working on craft projects.

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.

Education: He earned his BS in Biology after graduation Summa Com Laude from South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD. He attended Medical School at the University of Minnesota – Duluth and the University of South Dakota School of Medicine, becoming board-certified in Adult Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Background/Experience: In addition to specializing in conducting forensic evaluations, independent psychiatric evaluations, VA services, medication management, addiction medicine, neuromodulation, and psychopharmacologenomics, Dr. Pavlis also serves as Medical Director for HSA and several other locations.

Education: Graduating with honors in 2015, she brings experience and understanding to psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adults with depression or anxiety symptoms.

Background/Experience: Susana B Njuakom is a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner licensed in both Minnesota and South Dakota who joins us from near Minneapolis, MN. Her patients appreciate her kind and knowledgeable, no-nonsense approach.

Education: Dione earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from USD in 1993, and her B.S. in Nursing from SDSU in 2010, graduating from the University of Missouri, Columbia, in 2015, with a Doctorate Degree.

Background/Experience: As a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Dione serves a diverse population of clientele throughout the lifespan from pediatric to geriatric.

Amanda Ulmer has been with the Human Service Agency since 2019 as a Mental Health Case worker. She specializes in children, adolescents, families, and adults with depression or anxiety.

Education: Amanda received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Behavioral Science from Mount Marty College in 2005. She is currently working toward her Master in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree from South Dakota State University.

Background/Experience: In addition to taking master level coursework, Amanda is a member of the American Counseling Association, American Mental Health Counseling Association, and Chi Sigma Iota.

Activities: Outside of work, Amanda enjoys spending time with her children, working out, running, reading, and hanging out with her friends.

Brianna Stangl has been at the Human Service Agency since 2018 and is a Mental Health Therapist and Addiction Counselor Trainee. She specializes in addictions and mental health and Systems of Care in the Milbank School District.

Education: Brianna graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a Bachelor of Science in Social work in 2014. She obtained her Master of Social Work in 2018 from the University of South Dakota.

Background/Experience: Brianna has experience working with adults with co-occurring disorders. She is a Licensed Certified Social Worker, Addictions Counselor Trainee, and Qualified Mental Health Certificate.

Activities: When not in the office, Brianna enjoys traveling, going to concerts, spending time outdoors bird watching and walking her dog Stella. She is currently trying to learn how to play guitar.

Heather Tobin has been with the Human Service Agency since 2010 and is currently Clinical Director of Behavioral Health. She specializes in Children, Youth, and Family Therapy as well as Outpatient Therapy. Heather works to improve parenting skills and utilizing play-based and behavioral interventions along with assisting families in accessing further supports.

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/Experience: In 2011, Heather began working with individuals with severe mental illness through the CARE program providing case management and group programming. In 2015, she started working with children, adolescents, and families. She is a Licensed Certified Social Worker as well as a Qualified Mental Health Professional.

Activities: In her spare time, Heather enjoys spending time with her son, reading, podcasts, documentaries, and swimming.

Jamie Block has been with the Human Service Agency since 2019 and is a Mental Health Case Manager. She works with children, youth, families, and adults and facilitates the youth Moral Recognition Therapy group. She also provides services to youth at Watertown High School and is a Systems of Care coordinator.

Education: Jamie received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Human Service from Mount Marty College in 2018. She is currently working towards her Master of Social Work degree from the University of South Dakota.

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. Jamie has also spent time assisting in various ways at the Beacon Center and has taken Question/Persuade/Refer/Treat and Suicide Risk Assessment and Management Training.

Activities: Outside of her work, Jamie enjoys reading, music, spending time with her family, and anything to do with nature.

Stephanie Traversie has been with the Human Service Agency since 2013. Stephanie is a Clinical Director, and a Licensed Mental Health Therapist. Stephanie specializes in Functional Family Therapy, Moral Recognition Therapy, Suicidal Behavior/Ideation/Self Harm, Depression and Anxiety, and Trauma Focused CBT. She is also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and a Trained EDMR Clinician. Stephanie works with Children, Adolescents, Adults, and Families.

Education: Stephanie graduated from Dakota Wesleyan University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science degree in both Biology and Psychology. In 2014 she obtained her Master of Science in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University.

Background/Experience: Stephanie has been the site lead for the Functional Family Therapy (FFT) program since its inception in 2016, and oversees FFT trained staff at HSA as well as in the Madison and Huron community mental health offices. Stephanie also facilitates a Moral Recognition Therapy group for adults in collaboration with the Watertown Drug Court team. Stephanie has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families focusing on trauma, anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal behavior(s), and is a state certified Qualified Mental Health Professional. Stephanie is also an adjunct professor at Sisseton Wahpeton College.

Activities: Outside of her work, Stephanie enjoys collecting pottery, books, music, travel, painting, and cooking, but mostly spending time with her family.

Susan Arvidson has been with the Human Service Agency since 2017 and is a Mental Health Case Manager specializing in children, families, adults, and functional family therapy. In addition, she is also the Health Home Coordinator to assist Medicaid recipients with chronic conditions, in connecting them with services such as support for the individual and their family, setting health goals, and making sure they get the care that they need.

Education: Susan obtained her bachelor’s degree in 2000. She is currently attending Grand Canyon University where she is pursuing her Master’s in Counseling.

Background/Experience: Prior to her work at HSA, Susan has previous experience as a Mental Health Counselor, Chemical Dependency Counselor, Children’s Mental Health Social Worker, and as a Child Protective Specialist.

Activities: Outside of her work, Susan enjoys gardening, going for walks, listening to music, visiting family and relatives.

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.

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.

Lisa Meier has been with the Human Service Agency since 2017. Lisa specializes in Clinical Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, Proactive Health and Well-Being, Self-Management Plans for Chronic Diseases, and Evidence-Based Research.

Education: Lisa received her Bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State University in Family and Consumer Sciences in 1992. She also received her Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health from Northern State University in 2015.

Background/Experience: Prior to her work at HSA, Lisa was a Clinical Specialist at Northeastern Mental Health in Aberdeen and Dakota Counseling Institute in Mitchell for 3 years. Prior to her role in Health Homes, Lisa was an Employment Specialist and Community Support Professional with New Horizons at HSA. Lisa is a member of the Mayor’s Committee for Developmental Disabilities.

Activities: Outside of her work, Lisa enjoys jogging, biking, gardening, cooking, and her church fellowship.