Board of Directors

     "During my years as a psychiatric nurse at 5th Street Connection, I saw close up the strength and perseverance of people who had been diagnosed with a mental health condition. I also saw a group of people shunned by a society that still holds on to the myths and misperceptions of mental health diagnoses. I'm making it my mission to educate the public to treat mental health the same as any other medical disease."​

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       I was studying to be an occupational therapy assistant when my schizo-affective disorder symptoms began. But that hasn't stopped me from achieving many personal goals. My education has always been important to me. I have an AA in criminal justice, and a BA in general studies. I was an education assistant on the Rosebud reservation helping kids in the special education department. I also applied to the Masters Program at USD for Chemical Dependency counseling, and I am a founding member of Empire Mental Health Support.

       As a single mother of four daughters and a certified Community Health Worker, I’ve lived with major depressive disorder, and helped my daughters navigate their own mental health challenges. This experience has taught me how tough it can be to find the right support. I’ve worked in both community and hospital behavioral health settings, but its my lived experience that drives me to advocate for better access, understanding and support in mental health and social services.

     "We are looking to fill this role as a permanent position. If interested, we recommend applying to become a board member first to learn who we are and what we do as a way to establish your leadership skills.​​​

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Email us at info@empirementalhealthsupport.org to become a board member.​​​

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     "My mental health diagnosis began much later in life. During my recovery I realized I wanted to do more to educate others about the stigmas surrounding mental illness. I am honored to be a speaker who brings the lived experience to community groups and organizations, such as the Sioux Falls Police Department's Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) where law enforcement officers hear first-hand how mental health issues have an impact on their interactions with the public."

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     "I am a family member with many years of lived experience managing the challenging symptoms of my daughter's bipolar disorder. This personal journey led me to learn about evidence-based communication methods to help improve what families go through during a mental health crisis. To have the opportunity to share my skills and experiences with other families through EMHS' Roadmap To Wellness workshops is my personal commitment and goal."

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