MEET OUR 2021-2022 STAFF
Together Lifeways staff has over 100 years of experience in helping students overcome addiction.
Michele Brink-Gluhosky, CAC
Executive Director
Prior to her role as director, Michele Brink-Gluhosky enjoyed being a Lifeways Counselor at North Middle School and teaching the high school Path classes on a rotational basis. She began working for Lifeways in October 2013. She is a Certified Addiction Counselor with a B.S. in Applied Management with an Emphasis on Human Services and an A.S. in Alcohol and Other Drug Studies. Michele started working with adolescents in addiction treatment 30 years ago and working with youth has been a passion ever since. She is a native of Rapid City, but left for 10 years for adventures in Colorado and Northern California before returning to her hometown.
Connect with Michele: michelebg@lifeways.us
Executive Director
Prior to her role as director, Michele Brink-Gluhosky enjoyed being a Lifeways Counselor at North Middle School and teaching the high school Path classes on a rotational basis. She began working for Lifeways in October 2013. She is a Certified Addiction Counselor with a B.S. in Applied Management with an Emphasis on Human Services and an A.S. in Alcohol and Other Drug Studies. Michele started working with adolescents in addiction treatment 30 years ago and working with youth has been a passion ever since. She is a native of Rapid City, but left for 10 years for adventures in Colorado and Northern California before returning to her hometown.
Connect with Michele: michelebg@lifeways.us
Kelsey Hansen, MA, LAC
Clinical Supervisor
Kelsey Hansen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services and Master of Arts in Addiction Studies from University of South Dakota. She is a licensed Addiction Counselor and is the Clinical Supervisor for Lifeways. Her passion is working with youth to educate and empower them to make healthy choices. She believes that every bit of education given to young people helps to plant seeds of success and guides them in reaching their fullest potential. When she's not working she enjoys camping, swimming, Dixon Coffee, rock painting and spending time outdoors with her family, husband and two children.
Connect with Kelsey: kelseyh@lifeways.us
Clinical Supervisor
Kelsey Hansen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services and Master of Arts in Addiction Studies from University of South Dakota. She is a licensed Addiction Counselor and is the Clinical Supervisor for Lifeways. Her passion is working with youth to educate and empower them to make healthy choices. She believes that every bit of education given to young people helps to plant seeds of success and guides them in reaching their fullest potential. When she's not working she enjoys camping, swimming, Dixon Coffee, rock painting and spending time outdoors with her family, husband and two children.
Connect with Kelsey: kelseyh@lifeways.us
|
Paula Long Fox, MS
West Middle School Paula Long Fox is the Lifeways Counselor at West Middle School. Paula has been working with Lifeways since 2013. Mrs. Long Fox Has two Masters degrees and 32 years' experience in counseling Rapid City's youth. She believes drug and alcohol prevention begins with healthy relationships and activities. Connect with Paula: paulalf@lifeways.us |
|
Danielle Meyer, MS, CAC
Custer Jr. / Sr. School and Hermosa Middle School Danielle Meyer is the Lifeways Counselor at Custer Junior and Senior High School as well as Hermosa Middle School. She has been working for Lifeways since 2010 and she loves it. She enjoys working in the schools and feels it is an honor to work with so many amazing youth. Connect with Danielle: daniellem@lifeways.us |
|
Michelle Ames, BS, ACT
Elementary Schools Michelle Ames graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Chadron State College with a Field Endorsement in Physical Education and Health Education. Michelle holds a certification in Addictions Counseling as well. With Lifeways, Michelle has the opportunity to engage and connect with youth in a variety of ways to empower them to make safe and healthy lifestyle choices. Michelle is passionate about health, wellness and self-care. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, exercising, diamond painting and spending time with her family. Connect with Shelly: michellea@lifeways.us |
|
Kristina Benter, LAC
Rapid City High School Kristina Benter is the Lifeways Counselor at Rapid City High School. Kristina is a licensed Addiction Counselor, certified Sand-Tray Therapist, and holds an Associate in Science focused in Social Work and Liberal Arts from the College of Sequoias in California. Kristina brings over 15 years of experience in drug and alcohol prevention and intervention education to our team. Kristina loves working with clients and utilizing creative "out-of-the-box" methods to heal and recover from substance-abuse. Kristina is a proud military brat, a mother to a strong willed little girl, and has two four legged furry beast that she is sure are dogs. Kristina enjoys long relaxing walks to her couch, crocheting, dinosaurs, and has a healthy obsession with glitter. Connect with Kristina: kristinab@lifeways.us |
|
Rebecca Stucke, BS, ACT
Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program Counselor Rebecca Stucke is an IOP Counselor for Lifeways where she facilitates groups and individual services for clients. Rebecca has a B.S. in psychology with a minor in nutrition and is an addiction counselor trainee. Rebecca enjoys being in nature and exploring the Black Hills. Connect with Rebecca: rebeccas@lifeways.us Bill Clucas, BSW, ACT Central High School check back later for bio! Connect with Bill: billc@lifeways.us |
Cassity Goetz, BS, ACT
North Middle School
Cassity Goetz is the Lifeways Counselor at North Middle School. Cassity has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Black Hills State University and is now entering 18th Grade (Year 2 in the pursuit of an MS in counseling). Aside from counseling and school, Cassity enjoys riding her horses for leisure, competing in rodeos, and generally just being outdoors.
Connect with Cassity: cassityg@lifeways.us
North Middle School
Cassity Goetz is the Lifeways Counselor at North Middle School. Cassity has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Black Hills State University and is now entering 18th Grade (Year 2 in the pursuit of an MS in counseling). Aside from counseling and school, Cassity enjoys riding her horses for leisure, competing in rodeos, and generally just being outdoors.
Connect with Cassity: cassityg@lifeways.us
Beau LaCroix, ACT
East Middle School
Beau LaCroix is the Lifeways Counselor at East Middle School, home of the Raptors! He has a A.S. in Law Enforcement Technology from Western Dakota Technical College and is just finishing up his B.S. in Human Services from Black Hills State University. He is a husband and father to 2 boys. Beau enjoys the great outdoors, especially ice fishing. Another hobby is collecting sports cards of his favorite athletes for the past 33 years. Beau believes that positive relationships are the key to success and that it is a privilege to work with youth in the Rapid City Area Schools.
Connect with Beau: beaul@lifeways.us
East Middle School
Beau LaCroix is the Lifeways Counselor at East Middle School, home of the Raptors! He has a A.S. in Law Enforcement Technology from Western Dakota Technical College and is just finishing up his B.S. in Human Services from Black Hills State University. He is a husband and father to 2 boys. Beau enjoys the great outdoors, especially ice fishing. Another hobby is collecting sports cards of his favorite athletes for the past 33 years. Beau believes that positive relationships are the key to success and that it is a privilege to work with youth in the Rapid City Area Schools.
Connect with Beau: beaul@lifeways.us
Ashley Jensen, LSW, ACT
Stevens High School
Ashley Jensen is the Lifeways Counselor at Stevens High School. She is a Licensed Social Worker and received her Bachelors of Social Work from the University of South Dakota in 2016. She has a passion for helping others especially when it comes to helping individuals heal from past trauma in order to reach their full potential. She states, "Your trauma doesn't define you, your mistakes do not define you, but your healing does and I'm living proof of that. Everyday you have a choice: A chance to be different, a chance to change. A choice to become better or bitter and I hope you choose better because you are worth it!" Ashley's hobbies include reading, crafting, collecting house plants, dancing, singing and spending time outdoors.
Connect with Ashley: ashleyj@lifeways.us
Stevens High School
Ashley Jensen is the Lifeways Counselor at Stevens High School. She is a Licensed Social Worker and received her Bachelors of Social Work from the University of South Dakota in 2016. She has a passion for helping others especially when it comes to helping individuals heal from past trauma in order to reach their full potential. She states, "Your trauma doesn't define you, your mistakes do not define you, but your healing does and I'm living proof of that. Everyday you have a choice: A chance to be different, a chance to change. A choice to become better or bitter and I hope you choose better because you are worth it!" Ashley's hobbies include reading, crafting, collecting house plants, dancing, singing and spending time outdoors.
Connect with Ashley: ashleyj@lifeways.us
|
Belinda Wickham, ACT South Middle School Belinda Wickham is the Lifeways counselor at South Middle School and began working for Lifeways in August 2019. She enjoys working with middle school kiddos because "being a dork is still cool!" In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, being outside, and doin random art projects. Connect with Belinda: belindaw@lifeways.us Paula Wilkinson Smith, BS, LAC, CPS Founder and Former Executive Director Paula Wilkinson Smith no longer works with Lifeways as she is enjoying a well deserved retirement! She was the Executive Director since Lifeways founding in 2003 until July 2021. She worked in the field of substance abuse prevention and addiction for over 30 years. Her lifelong purpose and passion has been to help youth be drug free, discover their strengths, and talents in order to achieve their dreams. We will always be grateful for what Paula has done for this community and Lifeways. We will miss her! |
|