*Missing from group photo - Danielle Meyer
MEET OUR 2023-2024 STAFF
Together Lifeways staff has over 100 years of experience in helping students overcome addiction.
Michele Brink-Gluhosky, BS, 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 2014. She is a Certified Addiction Counselor with a bachelor's degree in applied management with an emphasis on human services and an associate's in alcohol and other drug studies. Michele worked with adolescents in addiction treatment and the juvenile justice system before joining Lifeways so really sees the value in prevention. 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 2014. She is a Certified Addiction Counselor with a bachelor's degree in applied management with an emphasis on human services and an associate's in alcohol and other drug studies. Michele worked with adolescents in addiction treatment and the juvenile justice system before joining Lifeways so really sees the value in prevention. 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, Scooter's 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, Scooter's Coffee, rock painting and spending time outdoors with her family, husband and two children.
Connect with Kelsey: kelseyh@lifeways.us
Crystal Komes
Administrative Assistant
Crystal Komes is the Lifeways Administrative Assistant. She has multiple years of experience in office operations including an insurance license in the State of SD. She enjoys helping people and supporting the counselors at Lifeways. She is a wife, a mother of 3 kids, 2 grandchildren and 2 dogs. Her favorite hobby is enjoying time with her family at the lake.
Connect with Crystal: office@lifeways.us
Administrative Assistant
Crystal Komes is the Lifeways Administrative Assistant. She has multiple years of experience in office operations including an insurance license in the State of SD. She enjoys helping people and supporting the counselors at Lifeways. She is a wife, a mother of 3 kids, 2 grandchildren and 2 dogs. Her favorite hobby is enjoying time with her family at the lake.
Connect with Crystal: office@lifeways.us
Danielle Meyer, MS, CAC
Custer Jr./Sr. High School
Danielle Meyer is the Lifeways Counselor at Custer Junior and Senior High 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
Custer Jr./Sr. High School
Danielle Meyer is the Lifeways Counselor at Custer Junior and Senior High 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, CAC
Curriculum Specialist
General Beadle, Valley View and Black Hawk 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 Michelle: michellea@lifeways.us
Curriculum Specialist
General Beadle, Valley View and Black Hawk 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 Michelle: michellea@lifeways.us
Rebecca Stucke, BS, CAC
Outpatient Treatment
Rebecca Stucke is our Outpatient Treatment Counselor for Lifeways where she facilitates groups and individual services for clients. Rebecca has a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in nutrition and is a Certified Addiction Counselor. Rebecca enjoys being in nature and exploring the Black Hills.
Connect with Rebecca: rebeccas@lifeways.us
Outpatient Treatment
Rebecca Stucke is our Outpatient Treatment Counselor for Lifeways where she facilitates groups and individual services for clients. Rebecca has a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in nutrition and is a Certified Addiction Counselor. Rebecca enjoys being in nature and exploring the Black Hills.
Connect with Rebecca: rebeccas@lifeways.us
Bill Clucas, BSW, ACT
Central High School, Hermosa School, Outpatient Treatment
Bill Clucas is the Lifeways Counselor at Central High School, GO COBBLERS! Bill was born and raised in Rapid City; attending Knollwood Elementary, North Middle School and Central High School. He graduated from Oglala Lakota College in 2012 with a bachelor's degree in social work. Bill has always had a passion for working with the youth in his community and enjoys building positive strong relationships with the students at Central. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, hiking, playing music and singing.
Connect with Bill: billc@lifeways.us
Central High School, Hermosa School, Outpatient Treatment
Bill Clucas is the Lifeways Counselor at Central High School, GO COBBLERS! Bill was born and raised in Rapid City; attending Knollwood Elementary, North Middle School and Central High School. He graduated from Oglala Lakota College in 2012 with a bachelor's degree in social work. Bill has always had a passion for working with the youth in his community and enjoys building positive strong relationships with the students at Central. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, hiking, playing music and singing.
Connect with Bill: billc@lifeways.us
Belinda Wickham, BS, 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 doing random art projects.
Connect with Belinda: belindaw@lifeways.us
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 doing random art projects.
Connect with Belinda: belindaw@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 bachelor's degree in social work from the University of South Dakota in 2016 and a master's in social work in 2023. 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 bachelor's degree in social work from the University of South Dakota in 2016 and a master's in social work in 2023. 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
Michelle Teeslink, MS, LAC
North Middle School
Michelle Teeslink is the Lifeways Counselor at North Middle School. Michelle has a master's degree in addiction studies and has joined Lifeways after a decade of working in treatment with adults. She has always loved working with people, and originally wanted to be a profiler, but life had other plans and she found herself drawn to this field. She is glad she followed her compass. She considers it a privilege to hear other's stories and SEE them, not just the disease of addiction. She walks with them and lets them know that they are not alone. She has lived in the US and overseas, but is originally from Puerto Rico with most recent residency in Alaska before moving to SD.
Connect with Michelle: michellet@lifeways.us
North Middle School
Michelle Teeslink is the Lifeways Counselor at North Middle School. Michelle has a master's degree in addiction studies and has joined Lifeways after a decade of working in treatment with adults. She has always loved working with people, and originally wanted to be a profiler, but life had other plans and she found herself drawn to this field. She is glad she followed her compass. She considers it a privilege to hear other's stories and SEE them, not just the disease of addiction. She walks with them and lets them know that they are not alone. She has lived in the US and overseas, but is originally from Puerto Rico with most recent residency in Alaska before moving to SD.
Connect with Michelle: michellet@lifeways.us
Samantha Nelson, ACT
East Middle School
Samantha Nelson is the Lifeways Counselor at East Middle School. She has an associate's degree in criminal justice from Western Dakota Technical College and has had a variety of work experience with adults diagnosed with substance use disorders. Samantha has always had the goal of giving back to whoever, wherever she can. She has a son and a puppy that keeps her days busy, and she wouldn’t have it any other way!
Connect with Samantha: samanthan@lifeways.us
East Middle School
Samantha Nelson is the Lifeways Counselor at East Middle School. She has an associate's degree in criminal justice from Western Dakota Technical College and has had a variety of work experience with adults diagnosed with substance use disorders. Samantha has always had the goal of giving back to whoever, wherever she can. She has a son and a puppy that keeps her days busy, and she wouldn’t have it any other way!
Connect with Samantha: samanthan@lifeways.us
Amanda Young, MS, ACT
West Middle School
Amanda Young is the Lifeways counselor at West Middle School and has recently graduated from SDSU with her master's in clinical mental health with an emphasis in addiction work. She loves to have fun, especially outside when possible and loves getting creative. Amanda has been married for 10 years and they have 3 children together as well as 3 dogs. This is Amanda's second year with Lifeways, and she is very excited to be returning and making a difference where it matters the most: our youth. She loves working with kids and is looking forward to working alongside WMS again this year to help keep the next generation of leaders educated and substance free!
Connect with Amanda: amanday@lifeways.us
West Middle School
Amanda Young is the Lifeways counselor at West Middle School and has recently graduated from SDSU with her master's in clinical mental health with an emphasis in addiction work. She loves to have fun, especially outside when possible and loves getting creative. Amanda has been married for 10 years and they have 3 children together as well as 3 dogs. This is Amanda's second year with Lifeways, and she is very excited to be returning and making a difference where it matters the most: our youth. She loves working with kids and is looking forward to working alongside WMS again this year to help keep the next generation of leaders educated and substance free!
Connect with Amanda: amanday@lifeways.us
Scott Marshaus, MA, ACT
Rapid City High School
Scott Marshaus is the Lifeways Counselor at Rapid City Alternative Academy. Scott was born and raised in Western Wisconsin, arriving to the Black Hills in 2014. He graduated from UW-Platteville with a degree in Communications in 2011, and earned his MA in History from UW-Eau Claire in 2015. In addition to starting with Lifeways in 2022, he is pursuing a Master’s in Addiction Counseling with USD. Scott has been working with youth of all ages starting with his time in the Boy Scouts; he also has experience in the Head-Start program along with special education for the Hill City School District. When Scott isn’t studying or at school, he enjoys hiking, playing with his dog, and reading.
Connect with Scott: scottm@lifeways.us
Rapid City High School
Scott Marshaus is the Lifeways Counselor at Rapid City Alternative Academy. Scott was born and raised in Western Wisconsin, arriving to the Black Hills in 2014. He graduated from UW-Platteville with a degree in Communications in 2011, and earned his MA in History from UW-Eau Claire in 2015. In addition to starting with Lifeways in 2022, he is pursuing a Master’s in Addiction Counseling with USD. Scott has been working with youth of all ages starting with his time in the Boy Scouts; he also has experience in the Head-Start program along with special education for the Hill City School District. When Scott isn’t studying or at school, he enjoys hiking, playing with his dog, and reading.
Connect with Scott: scottm@lifeways.us
Twila Meyers, BS, ACT
Horace Mann and Knollwood Elementary Schools
Twila Meyers is the Lifeways Counselor at Horace Mann and Knollwood Elementary Schools. She has a bachelor's degree in elementary education with a minor in psychology and is an Addiction Counselor Trainee. She has 30 years of experience working with youth in the areas of early learning, after school care, and elementary education. When not working, Twila enjoys hiking in the Black Hills, cardmaking, and being an active member in her church community.
Connect with Twila: twilam@lifeways.us
Horace Mann and Knollwood Elementary Schools
Twila Meyers is the Lifeways Counselor at Horace Mann and Knollwood Elementary Schools. She has a bachelor's degree in elementary education with a minor in psychology and is an Addiction Counselor Trainee. She has 30 years of experience working with youth in the areas of early learning, after school care, and elementary education. When not working, Twila enjoys hiking in the Black Hills, cardmaking, and being an active member in her church community.
Connect with Twila: twilam@lifeways.us