MEET OUR 2026-2027 STAFF
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: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
Kelsey Hansen, MA, LAC
Clinical Director
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 Director 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: [email protected]
Clinical Director
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 Director 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: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
Jean Audiss
Program Assistant
Jean is the part time Program Assistant. She assists the administrative staff at the main office and the elementary counselors delivering curriculum in the schools. Jean worked in the Winner School District for 21 years before leaving to work at Main Gate Counseling Services for 16 years. Jean and her husband moved to Box Elder in 2024 after living in Winner for 44 years. She loves spending time with her 4 children, 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. She also loves to crochet and drink Starbucks coffee.
Connect with Jean: [email protected]
Program Assistant
Jean is the part time Program Assistant. She assists the administrative staff at the main office and the elementary counselors delivering curriculum in the schools. Jean worked in the Winner School District for 21 years before leaving to work at Main Gate Counseling Services for 16 years. Jean and her husband moved to Box Elder in 2024 after living in Winner for 44 years. She loves spending time with her 4 children, 12 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. She also loves to crochet and drink Starbucks coffee.
Connect with Jean: [email protected]
Michelle Ames, BS, CAC
Curriculum Supervisor and
Elementary Prevention at Black Hawk Elementary School
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: [email protected]
Curriculum Supervisor and
Elementary Prevention at Black Hawk Elementary School
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: [email protected]
Rebecca Stucke, BS, CAC
Outpatient Treatment Supervisor
Rebecca Stucke is our Outpatient Treatment Counselor and Supervisor 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: [email protected]
Outpatient Treatment Supervisor
Rebecca Stucke is our Outpatient Treatment Counselor and Supervisor 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: [email protected]
Bill Clucas, BSW, CAC
Stevens and Central High Schools
Bill Clucas is teaming with Kristine Rancour this year and sharing their delivery of services at the two high schools. 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. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, hiking, playing music and singing.
Connect with Bill: [email protected]
Stevens and Central High Schools
Bill Clucas is teaming with Kristine Rancour this year and sharing their delivery of services at the two high schools. 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. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, hiking, playing music and singing.
Connect with Bill: [email protected]
Beau LaCroix, BS, ACT
Douglas High School
Beau is a Rapid City native born and raised in Rapid City. Beau started his higher education at Western Dakota Tech graduating with an associate's degree in Law Enforcement Technology and completed his undergraduate at Black Hills State University in Human Services. Beau considers it a privilege to work with the youth in our community and give back to the place so many of us call home. Beau is passionate about prevention, education and all things sports. Beau attended E B Bergquist Elementary, North Middle, South Middle and Central High School.
Connect with Beau: [email protected]
Douglas High School
Beau is a Rapid City native born and raised in Rapid City. Beau started his higher education at Western Dakota Tech graduating with an associate's degree in Law Enforcement Technology and completed his undergraduate at Black Hills State University in Human Services. Beau considers it a privilege to work with the youth in our community and give back to the place so many of us call home. Beau is passionate about prevention, education and all things sports. Beau attended E B Bergquist Elementary, North Middle, South Middle and Central High School.
Connect with Beau: [email protected]
Amanda Young, MS, NCC, LAC
Outpatient Treatment
Amanda Young is an Outpatient Treatment Counselor and has 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 fourth 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 help the next generation of leaders be educated and substance free!
Connect with Amanda: [email protected]
Outpatient Treatment
Amanda Young is an Outpatient Treatment Counselor and has 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 fourth 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 help the next generation of leaders be educated and substance free!
Connect with Amanda: [email protected]
Twila Meyers, BS, Prevention Counselor
Horace Mann, Knollwood and Grandview Elementary Schools
Twila Meyers is the Lifeways Counselor at Horace Mann, Knollwood and Grandview Elementary Schools. She has a bachelor's degree in elementary education with a minor in psychology and is a Prevention Counselor. She has over 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: [email protected]
Horace Mann, Knollwood and Grandview Elementary Schools
Twila Meyers is the Lifeways Counselor at Horace Mann, Knollwood and Grandview Elementary Schools. She has a bachelor's degree in elementary education with a minor in psychology and is a Prevention Counselor. She has over 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: [email protected]
Nicholes Wiest, JD, ACT
West Middle School
Nicholes is the Lifeways Counselor at West Middle School. He was raised on his grandparents' ranch here in Rapid City. He holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of South Dakota as well as degrees in anthropology and auto collision repair. Nicholes loves God, his family and his country. He believes that a balance between mind, body and spirit is paramount for healthy living. Nicholes is passionate about recovery and helping others to achieve their goals. In his free time Nicholes enjoys video games, playing with his dog and cruising his classic muscle car.
Connect with Nick: [email protected]
West Middle School
Nicholes is the Lifeways Counselor at West Middle School. He was raised on his grandparents' ranch here in Rapid City. He holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of South Dakota as well as degrees in anthropology and auto collision repair. Nicholes loves God, his family and his country. He believes that a balance between mind, body and spirit is paramount for healthy living. Nicholes is passionate about recovery and helping others to achieve their goals. In his free time Nicholes enjoys video games, playing with his dog and cruising his classic muscle car.
Connect with Nick: [email protected]
Chelsea Lindwurm, BS, ACT
South Middle School
Chelsea is the Lifeways Counselor at South Middle School. She has a bachelor's degree in Human Services from Black Hills State University. She double minored in psychology and sociology with a variety of work experience in the human services world. Chelsea enjoys spending time with family, reading and being outdoors. Chelsea is thrilled to be a part of Lifeways and work with youth in the community, offering mentorship and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Connect with Chelsea: [email protected]
South Middle School
Chelsea is the Lifeways Counselor at South Middle School. She has a bachelor's degree in Human Services from Black Hills State University. She double minored in psychology and sociology with a variety of work experience in the human services world. Chelsea enjoys spending time with family, reading and being outdoors. Chelsea is thrilled to be a part of Lifeways and work with youth in the community, offering mentorship and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Connect with Chelsea: [email protected]
Kristene, BS, CAC
Central and Stevens High School
With a profound desire to help others, Kristene is now an Addiction Counselor after dedicating nearly two decades to serving as a Paramedic. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Addiction Counseling and Prevention and a minor in Health Sciences from USD, currently pursuing a master's degree in the same field. Kristene is committed to providing the highest quality support to those impacted by substance use and is driven by a philosophy of whole health and wellness. She is excited to empower our youth to make healthy choices and avoid the dangers of drug and alcohol use. Kristene enjoys spending time with her family, engaging in her love for animals, reading, and exploring the outdoors through hiking.
Connect with Kristene: [email protected]
Central and Stevens High School
With a profound desire to help others, Kristene is now an Addiction Counselor after dedicating nearly two decades to serving as a Paramedic. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Addiction Counseling and Prevention and a minor in Health Sciences from USD, currently pursuing a master's degree in the same field. Kristene is committed to providing the highest quality support to those impacted by substance use and is driven by a philosophy of whole health and wellness. She is excited to empower our youth to make healthy choices and avoid the dangers of drug and alcohol use. Kristene enjoys spending time with her family, engaging in her love for animals, reading, and exploring the outdoors through hiking.
Connect with Kristene: [email protected]
Gina Hill, ACT
Douglas Middle School
Gina is the first full time Lifeways Counselor in the Douglas School District and this is her second year. She hails from Nashville, TN and in addition to currently pursuing her degree in Addiction Counseling and Prevention, Gina is a licensed minister/chaplain. She also brings experience from adult addiction counseling and the healthcare industry. Gina and her husband of 30 years have 3 adult children and along with enjoying family time, she loves to sing, decorate and is an avid hiker.
Connect with Gina: [email protected]
Douglas Middle School
Gina is the first full time Lifeways Counselor in the Douglas School District and this is her second year. She hails from Nashville, TN and in addition to currently pursuing her degree in Addiction Counseling and Prevention, Gina is a licensed minister/chaplain. She also brings experience from adult addiction counseling and the healthcare industry. Gina and her husband of 30 years have 3 adult children and along with enjoying family time, she loves to sing, decorate and is an avid hiker.
Connect with Gina: [email protected]
Jerome Opsal, BS, Prevention Counselor
General Beadle, Rapid Valley and Valley View Elementary Schools
Jerome Opsal is our part-time prevention counselor at General Beadle and Rapid Valley Elementary. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Jerome came to the Black Hills during his childhood, attended South Middle School, and graduated from Central High School. He holds a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in communication from the University of Idaho. Jerome enjoys traveling, whether within the United States or abroad.
Connect with Jerome: [email protected]
General Beadle, Rapid Valley and Valley View Elementary Schools
Jerome Opsal is our part-time prevention counselor at General Beadle and Rapid Valley Elementary. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Jerome came to the Black Hills during his childhood, attended South Middle School, and graduated from Central High School. He holds a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in communication from the University of Idaho. Jerome enjoys traveling, whether within the United States or abroad.
Connect with Jerome: [email protected]
Samantha Nelson, Prevention Counselor
North Middle School
Samantha is in her third year with Lifeways, but first at North. She has an associate's degree in criminal justice. Samantha loves to engage with the youth in the community to try and encourage a healthy, positive lifestyle.
Connect with Samantha: [email protected]
North Middle School
Samantha is in her third year with Lifeways, but first at North. She has an associate's degree in criminal justice. Samantha loves to engage with the youth in the community to try and encourage a healthy, positive lifestyle.
Connect with Samantha: [email protected]
Faith Torke, BS, Prevention Counselor
East Middle School
This is Faith's first year at Lifeways after very recently moving to Rapid City. She is from Southwest Minnesota and graduated from the University of Sioux Falls with a bachelor's in social work. Faith has a passion in helping young minds have healthy lifestyle habits and to just be who they are.
Connect with Faith: [email protected]
East Middle School
This is Faith's first year at Lifeways after very recently moving to Rapid City. She is from Southwest Minnesota and graduated from the University of Sioux Falls with a bachelor's in social work. Faith has a passion in helping young minds have healthy lifestyle habits and to just be who they are.
Connect with Faith: [email protected]
Desiree Forgey, BS, Prevention Counselor
Rapid City Alternative Academy
Desiree is a mom first and loves working with children. She has a BS in psychology with a minor in criminal justice and is currently working towards a master's in clinical mental health with a dual track of licensed addiction counseling. Desiree enjoys learning and reading as well as Halloween, Harry Potter, road trips and car karaoke.
Connect with Desiree: [email protected]
Rapid City Alternative Academy
Desiree is a mom first and loves working with children. She has a BS in psychology with a minor in criminal justice and is currently working towards a master's in clinical mental health with a dual track of licensed addiction counseling. Desiree enjoys learning and reading as well as Halloween, Harry Potter, road trips and car karaoke.
Connect with Desiree: [email protected]