MEET OUR STAFF
Together Lifeways staff has over 100 years of experience in helping students overcome addiction.
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Paula Wilkinson Smith, BS, LAC, CPS
Executive Director Paula is a Rapid City native. She has been the Executive Director since Lifeways founding in 2003. She has worked in the field of substance abuse prevention and addiction for over 30 years. Her lifelong purpose and passion is to help youth be drug free, discover their strengths, and talents in order to achieve their dreams. Connect with Paula: paula@lifeways.us |
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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 |
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Michele Brink-Gluhosky, BS, CAC
North Middle School Michele Brink-Gluhosky enjoys 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 is a native of Rapid City, but left for 10 years for adventures in Colorado and Northern California before returning to her hometown to raise her children. She prefers warm weather and being outdoors as much as possible, especially on a bike or in the mountains. Conncet with Michele: michelebg@lifeways.us |
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Danielle Meyer, MS, CAC
Custer Jr. / Sr. Schools 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 |
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Kelsey Hansen, MA, LAC, CTP
Central High School Kelsey Hansen is one of the Lifeways Counselors at Central High School and 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 provides Clinical Supervision for the Lifeways Clinical staff. Her passion is working with youth to educate and empower them to make healthy choices. Every bit of education we give helps to plant seeds of success to help guide them in reaching their fullest potential. When I'm not at work I enjoy camping, swimming, Dixon Coffee and rock painting. I love spending time outdoors with my family, my husband and our two children. Connect with Kelsey: kelseyh@lifeways.us |
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Michelle Ames, BS, ACT
Central High School Michelle Ames graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Chadron State College in 2002 with a Field Endorsement in Physical Education and Health. Michelle, known as Shelly holds a certification in Addictions Counseling. With Lifeways, Shelly has the opportunity to engage and connect with youth in a variety of ways to empower them to make safe and healthy lifestyle choices. Shelly is passionate about health and wellness, reading, and coloring. Connect with Shelly: michellea@lifeways.us |
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Kathleen Kovarik, PhD, ACT
Stevens High School Kathleen Kovarik has a heart for prevention and wellness and is the Lifeways Counselor at Stevens High. Her passion is to help teens develop healthy habits that will serve them for life. Kathleen received her master's in Physiological Nursing from the University of Washington, and her PhD in Leadership Studies from Gonzaga University. She also has education in Counseling Psychology, and is an Addiction Counselor Trainee. Kathleen enjoys spending time with extended family and friends here in the Black Hills. Pursuits in our outdoor paradise include hiking, skiing, kayaking, and bicycling, and she can frequently be found on local pickleball courts! Connect with Kathleen: kathleenk@lifeways.us |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 doing random art projects. Connect with Belinda: belindaw@lifeways.us |
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Naomi Even-Aberle, MFA
Operations Assistant Naomi Even-Aberle is the Operations Assistant for Lifeways and works hard behind the scenes to make sure that Lifeways is able to run efficiently and effectively. Naomi holds a B.A. degree in Fine Arts and Art Education from Northern State University, and a Master's degree in Visual Arts from Vermont College of Fine Arts. When Naomi isn’t digging into policies and procedures, you can find her teaching martial arts classes at her training studio Full Circle Martial Arts Academy. In her spare time, Naomi enjoys experimenting in art, snowboarding, rocking climbing, and drinking copious amounts of coffee. Connect with Naomi: operations@lifeways.us |