Crisis hotline available 24/7 | 
Meet Our Team
The Compass Center has a growing team of experts ready to offer trauma informed care to survivors of sexual and domestic violence. They work relentlessly to break the cycle of violence through community education and by working directly with batterers.
Michelle T, MS, NCC, LPC-MH
Michelle serves as the Executive Director of The Compass Center, bringing strategic vision and experienced leadership to the organization. Since assuming this role in 2020, Michelle has been instrumental in guiding The Compass Center's mission and expanding its impact in the community. With a Master of Science degree in Counseling from South Dakota State University, Michelle leverages her deep understanding of mental health and social services to oversee all aspects of the organization. She directs the center's comprehensive programs, including counseling services, advocacy initiatives, and educational outreach. Under Michelle's leadership, The Compass Center has strengthened its educational efforts, including the development of "It's Our Business," an innovative training program for local businesses. Her strategic approach and commitment to community partnerships have enhanced the center's ability to provide crucial support and resources to those affected by sexual and domestic violence. Michelle's diverse background in social services, including experience with families, children, and individuals with various needs, informs her holistic approach to leading The Compass Center. Her dedication to creating a compassionate and effective support system drives the organization's continuous growth and success in serving the community.
michelle@thecompasscenter.org
Sydney B, BS, TCTSY-F (she/her)
Sydney serves as the Chief Development and Communication Officer (CDCO) at The Compass Center, effective July 2024. With a Bachelor of Science in Contemporary Media and Journalism, emphasizing Public Relations and Advertising from the University of South Dakota, Sydney brings strategic communication expertise to her role. As CDCO, Sydney leads fundraising initiatives and oversees all communications, managing donor relationships, marketing, and brand management. She collaborates with executive leadership on strategic planning to advance the organization's mission. A certified Trauma Sensitive Trauma Center Yoga Facilitator (TCTSY-F), Sydney incorporates a holistic approach to well-being in her work. Her journey includes founding initiatives like Move To Heal South Dakota, demonstrating her commitment to community action. Sydney's multifaceted background in development, communication, and wellness drives innovative strategies at The Compass Center, fostering positive change and empowering those in need.
sydney@thecompasscenter.org
Briana H, MA, LPC (MN), LPC-MH (SD), RPT-S
Briana serves as the Director of Clinical Services at The Compass Center, bringing specialized expertise as a Registered Play Therapist - Supervisor to her role. With a focus on young clients aged 3-18, Briana leads our clinical team in providing compassionate and effective therapeutic services. As a Registered Play Therapist - Supervisor, Briana employs innovative and age-appropriate techniques to help children and adolescents process their experiences and emotions. Her approach allows young clients to express themselves in a safe, supportive environment, facilitating healing and growth. In her capacity as Director of Clinical Services, Briana oversees the development and implementation of therapeutic programs, ensuring that The Compass Center continues to offer high-quality, evidence-based care to young individuals affected by trauma and family challenges. Briana's dedication to child and adolescent mental health significantly enhances The Compass Center's ability to support and empower our community's youngest members.
briana@thecompasscenter.org
Sara K, SWA
Sara serves as the Director of Community Advocacy at The Compass Center. In this vital role, she provides comprehensive advocacy for children, teens, and adults affected by sexual, relational, and family trauma. Sara's expertise encompasses a wide range of support services, including: civil and criminal assistance and referrals, safety planning, community referrals, and assistance with protection orders With her dedication and extensive knowledge, Sara ensures that individuals of all ages receive the support and resources they need to navigate challenging circumstances. Her work is integral to The Compass Center's mission of providing compassionate and effective advocacy for those impacted by trauma.
sara@thecompasscenter.org
Nicole O
Nicole, Director of Operations, joined The Compass Center in October 2017, bringing 11 years of valuable experience in administrative and operations roles from her previous corporate career. She applies her professional expertise to streamline and enhance the center's behind-the-scenes operations. Nicole's passion for mental health and artistic expression informs her approach to creating efficient systems that support the center's mission. Her dedication to operational excellence enables The Compass Center's staff to provide comprehensive support to those in need.
nicole@thecompasscenter.org
Kelsey K, MA, LPC (SD, MN), LPC-MH, CCTP
Kelsey serves as a Supervising Therapist II at The Compass Center, bringing a diverse range of therapeutic skills to her role. Her practice encompasses both individual therapy for teens and adults, and specialized interventions for younger clients and their families. Kelsey's expertise includes: Individual therapy for adolescents and adults, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) for children ages 3-12 and their caregivers, Brainspotting techniques, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) With her advanced training in multiple therapeutic modalities, Kelsey is equipped to address a wide spectrum of mental health needs. Her role as a supervising therapist also allows her to guide and support other clinicians, enhancing the overall quality of care at The Compass Center. Kelsey's commitment to evidence-based practices and her versatility in treating different age groups contribute significantly to The Compass Center's mission of providing comprehensive, trauma-informed care to our community.
kelsey@thecompasscenter.org
Michele J, RN, MA, LPC, LPC-MH, CCTP II
Michele brings extensive experience and a compassionate approach to her role as Supervising Therapist II at The Compass Center. Specializing in therapy for adults, Michele is adept at helping individuals navigate their emotional landscapes and find healing. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a powerful therapy for overcoming trauma. Additionally, Michele leads adult support groups, creating a safe and nurturing environment for participants to share, grow, and heal together. Her dedication to her clients' well-being and her expertise in trauma-informed care make her an invaluable asset to our team.
shelly@thecompasscenter.org
Maranda H, MA, LPC, LPC-MH, IoWA-PCIT trained, CCTP
Maranda H serves as the YVIP Program Manager and Supervising Therapist II at The Compass Center. She oversees the Youth Voices in Prevention program, dedicated to eliminating violence among middle and high school students in the Sioux Falls metro area. Specializing in teen and young adult therapy, Maranda also offers Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for children ages 3-12 and their caregivers. In her role, Maranda leads the development and implementation of youth counseling programs, provides individual and group therapy, and offers clinical supervision. Her holistic approach supports The Compass Center's mission to empower youth through education, skill-building, and violence prevention strategies, creating safer communities for young people in the area.
maranda@thecompasscenter.org
Gianna W, MS, LPC Supervisee
Gianna is a dedicated Staff Therapist at The Compass Center, committed to providing compassionate and effective therapy. She works with both adults and teens, helping them address a range of emotional and psychological challenges. In addition to individual therapy, Gianna facilitates group therapy sessions, creating a supportive space for clients to share experiences and foster growth. Her holistic and client-centered approach ensures that each individual receives personalized care to support their journey toward healing and well-being.
gianna@thecompasscenter.org
Ashley ZL, MA, LPC-MH Supervisee, ATR, NCC, CCTP
Ashley is a compassionate Staff Therapist at The Compass Center, offering individual therapy for children, teens, and adults. With specialized training in art therapy and guided drawing, Ashley integrates creative techniques into her therapeutic practice. She provides both individual art therapy sessions and facilitates art therapy groups, creating a unique and expressive environment for healing. Ashley's approach combines traditional therapeutic methods with artistic expression, helping her clients explore their emotions and achieve personal growth through creativity.
ashley@thecompasscenter.org
Melisa M, MSW, LCSW
Melisa serves as the Crisis Care Navigator at The Compass Center, providing vital support to individuals in their moments of greatest need. With compassion and expertise, Melisa offers immediate, walk-in support services to those impacted by sexual, relational, and other forms of family trauma. In her role, Melisa is often the first point of contact for individuals seeking help during crisis situations. She skillfully assesses each person's needs and provides tailored support, guidance, and resources. Her ability to create a safe and welcoming environment is crucial for those taking their first steps towards healing and recovery. Melisa's dedication to crisis intervention and her understanding of trauma-informed care play an essential part in The Compass Center's mission to provide timely and effective support to our community members in distress.
melisa@thecompasscenter.org
Cruz TR, MS, LPC-MH (South Dakota), LPC (South Dakota), RPT, NCC, QMHP
Cruz brings a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to her role as the Little Navigators Program Manager at The Compass Center. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Play Therapy from South Dakota State University. Additionally, Cruz has earned a graduate certificate in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health from Georgetown University. Throughout her career, Cruz has provided individual and group therapy to children and their families, working in both community mental health and private practice settings. As the manager of the Little Navigators program, Cruz oversees all aspects of programming and offers therapy to children ages 3 and older. Licensed as a counselor in South Dakota and a Registered Play Therapist, Cruz is dedicated to fostering the mental health and well-being of young children through compassionate and specialized care.
cruz@thecompasscenter.org
Shannon N, MS, NCC, LPC
Shannon is a dedicated Little Navigators Program Therapist at The Compass Center. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from South Dakota State University in 2019. Continuing her education at the same institution, Shannon received her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in play therapy in 2022. During her studies, Shannon gained valuable experience working directly with children and young adults, providing both individual and group therapy sessions. She also has a background in working with early elementary-aged children of all abilities. Shannon joined The Compass Center as a therapy intern in early 2022, focusing on children ages 3-12. Following her internship, she transitioned into a full-time role as a Little Navigators Program Therapist, where she continues to make a positive impact on the lives of young children and their families.
shannonn@thecompasscenter.org
Haley M, MSW, LCSW, LCSW-PIP Supervisee
Haley is a compassionate Little Navigators Program Therapist at The Compass Center. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree with a minor in child development from the University of South Dakota. She then completed her Master's of Social Work in 2022 at the University of South Dakota. With experience as a staff member in a childcare center and working with children, teens, and young adults in a clinical setting, Haley brings a well-rounded background to her role. She is currently pursuing her play therapy certification and her LCSW-PIP (Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Private Independent Practice) credentials. Haley joined The Compass Center's Little Navigators Program in August of 2022, where she continues to make a positive impact on the lives of young children and their families.
haleym@thecompasscenter.org
Charlotte H, MS, LPC, LPC-MH Supervisee, NCC
Charlotte is a dedicated Little Navigators Program Therapist at The Compass Center. She received her Master of Science in Counseling and Human Resource Development, specializing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, from South Dakota State University. Charlotte brings a diverse background to her role, with experience working as an assistant teacher in a childcare center, providing therapeutic services to elementary students in the public education system, and serving as a substitute teacher. During her undergraduate studies, Charlotte worked at a domestic violence shelter, offering care to children in emergency foster care placement. Since joining The Compass Center in 2022, Charlotte has primarily provided therapy services to children ages 3-12. She is currently working towards licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor and has completed the educational requirements to become a Registered Play Therapist.
charlotteh@thecompasscenter.org
Miranda H
Miranda serves as a therapist in the Little Navigators Program at The Compass Center, specializing in services for children ages 3-5. Currently pursuing a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at SDSU, Miranda holds a bachelor's in psychology from the University of Sioux Falls. Her experience includes case management and early intervention at a community mental health center. Miranda is working towards becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor and is in Phase 2 of Registered Play Therapist certification, enhancing The Compass Center's ability to support young clients.
mirandah@thecompasscenter.org
Vonda VW
Vonda is the Administrative Assistant at The Compass Center. With her exceptional organizational skills and warm demeanor, Vonda ensures smooth daily operations and provides crucial support to our team and clients. Her dedication and efficiency are instrumental in helping The Compass Center fulfill its mission.
vonda@thecompasscenter.org
Grace A
Grace serves as the Rape Crisis Program Coordinator at The Compass Center, where she plays a crucial role in managing and supporting over 15 Rape Crisis Advocates. Her journey with the center began in the summer of 2022 as a part-time rape crisis advocate, quickly evolving into her current full-time position in September 2023. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and English from the University of South Dakota, Grace brings a strong educational foundation to her work. Her passion lies in providing support and resources to individuals impacted by sexual trauma, domestic violence, and human trafficking. As the coordinator of The Compass Center's Rape Crisis Program, Grace ensures the delivery of compassionate and effective support to those in crisis. Her leadership is instrumental in maintaining the center's status as the ONLY 24/7 Rape Crisis Hotline in South Dakota. Grace's dedication and expertise contribute significantly to The Compass Center's mission of providing immediate, round-the-clock support to those in need. Crisis Hotline Available 24/7 | Call 1-877-IN-CRISIS
gracea@thecompasscenter.org
Lori
Lori serves as our Community Educator and Outreach Specialist. With her expertise in presenting engaging prevention education programs and building strong community partnerships, Lori plays a crucial role in spreading our message and fostering positive change. Her passion for lifelong learning and community empowerment drives our outreach initiatives, making our programs more accessible and impactful for all.
lori@thecompasscenter.org