Crisis hotline available 24/7 | 
Meet Our Team
The Compass Center has a dedicated team of experts ready to offer trauma informed care to survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Our direct services include crisis response, advocacy support, and counseling, while we work to break the cycle of violence through community education and prevention programs.
Sydney B, BS, TCTSY-F
Sydney leads fundraising initiatives and oversees all communications, managing donor relationships, marketing, and brand management. With a Bachelor of Science in Contemporary Media and Journalism from the University of South Dakota, she brings strategic communication and marketing expertise to advancing the organization's mission. As a certified Trauma Sensitive Trauma Center Yoga Facilitator (TCTSY-F), Sydney incorporates a holistic approach to well-being in her work and founded Move To Heal South Dakota, demonstrating her commitment to community action and innovative healing strategies.
sydney@thecompasscenter.org
Nicole O
Nicole joined The Compass Center in October 2017, bringing 11 years of valuable experience in administrative and operations roles from her 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 organization's mission and enable staff to provide comprehensive support to those in need.
nicole@thecompasscenter.org
Sara K, SWA
Sara provides comprehensive advocacy for children, teens, and adults affected by sexual, relational, and family trauma. Her expertise encompasses 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.
sara@thecompasscenter.org
Kelsey K, MA, LPC (SD, MN), LPC-MH, CCTP
Kelsey brings diverse therapeutic skills to her practice, providing individual therapy for teens and adults, as well as specialized interventions for younger clients and their families. Her expertise includes Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) for children ages 3-12, Brainspotting techniques, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Kelsey maintains her commitment to evidence-based practices and comprehensive trauma-informed care while supporting a wide spectrum of mental health needs.
kelsey@thecompasscenter.org
Kelsey R
Kelsey provides individual therapy services for adults, bringing specialized training and experience to support clients on their healing journey.
kelseyr@thecompasscenter.org
Shannon N, MS, LPC, RPT™, NCC, LPC-MH - Supervisee
Shannon earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from South Dakota State University (2019) and her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in play therapy (2022). She gained valuable experience working directly with children and young adults in both individual and group therapy settings, and has a background 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, and continues to make a positive impact on young children and their families.
shannonn@thecompasscenter.org
Miranda H
Miranda specializes in services for children ages 3-5 within the Little Navigators Program. Currently pursuing a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at SDSU, she 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 organization's ability to support its youngest clients.
mirandah@thecompasscenter.org
Haley M, MSW, LCSW, LCSW-PIP Supervisee
Haley earned her Bachelor of Social Work with a minor in child development from the University of South Dakota, then completed her Master's of Social Work in 2022. With experience as a childcare center staff member and working with children, teens, and young adults in clinical settings, Haley brings a well-rounded background to her role. She is currently pursuing her play therapy certification and LCSW-PIP credentials. Haley joined the Little Navigators Program in August 2022, where she continues to support young children and their families.
haleym@thecompasscenter.org
Charlotte H, MS, LPC, LPC-MH Supervisee, NCC
Charlotte received her Master of Science in Counseling and Human Resource Development, specializing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, from South Dakota State University. She brings diverse experience including work as an assistant teacher in childcare, providing therapeutic services to elementary students in public education, substitute teaching, and working at a domestic violence shelter caring for children in emergency foster care placement. Since joining The Compass Center in 2022, Charlotte has primarily provided therapy services to children ages 3-12 while working towards full licensure and completing requirements to become a Registered Play Therapist.
charlotteh@thecompasscenter.org
Viena K
Viena is completing her training in youth therapy, working with children and families under supervision to develop her clinical skills and expertise.
vienak@thecompasscenter.org
Emily L, LICSW, TCTSY-F
Emily leads the training initiatives for Move To Heal South Dakota, bringing her expertise as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and certified Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga Facilitator to develop and implement comprehensive training programs.
Mary P
Mary oversees the Healing Arts Program while serving as a HAP Facilitator, coordinating trauma-informed yoga and movement-based healing initiatives that serve individuals across South Dakota.
Lisa C
Lisa serves as a HAP Facilitator and choreographer for our Dance Collective, leading a vibrant group of 12+ local performing artists. Through her dual role, she bridges therapeutic movement practices with creative expression, expanding program reach and effectiveness throughout South Dakota communities.
Krysta M
Krysta facilitates our evidence-based 6-8 week youth empowerment program, using creative expression through Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive yoga (TCTSY), dance, music, and storytelling activities to help young people build coping skills and trusted relationships.
Maria DT
Maria facilitates our evidence-based 6-8 week youth empowerment program, using creative expression through Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive yoga (TCTSY), dance, music, and storytelling activities to help young people build coping skills and trusted relationships.
Cheyenne M
Cheyenne provides essential crisis response and navigation services, helping clients access the resources and support they need during critical moments.
cheyenne@thecompasscenter.org
Sage V
Sage provides essential crisis response and navigation services, helping clients access the resources and support they need during critical moments.
sage@thecompasscenter.org
Tessa W
Tessa provides essential crisis response and navigation services, helping clients access the resources and support they need during critical moments.
tessa@thecompasscenter.org
Vonda VW
Vonda ensures smooth daily operations with her exceptional organizational skills and warm demeanor, providing crucial support to the team and clients. Her dedication and efficiency are instrumental in helping the organization fulfill its mission.
vonda@thecompasscenter.org
Lori U
Lori ensures survivors receive the support, services, and resources they need by handling the critical follow-up work that happens after client appointments. She focuses on navigating complex systems, troubleshooting service barriers, and ensuring smooth access to resources for survivors. As a liaison between clients, internal teams, and external agencies, Lori advocates for survivor needs, resolves administrative challenges, and executes essential behind-the-scenes work that ensures survivors do not have to fight through red tape alone.
lori@thecompasscenter.org
Baylee VZ
Baylee supports the communications team with marketing initiatives and community outreach efforts as part of her professional development in the field as an Augustana MBA student.
baylee@thecompasscenter.org
Rape Crisis Advocacy Team
Our dedicated team of Rape Crisis Advocates provides confidential, 24/7 crisis response and support services to survivors of sexual violence throughout our community. These specially trained advocates offer immediate crisis intervention, emotional support, safety planning, accompaniment to medical and legal appointments, and connections to ongoing resources. Available around the clock through our crisis hotline, our advocacy team represents a critical component of our comprehensive trauma response services, ensuring that survivors never have to face their healing journey alone. 1-877-IN-CRISIS