Meet our Team

Megan Palmer is a licensed addiction counselor (LAC) in South Dakota and Nebraska, with over thirteen years of experience. As a treatment coordinator with the Oglala Division of Behavioral Health, Megan oversees clinical staff, client placement, and outpatient services, as well as provides alcohol and drug screening, individual counseling, Auricular Acupuncture for Wellness and Recovery (AcuDetox), training, and technical assistance.
 

After graduating from Oglala Lakota College with an associate degree in human services and chemical dependency counseling, Megan kick-started her counseling career as a Chemical Dependency Counselor Trainee with Southern Hills Alcohol and Drug Treatment Center. There, she developed proficiencies in administering alcohol and drug assessments, as well as facilitation of Intensive Outpatient Treatment groups. Following, as an LAC, Megan joined the Division of Social Services of South Dakota's Department of Correctional Behavioral Health to provide counseling services to clients within a maximum-security prison.
 

In 2017, as head of Social Services and Activities for a 12-bed hospital and 44-bed nursing home, Megan oversaw the social services department’s compliance with current federal/state/local standards, guidelines, and regulations. As a social services designee, Megan was a devoted patient advocate, assisting patients and residents with, yet not limited to, Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income applications, burial trusts, and individual counseling services.

Following, Megan has held prominent roles as a Treatment Coordinator for the Oglala Sioux Tribe’s comprehensive alcohol and substance abuse treatment and prevention program, Anpetu Luta Otipi, and as a Clinical Supervisor for the Rosebud Sioux Tribe’s Methamphetamine Rehabilitation Program. Megan has dedicated her professional skills to working with a diversity of populations in varying behavioral health capacities and settings, from State probation/parole, adult alcohol/drug/gambling treatment, 12-step program facilitation, intimate partner violence, and community and correctional delivery. Additionally, Megan is an elected board member of the Great Plains American Indian Credentialing Board.

Throughout her career, Megan has developed a well-rounded depth of experience in various behavioral health settings, from clinical community-based programs to state prisons. From this experience, she built Angel Oak Consulting to expand local options for substance use services and technical assistance. Megan’s professional philosophy is meeting clients where they are, developing honest and open communication, and the strong use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in her counseling practice. 

James Richards is a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe located on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. He was born and raised on the reservation and graduated from Red Cloud Indian School. After graduation, James enlisted in the United States Army and served for 20 years. During his time in the Army, he spent 3 and a half months in Iraq and became Airborne qualified out of FT. Bragg, during his Army career, he had the opportunity to travel the world. Upon retiring in 2009, James returned home to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

When he returned home, he began his working career as a correctional officer, working with juveniles in the detention center. James entered the addiction counseling field working as a counselor trainee servicing alcohol and drug counseling services on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation for five years. During this period, he established a rapport with his community and conducted drug and alcohol assessments. He was responsible for conducting outpatient and aftercare treatment sessions, and partaking in cultural activities with the clients.

My name is Brooke Pond, and I am a proud member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. I grew up on the Pine Ridge Reservation in southwest South Dakota (SD). 

In 2017, I obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology with a minor in American Indian Studies from Black Hills State University. With a strong interest in behavioral health, I acquired a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from South Dakota State University in 2020. Following my educational pursuits, I have held behavioral health roles such as an Addiction Counselor and Mental Health Counselor working with youth and their families. 

At the close of 2024, I successfully achieved a professional Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) certification. While presently, I am pursuing a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential through the state of South Dakota. 

Hello, my name is Karlee Provost, an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and resident of the Thunder Valley community on the Pine Ridge Reservation. I am known as the "baby" of the family. My mother is the late Gloria Pourier-Cournoyer, and my father is Orren Provost. I have 4 children of my own. I enjoy the outdoors hunting, playing sports, and horseback riding just to name a few. 

As a Client Navigator with the Oglala Lakota Division of Behavioral Health, I assist clients’ path in seeking our professional services. My educational background includes several college credit years towards a Nursing degree, CNA training with SD Pathways to Healthcare, and clinical work via the Oglala Lakota Nursing Home. Presently, I am working towards an online medical assisting certification as I continue to look forward to helping my people in the best way I can. 

Wopila 

Dr. Charging Thunder is an Oglala Sioux Tribal member and board-certified family physician dedicated to advancing culturally responsive, integrated healthcare for Native communities. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine in Omaha in 2008 and completed her family medicine residency there in June 2011.

In April 2026, Dr. Charging Thunder joined OL-DBH, where she provides comprehensive medical care for clients receiving behavioral health services. Within the agency, she plays a key role in expanding integrated care by strengthening services for individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders through a dual-diagnosis treatment approach.

A wife, mother of six children, and proud grandmother to many takojas, Dr. Charging Thunder was raised in rural western Nebraska, where she developed a strong work ethic while working alongside her family in the fields, delivering newspapers, and contributing to household responsibilities. Growing up with parents actively involved in the American Indian Movement (AIM) and the Indian-Chicano Movement instilled in her a lifelong commitment to serving Indigenous communities.

Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Charging Thunder shares:

"I want to help our people become a strong, unified Lakota Nation once again and aid in the restoration of our culture. I held many positions before earning my medical degree, and each one provided valuable education and experience that helped build the foundation for who I am today."

As the daughter of Carol Iron Rope Herrera, who devoted much of her life to strengthening Native families through traditional Lakota parenting programs and numerous other community initiatives, Dr. Charging Thunder was immersed in Lakota teachings from an early age. She learned about traditional ceremonies, including Inípi (purification ceremony), Wiwáŋyaŋg Wačhípi(Sundance), honoring ceremonies, Huŋkálowaŋpi (Making of Relatives), and Nagí Gluhápi (Keeping of the Soul), among many others. She is fluent in Spanish, has knowledge of the Lakota language, and continues working toward becoming fully fluent.

Her knowledge and perspective have been shaped by a lifetime of volunteer service, professional experience, higher education, and personal perseverance. She began her healthcare career as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Gordon Memorial Hospital and returned to serve the same community as a family medicine physician. She practiced family medicine there for 10 years before transitioning in late 2025 to pursue new opportunities that aligned more closely with her vision of integrated, community-centered care.

Additional experience serving urban and rural underserved populations at OneWorld Community Health Centers in Omaha and CAPWN Health Center in Scottsbluff/Gering further strengthened her commitment to helping patients navigate complex healthcare systems while improving access to compassionate, high-quality care.

Dr. Charging Thunder believes her life story demonstrates the power of resilience and determination.

"I am living proof that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. Never allow labels or stereotypical misconceptions to define who you are or what you can accomplish. I was a teen mother, a high school dropout, and a non-traditional college student raising four children while pursuing my education. We welcomed our fifth child during my final year of undergraduate studies and our sixth between medical school and residency. My husband and I have endured many hardships, yet we continue to stand strong.

I consider myself a spiritual healer as much as a physical healer. I am also a survivor of generational trauma whose spirit will not be fully healed until our Sacred Hoop (Čhaŋgléska Wakȟáŋ) is restored and our people are once again healthy—physically, emotionally, spiritually, and culturally. Together, we can create a better future for the generations to come."

My name is Danielle Whirlwind Horse. As an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, I was born and raised on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Through Oglala Lakota College, I obtained an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a certification in Office Technology. 

Presently, I am employed as a Counselor Aide with the Oglala Lakota Division of Behavioral Health, assisting clients on their journey towards wellness and recovery. I was drawn to this role due to my own experiences with loss and the need to start over physically, mentally, and spiritually, but more importantly, I love helping people.

In my leisure time, I enjoy my family, who include my 3 children, 3 grandchildren, and 3 grand animals. 

My name is Jennifer Watters. I am an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe (OST) and reside in Wounded Knee, SD. I was born and raised on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and am proud to serve my community.

Currently, my role is within the OST Residential and Detoxification Center, where I provide care and support to individuals in treatment. I hold both Certified Nurse Assistant and Medication Aide licenses and plan to continue advancing my education and career by pursuing LPN and RN training.

I am honored and excited to provide services to the Oyate and contribute to the well-being of our people.

Wopila

My name is Ellen Kills Small, and I am an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. I was born and raised in Oglala,  South Dakota, and I am a graduate of Crow Creek High School. I am a proud mother of one son, and I am grateful for the joy and purpose he brings to my life.

I currently serve as a Certified Nurse   Assistant (CNA) with the Oglala Lakota Division of Behavioral Health (OL-DBH).  I have always had a passion for the healthcare field and am committed to providing compassionate care and support to others. I am excited to be a part of the OL-DBH team and to contribute to the important work being done within our community.

I have been a CNA since 2019, and I look   forward to continuing my education at Oglala Lakota College as I work toward   completing my Nursing Degree.

 My name is Ariana Red Feather, and I am a proud member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe. I was raised on the Pine Ridge Reservation, where I received my high school diploma from Little Wound School. I am a community member of the Medicine Root District on the Reservation. 

In 2017, I became a Certified Nursing Assistant through the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen's Health Board in the state of Nebraska, later transferring my license to South Dakota. Through the years, I had the pleasure of working in Long-Term Care facilities throughout South Dakota and Nebraska, where I gained experience in geriatrics. Currently, I attend the Oglala Lakota College, working towards an AA degree in Nursing and a BS degree in Business Management.

As a CNA with the Oglala Lakota Division of Behavioral Health, I will be a part of the medical team aiding the public with clinical interventions, assisting our physicians and nurses, and helping focus on the well-being of those needing our program’s assistance. 

My name is Brittany Pettigrew. I was born in April and am from the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. I graduated from Red Cloud Indian School.

I am excited to work for the Division to support our people—both on and off the reservation—in their sobriety journeys. I believe in the strength and resilience of our communities, and I’m here to offer support, encouragement, or simply a listening ear whenever it’s needed.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time   outdoors, attending powwows and community events, and making memories with my three children. As a family, we love to travel, sightsee, and explore new   places together. I continue to foster personal passions for helping others,   trying new recipes, going outdoors for walks and hikes, and spending time   with animals. I currently have four cats and hope to add a dog to our family soon.

My name is Briar Pettigrew. I am a compassionate and dedicated professional with over five years of experience in the healthcare field. Currently, I am pursuing a nursing degree, reflecting my commitment to continued growth and strengthening my ability to support others.

Since joining OLDBH in February 2026, I have valued the opportunity to learn from a wide range of client experiences while collaborating with knowledgeable colleagues. I look forward to continuing to grow in my role, making meaningful contributions, and expanding my impact within the healthcare community.

My name is Saydee Bear Robe. My Lakota name is Cante Wanyanka Win (Looking Heart Woman). I am an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe from the Medicine Root District on the Pine Ridge Reservation. I am currently a full-time student at Oglala Lakota College, where I am pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Lakota Studies with an emphasis in Tribal Law.

As a former kindergarten teacher, I developed a strong foundation in kindness, empathy, and patience. I carry these values with me as I work alongside community members on their healing journeys.

It is a privilege to support and uplift our communities in this way and to contribute to meaningful, lasting positive change.