Meet Our Staff

Megan Palmer is a licensed addiction counselor (LAC) in South Dakota, with over thirteen years of experience. As the CEO of Angel Oak Consulting, Megan provides alcohol and drug screening and diagnostic assessments, treatment placement, clinical supervision, training, and technical assistance. 

After graduating from Oglala Lakota College with an associate degree in human services, Megan kickstarted 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 accordance 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. 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. 

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.  

In 2017, I obtained a bachelor’s degree from Black Hills State University in Psychology and Sociology with a minor in American Indian Studies. With a strong interest in behavioral health, I acquired a master’s in clinical mental health counseling (MC) 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.  

Currently, my professional focus is achieving both a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credentials 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 

Rachel Bissonette is a proud member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe (OST), born and raised on the Pine Ridge Indian   Reservation. Obtaining her education locally, she graduated from Red Cloud Indian School and attended Oglala Lakota College, all of which have aided her professional development in various vital social service programs.

Throughout her career, Rachel has developed a depth of experience and responsibility via a plethora of community-based programs. From clerical and administrative, to fieldwork, and leadership, Rachel has supported OST relatives in many realms of public health; domestic violence, community wellness, suicide prevention, and advocacy. Illustrated over the past 15 years by holding prominent positions such as OST Education Committee Secretary, OST 5th Member Executive Secretary, Domestic   Violence and Community Advocate, Medical Support Assistant, Program Director, Program Coordinator, Administrative Assistant, and Procurement Officer.

Across professional endeavors, several memorable experiences have fortified Rachel’s calling in tribal public service. For instance, the opportunity to serve the late Johnson Holy Rock, OST Fifth   Member as an Executive Secretary in which she gained immeasurable insight into the Treaties of the Great Sioux Nation. Additionally, Rachel was moved to combat an influx of youth suicides in 2014 by hosting a prevention-based lock-in for   youth (12-18) at Pahin Sinte Owayawa School in Porcupine, SD. 

By and large, Rachel brings a well-rounded professional insight into her role as a Case Manager with the Division, by utilizing strong interpersonal skills to encourage communication and sustainable growth of clients. With an unwavering dedication to providing compassionate support and guidance to those in need of services, Rachel takes pride in her ability to assist individuals in achieving their goals through a direct and   uplifting approach.

Hello, my name is Bobbi White, and my Lakota name is Ta oyate owicakiya, Helps her people. I am a proud member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe; I was raised on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

I obtained a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies, with a minor in American Indian Studies, from South Dakota State University. I furthered my academic pursuits by completing a dual master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling from South Dakota State University. I am actively accumulating supervised hours as part of my professional journey toward obtaining my credentials as; a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in South Dakota.

Valeria Chirco is a Clinical Psychologist trainee currently employed at a California (CA) Men’s State Prison, completing the final stages of her CA PsyD licensure. In this role, she provides individual therapy, group psychoeducation, and assessment to incarcerated people.  

Over the years, she has built experience with a wide range of populations in various environments, ranging from low-income pre-schools, nursing homes, and community mental health agencies, to correctional facilities. Her professional interests lie in continuing to serve underserved populations and cultivating her knowledge in trauma-informed care.  

Currently, Valeria is a professional volunteer with OL-DBH providing community family support groups for those struggling with loved ones with addiction.   

When engaging in self-care, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, visiting national parks, or cultivating various interests, which recently has been power-carving wood!