Jennifer Jividen Jackson has been at Heartland since 2012. She is a Siouxland native, growing up in South Sioux City and graduating college from Briar Cliff in 1999 majoring in psychology and art. Jennifer graduated with her master’s in art therapy from the University of Louisville in 2001. She stayed there for ten years working at the state hospital and co-founded an arts based day program for adults with mental illness and intellectual disabilities called Mariposa Place that is still going today. Jennifer is an advocate of behavioral health and has served as past president of the Kentucky Art Therapy Association, past president of the Iowa Art Therapy Association, past chair for the Education Programs Approval Board for the American Art Therapy Association and is currently Secretary for the American Art Therapy Association. At the local level, Jennifer serves as a chamber of commerce ambassador, board member for Growing Community Connections, and committee member for Leadership Dakota County. Jennifer and husband Rory have three wonderful children, Lochlin, Ireland, and Magdelyn and reside in Sioux City. If Jennifer is not in the office, she’s on the golf course or at a sports event watching her children have fun.

Jessica Barnes is Heartland's Community Based Services Administrator. Jessica started at Heartland in 2012 as an outpatient therapist and was promoted to administrator in 2014. Jessica continues to provide therapy to all ages and specializes in trauma, specifically Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Jessica is passionate about working with individuals with complex trauma as well as educating others about Trauma-informed care. Jessica also focuses on working with people with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness and Personality Disorders. Furthermore, Jessica oversees the mobile crisis response team, peer support program, community support program, and The Life Center, our day rehab program. Jessica was born and raised in Siouxland and lives with her husband and two children. She enjoys spending time with family & friends, running, watching all kinds of sports, and spending time in Okoboji during the summer.

Michelle is a Nebraska native, growing up in Wakefield and graduating college from Wayne State College in 2003 with a major in psychology. Michelle graduated with her master’s in Community Counseling from the University of Nebraska Omaha in 2003. She worked as a school based mentoring coordinator at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands also spending time as a mentor with the program for over ten years. She started her therapy career at a dual diagnosis treatment group home for adolescence in Omaha, Nebraska where she worked for six years. Michelle and her family then moved to the Siouxland area where she worked as an Office of Juvenile Services caseworker for one year. She then began as a therapist at Heartland Counseling Services, Inc., a 501 (c)3, non-profit, community behavioral health center for 11 counties in northern Nebraska and all of Siouxland. She has filled the role of internship coordinator, mental health administrator and is current filling the role of Clinical Director, supervising all mental health and substance use therapy programs. Michelle is trained as an adoption competent counselor and also specializes in trauma. Michelle has been a graduate of Leadership Dakota County and has helped create a program within the community, Trees of Hope, providing families in need with a Christmas tree. Michelle was recognized in 2018 by Women Aware as an individual in the community who is taking risks. Michelle and her husband Kelly have two children Mason and Kinsey and reside in Salix, Iowa. If not at work, Michelle can be found watching baseball or crafting.

Emily has worked at Heartland since 2012. Beginning July 1, 2021, Emily was promoted from School Based Mental Health Therapist for the South Sioux City Middle School to School Based Mental Health Administrator. Emily specializes in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and co-occurring diagnoses. She has experience working with all ages of individuals and is the past Substance Abuse Administrator for Heartland. Emily is an approved registered service provider with Nebraska Probation.

Jennifer Hart joined the Heartland Counseling Services staff in November 2019. Prior to moving back to Akron IA in 2016 to work as the Development Director at the Food Bank of Siouxland, Jennifer had spent 20 years living in the Boston MA area where she spent 12 years as the Executive Director of an art, music & theatre school. She graduated from the University of South Dakota in 1996 with a BSBA focusing on management. While working in Boston, Jennifer completed her MBA with an Organizational Management concentration in 2004. Jennifer is community focused and driven to helping others fulfill their potential of making a difference in the world. She is also on the Board of Siouxland Philanthropy and New Stage Players.

Shannon Arens joined the Heartland Counseling Services staff in October of 2020 as Human Resources Director. Prior to working at Heartland, Shannon spent 25 years in various Human Resources and Benefits roles at Terra Industries and CF Industries in Sioux City. She has a business degree from Morningside College. Shannon and her husband, Dave have two teenage daughters, Cali and Casee. Shannon loves watching her girls at their various sporting events and other school activities, watching sports on tv, exercising, reading and spending time with family and friends.

Suzanne Allen joined the Heartland Counseling Services staff in July of 2021 as a Housing Assistance Specialist and was promoted to Billing Supervisor in May 2022. Prior to working at Heartland, Suzanne spent 25 years in various public service, case management, and customer service roles at Sioux City Housing Authority, American Indian Council, and Gateway, Inc. She has a Bachelors of Management degree from Bellevue University. Suzanne and her husband, Jason have four children, Cielos, Isabella, Riley, and Zavier. Suzanne loves watching her kids at their various sporting events, photography, sunsets, concerts, and watching mixed martial arts competitions.

Marcy has been with Heartland since May of 2006. In Fall 2021, she transitioned from being Heartland's Administrative Assistant to our new Compliance Specialist. Marcy has been a SSC Chamber Ambassador and is a graduate of Leadership Dakota County. She is married to Scott and they reside in SSC. They have two adult children and recently two new grandchildren.

Kendra started with Heartland in June 2022. She earned her bachelor of the arts in accounting and business administration from Briar Cliff University. Prior to joining Heartland, she worked in public accounting for twelve years. Kendra is married with two children and is a life long South Sioux City resident. She is involved in the South Sioux City Chamberettes and is an advocate for The March of Dimes.

Virginia has been providing therapy to clients for over 30 years, and joined the Heartland team in July of 2015. Her expertise is working with individuals who struggle with substance abuse issues and working towards recovery. Virginia co-facilitates our PRIME Solutions Intensive Outpatient Program, provides individual and group therapy, and teaches DUI classes at Heartland. She is also an approved registered service provider with Nebraska Probation.

Brenda has worked at Heartland since 2012. She is a licensed clinical social worker. She works with youth through adults who are struggling with their mental health. Brenda is trained in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). She has a passion for working with those who struggle with ADHD, anxiety and depression as well as those with chronic physical health issues. She is currently a Medicare provider.

Marti has worked at Heartland as mental health practitioner and substance use counselor since 2014. Marti co-facilitates the Intensive Outpatient Program, provides individuals and group therapy, and teaches DUI classes. Marti works with adults who struggle with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse issues. She is also an approved registered service provider with Nebraska Probation.

Jamie is a mental health practitioner who works with all ages of individuals. She provides therapy in several rural school districts that include Bancroft-Rosalie, Oakland-Craig, Lyons-Decatur, and Wakefield. Jamie also works with District 6 Probation office providing group therapy and is also an approved registered service provider with Nebraska Probation. Jamie joined the Heartland team in September 2017.

Nick is a bilingual English/Spanish mental health and substance abuse practitioner. He works with all ages of individuals that struggle with mental health and/or substance abuse issues. Nick specializes in Parent Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT) and facilitates an anger management group. He started at Heartland in March 2018.

Aaron transitioned from providing therapy in the South Sioux City High School, to providing therapy services for kids and adults in our South Sioux City office in March 2022. Aaron is trained in The Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS), a school-based program that provides group and individual intervention. Aaron started at Heartland in August 2018. He received his full License in Mental Health in 2021.

Lisa is a school based mental health therapist for the elementary schools in the South Sioux City School District. Lisa has over 30 years experience and began working at Heartland in August of 2018. She provides individual therapy to children struggling with all different issues ranging from divorce, death of a loved one, to past trauma. Lisa received her Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP) credentials in February 2022.

Jewel is a school-based mental health therapist in O'Neill Public Schools and works with students ranging from preschool through age 21. Jewel is a registered play therapist and has been trained in EMDR and TF-CBT. Jewel began working at Heartland in August 2018.

Jill works part time for Heartland as a mental health practitioner, she works full time as a teacher. Jill has several years experience working with children and recently received her masters in counseling. Jill has been working with all ages at Heartland since August 2018, and is always excited to take on new clients.

Natalie graduated from Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2006 and subsequently from The Sioux Falls Seminary in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 2010 with a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Prior to joining Heartland Counseling Services in March of 2020, Ms. Storm volunteered and worked in various outpatient community and mental health agencies in South Dakota and Iowa. Natalie has experience working with school-aged children, adolescents, and adults as well as couples and families. She is passionate about what she does and takes much pride in her work as a therapist. Natalie stated, "It is an honor and privilege, as a therapist to walk alongside and help individuals, couples and families as they navigate through life’s difficulties. It is my goal as a therapist to facilitate and be an agent of change and to empower individuals to lead their best lives." Natalie has a special interest in working with couples who are struggling with relationship issues, divorce and remarriage, family problems, family of origin issues, victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse, grief and loss and anxiety disorders. When she is not working, Natalie enjoys spending time with her family, exercising and being outdoors. Natalie currently hold licenses in Nebraska (LMHP) and Iowa (LMFT). She received her LIMHP in February 2022. She received her Level II Gottman Training for couples in May 2022 and is working towards Level III.

Charlette Bowens Kissi Afare is from from Wayne, Nebraska which has been her home since 2002. Charlotte has 3 grown children and 15 grandchildren whom she loves and adores! Charlotte graduated from Wayne State College in 2018 with a Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling. She is certified as both a provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (PLMHP) and provisionally Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor (PLADC). Charlotte started working with Heartland Counseling Services in March 2020, and stated "I am certainly excited and looking forward to working closely with all of the faculty and staff as well as the new clientele I'll be seeing." When she is not working, Charlotte's favorite things are spending time with family, cooking, and attending family events and activities within our communities.

Abigail is joining the Heartland Counseling Services team as a Mental Health Practitioner and Substance Abuse Therapist full-time as of September 2020 after having completed an internship at Heartland. She graduated from the University of Denver in August 2020 with Masters in Social Work. Abigail facilitates the Relapse Prevention Groups and is a Registered Service Provider with Nebraska Probation. Abigail is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) trauma therapy and working to become Certified. Abigail is being trained in BrainSpotting trauma therapy, Brainspotting locates points in the client’s visual field that help to access unprocessed trauma in the subcortical brain. Abigail is passionate about advocating against the stigmas surrounding the mental health sector and ready to guide clientele to develop supportive strategies to seek relief from complex issues. Abigail is a Northeast Nebraska native, with a diverse background encompassing rural families, multiple age groups, and those from all walks of life. Abigail is a Dual Diagnosis Therapist and can be seen in person at our O’Neill office location or via zoom.

Cindi Prather graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney with her master’s degree in counseling in 2005. She also has a Master of Divinity degree. She was a pastor in several communities in Nebraska before going back to school for her counseling degree. She has worked in community mental health and substance abuse and addictions. She works with all ages from very young children to older adults. She is trained in Parent Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and other therapeutic modalities. Her passion is meeting clients where they are and working with them to reach their goals. She joined the Heartland team in November 2020.

Many of the individuals that I work with find themselves in need of help identifying healthy and effective means of coping with life's transitions and concerns. By utilizing extensive experience and training my goal is to help those individuals address their concerns and create a path for sustainable and healthy recovery. I do this by honoring individuals values and wishes while creating a life that is free from addiction.

I also specialize in treating sexual behavior that is inconsistent with a client's values or damaging to their relationships. I've helped many individuals and couples heal from infidelity, betrayal, compulsive use of pornography and many other kinds of high-risk or secretive sexual behavior and am a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT). If your behavior has harmed your relationships, reputation or health I can help you regain a trusting, secure and happy life. In addition, I provide treatment and assessment for both adults and juveniles that have sexual offending issues and I am a clinical member of the National Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA), and have my Juvenile Sex Offender Certification through the University of Louisville.

My approach is unique in that it is tailored to each client's specific needs rather than a one size fits all program. I utilize many evidence based treatment modalities to address and resolve client concerns. Treatment specializations include: men’s issues, sexual addiction, juvenile sex offender treatment, adult sex offender treatment, internet addictions, addiction Issues, domestic violence, anger management, stress management, personality disorders, anxiety and depression, individuals with Severe Mental Illness, co-occurring issues, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Greg joined Heartland Counseling in December 2020 as a contractor.

Marit is a school based mental health therapist who works in the South Sioux City Middle School. She provides individual and group therapy in the schools. She has over a decade of experience working with youth who have experienced trauma and other mental, emotional, and behavioral health issues. Marit is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS). This program is school-based and provides group and individual intervention. Marit started at Heartland in July 2021.

Melissa is a PLMHP, starting first at Heartland as an intern, then moving into the role of school-based therapist for the South Sioux City School District before quickly moving into the outpatient clinic fulltime beginning in June 2022. She graduated with her master’s degree in Art Therapy/Counseling from Southwestern College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She takes pride in her work and is passionate about using the healing power of creativity and the effectiveness of evidenced-based techniques for recovery, growth, and transformation. Melissa stated, “Being a therapist is an honor and a privilege.” Her personal mission is to help her clients see that they are a unique gift to this world. She believes everyone has the innate ability to be creative and that art is a powerful way to express things that words cannot express. Melissa started at Heartland in August 2021.

Anna is one of Heartland's school based mental health therapist working in the South Sioux City high school and middle school. Anna enjoys working with individuals of all ages and cultural backgrounds and takes a collaborative, developmental, strengths-based, person-centered approach with clients. Anna completed her master’s degree at Wayne State College in clinical mental health counseling. She received her bachelor’s in psychology and family studies from the University of Northern Iowa. Anna is trained in cognitive behavioral intervention for trauma in school (CBITs). She seeks to meet clients where they are at and walk beside them in their journey to healing. Anna started at Heartland in August 2021.

Kathy Carr joined Heartland Counseling Services staff in August 2020 as a Peer Support Specialist and transitioned in a full time therapist role after receiving her PLMHP in December 2021. Kathy worked as a Paraprofessional at Valentine Community Schools for 2 years prior to joining Heartland. She has a MA in Mental Health Counseling and a BA in Psychology with an emphasis in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling, graduating from Chadron State College in 1992. She received her CPSS & PLMHP while working at Heartland. Kathy has several years’ experience in working with individuals to better their lives and enhance their personal growth through support in overcoming life’s problems. Kathy enjoys a variety of outdoor activities – canoeing the river, camping and gardening to name a few. She also enjoys playing guitar and singing, crocheting and doing genealogy research. She and her husband, Russ, are busy daily with their fur babies, Killer and Casper.

Hanna joined the Heartland Counseling Services team as a school-based mental health therapist in the South Sioux City High School and Gateway to Learning in January 2022. Hanna completed an internship at Heartland and graduated from South Dakota State University with a Master's in clinical mental health counseling in December 2022. She received her Bachelor's in psychology and social sciences from the University of Sioux Falls. Hanna is trained in the Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS). Hanna stated, "I am in awe of the resiliency of human beings, and I believe in the healing power of the therapeutic alliance."

Jamie joined Heartland Counseling Services in February 2022 and provides school based therapy in the Wayne Public Schools. She has over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, working in inpatient, outpatient, and school settings. Jamie is trained in a number of therapy modalities with the most frequent use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. She maintains a passion for mental health and meeting the needs of her students and community.

Ranessa is a school based mental health therapist working in Homer and Pender School beginning February 2022. Ranessa is a Nebraska native, growing up in Ponca and graduating college from the University of Iowa in 2020 with a master’s degree in Social Work. She provides individual and group therapy in the schools. Ranessa has spent the past 10 year’s working with children and families. She also is an educator for foster and adoptive families in both Nebraska and Iowa. Her previous role for the last three years was with the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska as the Preserving Native Families Program Manager. Ranessa is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (CBITS).

Lisbeth joined Heartland Counseling Services in February of 2021 as a Substance Abuse Evaluator/Prevention Specialist and received her PLADC in May 2022. Prior to working at Heartland, Lisbeth worked at Haven House helping victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Lisbeth is bilingual and has a Criminal Justice degree from Wayne state College. She is currently working on her master’s degree in clinical mental health.

Kendra has been working at Heartland since 2014. She works as our Crisis Responder & Community Support Provider in the six western counties that Heartland covers.

Nicole has worked at Heartland since October 2013 as one of our Crisis Responders for the five counties near South Sioux City. In 2020, Nicole became our Permanent Supported Housing Case Manager.

Jake has worked at Heartland since 2012. He is our Community Support Provider that covers five counties near the South Sioux City Office.

Madalen has worked at Heartland since 2014 and is the Certified Peer Support Specialist for the South Sioux City office.

Sarah has been at Heartland since 2019 as the Community Project Leader for the South Sioux City School District’s School-Based Mental Health services. She coordinates the referral process for the families in the school-based program, is a trainer for the Youth Mental Health First Aid course, and tracks grant data for the AWARE Grant. Sarah is a Sioux City native and graduated from Morningside College with a degree in Counseling Psychology. She is currently working on her Masters in Social Work through the University of Iowa.

Vera Ludwig is the Case Manager at Heartland Counseling Center’s Life Center. She started at The Life Center in September of 2019. Prior to working at The Life Center, she was the Community Integration Activity Coordinator for PAMHC’s The Meeting Place. Vera has always lived and worked in NW Iowa and NE Nebraska. She was born in the Ice Cream Capital of the World and moved to Hawarden, Iowa before the end of her elementary school years. She considers NW Iowa home as she has lived, worked and has family connections in several towns in the area. She has lived in Sioux City the longest, having lived there for over 30 years. Vera’s undergraduate degree is in Art Therapy and Art Education and she has a Master’s in Pastoral Ministries. Her first connection with Heartland Counseling Services was when she was doing an internship for a second Master’s in Art Therapy.
Vera enjoys visiting family and friends, doodling to destress, attending retreats and hanging out with her fostered kittens that are now cats because they never found a home. She enjoys working with the HCS staff and all the members who attend The Life Center and is grateful to be able to work with each of them as we travel this journey called life.

Shawn has been working at Heartland Counseling since 2020. She works as our Community Support Provider, Crisis Responder and Life Center Case Manager for the South Sioux City office.

Jasmine is our Youth Peer Support Specialist in the South Sioux office. She became certified as Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) in May 2021. Jasmine is from Des Moines, where she previously worked in a Residential Youth Facility. Jasmine has been with Heartland since December 2020.

Haley has been with Heartland since 2015. In 2022, she transitioned from being Heartland's Tele-Psychiatry Care Coordinator for Medication Management to our Billing Clerk II.

Jessica transitioned to Heartland's Interpreter position in June 2022. Prior to that, she was our bilingual mental health and substance abuse Office Clerk at our South Sioux City location since February of 2018. Jessica is fluent in Spanish and English.

Jessica hizo la transición al puesto de intérprete de Heartland en junio de 2022. Antes de eso, fue nuestra secretaria de oficina bilingüe de salud mental y abuso de sustancias en nuestra ubicación de South Sioux City desde febrero de 2018. Jessica habla español e inglés con fluidez.

Diane Selby is the office clerk at Heartland Counseling's O’Neill location. She is married with four children, Conor, Tate, Rylee and Reagan. They have 2 boxer dogs also that are just like having children. In her spare time Diane like to garden, scrapbook, research family history and do crafts. In the summer she spends as much time outside with her family as she can.

Amanda started as a part-time Office Clerk with Heartland in May 2019 and moved to full-time in November 2019. She shared in many of the office duties for substance abuse and mental health in our South Sioux City office. In 2022, Amanda transitioned into the role of Care Coordinator working with our Tele-Psychiatry Program. Our clients that are in need of Medication Management work with a provider based out of The Richard Young Outpatient Clinic located in Kearney, NE. Amanda has a respiratory therapist degree from St. Luke's College. She has lived her whole life in the Siouxland area and continues to reside in the area with her family. When not working or spending time with family, you will find Amanda enjoying the outdoors and reading.

Brittany joined Heartland Counseling in the summer of 2021 as a Billing Clerk II having received a degree in medical billing and coding in 2017 and moved into the Billing Clerk III role in February 2022. Brittany is originally from central Nebraska and moved to the Sioux City area in the fall of 2020. In her spare time, Brittany enjoys cooking and exploring her new town with her husband, Matthew and their Golden Retriever, Rudy.

Kristina Shetler joined the Heartland Counseling Services staff in February 2022 as a bilingual Office Clerk. Prior to Heartland, Kristina was a sales and leasing agent here in South Sioux City. Kristina has four children and a grandbaby named Zarah. Kristina has spent most of her life here in the Siouxland area where she met the amazing man in her life, Roberto. Kristina enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors. She is always on the go with work, sports and kids, she is very involved with her two younger children as they are still in school and involved in many sports and activities. Kristina also enjoys taking long car rides and listening to music to unwind and relax.

Board President & Executive Committee Member
Aventure Staffing, Chief Risk Officer

Executive Committee Member
Retired Teacher, South Sioux City Community Schools

Board Secretary
Community Volunteer

Board Treasurer
Olsson, Civil Engineer

Governance Committee Member
North Central District Health Dept, Public Health Response Coordinator

Board Member
SIMPCO, Housing Manager

Fund Development Committee Member
South Sioux City Police Department, Master Patrolman

Finance Committee Member
Umonhon Nation Public School

Board Member
City of Dakota City, Administrator/Clerk/Treasurer

Finance Committee Member
Great West Casualty Company, Underwriting Support

Governance Committee Member
Growing Community Connections, Executive Director

Finance Committee Member
Arbor Cares Centers of O'Neill

Board Member
Marriott South Sioux City Riverfront, Sales & Marketing Manager

Governance Committee Member
Great West Casualty, Deputy General Counsel

Board Member
Northeast Nebraska Telephone Company, Administrative Assistant

Board Member
Great West Casualty Company, Account Representative

Fund Development Committee Member
UnitedHealthcare, Sr. Clinical Transformation Consultant & RN

Chair of Fund Development Committee
IMKO Workforce Solutions, Staffing Coordinator

Governance Committee Member
Wayne State College, Assistant Director of Admissions