All counselors at YFS' Counseling Center have master's degrees in counseling as well as specialized training in issues related to children, families, and trauma.
Maureen K. Murray, MA, LPC-MH and LAC
Maureen is the Director of Mental Health and Prevention Services at Youth & Family Services (YFS) and is responsible for overseeing the YFS Counseling Center, YFS Youth Trauma Center, and YFS Western Prevention Resource Center. She specializes in working with young children and their families impacted by divorce, depression, anxiety, anger, attachment, and trauma. She offers assessments and individual drug and alcohol counseling for adults and adolescents as well as aftercare. Maureen is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Child Parent Psychotherapy. She is a trained facilitator of Love & Logic parenting classes.
Maureen earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD and her master’s degree in counseling and human development from Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio.
Valerie Lick, MS, LPC
Valerie is a therapist at Youth & Family Services. She has significant experience working with a variety of people in many age ranges. Valerie has a cognitive-behavioral approach to counseling. She prides herself on actively listening to the client without any judgment. Valerie is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and the Duluth Model and Turning Point for working with domestic violence perpetrators. She co-facilitates a domestic violence group. Valerie is trained in Integrative Treatment for Complex Trauma for Adolescents. She is a lifelong learner who enjoys expanding her skills and learning new techniques.
Valerie received her undergraduate degree in sociology from Black Hills State University and graduated with her Master of Science in counseling from South Dakota State University.
Bridget Williams, MS, LPC-MH, QMHP
Bridget Williams is a licensed child and family mental health therapist at Youth & Family Services Counseling Center. She received her master’s degree in community mental health and school counseling from South Dakota State University in 2007.
Bridget works with individuals to help them heal from and cope with traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, anger, attachment, dissociation, attention difficulties, or developmental challenges. Bridget facilitates equine assisted psychotherapy for individuals and families.
Bridget is certified in the following therapy modalities: Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Project Making Medicine, and Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association. She is also trained in Natural Lifemanship.
Justice Swift-Red Hawk, MS
Justice is a Client Service Specialist at YFS. She is an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe and grew up on the Rosebud Reservation, which has given her a unique perspective on mental health. Justice specializes in supporting preschool, adolescent, and young adult populations in developing emotional regulation, communication, and social skills for the challenging worlds we live in.
Justice is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and has experience in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy. She is currently the Oyate Coalition Prevention Manager and coordinates Medicine Wheel Journey groups for youth in the Rapid City area through the Oyate Prevention Coalition and the Drug Free Community Project.
Justice received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Art and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northern State University. Justice is excited to continue engaging with and learning from youth and families within our community.
Zoey Oleander, MS, LPC Supervisee
Zoey is an intake therapist at Youth & Family Services. She earned her master’s degree in clinical mental health from South Dakota State University (SDSU)
Before pursuing a career in counseling, Zoey was a middle school teacher and became a 200-hour registered yoga teacher (200-RYT). As an educator, she enjoyed working with kids and their families. She is also looking forward to using her knowledge of yoga to bring relaxation techniques and movement into her counseling sessions.
Zoey is trained in Natural Lifemanship, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Seeking Safety. Zoey conducts equine therapy groups and Seeking Safety Groups at WAVI and at the counseling center.
Traci Bates, MS, LPC Supervisee
Traci is a devoted intake therapist at Youth & Family Services and has experience working with individuals from all walks of life.
Traci’s client-centered approach focuses on creating a safe space for exploration and personal growth, utilizing evidence-based therapies tailored to each individuals’ unique needs. Traci is committed to fostering growth and resilience while ensuring that every client feels heard and understood.
Traci has a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and Psychology from the University of Arizona and a MS in Counseling & Human Resource Development from South Dakota State University. Traci is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Informed Care, and QPR Suicide Prevention.