About Whitney
Hi, I'm Whitney.
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, educator, speaker, consultant, and
trauma-informed coach based in central South Dakota. Whether I'm meeting
with a counseling client, presenting at a conference, training professionals, or
consulting with organizations, my passion is helping people better understand
trauma, resilience, and human behavior in ways that are practical, culturally
responsive, and grounded in both science and compassion.
My professional journey has been anything but linear, and I believe that has made
me a better clinician, educator, and leader. Before becoming a therapist, I worked
in community health, youth development, tribal program administration, financial
literacy, higher education, and systems of care. Each role reinforced the same
lesson: lasting change happens when we understand people within the context
of their relationships, culture, history, strengths, and environment.
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Sociology and American Indian Studies from Black Hills State University before completing my Master of Social Work at the University of South Dakota. Along the way, I've pursued additional training in EMDR, the Gottman Method, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing–Integrated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MI-CBT), Mental Health First Aid, and Somatic Archeology. I also completed certification as a Christian Growth Coach and have continued to study neuroscience, attachment, resilience, and culturally responsive approaches to healing throughout my career.
As an enrolled member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe (Sicangu Lakota), I care deeply about ensuring that mental health care, education, and organizational practices are culturally responsive and respectful of the communities they serve. I believe the strongest work happens when evidence-informed practice is combined with humility, curiosity, and a genuine appreciation for the knowledge and strengths that exist within every culture.
Today, I provide counseling to South Dakota residents through Rising Hope Counseling while also speaking, teaching, consulting, and developing trainings for organizations across the region and beyond. My presentations are designed to make complex topics accessible and engaging, leaving participants with practical strategies they can immediately apply in their work, leadership, and everyday lives.
Outside of my professional roles, I'm first and foremost a wife and the proud mom of six incredible kids. Our family calendar is full of wrestling tournaments, rodeos, theater productions, concerts, school events, church activities, and all the beautiful chaos that comes with raising a busy family. Those experiences remind me every day that growth doesn't happen in perfect circumstances—it happens in ordinary moments, through perseverance, relationships, and showing up for the people we love.
When life slows down, you'll usually find me sewing, tending my garden, exploring thrift stores, hiking, reading, or diving into a new book or research article. I'm endlessly curious and genuinely enjoy learning, whether it's discovering a new skill, exploring the latest neuroscience research, or finding creative ways to connect with people from different backgrounds and experiences.
At the heart of everything I do is a simple belief: people are remarkably resilient. When we combine knowledge with compassion, honor culture and lived experience, and create environments where people feel seen and valued, meaningful growth becomes possible.
Thank you for taking the time to learn a little about me. Whether you're looking for counseling, professional training, conference speaking, consultation, or coaching, I'm grateful you're here and look forward to the opportunity to connect.
