Telehealth Services

John Olenyik

About Me
Hi, I am John Olenyik. I am a mental health counselor for Catholic Social Services. I have been with CSS since March 1, 2019. Previously, I was a mental health counselor in Wyoming for ten years. I came to CSS to be in Rapid City where my wife and I plan to retire. Before getting into mental health work, I was a United Methodist pastor for nearly 25 years.

Therapeutic Approach
My approach to counseling is just that – I listen, I ask questions and then I counsel or give advice based upon my years of experience and my educational perspective. I approach the counseling experience as short term, solution based, meaning we identify the issue you want to work on, develop a plan of action and then get after it. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to get at the distorted thinking that might be causing you distress. I enjoy doing what I do and most folks say I am pretty good at it, so if you are seeking some help with your life, let’s get together and make things better.

Specializations

• Anxiety and Depression
• Relationship Issues
• Trauma and PTSD
• Stress Management
• Grief and Loss

Education

• Master’s Degree in Divinity, Iliff School of Theology
• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and English, Valparaiso University

Licenses

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP)

Erika Kling

About Me
I was raised in Spearfish, South Dakota where I attended Black Hills State University and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education. I parlayed that degree into teaching for a decade in grades K-12. During my time teaching, I found a new passion and went back to school pursuing mental health counseling. I graduated from Chadron State College with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2022 and have been practicing counseling since.

Therapeutic Approach
My counseling practice utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy and person-centered therapy as well as acceptance and commitment therapy. I will also utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help those heal and cope with trauma and life's difficulties. My therapeutic style is collaborative, honest, warm, and understanding. I believe every person has dignity, wisdom, and worth, and thus, view the therapy process as a collaboration between therapist and client. No one has to walk through life alone and sometimes all you need is a listening ear.

Specializations

• Anxiety and Depression
• Trauma and PTSD
• ADHD
• Domestic Violence
• Stress Management
• Grief and Loss

Education

• Master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling, Chadron State University
• Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Special Education, Black Hills State University

Licenses

• Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisee (LPC-Supervisee)

Jon Petersen

About Me
I grew up on a farm near Bayard, Nebraska, in the western part of the state. After serving in the military, I attended Moody Bible Institute, earning my first degree and stepping into a role as a pastor for youth and families. Over the past 12 years, I’ve served in two churches and currently hold the position of Associate Pastor at Bible Fellowship Church in Rapid City. A few years ago, I felt called to deepen my pastoral expertise, leading me to pursue an M.S. in Counseling and Human Resource Development at South Dakota State University here in Rapid. With dual specializations in Marriage and Family Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I’m passionate about helping families and young people thrive, and that shapes how I connect with each client every day.

Therapeutic Approach
I see counseling as a natural extension of my pastoral work. My goal is to listen to your story—your reality—and guide you toward asking the questions that unlock a sense of freedom and fulfillment. My approach is relational at its core, client-centered in focus, and responsive to the present moment. Together, we’ll create a treatment plan to address your concerns, while staying flexible to tackle whatever feels most urgent. I love building trust with my clients, and it’s a privilege to witness the breakthroughs we achieve together. Whether you’re seeking support or clarity on a life challenge, I’d be honored to listen and explore solutions with you.

Specializations

• Family and Youth
• Spiritual Distress
• Anxiety and Depression
• Relationship Issues
• Trauma and PTSD
• Stress Management
• Grief and Loss

Education

• Master of Science (M.S.) in Counseling and Human Resource Development, South Dakota State University
• Dual Specialization: Marriage and Family Counseling/Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Pastoral Studies, Moody Bible Institute
• Dual Specialization: Biblical Exposition/Youth and Family Ministry

Licenses

• Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisee (LPC-Supervisee)
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist-Supervisee (LMFT-Supervisee)

Malorie Schefcik

About Me
My professional journey has been characterized by a dedication to serving others and a commitment to finding fulfilling work. While experiencing different career paths, my experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) proved profoundly impactful. Working in hospice care, home health, and nursing homes provided invaluable insight into the emotional and physical complexities that we face in this life as well as my own personal experiences. These experiences solidified my passion for supporting individuals through challenging life transitions and inspired my pursuit of a career in counseling.

Therapeutic Approach
I specialize in guiding individuals through life's complexities primarily using an existential therapeutic framework. My approach emphasizes the power of free will, the significance of personal choices, and the inherent responsibility we bear for shaping our lives. I work with clients struggling with a wide range of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, helping them navigate difficulties and develop coping mechanisms.

I am passionate about empowering clients to understand the impact of their choices and to develop a stronger sense of self-awareness and purpose. This involves addressing existential anxieties, helping individuals to create a life that is both meaningful and fulfilling even with suffering.

My commitment to compassionate and ethical counseling is rooted in my Catholic faith and informed by my ongoing professional development. I strive to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment where individuals can explore their inner world with honesty and vulnerability, ultimately leading to personal growth and transformation.

Specializations

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress
• Trauma
• Grief/Loss
• End-of-life concerns
• Psychoeducation
• Career counseling

Education

• MAE in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Chadron State College
• BA, double major in Business and Psychology: Chadron State College AA, General Studies: Western Nebraska Community College

Licenses

• Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisee (LPC-Supervisee)

Lisa Parks

About Me
I was raised in western South Dakota and earned a Bachelor of Science with a double major in Human Services and Sociology from Black Hills State University. I have had the privilege of working with diverse populations, including children and families, veterans, individuals in long-term care, and those facing end-of-life challenges. I am currently pursuing a Master of Social Work from Widener University to deepen my knowledge and ability to help others. My mission is to provide a supportive and compassionate space where individuals feel truly heard, understood, and empowered to heal.

Therapeutic Approach
I am committed to creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment for healing, grounded in empathy and a trauma-informed approach. I recognize that every individual’s journey is unique, and I meet people where they are, respecting their pace and needs. To support healing, I integrate a variety of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Somatic Therapy.

I view therapy as a collaborative process in which the individual is the expert on their own life. My role is to guide and support each person in discovering their strengths, building resilience, and working towards meaningful change in a space where they feel safe, heard, and empowered.

Specializations

• Trauma
• Anxiety

Education

• Candidate in Master in Social Work, Widener University, (anticipated graduation date May 2025)
• Bachelors of Science in Human Services and Sociology, Black Hills State University

Work Experience

• Child Protection
• Veteran Reintegration
• Long-Term Care

Tristan Marchant

About Me
I grew up in Rapid City before moving to Laramie, Wyoming, where I earned my Bachelor of Social Work. After completing my undergraduate studies, I dedicated myself to raising a family and temporarily set aside my counseling aspirations. Faith, commitment to family, and a passion for helping others have always been at the core of who I am. Now, as a dedicated MSW student and therapist intern, I’m committed to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and become the best version of themselves.

Therapeutic Approach
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to support healing, resilience, and personal growth. My approach is compassionate and client-centered, helping individuals navigate their thoughts, emotions, and inner experiences with greater understanding. I believe that true healing begins with feeling heard and understood, so I prioritize active listening, empathy, and building strong, trusting relationships with my clients. Through these evidence-based methods, I strive to create a supportive space where clients can build insight, develop effective coping strategies, and move toward meaningful, lasting change.

Specializations

• Grief and Loss
• Anxiety and Depression
• Postpartum Depression
• Parenting and Relationship Challenges
• Life Transitions

Education

• Master of Social Work Candidate at Grand Canyon University
• Bachelor of Social Work, University of Wyoming