Pathways Staff and Board Members
Jesse Bailey
Executive Director
Jesse started his duties as Executive Director in July of 2016. He has been involved in the nonprofit world since 2010, having held management positions with the Boys & Girls Club and Big Friend-Little Friend. He continues to serve on a number of boards for organizations within the community. He obtained his BA in Human Service with minors in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Mount Marty College in Yankton. There he completed an internship with the local Court Services office, which has led to a productive partnership with Pathways. A fun fact about Jesse is that he knows how to juggle!
Kevin Black Bear
Weekday Overnight Advocate
Kevin joined Pathways in March 2022 as the Weekend Overnight Advocate. Since then he has transitioned into the Weekday Overnight Advocate. His duties consist of ensuring a safe and professional atmosphere during the overnight hours of operation.
Aaron Bomar
Lead Weekend Overnight Advocate
Aaron joined Pathways in April of 2023.
Benjamin Clark
CTP Case Manager & Weekday Advocate
Ben is our evening Advocate for our Tier 2 programs. He helps clients get whatever they need and is also responsible for running the front desk, answering the phone, and conducting daily PBTs while on his shift. A fun fact about Ben is that he is originally from Canada!
Alexis Evans
Manager of Tier 2 Services
Alexis began her journey with Pathways in August 2021. Her role is to assist clients with referrals to other agencies, connect them with resources, and be the liaison between our clients and the housing agencies/landlords to which they are applying. Alexis also supervises all of Pathways Tier 2 employees and programs. A fun fact about Alexis is that she also helps choreograph and coach color guard for multiple high schools and middle schools in the area, and loves marching band!
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Ricardo Fils-aime
Weekend Overnight Advocate
Ricardo joined Pathways in April of 2023.
Laurel Friedenbach
Weekend Advocate
Laurel joined Pathways in April 2023.
Sarah Huber
Weekday Lead Overnight Advocate
Sarah is a Check-In Advocate for our Night By Night program. She assists clients with getting checked in and comfortable upon arriving at Pathways. She is a single mom who also loves dogs!
Avry Rice
PRN Advocate
Avry joined Pathways in the Fall of 2022 as an on-call Advocate after completing service hours for his education. A fun fact about Avry is that he played college football for our local Mount Marty University Lancers!
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Jesse Ridgway
Lead Weekday Advocate
Jesse recently graduated from the Bachelor of Social Work Program at the University of South Dakota. After completing his internship here at Pathways, he jumped on board as our Lead Advocate in the Tier 2 Program. A fun fact about Jesse is that he loves Mountain Dew.
Robert Thue
Volunteer Advocate
Robert has been an Advocate for the our program since 2011. Before becoming an Advocate, he taught through the Yankton School District for many years. Bob’s experience as an educator has proven useful in assisting our clients develop problem-solving skills that allow them to be self-sufficient in the long-term.
Dawson Walchek
Weekday Check-In Advocate
Dawson joined Pathways in January of 2023.
Robert Wheatley
Donation Specialist
Robert is Pathways' main contact for our furniture and household good donation program. He can be reached by calling or texting 605-653-3220. A fun fact about Robert is that he placed top 12 in SoCal Heavyweight Wrestling in 2016, and top 24 in SoCal Men's Discus in 2018!
Sarah White
Manager of Financial Programs
Sarah joined Pathways in 2021 as the Lead Advocate. She currently supervises the Night by Night Program and employees, as well as Pathways' financial assistance programs. A fun fact about Sarah is that currently taking courses to receive her Bachelor's of Social Work degree. Before deciding that social work was her passion, she lived in New York and worked for Calvin Klein!
Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Board Chair: Stacy Schramm | The Move Group
Board Vice Chair: Commander Monty Rothenberger | Yankton Police Department
Board Secretary: Melissa Kaiser| Lewis & Clark Behavioral Health Services
Board Treasurer: Tom Bosn | Wohlenberg Ritzman & Co, LLC
Board Members
Pastor Dani Jo Bierwagen | Christ the King Lutheran Church
Sister Mary Carole Curran | Sacred Heart Monastery
Megan Enfield | Avera @ Home
Kimberly Highland | FNBO
Sonya Lund | Avera Majestic Bluffs
Mallory Schulte | Birmingham & Cwach Law Office, Prof. LLC
Andrea Indahl | Yankton School District
Austin Welker | SD Human Services Center