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Pathways Staff and Board Members
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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!

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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. 

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Aaron Bomar

Lead Weekend Overnight Advocate

Aaron joined Pathways in April of 2023. 

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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!

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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. 

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Laurel Friedenbach

Weekend Advocate

Laurel joined Pathways in April 2023. 

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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!

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Bret Johnson

Youth Case Manager

Bret was previously volunteering with us and is now on board full time as our first Youth Case Manager! He will be working directly with all 18-24 years olds in shelter. A fun fact about Bret is that he knows how to play the drums!

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Catherine Johnson

Housing Case Manager

Catherine joined Pathways in January of 2023 as our first Housing Case Manager. 

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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.

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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.

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Dawson Walchek

Weekday Check-In Advocate

Dawson joined Pathways in January of 2023.

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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!

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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

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