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Executive Director
Prior to becoming the executive director at Aurora Plain Academy, Johnathan worked as a clinical director for 10 years. Johnathan was born and raised in beautiful Northern Idaho. He earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Eastern Washington University and a master’s degree in community counseling from Gonzaga University (Go Zags!) He also returned to school in 2017 to complete his addiction studies certification. Johnathan has had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings. He has extensive experience in residential treatment, co-occurring treatment, trauma work, couples counseling, and skilled nursing. Outside of work, Johnathan is a minister and a devoted husband & father. Johnathan has been married for 12 years and has 3 wonderful children.
Director of Education
Josh was born and raised in NW Iowa right next to the Ice Cream Capitol of the World. He earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from The University of South Dakota and taught K-12 Vocal Music for 4 years. Josh received his Master of Arts in Education for The University of Northern Iowa in Principalship. Josh joined the team at APA in 2021 as the Director of Education. In 2023, Josh assisted APA in founding Spark Alternative Education to expand the clientele we can serve. Outside of work, he enjoys camping, woodworking, and spending time with his wife and three children.
Lead Teacher, Special Education
Emily has worked at Aurora Plains Academy for the past 5 years. Prior to working at APA, she was a Special Education teacher in Chamberlain for 3 years and taught Social Science in Lower Brule for 8 years. Emily earned her Bachelor of Science from Northern State University in Social Science/History Education with a minor in German. She obtained her Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction, as well as a Master of Science in Special Education from Black Hills State University. When not at work, Emily can be found cheering on her son while he is golfing, playing baseball or bowling. She enjoys reading, coffee, and crocheting when she isn’t cheering on her son or at work. In her few moments of free time, you can find Emily cheering on the Milwaukee Brewers or Baltimore Ravens.
Residential Director
Trevor was born and raised right here in my hometown Plankinton. Trevor graduated from Northern State University with a major in Marketing Management (Go Wolves!). He began working at Aurora Plains in the spring of 2013. Trevor started out as a YDS staff and has slowly climbed the corporate ladder from YDS to Lead Staff, to Unit Manager, to Program Coordinator, and finally to Residential Director. Trevor is a lifelong fan of the 3-time Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs, and he enjoys the outdoors through hunting and fishing. Trevor enjoys helping people learn and grow themselves as professionals.
Therapist
David was born in Chamberlain, South Dakota. David comes from a big family of 8 and has an identical twin brother. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of South Dakota in 2014. Then he went on to earn a master’s degree in school counseling at Walden University of Minneapolis Minnesota in 2022. David is currently working on his LPC license at Aurora Plain Academy. He also has ten years of experience working in residential a treatment setting. David is currently engaged to his fiancé and is planning on getting married in February. He is also a proud owner of three cats, named Reese, Remi, and Ruthie.
Admission and Aftercare Coordinator
Michelle double majored in Human Services and Criminal Justice and holds a Bachelors Degree from Dakota Wesleyan University. Prior to working at APA she was a counselor in a halfway house and also managed their adolescent prevention programs. She is a VFW Auxiliary member and past Board Member of the South Dakota Corrections Association. Michelle and her husband are proud parents of two daughters and enjoys reading, camping and kayaking.
Human Resources Director
Before becoming Aurora Plain Academy's human resources director, Randy worked in various roles with APA, including YDS, Unit Manager, and Case Manager. He earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Colorado Tech. In 2023, he earned his certificate as a certified professional through the Society for Human Resources Management. Randy retired as a Master Sergeant after a 20-year career with the Army National Guard. He currently serves as a member of the Plankinton development board. Randy has been married for 11 years and is a father of three.
Clinical Director
Jewell has worked within the clinical team at Aurora Plains Academy since 2018 and is currently the Clinical Director. Jewell was born and raised in Kansas City, MO (How ‘bout those CHIEFS!). She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in counseling from Southwest Baptist University in 2015. Jewell pursued her master’s degree in Community Mental Health Counseling, graduating from Evangel University in 2018. Prior to Aurora Plains Academy, she had the opportunity to work with a variety of populations within the mental health field including developmental disability and cross-culturally in Africa. Jewell has spent most of her career working with complex trauma, attachment, non-suicidal self-injury, and suicidal ideation. She is a certified DBT therapist and is trained in EMDR. Jewell is a proud Auntie, fur-mom, nature lover, and enjoys acrylic painting in her free time.
Handlers: Rebecca & Josh Rolling
Hi, I'm Stella, a 7-year-old border collie and lab mix! My favorite thing at APA is running laps around the residents and being spoiled with pets! I also love visiting classrooms and laying down to cuddle with the kids. My favorite thing to hear in the mornings are "let's go to work!"
Handler: Misty Vaverka
Toby is a 7-year-old AussiePoo. His favorite thing about coming to work is treats.… and of course pets! He gets excited when he hears kids around because he know he might get a few scritches. On his off time, he enjoys truck rides or napping with the kitties.