Meet Catholic Social Services Talented Team Members

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
Hello! I grew up in a small town in Nebraska on my family’s farm where I learned the values of resilience, perseverance, the simple joys of everyday life, and a deep respect for the cycles of life-qualities that continue to shape my work as a therapist today. My academic journey began with a General Studies Associate’s degree with a focus on the arts which evolved into a double major Bachelor’s degree in Business and Psychology that eventually grew into a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a meaningful career in therapy.

Outside of my professional work, I enjoy homemaking through cooking, baking, creative projects, as well as reading, writing, and spending as much time outdoors year-round. Embracing the changing seasons reminds me to acknowledge life’s shifts-be it in weather, mood, or everyday life-without letting them deter me, and to continue moving forward with intention and purpose.

Most of all, I value time with my daughter, who continues to inspire my perspective on life, connection, and what it means to find meaning in the present moment.

Therapeutic Approach
With deep compassion and over 2 years of clinical experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating grief, loss, and major life transitions. Whether it's the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, a loss of identity, a loss of any physical, mental, or spiritual aspect of one’s own self or life, I create a safe and grounded space for clients to process their pain and begin to rebuild their lives with purpose.

Drawing from evidence-based approaches such as meaning-centered therapy, narrative therapy, traditional talk therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, holistic integration, and existential psychology, I guide clients not only through the experience of loss but toward the discovery of meaning, resilience, and a renewed sense of self. I believe that within the depth of grief and any kind of suffering lies the possibility of transformation—and that healing doesn’t mean forgetting, but rather, learning how to carry the loss while still moving forward.

Whether you're newly grieving or have been carrying silent sorrow for years, I am here to walk alongside you—helping you make sense of what’s been lost, and explore what is still possible.

Specializations

• Grief/Loss
• End-of-life concerns
• Existential crisis/issues
• 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)

Deborah French

About Me
I grew up on the plains of eastern Colorado in a very small rural community. I received Bachelors and Masters degrees in Audiology from the University of Northern Colorado. After a long career as an Audiologist, I felt the calling to pursue counseling as a second career. I received my counseling degree from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs. I’ve lived and practiced in Arkansas, Colorado, Oregon, and now South Dakota, now my adopted home state.

Therapeutic Approach
I utilize various therapeutic modalities, primarily using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for trauma treatment. I strive to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for my clients to process and clarify their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs.

Specializations

• Anxiety and Depression
• Trauma and PTSD
• Grief and Loss
• Aging

Education

• Master's Degree in Community and Human Services
• Bachelor's Degree in Audiology

Licenses

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

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. 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 am a certified Somatic EMDR Practitioner.

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

• Masters in Social Work, Widener University
• Bachelors of Science in Human Services and Sociology, Black Hills State University

Licenses

• Certified Social Worker (CSW)

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