Meet the Team
Our Therapists

Angela Zirpel, MS, LPC-MH, LAC, SAP
Angela Zirpel, MS, LPC-MH, LAC, is a therapist who works with children ages 10 and up, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She works with clients navigating anxiety, unhealthy coping patterns, grief, life transitions, school-related concerns, and family communication challenges. With over 20 years of experience at Solace (formerly Family Service Inc.), Angela brings a steady, grounded presence to her work with clients. In her work, Angela takes a balanced approach to therapy that is practical, insightful, and warm, helping clients gain skills while also feeling genuinely understood. She strives to create a space where people feel comfortable being themselves—open, honest, and willing to engage in the work of growth and healing. Angela believes that meaningful change happens within a strong therapeutic relationship and works collaboratively with clients to support clarity, resilience, and meaningful progress.
Ages Served: 12–62
Services Provided: Individual, Couples, Family
Primary Clinical Focus:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Addictions
- Grief and Loss
- Couples Counseling

Holly Boettcher, LMSW, LCSW, QMHP
(Ongoing Play Therapy Training & Will take LCSW_PIP in March 2026)
Holly grew up in Northwest Iowa and has called the region home her entire life, beginning her work in human services and social work there with experience supporting individuals and families in homes, schools, hospitals, and various non‑profit agencies. Holly earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services from Buena Vista University in 2002, followed by a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership with a minor in Psychology from Buena Vista University in December 2004. In October 2023, Holly completed her Master’s Degree in Social Work with an emphasis in Trauma from Chamberlain University, and in July 2024 she obtained her certification as a Qualified Mental Health Provider with the state of South Dakota. She has provided mental health therapy in outpatient settings and utilizes a range of therapeutic approaches, including person‑centered, strength‑based, systems theory, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, play therapy for children, and other evidence‑based practices. Holly’s areas of experience include Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Personality Disorders, Family Conflict and Relationships, Teens, and Kids
Ages Served: 5+
Services Provided: Individual
Primary Clinical Focus:
- Trauma
- Play Therapy
- Adolescents / Teens
- Anxiety
- Depression
- ADHD
- Autism
- Personality Disorders
Specialized Populations& Issues:
- Family dynamics and relationship concerns
- Divorce-related stressors
- Survivors of Domestic Violence (DV)
- Survivors of Sexual Assault (SA)

Wendy Kajer, MA, LPC-MH, QMHP, Reiki Master
Wendy is a licensed professional counselor with a deep passion for supporting others on their path to emotional and mental wellness. Wendy's work includes assisting adolescents, adults of all ages, and couples as they navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADD, grief and loss, life transitions, relationship concerns, and more. Using an integrative therapy approach, Wendy emphasizes holistic methods while addressing mental health needs and prioritizes creating a safe, compassionate environment where clients can explore their experiences and work toward meaningful growth. Dedicated to helping individuals move toward greater daily joy and fulfillment, Wendy brings steady encouragement and a client‑centered presence to every session.
Ages Served: 14+
Services Provided: Individual, Couples
Primary Clinical Focus:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- ADD/ADHD
- Relationship and Couples Counseling
- Grief and Loss
- Life Transitions

Viena Klipfel, MS, LMFT Supervisee, RPT Supervisee
Viena earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2023 and a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Counseling with a Play Therapy specialization in 2025, both from South Dakota State University. Currently working toward LMFT licensure and play therapy certification, Viena supports children, teens, and young adults through a range of therapeutic needs and developmental stages.
Ages Served: Children, Adolescents, Young Adults (3-25)
Services Provided: Individual
Primary Clinical Focus & Populations:
- Survivors of Domestic Violence (DV)
- Survivors of Sexual Assault (SA)
- Trauma Responsive
- Play Therapy
- Child-Centered & Person-Centered
- Daycare Facility & Caregiver Therapy

Kelsey Renczykowski, M.S.Ed, LPC-Supervisee, NCC
Kelsey provides individual therapy services, bringing specialized training in trauma and violence recovery to support clients on their healing journey. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from South Dakota State University and her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Illinois University. Kelsey's experience includes working as a substance abuse counselor at a residential treatment facility and completing her practicum and internship at Family Resources in Davenport, Iowa, where she provided services in the Survivor Services department to children and adults affected by sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking, homicide, and other violent crimes. Kelsey is receiving training in EMDR to use as a specialization with her clients. Her comprehensive background in trauma-informed care makes her well-equipped to support survivors through evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Ages Served: Children,Adolescents, Adults
Services Provided: Individual
Primary Clinical Focus& Populations:
-
- Survivors of Domestic Violence (DV)
- Survivors of Sexual Assault (SA)
- Survivors of trafficking, homicide, and other violent crimes
- LGBTQIA+ clients
- Clients with Substance Use Disorders (SUD)
- Residential and outpatient treatment settings
- Individuals involved with judicial and legal systems
Our Staff
Patty Brooks
Executive Director
Paul Ritter
Interim Clinical Director
Vonda Vander Woude
Executive Assistant
Nicole Olvera
Operations and Technology Manager
Sage Ver Steeg
Community Outreach and Education Coordinator
Baylee Van Zee
Marketing and Communications
Sara Krekelberg, SWA
Lead Advocate & Prevention, Education & Outreach Manager
Kristina McSweeney
Lead Rape Crisis Advocate
Dee Ludewig
Billing and Facilities Manager
Donna Johnson
Receptionist
Emily Lapolice
Solace Healing Arts Director
Lisa Conlin
Healing Arts Facilitator, Dance Collective Lead
Maria Denk-Travers
Healing Arts Facilitator
Krysta Miller
Healing Arts Facilitator
Mary Parsons
Healing Arts Facilitator
Macy
Therapy Intern
Lily
Healing Arts Intern
Rape Crisis Advocates Team
When trauma happens—day or night—our Rape Crisis Advocates are the first to respond.
Our Rape Crisis Advocate team provides immediate, trauma-informed support to survivors of sexual assault and their families during the most critical moments of crisis. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, our advocates answer the crisis line, respond in person to hospitals and law enforcement agencies, and ensure no survivor faces the immediate aftermath of violence alone.
Crisis Care Navigators
After the immediate crisis, the hard work of rebuilding begins. Our Crisis Care Navigators walk alongside survivors for the long journey ahead.
While Rape Crisis Advocates provide immediate response, Crisis Care Navigators offer ongoing support, advocacy, and resource connection as survivors navigate the complex aftermath of trauma. Navigators help with everything from accessing emergency shelter to understanding legal systems to connecting with long-term counseling—meeting survivors where they are and supporting them at their own pace.
Need Help Right Now?
Crisis Hotline: 1-877-IN-CRISIS (24/7)
Walk In: 2210 S Brown Place, Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Walk In Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 9 AM - 6 PM*
Friday: 9 AM - Noon*
*Disclaimer: The last walk in appointment of the day is an hour before closing.
