Emotional Behavioral  Counselors

The Emotional/Behavioral Skills Program provides supports for students with emotional, behavioral, and/or social needs. The support is given in both the general education classroom and the Skills classroom, depending on the needs of the individual. Each student comes with both strengths and deficits. The goal of the Skills Program is to build on the strengths that already exist and teach positive replacement behaviors to address deficits.

The Skills Program also has counselors who assist students with issues that interfere with their success in educational and social areas. Students will progress at an individualized pace toward self-discipline and the ability to make appropriate behavioral choices.

Melisa Miller

I received my Bachelors degree from the University of South Dakota with a major in Addiction Studies and a minor in Criminal Justice. After completing my degree, I went to work at Personal Frontiers where I worked with adults and adolescents with substance use disorders. Following my time at Personal Frontiers, I went to work at Behavioral Health Services that is within Campbell County Health. While at BHS, I started and obtained my Master's degree in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University.  During my time at BHS I worked with adults and adolescents with substance use and mental health disorders. I then went to work for McCarty Family Medicine where we worked to integrate physical and mental health care into one team. This opportunity provided me with an opportunity to work with a Suboxone program helping those with opioid addictions. McCarty Family Medicine closed due to their personal health issues. Next, I went into private practice starting Cornerstone Counseling. During this time I also worked closely with Kristina Leslie of Powder River Behavioral Consultation. In private practice I treated adults and adolescents with mental health and substance use disorders. A couple years into private practice I received a call from former co-workers asking me to join the therapy team at the YES House. I accepted this position and continued private practice for about a year before closing Cornerstone Counseling. I spent four years at the YES House serving a therapist and later the Clinical Supervisor before accepting my job with the Campbell County School District.  I have held licenses within the state of Wyoming since 2007.

My job offers me so many opportunities with youth but the best thing is seeing kids begin to understand their moods and behaviors and start making positive changes that allow them to be more successful at school, home and socially.  

When I am not at work I enjoy spending time with my husband and three kids as well as our dogs.  We enjoy fishing during the summer and spending time by the fireplace in the winter.  I've also been known to show up in our fantasy football league and win a few seasons.  

Kris Thorfinnson

I began my college years at the University of Minnesota/ Morris campus in 1978 with declared majors in Chemistry and Psychology.  My plans at the time included applying to Medical School....plans changed..... I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Chemistry in 1982 from the University of North Dakota followed by a Master of Science degree in Counseling in 1984, also from the University of North Dakota. I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Wyoming since 1988.

I find people interesting and am constantly amazed at their potential. Because I work with at risk teens, my job is NEVER boring! 

I love to read, travel, spend time at our cabin, collect rocks and LOVE to junk!  I have collected antiques for years and enjoy re-purposing things! 

Jayson Zeller

I have received my Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice from Chadron State College, and my Masters Degree in Counseling and Human Development from South Dakota State University.  I have practiced mental health counseling with youth for approximately 14 years; approximately 4 years at Youth Emergency Services in Gillette Wyoming, and approximately 10 years with the Campbell County school district.  

I truly enjoy assisting students to overcome issues that are keeping them from reaching their full potential academically, socially, and emotionally.  I love creating strong therapeutic relationships with the students I work with as well as watching them grow and mature as they strive to reach their goals.

I love playing disc golf, competing in fantasy football, watching my Denver Broncos and Nebraska Cornhuskers, as well as learning about, growing in, and sharing my Christian faith with those that are interested in hearing about it.