Counseling Staff

COUNSELING STAFF

Counselor assignments are based on the first letter of the student's last name.

2023 RHS Counseling Team

Pictured (L to R): Annie Walker, Pam Burkard, Kara Spieler, Alyssa Lothrop, Kelsi Buckmiller, Kendra Burshiem, Tami Eichhorn, and Todd Alberty.

KENDRA BURSHIEM

Students: A-C

Email: kendra.burshiem@k12.sd.us

TODD ALBERTY

Students: D-G

Email: Todd.Alberty@k12.sd.us  

BS, History Education - University of Sioux Falls

MS, School Counseling - South Dakota State University

I am excited to be starting my 7th year at Roosevelt High School. Prior to getting my Masters in School Counseling, I was a teacher at Whittier Middle School and SD School for the Deaf. I enjoy helping students during these important 4 year years as they grow and develop into young adults, who are ready to make a positive impact in our community. 

ANNIE WALKER

Students: H-K

Email: Anne.Walker@k12.sd.us 

BA, Psychology & English - Augustana University

MS, School Counseling - South Dakota State University

I am in my 13th year as a school counselor. Prior to coming to RHS, I spent nine years with middle school students, and am now so excited to be in my 4th year at RHS. I grew up in Sioux Falls and am a proud graduate of the Sioux Falls School District. I love the variety of working with high school students and helping them plan for the future. Go Riders! 

KARA SPIELER

Students: L-O

Email: Kara.Spieler@k12.sd.us 

BS, Communication Studies - South Dakota State University

MS, School Counseling - South Dakota State University

This  is my 5th year at Roosevelt High School and my 13th year as a school counselor. My passion is working with students toward a goal, regardless if it's social/emotional, career or academic. The growth and development throughout high school is an exciting journey. I, especially, love the career and college discussion with students. Regardless if they are university or technical college bound or are looking for apprenticeships or full-time employment, the conversation is one I look forward to having with each of my students. 

ALYSSA LOTHROP

Students: P-Sn

 Email: Alyssa.Lothrop@k12.sd.us

BA, Human Development and Family Studies - South Dakota State University

MS, Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling - South Dakota State University

This is my second year as a counselor at RHS and my 5th in a counseling setting. I've previously worked as a clinical therapist, Certified Child Life Specialist, and elementary school counselor. Transitioning into a high school counseling role has been a dream come true. The age and life stage that these students are at has always been where my passion is. I'm enjoying the opportunities to build relationships, help support students and staff move toward success, and everything else that comes along with the work on a daily basis. I'm incredibly happy to be at RHS and for the privilege to support the Rough Riders. 

MATT SLAGUS

Students : So-Z

Email: matthew.slagus@k12.sd.us

BS, Sports Marketing & Media - University of South Dakota

MS, School Counseling - University of South Dakota

 

This is my first year as a School Counselor and I am passionate about helping students during this very important time of their lives. My approach is student-centered, focusing on creating a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel empowered to explore their interests and set meaningful goals. In addition to my role as a counselor, I am excited to contribute to the Roosevelt community through my involvement as a coach.

SUCCESS COORDINATOR

SUE KOOIMA

Email:  Sue.Kooima@k12.sd.us 

SOCIAL WORKER

GRACE MEYERS

Email: Grace.Meyers@k12.sd.us

COUNSELING CLERICAL

STACY KOSTER

Email: stacy.koster@k12.sd.us

REGISTRAR

TAMI EICHHORN

Email: Tami.Eichhorn@k12.sd.us 

EL Home/School Liaison

BRANDI HOUG

Email: brandi.houg@k12.sd.us

Phone: 605.362.2860

Indian Education Liaison

SAMANTHA BRINKMAN

Email: samantha.brinkman@k12.sd.us

Phone: 605.367.4282