Executive Director
Emily Leedom
Emily is a South Dakota native with a background in marriage and family ministry. After completing her graduate work from Divine Mercy University, Emily sought to bring an integrated approach of the psychological sciences with a Catholic vision of the human person to the Diocese of Sioux Falls. Her work is an outpouring of what God seems to be doing in her and in her family. Emily has served as our Executive Director since October of 2020. Clinical Director
Teresa Henrickson
With over 30 years of clinical experience, Teresa brings excellence, dignity and grace to the work of the The Lourdes Center. With training in both clinical mental health and spiritual direction, Teresa embodies the integration of grace and nature. A musician, mother and grandmother, Teresa considers it a privelage to witness the perseverance, resiliance and strength of the human heart. Clinical Counselor
Mary Weber
Mary is a farm girl at heart who values faith, family and meaningful work. Her motto, "come as you are", gives individuals the freedom to remove the masks we wear and to step in to who we are created to be. Mary is a reknowned expert in grief and loss and the author of two childrens books. She also specializes in trauma, family dynamics and mental health challenges. Her style gives people the space to pause, unpack what they are are carrying, receive God's love and mercy amidst it and make a plan for healing and hope. Clinical Counselor
Elena McDonald
Elena has a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Eastern Kentucky University and is currently working towards her South Dakota LPC licensure.
Her approach is to meet clients where they are and guide them to overall holistic wellness by attending to and respecting all parts of a person: physical, mental, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual. Elena has experience in working with children, teenagers, and adults who have struggles with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationships, boundaries, grief, trauma, and life transitions.
Elena is a military spouse, a former professional athlete, and a Green Card holder. Her goal is to help people on their journey towards healing, finding balance, success, and happiness in their lives, and she is always happy to see new clients.
Clinical Counselor
Sara Vetch
Sara is passionate about accompanying people as they seek to heal, grow and flourish. As a self proclaimed "mom who bakes cookies and prays", sitting with Sara is like pulling up a chair at the kitchen counter where you can be yourself, receive the tenderness of a mothers heart, be challenged to reach your potential and taste the sweetness of God's love. Sara has a heart for all ages, especially young people and married couples. With a background in school counseling, Sara approaches the therapeutic process with an eye for the whole of a persons experience, paying attention to the various dynamics that influence us.Clinical Counselor
Maggie Steffen
Maggie is an Augustana alum with a Master’s degree in social work from the University of Nebraska-
Omaha. Her clinical experiences have been diverse, working with individuals of all ages who have
struggles with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, self-esteem, and family dynamics. Maggie is passionate
about empowering individuals to be the best versions of themselves. She utilizes a holistic approach to
lead individuals on a path of healing, where they may find the rest and freedom God desires for them.Graduate Student
Alison Conemac
Alison Conemac is a graduate level intern at The Lourdes Center while she completes a masters degree in social work through the Catholic University of America. Alison completed a B.A. in Theology in 2003, which led her into mission work for 17 years. She graduated from the Cenacle School for Spiritual Direction 2016 and has served as a spiritual director and retreat director since then. She currently works part time for the Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls as their Safe Environment Coordinator. Alison is most at home during long conversations over a meal with dear friends and family.Office Manager
Melissa Nielsen
Melissa is an extraordinary help to our clients in all matters related to insurance, billing and getting the most out of your benefits. With over 20 years of experience working with health care insurance, she is passionate about helping clients get the care they need. Scheduler
Janet Larson
Often referred to as the "anchor" of our team, Janet is a steady, warm and welcoming presence. The voice usually answering the phone, Janet has a way of putting others at ease and calming any uncertainty they may be experiencing. 
