About YAMWI
Caring for Self…Caring for Community
The first Yankton, South Dakota mental wellness conference was held in 1999 in response to the need for training and networking for professionals passionate about serving those in need. The conference also serves to draw together individuals to increase awareness of the network of resources and support available to them. Conference planners include a diverse group of administrators, clergy, educators, healthcare professionals, industrial leaders, lawyers, and lay representatives to ensure that the education and supportive needs of all prospective participants are met.
More than 25 years later, the conference has grown into a vital community endeavor. It brings together over 225 participants annually, offering professional development and fostering a united effort towards mental wellness. Join us in supporting this essential event, where caring for oneself and others is at the heart of our mission.
2023 Award Recipient
Jean Hunhoff
The 2023 YAMWI Conference was dedicated to Jean Hunhoff for her ongoing commitment and outstanding leadership as an elected official. Jean embodies the ‘silver linings’ of advocacy for those facing mental illness, support for service providers, and vision for an ever-brighter future for mental health care in our great state of South Dakota.
YAMWI Board of Directors
Executive Board
Chair Dr. Tom Stanage, Lewis & Clark Behavioral Health Services
Vice Chair Lori Lincoln, Mount Marty College
Secretary Brook Thurman, SD Human Services Center
Treasurer Jason Pearson, Pearson Tax & Accounting
Planning Committee
Chair: Lois Halbur
Board Members
Rebecca Altman, Unified Judicial System, Court Services
Brandi Gant, SD Human Services Center
Lois Halbur, SD Human Services Center
Shari Hussing, SD Human Services Center
Desiree Johnson, Rivercity Domestic Violence Center
Mary Beth Kafka, Lewis & Clark Behavioral Health Services
Dale Knode, American Psychiatric Nurses Association – SD
Lavonne Lorenzen, Education
Sharon Oien, Ability Building Services
Joe Rehurek, SD Vocational Rehab
Amy Reyes, Yankton Public School
Chauntel Wright, Anchoring to Hope