meet our team
Dr. Annie Stachowitz
PhD, LP, HSP
Licensed Psychologist, Owner of Bethink
Dr. Annie Stachowitz specializes in working with children and adolescents. She spent eight years at South Sioux City Community School District providing psychological evaluations and other mental health services. Dr. Stachowitz has been in the clinic setting for seven years, first at Heartland Counseling Services in Nebraska, before establishing Bethink. She offers thorough psychological evaluations with clear, detailed reports and helpful recommendations.
Dr. Stachowitz utilizes the most up-to-date, technologically advanced, valid, and reliable instruments available. She also offers therapy, specializing in serving children and adolescents. She is eclectic in her therapeutic approach, but tends to utilize a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy treatment approach most often.
Dr. Stachowitz earned a bachelor’s degree at Morningside University, and a master’s and doctorate degree at the University of South Dakota.
Brian Paugh
PA-C, MSPAS
Psychiatric Physician Assistant
Brian specializes in medication management of mental health disorders in adults and adolescents. He has experience in treating a variety of mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, personality disorders, attention disorders, adjustment disorders, insomnia, and more.
Brian has several years of experience with both inpatient psychiatry as well as outpatient psychiatric care.
He has offered several different mental health treatment options including TMS and Spravato. When it comes to deciding on treatment, Brian will discuss options providing patients the ability to make informed decisions and control of their health. Brian recognizes how lifestyle factors affect mental wellness. He emphasizes the role of exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle changes in improving one’s mental health. He also encourages utilizing therapists in the care of patients.
Brian earned his Bachelor’s degree from Lynn University and his Master’s from the University of South Dakota.
Jen Lucart
ARNP, FNP-C, PMHNP
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Jennifer Lucart is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience caring for individuals and families across a variety of healthcare settings. Her clinical background includes emergency medicine, neonatal intensive care, long-term care, and more than six years of advanced practice experience caring for critically ill and medically complex patients in intensive care. Throughout her career, Jen has developed a strong foundation in comprehensive assessment, collaborative treatment planning, patient advocacy, and whole-person care.
Jen earned her Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner specialization from Chamberlain University and is currently completing a post-master’s certificate in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, with anticipated graduation in Fall 2026. Her continued training reflects her interest in integrating physical and mental healthcare and supporting individuals whose emotional well-being and overall health are closely connected.
Jen approaches patient care with compassion, curiosity, and respect for each person’s individual experiences and needs. She values collaboration and believes patients and families should feel heard, informed, and actively involved in decisions about their care. Her years of experience working with complex medical needs have also shaped her appreciation for looking beyond individual symptoms and considering the whole person when developing a treatment plan.
At bethink, Jen brings her broad medical experience to the treatment of mental and behavioral health concerns, working collaboratively with patients, families, and other members of the care team. She is committed to providing thoughtful, evidence-based care while building trusting relationships that help patients feel comfortable, supported, and empowered throughout their treatment.
Stacey Norton-Modrell
LISW, RPT-S
Licensed Independent Social Worker
Stacey is a highly experienced mental health therapist who provides compassionate, evidence-based care to children, adolescents, adults, and families. With more than 30 years of clinical experience, she brings both depth of expertise and a steady, calming presence to her work with individuals facing a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and relational concerns—from mild stressors to more complex mental health challenges.
As a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, Stacey has advanced training in Sand Tray Therapy and play-based interventions, allowing her to create a uniquely engaging and developmentally appropriate therapy experience, particularly for children and adolescents. Her approach is thoughtful, collaborative, and tailored to each client’s needs, helping individuals and families feel understood, supported, and empowered throughout the therapeutic process.
Stacey is deeply committed to fostering meaningful change by meeting clients where they are and guiding them toward growth, resilience, and emotional well-being in a safe and nurturing environment.
Brooke Vollmer
MA, tLMHC
Mental Health Counselor
Brooke Vollmer supports children, adolescents, and adults navigating a range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and trauma. Her approach to therapy is grounded in empathy, compassion, and the belief that meaningful change begins with meeting clients exactly where they are.
Brooke values and actively promotes client autonomy, empowering each individual to take an active role in their therapeutic journey. She incorporates evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and play therapy, tailoring each session to the developmental needs and unique experiences of the clients she serves.
Jenny Pattee
Ed.S, NCSP
Educational Specialist & Psychologist Technician
Jenny graduated from the University of South Dakota in 2011 with an Ed.S. in School Psychology. She administers psychological assessments with young children through adults. Jenny is a certified Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) administrator and Cogmed coach.
Jenny also holds a dual degree in education, including special education. She holds an advanced degree in educational administration as well.
Her background as an educator includes experiences working with students with challenging behaviors, autism spectrum disorders, learning disorders, traumatic brain injuries, and other neurodevelopment disabilities. Jenny's 35+ years of experience includes collaborating with adults, families, and educators to identify and address specific learning and social-emotional needs while developing educational strategies for children and life skills for adults.
Jenny helps the bethink team to provide the best outcomes and quality of care for children, adolescents, and adults.
Gracie Hansen
PhD, NCSP, pLP
Psychologist Fellow/Provisionally Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Gracie Hansen earned her Doctorate in School Psychology from the University of South Dakota in May of 2025. She specializes in working with children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities. Her most significant clinical training experiences took place at the Center for Disabilities in Sioux Falls, SD, and the University of South Dakota’s School Psychological and Counseling Clinics. In addition, she has provided school-based psychological services in Nebraska, supporting students, families, and educators in both rural and urban settings.
Dr. Hansen has experience conducting comprehensive psychological evaluations,
including cognitive, behavioral, academic, and social-emotional assessments. She also provides individual counseling using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and social skills training. Collaboration is central to her practice, and she works closely with families and interdisciplinary teams to design and implement effective intervention plans.
Her clinical interests include supporting children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder, as well as enhancing executive functioning skills and promoting equitable access to mental health services across community settings. Dr. Hansen is deeply committed to helping individuals and families thrive by providing compassionate care grounded in research-based practice.
Brooke Nitzschke, RN
Registered Nurse
Brooke Nitzschke is a Registered Nurse with more than six years of experience providing care in both hospital and outpatient clinic settings. Born and raised in the Siouxland area, Brooke earned her nursing degree from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. Her diverse nursing experience has strengthened her commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care.
Brooke values the relationships she builds with patients and believes that feeling heard, supported, and cared for is an important part of the healthcare experience. In her role at bethink, she works alongside patients and providers to help coordinate care, answer questions, and provide ongoing support. She approaches each interaction with warmth, compassion, and a genuine desire to help patients feel comfortable and confident in their care.
support staff
Matt Stachowitz
Chief Financial Officer
Jamie Knowlton
Business Manager
Beth Criss
Administrative Support