Just as seasons change, CHS continues to evolve to better serve children and families affected by trauma. As the external environment in which we operate changes, CHS must change to reflect external realities. Last week, President and CEO Michelle Lavallee shared information regarding leadership designed to strengthen our impact, consistency and quality of care.

As our programs have grown and our external environment has changed, so has the complexity of our work and the scope of services we provide. With the added tasks involved in expanding multiple programs—including licensing, credentialing and accreditation requirements—our need became clear: we must add staff to support both you and those we serve.

With sites and teams spread across the state, we recognize the need for greater consistency, stronger communication, and a clear leadership structure that supports collaboration and alignment. This new structure provides the consistency we have sometimes lacked.

In the past, senior leaders were based in Sioux Falls. Today, we recognize the strategic significance of the Rapid City market as a key area of growth—and we’ve heard your requests for on-site leadership.

Please see the leadership changes and the new organization chart below. If you have questions about how these changes may affect you, or why they are being implemented, refer to the Q&A document. If your question isn’t answered there, please reach out to your supervisor.

Effective August 19, 2025:

• Dr. Brian Wilson, our employed board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist in Rapid City, joins the executive team as Chief Medical Officer, continuing his revenue-producing psychiatry practice while adding medical leadership to strategic decisions across our organization. Dr. Wilson will be a key part of our strategic planning, quality review, and monitoring. He will lead quarterly case reviews with our contracted physicians in psychiatry, pediatrics and family practice to ensure consistency across the state.
• Dr. Edward Mailloux, who has cared for our kiddos for over 22 years, remains as our Medical Director statewide, and will continue his day-to-day responsibilities for all medical issues.
• Freddy Maseman, a 22-year veteran of CHS who holds a master’s in clinical mental health counseling, is promoted to VP of Psychiatric Residential Treatment (PRT), and will run both east and west programs. In this position, he oversees our schools as well, led by Tara, Ericka and Erin.
• Christi Keffeler, our current Director, holds a master’s degree and is pursuing a PhD in nursing. A veteran clinic and nursing school leader, Christi is promoted to VP of Outpatient Mental Health Services, overseeing both outpatient therapy and psychiatry services statewide. She will also lead the Child Advocacy Center, Therapeutic Foster Care, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids and Prevention.
• Mike Groher, a veteran educator of 25 years, transitions to become our new Business Development Officer with primary responsibility of keeping our programs at capacity and expanding our day school presence across the state. Mike has brought many positive academic improvements to our schools in the past six years and mentored strong assistant directors who are now ready to take on greater leadership responsibilities. He is also a key leader in our Science of Hope initiative.
• Tara Chayka becomes Principal–West, supervising Lincoln School and Owen School. Tara holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, and has served 24 years at CHS, the past five years as Assistant Director.
• Ericka Bohle has 11 years of experience as an educator, the last three as CHS Assistant Director of Schools. Ericka, who holds a master of arts in educational administration, becomes Principal–East at Loving School.
• Erin Schons, a 24-year veteran educator with a master’s in science specializing in special education, becomes Special Education Services Administrator, with responsibilities at all schools.