Why We NAMI - A Mental Health Podcast

Wendy Mamer is a dedicated community member who thrives by meeting people, being with people, and hearing their stories. Wendy embodies a vulnerability-centered approach, both personally and professionally. Wendy has the honor of serving as the Assistant Director of Admission at Augustana University. While at Augustana, Wendy helped bring the first ever student-led mental health group to campus, which she is currently the advisor for. Outside of her time at Augustana, Wendy enjoys spending time with her husband, Kyle and their two puppies, Milli and Milo. Wendy also serves on a local non-profit board for Sad Isn't Bad, which provides free grief counseling to youth and those who care for them. She has been the on-court emcee for the Sioux Falls Skyforce for the past 5 seasons and she also was selected as a TEDx Sioux Falls speaker where she delivered the talk "Survivor of Suicide Loss: A Title I Never Wanted.

Adam Dale Jorgensen (he/him) is currently the Vice Chair of Equality South Dakota. Prior to joining Equality South Dakota, Adam served at Sioux Falls Pride as president, worked as the communications and development coordinator at NARAL Pro-Choice South Dakota, helped folks at LifeScape secure employment, and led a team of 250 volunteers at Sanford Hospice. Over the last several years, Adam has immersed himself in the area non-profit advocacy world with the goal of unifying and emboldening advocates from across the state.
Adam is a graduate of the University of Sioux Falls and Southeast Technical Institute with majors focusing on marketing, project management, and graphic design.

Monique “Muffie” Mousseau's Lakota name is Canupa mani Wi ((Cha Nu Pa Ma Nee Wee )) (Walks with Pipe Women) Monique “Muffie” Mousseau (Moo-so). She is a member of the Oglala Lakota oyate. She is alcohol and drug free and has been in a relationship for 15+ years, married 6 years to her beautiful wife, Felipa De Leon.

She is a True Rez’er and able to be an urban native.

Monique has a bachelor’s degree in Education, Associate Arts and Science degree in Natural Resources Management, Pre-engineering. She has 36 years in the workforce including 21 years at the Oglala Sioux Rural Water Supply System as an Easement Coordinator. 8 years as an IPA Federal Certified Police Officer where she became knowledgeable of Federal Laws which govern Native American Reservations. More recently she worked in New Mexico and North Dakota and Rapid City, SD until May 2019.

Monique is an Advocate/Activist for many important groups including the LGBTQ2S. She promotes culture, education and equity. child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, homelessness, Native American Rights, Minority Discrimination, MMIWM, Native American LGBTQ2S. Promotes culture, education, equity, Involved in many protections of Mother Earth (Water/Land/Air) marches and protests. Strong equality beliefs. Involved in community concept of pro-active teachings for the next generations. Strong in the belief of Mitakuye Oyasin, Mother Earth, all connections.

In her spare time, Monique travels throughout the western United States for Pow Wow/Rodeoing throughout her entire life, loved competing in sports, Travelled for Golfing Tournaments along the West Coast. Also, learned how to curl while living in North Dakota.

Lance Johnson is from Webster, SD, graduated from Webster High School and raised on a farm Northwest of Webster – grain and beef. Lance graduated from South Dakota State University with a Major in Dairy Manufacturing. Lance has been in the dairy industry for 36 years and working at Valley Queen Cheese Factory in Milbank, SD for 26 years doing primarily production and engineering. Lance is married to his wife Dine (pronounced Deena), has 4 kids – ages range 19 to 31 years old.

This week's guest is Travis Jacobs. Travis is an author, storyteller, teacher, and radio host. Hear about his struggles with loss and addiction, and learn how he overcame adversity using awareness, practice, and courage.