Our Team

Breakthrough strives to partner with each person’s system (family, school, and community) to create individualized care plans.

Common areas that we focus on are: depression, suicidality, anxiety, school issues, bullying, divorce, blending families, trauma, anger, neurodevelopmental (ADHD, Autism), and past abuse.

Krysta Winter

MS, LPC-MH, QMHP

Clinical Director; Mental Health Therapist

Krysta is Breakthrough’s Clinical Director and a Licensed Professional Counselor. Krysta has been providing clinical mental health counseling in the Sioux Falls area since 2012 and has a passion for working with adolescents and their families. Krysta has focused on learning about the brain and how our life experiences impact us. She is trained in evidenced based models to assist in addressing areas of need in individual and family counseling. What drew Krysta to Breakthrough is the ability to use both clinical models and what we know from scripture about how God created us in order to facilitate growth and healing.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Winona State University 2008
  • Master of Science Mental Health Counseling from Minnesota State, Mankato 2010
  • Licensed Professional Counselor-Mental Health
  • Qualified Mental Health Professional
  • Board Approved Counseling Supervisor in South Dakota

Krysta has specialized training in the following areas:

  • Trauma and incorporating brain based therapies such as EMDR and Brainspotting.
  • Adolescent challenges including school refusal and oppositional behaviors.
  • Somatization (physical symptoms) that impact an individual’s functioning.
  • Marriage and Family interventions to view relationships from a Christ-Centered perspective and work through challenging issues.

Krysta uses creative strategies to engage youth who may not be interested in the therapy process. Some examples include art, games, and teaching skills with enthusiasm and humor. She is passionate about engaging youth to understand how God made them unique, allowing them to learn more about the way God created our brain in order to function at their best. Along with working with adolescents, Krysta is passionate about involving parents and including family systems and Christ-Centered tools to impact relationships and coach parents/caregivers. Krysta’s work with parents focuses on building attachment for long-lasting impacts.

Tricia Warner

MS, MSW, LCSW-PIP

Mental Health Therapist

Tricia joined Breakthrough in August 2023. She is a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Private Independent Practice. She has worked in counseling and social work since 2001, including in schools, hospitals, homes and clinics. She enjoys working with people of all ages. What drew Tricia to Breakthrough is the ability to share about God’s love and our identities that are found in Him.

  • Bachelor of Science in Journalism from South Dakota State University, Brookings, 1994
  • Master of Science in Applied Psychology from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford, 1996
  • Master of Social Work from University of Nebraska-at Omaha, Omaha, 2001
  • Licensed Certified Social Worker-Private Independent Practice (2291)

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Career Counseling, Identity Issues, Lifespan Transitions and Concerns of Aging, Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression, Pre-Marital Preparation and Marital Concerns, Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Adjustment Disorders, Caregiver Stress and Burnout, Grief Counseling, Self-Esteem, Adoption Training

Jordan Kruse

MS, NCC

Mental Health Therapist

Jordan joined Breakthrough in January of 2024. He is a national certified counselor, K-12 certified school counselor, and an LPC-Supervisee. Jordan has been fortunate to work with individuals from many different backgrounds over the years in schools, colleges, and ministry settings. He has a passion for working with individuals and families who may be experiencing a variety of challenges, or are wanting to develop skills to grow and flourish. Jordan believes in the power of a strong therapeutic relationship between client and clinician. His goal is to bring understanding and hope to clients through authenticity and genuine care. What drew Jordan to Breakthrough was the opportunity to integrate faith into counseling services while walking alongside people in their life journey. 

  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Christian Education from Northwestern College (IA) 2012
  • Master of Science in Counseling & Human Development from South Dakota State University 2020
  • LPC-Supervisee
  • National Certified Counselor
  • Licensed K-12 School Counselor

Anxiety & Depression, Suicidal Ideation, Children/Youth Therapy, Family Therapy, Spiritual Formation

Alexis Giff

MA
Office Manager

Alexis joined Breakthrough in June of 2022. She has worked serving families and children over the past 14 years in a variety of programs including residential treatment centers and outpatient counseling centers. Alexis has experience managing schedules for therapists within the medical field, and has worked with the state of South Dakota in providing counseling and resources to parents in order to maintain a safe home for families. She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Michigan and a MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from the Sioux Falls Seminary. Coming from a home of missionaries, Alexis was drawn to the mission of Breakthrough in spreading God’s love and providing families and children with the resources needed to overcome whatever challenge they may face and provide support in a hurting world.

Steve Van’t Hul

Educator

Steve started at Breakthrough in Fall 2022 assisting in the Education section. Steve enjoys helping students and getting to know them better. A goal each day is to keep God at the center of everything we do and to help the students see Christ working in their lives. In his off time Steve enjoys spending time with family, friends, and being outdoors. Overall, Life and God are GOOD!

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