Independent Practitioners in association with Agape Counseling Center

Agape Counseling Center practices in association with the following providers at our office location 700 S. 8th Ave. in Brandon, SD. Each Independent Practitioner manages their own practice, scheduling, hours of operation, insurance paneling, and phone calls as applicable.

Erin Sanford - Agape Counseling Center

Erin Sanford
MA, NCC, LPC-MH, QMHP
Licensed Professional Counselor- Mental Health

Erin has worked in the mental health field since 2007 and is a licensed professional counselor of mental health (LPC-MH) in the state of South Dakota. She also holds a qualified mental health provider certification (QMHP) and is a nationally certified counselor (NCC). She attended college at the University of South Dakota (USD) for her undergraduate degrees (Psychology and Sociology) and master’s degree (Counseling).

Erin first began her practice as a counselor for Southeastern Behavioral Healthcare (2007-2011). Then she joined the Wellspring group, a private practice in Sioux Falls SD (2011-2014). During these years she also did contract work with the City of Sioux Falls at Falls Community Health where she walked with people from all different backgrounds, presenting with many different struggles (2011-2022). In 2014, she opened her private practice, Agape Counseling Center, in Brandon, SD. Her practice has grown to include 6 full time therapists and one graduate level intern.

Erin treats a wide variety of mental and behavioral health issues as well as relationship challenges. Specific areas of emphasis include anxiety, depression, life stressors, trauma, rebuilding self-esteem, spirituality issues, body image, life transitions, conflict resolution, and couple’s therapy. Erin also has a special passion for individuals struggling with grief and loss. This passion stemmed from her own tragic loss of her beautiful twin daughters Grace and Bethany Sanford who passed away shortly after their birth in May 2012. In June 2015 Erin became a grief recovery specialist® through the Grief Recovery Institute®. Erin’s counseling approach offers solutions and support to individuals, couples, and families as they face their challenges. She builds upon their strengths and partners with them to respectfully address their unique emotional, spiritual, mental, and social needs. She is passionate about using mindfulness, CBT, trauma processing techniques, and strength-based exploration to enhance client's understanding of themself.

Erin is married to her best friend Jeremy and together they have 7 beautiful children Anika, Meredyth, Josiah, Grace and Bethany, Carly Jo, and Max. Erin enjoys an active lifestyle that mostly consists of camping, following her children’s sporting activities, hiking, and ministry work. She enjoys cooking, traveling, playing cards, and spending time with her friends and family. She firmly believes that laughter is “the best medicine” so her lighthearted demeanor is sure to help people feel comfortable in even the most challenging circumstances.

Erin will help you work on identifying problem areas and how to change your worldview to build a stronger foundation. She will work to help you grow in your relationships, build on your communication skills, and provide more effective emotional regulation. If you are ready for healthy adjustments in your life, Erin is ready to help support and encourage you.

Sarah Shoffner - Ascend Counseling

Sarah Shoffner
CSW-PIP, QMHP

Sarah is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (CSW-PIP) in South Dakota. She also holds a qualified mental health provider certification (QMHP). She attended Southwest Minnesota State University and obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. She then went on to complete her Master of Social Work degree from the University of South Dakota.

Sarah uses a strength-based perspective to recognize and cultivate the potential in others. Sarah specializes in working with children, adolescents, and families struggling with anxiety issues, depression, ADHD, behavioral issues, social skills, parenting skills, life transitions, grief, and trauma. Sarah has additional training and experience working with emergency responders (law enforcement, fire fighters, 911 dispatchers).

Sarah has over 20 years of social work experience and has held a variety of positions that have added to her wealth of knowledge. Sarah is also a wife and mother to 5 children. When she is not working, Sarah enjoys spending time with her friends and family, watching her kids play sports, campfires (mostly the smores), walking her dog and traveling.

Lindsey Krueger - Authentic Counseling

Lindsey Krueger
CSW-PIP

Lindsey is a licensed clinical social worker (CSW-PIP) in the state of South Dakota with over 10 years of experience in the field. She received her Bachelor degree in Social Work from Minnesota State University, Mankato and her Masters of Social Work from the University of South Dakota. She has been providing counseling services to individuals and groups since 2016. She has experience working with trauma, chronic illness, grief, depression, anxiety, emotional intensity and a variety of life stressors. Lindsey also had the pleasure of implementing a therapy role for patients and families on a medical rehabilitation unit. On the unit, Lindsey assisted with adjustment to strokes, brain injuries, cancer, accidents and a variety of other health issues.

Lindsey has a unique understanding that sometimes life and emotions can become intense. She approaches therapy as a way to help strengthen individuals with the goal of no longer needing her services. Lindsey is eclectic in her approach and believes with the right support, anyone is capable of living their best life. She has utilized CBT, DBT, strength based, art, humor and a variety of other techniques to help people. Lindsey provides a safe environment for individuals to share and grow at their own comfort level while learning beneficial coping skills. That way when life turns into a hot mess, the individual doesn’t have to. Lindsey meets with individuals twelve years to the end of life.

Outside of therapy, Lindsey is a wife and mother to four very strong-willed children. She loves spending time enjoying nature and creating a beautiful landscape on her acreage. When she isn’t chasing after her children, some of her favorite activities include planting flowers, cooking/baking, trying new activities and eating at local restaurants.

Mandy Sieck - Sieck Therapy

Mandy Sieck
CSW-PIP

Mandy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (CSW-PIP) in South Dakota. She attended Augustana College and obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Government & International Affairs. She then went on to complete her Master of Social Work degree from the University of South Dakota.
She specializes in working with adolescents and adults struggling with life changes, social skills, anxiety, depression, and grief. Her approach is client-centered with a focus on the mind-body connection, humor, authenticity, and play. She strives to create a therapeutic relationship that is empathetic and affirming, which creates a safe space to explore experiences, feelings, and behaviors and cultivate insight and growth within individuals.

Mandy’s passion is using a strengths-based approach to help adolescents and young women build self- esteem, increase their ability to identify their own needs and advocate for themselves and grow to be comfortable living an authentic life.

Mandy has 13+ years of social work experience and has a genuine passion for her work. When she is not working, she enjoys quality time with friends and family, being active through hiking, yoga, or aerial silks, or curling up with her dog and a good book.
She offers rates through both private pay and by utilizing insurance benefits. This reflects her belief that therapy needs to be an affordable, accessible resource to everyone. Photo by The Photography Shoppe.

Ashley Woodley - Embrace Play

Ashley Woodley
MS, NCC, LPC-MH, RPT TM

Ashley is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Mental Health (LPC-MH) in South Dakota and a Registered Play Therapist. She received her Bachelor degree in Human Development and Family Studies and her Master of Science in Counseling and Human Resource Development specializing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from South Dakota State University. She has been providing therapy services to individuals since 2018. Ashley has previously worked in Head Starts, an agency that provided therapy in schools, and a group practice.

Ashley utilizes non-directive Child Centered Play Therapy Techniques to her therapy sessions. Depending on the client's needs, Ashley will also utilize CBT, Theraplay Techniques, and AutPlay Techniques. She has experience working with ADHD, anxiety, attachment, Autism, behavioral challenges, depression, self-esteem, and trauma. She also works with parents to provide parenting education.

Ashley is a wife and a mother to a little boy. She also has an Irish Goldendoodle named Luna. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, camping, going for walks, coloring, reading, puzzles, and baking.

Jeremy Sanford - Agape Counseling Center

Jeremy Sanford
CSW, QMHP

Jeremy Sanford is a dedicated, compassionate, and experienced social worker who holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of South Dakota. As a licensed certified social worker, Jeremy brings a wealth of wisdom, knowledge, and passion to his practice, with a particular focus on working with teens, adults, and older adults. He employs a person-centered approach, integrating elements of mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. His areas of emphasis include anxiety, depression, life transitions, stress management, self-esteem, addiction/chemical dependency, men’s issues, and relationship concerns.

Jeremy has played a vital role in the growth and development of Agape Counseling Center over the past decade which he co-founded with his wife, Erin Sanford. His contributions have spanned various aspects of the business, including maintaining the office space, assisting with billing, answering phone calls, credentialing with insurance companies, providing community education, and developing policies and procedures to enhance our patient’s experience. He has also helped to lead and launch an internship program at Agape to help equip and educate college and high school students who are pursuing careers in the counseling field.

In his role as therapist at Agape Counseling Center, Jeremy serves the Brandon and Sioux Falls community with great passion and empathy. He brings with him a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive approach that will leave you feeling comfortable and understood. His calm and friendly demeanor will give you the freedom to explore any life challenges that may have you feeling stuck, lonely, lost, or defeated. He is ready to help partner with you in creating a new path toward greater self-understanding and personal growth.

Outside of his professional endeavors, he enjoys watching his kids play sports, coaching, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends. He is a fantastic friend and partner to his wife who really pushes him to understand relationships well. Jeremy has been a long time friend and supporter of Bill W (when you know, you know).

Contact Us

Phone: 605-582-4722
Email: Send Email
Fax: 605-582-3197