About Us

Your Mental Wellness Partners in Pierre, South Dakota

We are your trusted psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners offering personalized, integrative mental health care to help you achieve wellness that begins within.

Elevate Wellness & Psychiatry | Pierre, SD

We elevate your mental health with personalized, integrative care.

At Elevate Wellness & Psychiatry, we approach mental health treatment with a combination of medications, supplements, psychotherapy, and lifestyle modifications. We provide an individualized treatment plan and offer referrals to other healthcare professionals for an integrative approach.

Welcome

· Welcome ·

Cassandra (Cassi) Heuer

Board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

My career has taken me across South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. Shaped by valuable experiences, three years of training with a psychiatrist, working in inpatient and outpatient facilities, group homes, and long-term care, I am grateful for these opportunities, as they have fueled my passion for an integrative approach to mental health.

I've completed the Psychiatry Redefined Program to combine traditional methods with a functional approach that focuses on physical activity, nutrition, social connection, and spiritual wellness alongside medication.

I believe that wellness truly begins within, and I'm here to guide you on your journey to lasting wellness and healing.

- Training for Adult Psychiatry, Child/Adolescent Psychiatry, and Geriatric Psychiatry in both the inpatient and outpatient settings
- Worked in a variety of group homes as well as long-term care facilities
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, South Dakota State University
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology, University of South Dakota
- Master of Science in Nursing Degree, University of Missouri-Kansas City

Bridgett Smith

Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Though I’m originally from Georgia, I've proudly called Pierre home since 2015. As a mother of three children and someone who has navigated my own mental health journey, I truly understand the impact and importance of addressing mental health concerns.

My background in assessing and managing a wide range of psychiatric conditions equips me to help clients aged 6 and older with complex mental health issues. I believe in creating treatment plans that prioritize functionality, which means we'll work together to address your specific concerns.

By combining evidence-based clinical practices with empathy, I am committed to aiding your recovery, reducing mental health stigma, and making a meaningful difference in your life.

- Has experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
- Her experience incorporates assisting individuals with dual diagnoses, including ADHD, anxiety, depression, dysthymia, panic disorders, mood disorders, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, insomnia, substance use disorders, and those struggling with suicidal ideations.
- Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Columbus State University
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of South Dakota
- Master of Science in Nursing, Clarkson College

Braya Klemann

Certified Medical Assistant

I joined Elevate Wellness & Psychiatry in 2024, and I’ve worked in the mental health field since 2021. I’m passionate about reducing the stigma surrounding mental health by helping create a supportive environment where patients feel safe, comfortable, and genuinely cared for from the moment they walk through our doors.

As a Certified Medical Assistant, I take pride in building trust and contributing to a smooth care experience for each person we serve. I believe every patient deserves to feel respected, supported, and never rushed.

Outside of work, my time revolves around my standard poodle, Oliver, and my PAWS rescue pup, Copper.

Pati Kotilnek

Office Manager

I joined the Elevate Wellness & Psychiatry team in January 2026 as an Office Manager. I was born and raised in Poland and moved to the United States in 2013 with my husband, Jon. We have two children, a 10-year-old son and a 5-year-old daughter, and two dogs, Dakota and Argo.

I’m passionate about creating a welcoming, organized, and supportive environment for both patients and staff. As someone who values teamwork and strong communication, I take pride in helping people feel comfortable, respected, and connected from the moment they walk through our doors.