09/23/2026
Amy Nicke has been selected as the September Employee of the Month at the South Dakota Human Services Center (HSC) in Yankton. Employed with HSC for 20 years, she currently serves as a mental health technician in Physical Therapy. Earlier in her career at HSC, she worked in Geriatrics and later in Psych Rehabilitation.
“Many of Nicke’s contributions occur behind the scenes yet have a significant impact,” her nominator said. “She prepares the schedule cards used across Life Skills, Recreation, Occupational Therapy, Cultural Awareness, and other programming, ensuring daily operations run smoothly. Recently, she dedicated substantial time to the newly opened Treatment Mall, assisting wherever needed and collaborating with both mid level and senior administration to support a successful launch.”
Nicke graduated from Mitchell, South Dakota and spent ten years living in Alaska. In her free time, she enjoys camping, boating, fishing, especially bowfishing as well as canning and baking. She says she is fortunate to have “three amazing men” in her life: Paul, her better half, and their adult sons, Tucker and Tyler. She also treasures her mother who lives in Yankton.
When asked what she likes best about her job Nicke said, “I enjoy talking with patients, playing games, and simply sitting with them to build trust and support them through a difficult time. It means a lot to know that the work I do may be making a positive impact in someone’s life.”