State University in May of 1997. She then completed her Master’s of Science Degree in Counseling and Human Resource Development in December of 1999.

Jen worked as a middle school and high school counselor at Sioux Valley Schools from 1999-2013 before moving back to Wagner. She then worked as a high school counselor at Marty Indian School from 2013-2015 before transferring to the Andes Central middle and high school position in the fall of 2015 until 2021. Jen began working for WCS in the fall of 2021. Jen is proud to be a faculty member at WCS, because she was a WCS graduate herself. She lives in the district and it is so nice to be working at the same school that her children attend.

As a high school counselor, Jen has many daily duties and responsibilities. The bulk of her duties is to help students learn ways to cope with their stressors, teaching life skills, helping students with their own plans after high school, and helping students set goals. Other responsibilities that Jen has includes coordinating dual credit classes, administering the ACT and Smarter Balanced tests, working with community members to post scholarships, and planning the Feather Ceremony and senior class Graduation because Jen is also a senior class advisor.

Jen’s goals for the high school students at WCS are to be successful in all areas of their lives including social, emotional, and academic. She will always do whatever she can to support them in their journeys. The best part of Jen’s school day is when she is the classroom teaching or meeting with students individually. Jen feels that the most important skill that a school counselor needs to possess is being approachable by being calm and patient in all situations and with all students. For Jen, the most rewarding part of being a high school counselor is being able to watch the students grow and mature. It is just as evident in her current position with students 9th through 12th as it was when she was both a middle school and high school counselor.

Jen is married to Brad Lhotak who is also a WCS graduate (1992). Brad farms on the Lhotak family farm. The couple has three children. Their oldest son, Bradyn, graduated from WCS in 2021 and is currently working at Commercial State Bank. He graduated from Mitchell Technical College in May of 2023 with an Agribusiness Degree. Their second son, Karstyn is in his senior year at WCS and plans to attend Northern State University in the fall. Karstyn plans to pursue a degree in Business Administration and wrestle at NSU while also earning a minor online in Agribusiness through SDSU. Brad and Jen’s youngest, Jazlyn is an 8th grader at WCS; she is very active in volleyball, basketball and track. When Jen is not busy at work or attending her children’s activities, she enjoys running and baking. Jen is also a current member of the 114th Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard Unit in Sioux Falls.

Thank you, Charlene, Lori, and Jen for all your hard work and dedication to the students and staff at Wagner Community School. It is wonderful staff like you all that make the Wagner School System a great, welcoming place for students.