Bethany Hotchkiss

Bethany Hotchkiss, MS

Last Names, A-G

Bethany is a 2017 Brookings High School graduate and earned her B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies at South Dakota State University in 2020. She earned her M.S. in Counseling and Human Resource Development with a Specialization in School Counseling at SDSU in 2023. Before coming to WHS, Bethany completed her year-long internship at Flandreau Public School, working with grades K-12. Bethany enjoys spending time on the lake, being active, and baking. Bethany is also a cat mom to an 18-pound cat named Charlie.

Erin Fowkes

Erin Fowkes, MS

Last Names, H-O

Erin Fowkes is the newest addition to the Watertown counseling team. Previously she was head high school counselor in the Mitchell School system. She is a HUGE Kansas City Chiefs fan and has a signed Patrick Mahomes jersey in her office! Mrs. Fowkes’s greatest passion is helping students reach their goals and assisting with any challenges they may be facing. She loves taking care of her family as well as baking, quilting, reading, and caring for her family’s two cats (Tanzie and Gus) and two dogs (Teddy and Rex)!

Heather Fischer

Heather Fischer, MS, NCC

Last Names, P-Z

Heather is a 2003 graduate from Watertown High School and earned her B.S. in Psychology from MSU, Mankato in 2007. She earned her M.S. from SDSU in 2016 and specialized in School and Mental Health Counseling. Her background in the field of social and behavioral sciences includes the roles of case manager, social worker, and outpatient child/family therapist. She most recently taught Psychology at LATC before coming to WHS in 2021. Heather and her husband, Cole, live in Watertown with their 2 boys. Some of Heather's hobbies include playing sports, health & fitness, boating in the summers, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.

Michelle Achterberg

Michelle Achterberg, BS CAC (Certified Addictions Counselor)

Project SUCCESS Coordinator

Michelle Achterberg is the Project Success Coordinator and Peer Helpers advisor at WHS. Michelle graduated from WHS and the University of South Dakota. She is a certified chemical dependency counselor.

In her spare time, she spends time with her family and friends. She enjoys traveling, watching hockey, gardening, and relaxing outside. Michelle has two kids, one dog and two grandcats.