Avera Names Heart of Behavioral Health Awards

Avera Behavioral Health awarded two health professionals for their significant contributions to behavioral health services in the region at its annual HeARTS in Healing event held Feb. 7 in Sioux Falls.

A benefit for patients and families at Avera Behavioral Health Hospital, this event is an evening of connection and inspiration featuring live entertainment, an extraordinary silent auction and powerful stories of hope. Funds raised will expand therapeutic programs, deliver lifesaving crisis services, and enhance facilities to create welcoming spaces for healing.

Heart of Behavioral Health Awards are presented each year to individuals who have made a lasting impact in the lives of those in their care, and 2026 recipients were Paige Goldade and Dr. Matthew Stanley.

Goldade is an exceptional leader who inspires those around her to be better team members and professionals. Over her 13 years with Avera Behavioral Health, she has served with distinction as both a nurse and a clinical nurse educator, consistently balancing multiple initiatives while helping the hospital grow and succeed.

She is unwavering in her commitment to putting patients first and leads with confidence, integrity and a strong moral compass, never shying away from complex decisions and always guided by Avera's mission.

Currently pursuing an advanced practice specialization as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, she plays a vital role in strategic planning and has been instrumental in standardizing and strengthening education and training around medical decline and emergency response processes.

Dr. Stanley dedicated the majority of his career to caring for patients at Avera. Widely known for his exceptional bedside manner, patients consistently praised not only his clinical expertise, but the genuine ease and compassion he brought to every interaction.

As a leader, Dr. Stanley played a pivotal role in several of Avera Behavioral Health's most impactful milestones, including opening the Avera Behavioral Health Hospital in 2006, the Avera Addiction Care Center in 2019, The Link in 2021, and the Helmsley wing addition in 2022. His collaborative leadership focused on how best to improve patients' lives. His current position is Senior Medical Director-Behavioral Health at Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

"Behavioral health care is a ministry in which compassion, expertise and dedication come together through exceptional people like Paige Goldade and Dr. Matthew Stanley to serve individuals and families, helping them overcome their illness and experience healing and transformation. We are grateful for the many amazing professionals who allow us to deliver a high level of excellence in behavioral health services," said Thomas Otten, Vice President of Avera Behavioral Health Services.