NURSE-FAMILY
PARTNERSHIP

Kathy has lived in the Sioux Falls area for most of her life.  She obtained her BSN from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD in 1997.  Her passion for maternal child health is reflected in the almost twenty-eight years she has devoted to this field of nursing.  Kathy dedicated the first eighteen years of her nursing career to new moms and babies working on labor and delivery at Avera Hospital in Sioux Falls, while in this position she prided herself on being an adjunct lecturer for SDSU nursing students completing their OB clinicals.

In 2015 Kathy found her dream job as a Bright Start nurse supervisor, in this role, she had the opportunity to supervise and mentor a group of eight nurses, who support new moms and babies through their first pregnancy and beyond.  Recently, she was promoted to the Bright Start assistant program director and continues to Support the Bright Start program staff and the families they serve. 

Kathy has many roles outside of being a nurse she is a wife, mom, grammy, biker girl, bird watcher, and enjoys traveling to anywhere warm – so far she has been to Grand Cayman, Jamaica, and Mexico, as well as many of the southern US states.

Registered Nurse (RN) and Certified Nurse Practitioner in Women's Health (WHNP-BC)    

Amanda became a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) in 2014 after receiving her associates degree from University of South Dakota (USD) in 2013. She continued her education at USD, receiving her bachelor's degree in 2015, followed by her master's degree from Frontier Nursing University in 2019. She became board certified through the National Certification Corporation as a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner in 2020 and is currently licensed in both South Dakota and Iowa.

Amanda has a passion for empowering women to be their best selves, partnering with them to help set and complete life goals, being an advocate when needed, and utilizing shared decision making so that they can make informed decisions that they feel are right for their families. She loves watching her clients become the best mothers they can be and getting to be a part of their story, as well as watching their child(ren) grow, seeing them through infancy and into toddlerhood. She meets her clients where they are and hopes to be a safe space for all.

Amanda's professional background includes experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, with time spent in OB/GYN, NICU, Pediatrics, Reproductive Endocrinology, and Behavioral Health. She currently holds her BLS certification, an active nursing license, and remains certified as a nurse practitioner in Women's Health in two states. She has completed a nurse certification in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility through American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and a fetal monitoring course through Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN). She also has held certifications as a certified pharmacy technician (CPhT) through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board, a stroke certification through NIHS, and neonatal resuscitation through NRP, as well as completing education towards SANE nursing.

Outside of work, Amanda spends most of her time with her husband and four daughters. She enjoys traveling and camping, having fun at the fair and amusement parks during the summer, spending time with friends, going to movies, and attending concerts.

Graduated from the University of South Dakota School of Nursing in 1982. Significant experience supporting clients, children to adult, in both inpatient and outpatient Mental Health settings.  Part of the Bright Start team since 2012, supporting first time moms in achieving their personal goals and becoming the best version of themselves. Strong belief in the value of interdisciplinary collaboration to serve the client mind, body and spirit. Considers it a privilege to walk alongside a client offering emotional support and practical assistance. Enjoys traveling with husband and spending time with grandchildren.

Christine was born and raised in South Dakota and attended South Dakota State University and Dakota Wesleyan University, where she earned her nursing degree. She has been a practicing registered nurse for more than 25 years and is passionate about the fields of maternal child health and women’s health. Prior to joining Children’s Home Society, Christine’s professional experience included caring for women, infants, and children, with a strong interest in caring for children with disabilities.

Outside of work, you will find Christine enjoying time with her husband, their three adult children, and one crazy miniature schnauzer named Charlie.  She also loves reading books, a good cup of coffee, antique shopping and spending time in the beautiful outdoors.

Kristy has worked as a Bright Start Nurse for the past 20 years. She loves being a support to new moms, encouraging them to follow their dreams and become the best mom they can be.

Originally from the Rapid City area, Therese earned a bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of South Dakota and her bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. In addition to holding an RN, Therese is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator (LCCE) and Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI). Therese has a strong interest in supporting mothers and their families. Her professional background includes experience in maternal and child health and lactation in hospital and community-based settings before joining Children’s Home Society.

Outside of work, Therese enjoys music, movies and volunteering with her kids’ activities.

Jeanne has been serving the mission of Children’s Home Society for more than 25 years, initially providing home-based individual and family therapy, then as a therapist in residential treatment. Through providing individual, group and family therapy in these settings, Jeanne helped children and adults who have experienced trauma as well as mental health, parenting and relational challenges.

Jeanne offers counseling at Shelter and to first-time mothers who participate in the Bright Start program. She uses an integrative, person-centered approach when working with adults and children, helping with areas that might include the spectrum of trauma, depression, anxiety, attachment, parenting, personal wellness, and relationship dynamics.

Jeanne received an undergraduate degree in child development and family relationships from South Dakota State University and an MA in educational psychology and counseling from the University of South Dakota. An extended undergraduate internship working in a shelter for domestic violence grew her understanding and passion for helping survivors find renewed hope, discern their direction and provide support in their individual journeys.

Melissa has been with CHS for 6 years.  Prior to my time at CHS I Managed the Good Samaritan Home Health office and had my CNA license. I have also managed a scuba shop and a disaster restoration company.  I was IICRC and ASCR certified in Fire, Water and Order remediation, Death and crime scene clean up, Mold remediation, and Meth Lab clean up.  Outside of work, I enjoy time with my family, friends and my pets.  I enjoy hiking and camping, but my passion is scuba diving.  I was scuba certified in 2009 and have been in love with diving since the day I took my first breath underwater.