41 years
Current position: Therapist/Admissions Coordinator at Black Hills Children’s Home

Sue’s CHS job history:
When I started to work for CHS in July of 1979, the Black Hills campus was called the West River Children’s Center. I was hired to be a part-time Teacher Assistant for the school, for the summer only. I did that job for a few months and then was hired as a part-time Teacher Assistant and part-time RTC. I did that for a few months and then was hired as a full-time RTC. I then became a Team Coordinator and did that until I was hired as a Therapist. When we moved into the new (flagship) building, I was a Therapist and Unit Director. The job of Admissions Coordinator was added 17 years ago. That part-time job in 1979 was supposed to be only a temporary job for me…Oh well!

Tell us about your family.
I was born and raised in Rapid City. I met my best friend when I was 4 years old and he was 7 years old. He has been retired for a bit now but enjoys the volunteer work he does in Rapid. My mom is 91 and still living in the home she has lived in for 65+ years. My dad passed away in 2007 so she is on her own. I grew up with one brother who passed away in 2000. My sister-in-law still lives in the Detroit area and remains very close to me. I have two nieces who also live in the Detroit area with their husbands and children.

If you could do anything you want on a day off—with no obligations of any kind—what would you do?
I would sit next to a lake or stream and just listen to the water. I lead a simple life so that would satisfy me quite well.

What are your 3 favorite movies?
This is a hard one as I don’t go to the theater for movies nor do I watch movies at home. I would have to say The Sound of Music is one favorite. The movie became more of a favorite after spending time in Austria where the movie was filmed. It takes me back to some very pleasant memories. I also like On Golden Pond.

What is your favorite sports team?
The Colorado Rockies—I love baseball!! 

What were you doing before coming to work at CHS?
I was going to college. I graduated from USD in May and started working here in July. 

What are some of the biggest changes you have seen over your years with CHS?
CHS has grown and expanded greatly. There are so many more programs serving children and so many more children being served. There are higher standards of care with JCAHO. 

Do you have a memory or two that stand out from your time with CHS?
My entire journey at CHS has been memorable. The kids, the staff, the activities, the laughs, the tears…..all have provided me with memories that will be with me the rest of my life. 

What has been your reason/motivation to stay at CHS?
The purpose of CHS and the mission. We have the ability to give children some of the things they have missed in their lives thus far. We also have the ability to change the path children have been on and help lead them in a different direction…. a direction where they will find they are special in every way.

If you hadn’t chosen this as a career, what would have been your second choice for a career?
When I started in college, I was originally going into education to be a Special Education teacher.

What advice would you have for newly-hired employees?
Be patient. This is a job that takes a long time to learn and feel comfortable and confident with. I would also let them know the relationships they have with the children is the key to their treatment program.