Stacia Johnson
Shelter Assistant

Hometown: Sioux Falls
Hobbies: Watching movies (mostly horror!), reading and spending time with my 3-year-old son.
A little-known fact about me is I sang with the country group Alabama in elementary school.
If I could travel anywhere, I would go to Europe.
One of the items on my bucket list is to go to Europe and go on a cruise ship.
If I didn’t have to work, I would watch movies and spend time with my son.

Kelly Kroger
Intern Case Manager

Hometown: Canton
Hobbies: Reading, drawing/painting, anything outside
What’s your idea of a perfect day? Spending time with my family and dogs.
A little-known fact about me is I had jaw surgery My jaw was wired shut for six weeks.
If I could travel anywhere, I would go to Scotland.
The last great book I read was: The Children’s Blizzard.

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Maddie Richert
Intern Crisis Advocate

Hobbies: Reading, writing, listening to music, baking
What motivates you at work? Knowing that I can be the face somebody remembers as life changing.
A little-known fact about me is I have scoliosis.
If I could travel anywhere, I would go to Europe.
The best advice I’ve ever been given is: To dare greatly—the credit belongs to the one actually in the arena.
One of the items on my bucket list is visit a castle in Europe.
If I didn’t have to work, I would stay home with my kids and help my husband on the farm all day.

Sarah “Rah” Porter
Bright Start Nurse

Hometown: Sioux Falls
Hobbies: Crafts, house projects (my husband loves projects—NOT! LOL), watching sports.
What motivates you at work? My family, my faith, and helping others.
What’s your idea of a perfect day? As long as I’m with my husband and dog, the day is perfect!
How would your friends describe you? Caring, friendly, helpful.
A little-known fact about me is I’ve never broken a bone! I hope I didn’t jinx myself!
If I could travel anywhere, I would go to Africa.
The best advice I’ve ever been given is: Take really good care of what you have, whatever that may be, and it will last you a lifetime.
The last great TV show I saw was: Currently watching True Detective (HBO)
One of the items on my bucket list is to do a mission trip to Africa!
If I didn’t have to work, I would be dreaming (LOL) all day!

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Preston Corlew
Residential Youth Counselor

Hometown: Navarre, Florida
Hobbies: Sports, both playing and watching
What motivates you at work? Knowing that my actions can make a real difference.
What’s your idea of a perfect day? Getting to spend all day with my wife and two boys.
A little-known fact about me is I was born in Okinawa, Japan.
If I could travel anywhere, I would go to Rome.
The last great book I read was: The Anatomy of Peace
If I didn’t have to work, I would travel with my family.

Chloe “Chlomoney” Doop
Residential Youth Counselor

Hometown: Brandon
Hobbies: Listening to music, handing with friends.
What motivates you at work? Friendly staff and clean environment
What’s your idea of a perfect day? Sunny day and listening to music.
How would your friends describe you? Funny, loud
A little-known fact about me is I have a rabbit.
If I could travel anywhere, I would go to Bali.
The best advice I’ve ever been given is: To not give up.
The last great TV show/movie I saw was: Willy Wonka
One of the items on my bucket list is go snowboarding at Terry Peak.
If I didn’t have to work, I would do photography.

Ashley Hauge
Residential Youth Counselor (Relief)

Hometown: New Ulm, Minnesota
Hobbies: Being an aunt, scrapbooking and running
What’s your idea of a perfect day? Spending time with my nephews.
If I could travel anywhere, I would go to Victoria Falls or Mount Kilimanjaro.
The last great book I read was: After the Last Border by Jessica Goudeau
One of the items on my bucket list is to work in an orphanage anywhere in Africa.
If I didn’t have to work, I would hang out with my nephews.

Jessica LaVallie
Residential Youth Counselor (Relief)

Hometown: Sioux Falls
Hobbies: Art, hiking and being outdoors
What’s your idea of a perfect day? A nice sunny day in which I enjoy time with friends and family.
If I could travel anywhere, I would go to Norway or Sweden.
The last great book I read was: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
If I didn’t have to work, I would craft or make art.

Briar Schweitzer
Intern

Hometown: Presho
Hobbies: Art, hiking and being outdoors
What motivates you at work? Knowing that I’m helping kids get better.
How would your friends describe you? Bold, loud, fun
A little-known fact about me is I have an elf ear.
If I could travel anywhere, I would go to the Netherlands.
The last great TV show I saw was: NCIS

CJ Terry
Residential Youth Counselor

Hometown: Mankato, Minnesota
Hobbies: Health and wellness coaching; reading personal development books.
What motivates you at work? Opportunity to change someone’s life.
What’s your idea of a perfect day? Eat all the food I want, wake up early and go to bed early.
How would your friends describe you? Reliable, driven, focused, stubborn, optimistic.
A little-known fact about me is I help people transform their bodies by living a healthy, active lifestyle.
If I could travel anywhere, I would go to Dubai
The best advice I’ve ever been given is: In order for things to change, you have to change.
The last great book I read was: Twelve Pillars by Jim Rohn
One of the items on my bucket list is to jump from an airplane.
If I didn’t have to work, I would hang out with my son.

Alex “Al” Vande Griend
Residential Intern

Hometown: Sioux Falls
Hobbies: Pickleball, golf, watching YouTube, being adventurous.
What motivates you at work? Bringing smiles to kids’ faces and knowing I am making a difference.
What’s your idea of a perfect day? Being active, laughing, bringing joy to those who need it.
How would your friends describe you? Outgoing, funny, sporty, adventurous, empathetic, Christ-centered.
A little-known fact about me is I got my middle finger cut off in a door when I was younger.
If I could travel anywhere, I would go to Iceland and visit the Blue Lagoon.
The best advice I’ve ever been given is: Live life through God’s lens.
The last great TV show/movie I saw was: The Hill.
One of the items on my bucket list is to go to every MLB stadium. I have one left!
If I didn’t have to work, I would play sports and hang out with friends all day.

Lisa Wylie
Food Service Coordinator

Hometown: Charlotte, Michigan
Hobbies: Travel, finding unique recipes, painting, grandchildren.
What motivates you at work? Fun, learning, helping others.
How would your friends describe you? Fun, loud, caring, helpful, loving.
If I could travel anywhere, I would go to Italy.
The best advice I’ve ever been given is: Be true to yourself.
One of the items on my bucket list is a train trip across the US.
If I didn’t have to work, I would volunteer.

Cali Taylor
Overnight Residential Youth Counselor

Hometown: Milbank
Hobbies: Running 5Ks
One of the items on my bucket list is take a hot air balloon ride

Gil Johnson
Analyst

Hometown: Yankton

What’s your idea of a perfect day? Around 90 degrees, sunny, blue skies, no wind, good tunes, boating with the family.
A little-known fact about me is I've completed three marathons.
If I could travel anywhere, I would go to Mediterranean coasts: Greece, Croatia.
The best advice I’ve ever been given is: Never stop learning because life never stops teaching.
The last great TV show I saw was: Ted Lasso

Kelly McInerney
Teacher’s Assistant

Hometown: Castleton on Hudson, New York
Hobbies: Hiking, travel, food truck visits, reading, museums
How would your friends describe you? Caring, loyal, friendly, patience
A little-known fact about me is: I have traveled to 30 states.
My most unusual talent is: Fast reader.
If I could travel anywhere, I would go to Switzerland, Thailand, Japan
The best advice I’ve ever been given is: Enjoy every day and what life gives you.
The last great TV show I saw was: Crash Landing On You
One of the items on my bucket list is to zip line in the jungle.
If I didn’t have to work, I would travel the world.

Spencer Walton
Overnight Residential Youth Counselor

Hometown: Fair Grove, Missouri
Hobbies: Making art, hiking, movies, books
What motivates you at work? Relationships
What’s your idea of a perfect day? Breakfast at the Duomo, picnic in Emperor’s Garden, dinner and wine in any Roman restaurant.
How would your friends describe you? Big.
A little-known fact about me is I have quite a bit of cross-cultural training.
If I could travel anywhere, I would go to Santorini, Kathmandu, Athens, Mexico City.
If I didn’t have to work, I would make art and travel.

 

Alayna Basham
Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Adoption Specialist

Hometown: Rapid City
Hobbies: Hiking, reading, hanging out with my dog, yoga
If I could travel anywhere, I would go to Ireland.
One of the items on my bucket list is traveling to every continent.

Kara Flynn
Director of Development

Hometown: Sioux Falls
Hobbies: Skiing, hiking, camping
How would your friends describe you? Loyal, funny
If I could travel anywhere, I would go to Barcelona.
The best advice I’ve ever been given is: You are your own best advocate.

Victoria “Tori” Friedman
Therapist

Hometown: El Paso, Texas
Hobbies: Reading, drawing, hiking (more like walking on trails TBH)
What motivates you at work? The paycheck duh…Just kidding. I’m motivated to do good in the world.
What’s your idea of a perfect day? Warm day spent outside, any day spent at Disney with no crowds.
How would your friends describe you? Funny!
A little-known fact about me is I sing! Very badly; I speak Spanish. Fluently.
My most unusual talent is: Jack of all trades, master of none (aka 0 talents)
If I could travel anywhere, I would go to Thailand, Bhutan, Nepal
The best advice I’ve ever been given is: It’s okay to cry.
The last great book I read was: The Honeymoon Crashers
One of the items on my bucket list is Travel the world; eat all the food.
If I didn’t have to work, I would volunteer or start a flower farm…or both!