Name: Nichole Knepp
Years at CHS: 20; 16 at BHCH residential and 4 at CBS
Current Position: Assistant Director of Community Based Services

Tell us about your family, including pets.
I have been married to Tracy for 25 years, and we have four children. Our daughter, Angel, is 28 years old and is a CNA for Monument Health in Rapid City. She is starting her nursing degree this next fall with SDSU. Angel came to live with us when she was 15 years old, and we took legal guardianship of her when she was 16. Our oldest son, Conner, is 22 and just graduated from DSU in Cyber Operations. He is currently finding a job of being a professional Hacker/Pen Tester in his field. Casen is 17 years old and attends Stevens High School. He works for Fork Real Community Café in both the café and on the food truck. He loves baking. Camden is 15 years old and also attends Stevens High School. He plays soccer for Stevens High School and Black Hills Rapids Soccer Club. He works his summers at Putz N Glo blacklight mini golf. I have two grandchildren, James and Alyvia (8 and 7, respectively). Both love school and playing outdoors. We have two cats, Corby and Cleo, who are spoiled as ever and love begging for their morning “special treat”. My family enjoys camping, boating, being outdoors, and traveling.

Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Western Nebraska, Ogallala. Home of Lake McConaughy. I then moved to Kearney, Nebraska, where I went to college, earning my degrees and meeting my husband. We moved to the Black Hills in 2002 to start my career with Children’s Home Society.

What are some of your favorites:
-Movies? Goonies, Pete’s Dragon (the old one), Willy Wonka and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Wizard of Oz, any feel good movies that do not require thinking, just enjoying.
-TV shows? Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, The Witcher, The 100.
-Books? I’m not much of a leisurely reader, mostly research-based and therapy-based.
-Musicians? Any 70s and 80s rock music, Bee-Gees, Eagles, CCR, Fleetwood Mac, Journey, Poison, BonJovi, REO Speedwagon, Bryan Adams, etc.
-Sports or teams? My son’s soccer team, FIFA, Jacksonville Jaguars.

What are your hobbies?
Sitting on my deck and enjoying the sounds and smells of the outdoors. Sitting by the campfire. Being outside, camping, boating, and being adventurous.

What’s something that people would be surprised to know about you?
Not a surprise anymore, but I did sing at my own wedding, having had years of voice lessons and being involved in choirs during High School and College.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Fear is a choice that leads to limits. Courage is a choice that leads to liberation.

Please provide two truths and a lie about yourself.
I’ve maintained connections with a pen-pal in Australia that I’ve had since third grade.
My favorite animal is the koala bear.
My favorite food is seafood.

What are some of the changes you have seen over your years with CHS?
LOTS and LOTS! Staff, Leadership, closing of Tully House, having pets as part of residential treatment at BHCH.

Can you share a special memory or two from your time with CHS?
Everything is special in its own way…some things from which children have grown and others from which I have grown. I love hearing from kids and families with whom I had worked many years ago, and sharing in their successes, such as HS graduations, etc.

Do you have any advice for newly-hired employees?
Welcome and hang on for the ride of your life. This work challenges you in so many ways, but is the most rewarding work you could ever imagine. If you stick around long enough, you’ll see the benefits in time.

Is there anything else you’d like to say about your time at CHS?
I live the mission, vision and values of CHS. This work is constantly changing to the needs of children and families and I love the direction we continue to grow to meet those needs.