Meet our Staff
DD Division Director
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Kelly Frye is the Developmental Disabilities Director at Black Hills Special Services Cooperative, where she is committed to fostering a supportive environment where both individuals served and staff can thrive. She started in the Developmental Disabilities Division in 2001 as a Direct Support Professional, and held several different roles in the division, before taking on the Director role in 2025. Kelly holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from Black Hills State University and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from the University of South Dakota. She is also a licensed social work associate. She is passionate about helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live fulfilling, meaningful lives within their communities. She believes in person-centered support, strong partnerships, and creating opportunities that promote independence, inclusion, and choice. In her free time, Kelly enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, reading, traveling, spending time with her numerous pets and stays busy attending her kids’ sporting and school activities.
Assistant Director
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Leah Morrison is the Assistant Director for the Developmental Disabilities Division at Black Hill Special Services Cooperative, where she supports daily operations, program implementation and support coordination. Leah is a licensed social worker and holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Presentation College. She has provided person-centered support to individuals receiving services and support at BHSSC for over 20 years.
Special Education and Support Coordinator
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Amanda Mahaffy joined the Black Hills Special Services Cooperative team in 2019 as a Support Coordinator and the Special Education Coordinator in the Developmental Disabilities Division and a Separate Day School located in Sturgis, SD. She holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Black Hills State University and practices with her social work license. Amanda loves helping students, supporting families, and finding creative solutions along the way. When she’s not at work, you can usually find her outdoors camping, hiking, or enjoying adventures with her family.
Day Program & Quality Assurance Coordinator
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Dana Studt has dedicated more than twenty years to the human services field, building her career around compassion, advocacy, and meaningful support for others. She began her work as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), where she discovered a passion for helping individuals live fuller, more independent lives. She later transitioned into mental health services as a case manager, gaining valuable experience supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges while connecting them with critical community resources. Today, Dana serves as the Day Program and Quality Assurance Coordinator at BHSSC, where she is committed to creating supportive, engaging, and person-centered experiences for the individuals she serves. Her diverse background in disability services and mental health allows her to bring both empathy and practical experience to her work each day. Dana is passionate about building strong relationships, encouraging personal growth, and helping others feel valued and supported within their community.
Hot Springs Training Coordinator
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Howard Green serves as the Training Coordinator at Black Hills Special Services in Southern Hills, where he is responsible for hiring, onboarding and supervising new Direct Support Professionals. He is also responsible for developing and delivering training programs for staff. With twenty-five years of experience in the Developmental Disabilities field Howard ensures team members are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to provide high-quality care. He is passionate about continuous learning and creating engaging, effective training experiences that support both staff development and positive outcomes for individuals served. In his free time, Howard enjoys spending time with his family, being outdoors (fishing, hunting and camping) and volunteering in his community.
Hot Springs Support Coordinator
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Jeanie Harper is a Support Coordinator in Hot Springs, SD. She works closely with individuals and their families to develop and maintain personalized service plans. Her focus each day is to advocate and collaborate to help individuals connect with resources that support independence and quality of life. Jeanie has experience in coordinating services, monitoring services to ensure that everyone’s needs and goals are the center of care. Jeanie is committed to inspire and empower those served through respectful and responsive support. When she is not working Jeanie enjoys cooking, hanging out with her granddaughter and volunteering with her local American Legion serving our nations Veteran’s.
Residential Coordinator
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Kandee Olson is a Residential Coordinator who oversees daily operations and supports both staff and individuals within BHSSC’s programs. With 20+ years of experience, she ensures services are delivered in a safe, consistent, and person-centered manner. Kandee works closely with team members to provide guidance, problem-solving, and support while maintaining a focus on individual goals and well-being. She is passionate about creating supportive and empowering home environments for individuals served. She brings a hands-on leadership style and a commitment to helping individuals live meaningful, independent lives. Outside of work, Kandee enjoys working in her flowerbeds, camping, and exploring the Black Hills!Â
Family Support 360 Supervisor
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Kristi Heumiller is a Family Support Coordinator with a small caseload while also the Supervisor to six Family Support Coordinators within BHSSC. Kristi has over 20 years of experience in this role and an additional 10 years of experience working with the State of SD in Case Management. Kristi graduated with a bachelor’s degree in child development and Family Relations from South Dakota State University. A good day for Kristi is working directly with families, helping make their lives better. Outside of work Kristi enjoys spending time outdoors golfing, gardening, or reading. Family comes first for Kristi and her husband. They have 4 adult children and several grandchildren that make their lives better.
Medical Services Coordinator
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Laurie Scharles serves as the Medical Services Coordinator for BHSSC. She is eager to report numerous years in the healthcare field (over 45)- starting as a Certified Nursing Assistant at age 15, a Licensed Practical Nurse at age 18, followed by putting herself through college for her Professional Nursing degree shortly thereafter. Laurie has had multiple roles over the years- Early Intervention Coordinator, Physically Handicapped Children’s Program Supervisor, Long-term Care/Assisted Living Nurse Manager and Director of Nursing, Public Health Nurse, and as a Nursing Instructor for Licensed Practical Nursing students (this role was in the same Vocational Program that she started her career in). She absolutely loves being Mima to her five grandchildren! Other past-times include- shopping for antiques, and riding Harleys or Mopars through the beautiful Black Hills!
Northern Hills Support Coordinator
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Shared Living & Support Coordinator
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Michele Waltman has worked for Black Hills Special Services since 2001; she is currently a Support Coordinator and BHSSC Shared Living Coordinator. With a background in Human Services and Sociology, Michele enjoys working with people and helping them become the best version of themselves. As a Support Coordinator Michele assists people and their teams come together to access and maintain support needed to live a healthy and fulfilling life. As the Shared Living Coordinator, Michele assists people with alternative living options and oversees the training and activities necessary for contractors to provide individualized support to people living in their homes. Michele enjoys a variety of outdoor activities and values time spent with her family, friends and dog.Â
Northern Hills Training Coordinator
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Ryan Telson serves as the Training Coordinator for the Developmental Disabilities Division at Black Hills Special Services Cooperative. He has supported people with developmental disabilities for over ten years, specializing in both trauma-informed care and crisis de-escalation. Ryan graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Montclair State University following his service to the country via the United States Navy. The combined experiences of various deployments, direct care work in the ABA field, and service to the community as a Case Worker, have created a diverse tool set he uses to train Direct Support Professionals to assist participants in reaching their full potential. In the community, Ryan can often be found walking his dogs, promoting physical wellness, or just chasing his daughter around.
