Board of Directors
Meet our leadership team
James Vande Hey, Board Chair
UPS Spearfish
James joined the VVIP Board in August of 2021 and has been a member of the Spearfish community since 2011 when he moved here to attend Black Hills State University. He graduated from Black Hills State University with a degree in Mass Communications with an emphasis in photography. He currently manages The UPS Store in Spearfish. As an open member of the LGBTQIA+ Community James has witnessed that Violence can not only break down a person, but an entire community. He is dedicated to his new role as a board member and looks forward to the future of working with the VVIP Board and it’s members.
Anita Carlson, Treasurer
Business Owner at Small Business Accounting Services
Anita joined the VVIP board in June of 2024. Anita is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with over 15 years of diverse experience in accounting and finance and owner of Small Business Accounting Services (“SBAS”). SBAS was founded because of her passion for entrepreneurship and the enjoyment of working with local small businesses and individuals. While working with her clients, she provides solutions for accounting, income tax planning, income tax filing, bookkeeping, and QuickBooks training. She is dedicated to the growth and success of her clients and committed to promoting small businesses in the Midwest.
Kelley Langley
Sanford Underground Laboratory
Ganga Pasyal
Black Hills State University
Ganga joined the board in March of 2024. Upon graduation from Dakota State University (DSU) where he completed his second Master’s and Ph.D in Data analytics, Ganga started teaching at Black Hills State University with a mission and a vision to promote and incorporate the analytical skills in upcoming generation. “Learning from the shared experience of students and the friends about the violence in family motivated me to support the cause. Having a passion for community support and development, Artemis is the ideal place helping the victims finding the right help and direction. Joining the Artemis board provides me the fulfillment of the objective of life and hearing the success stories provide my life a meaning, I am looking forward to supporting the noble cause and mission with Artemis House.”
Dixie Olson, Vice President
Broker Owner at Properties Unlimited Realty and Owner of Lucy’s Nearly New Shoppe
Dixie joined the VVIP board in September of 2023. In addition to running her real estate and consignment businesses, she currently sits on the Monument Health Advisory Board in Sturgis. She is a founding member of Realtors for Kids, served as an advisory board member for First Interstate, past Chamber of Commerce board member, past South Dakota CEO board member, and regularly volunteers her time and talents to local causes she supports. When she is not working, Dixie most enjoys spending time with her family, especially her 5 grandchildren, reading, traveling, and being outdoors. She is looking forward to serving on the VVIP and Artemis House Board.
Jenny Yackley, Board Member
Financial Services Rep II First Interstate Bank
Jenny joined the VVIP board in December of 2024. Jenny is a Spearfish native and has worked for First Interstate Bank in Spearfish for 19 years. Jenny is a mom of two children, has two bonus children, two dogs of her own and a bonus dog, and enjoys being outdoors, spending time with friends and family, and traveling when she can.
During her time at the bank, she has been heavily involved in the community, volunteering for NeighborWorks, Special Olympics, Feeding South Dakota, Kenadi Jean Weis Foundation, United Way, Spearfish Senior Center, Meals on Wheels and other various organizations through their annual companywide First Interstate Bank Volunteer Day.
Jenny is a former board member for United Way of the Black Hills and is still an active supporter of this organization, and she is also a graduate of Leadership Spearfish and South Dakota CEO Women in Leadership. Jenny has been involved in other projects as well, such as, Teach Children to Save, Junior Achievement, and with the local schools and sports teams that her children previously attended and were a part of in the Spearfish area.
Jenny also runs her own annual memorial fundraising event (Smiles on Faces) in honor of two special people, and from this, funds are given to two local nonprofits in their names.
Feeling called to serve with VVIP, Jenny hopes to support and bring more awareness to the cause, to be a part of their mission, and hopes to help to help make an impact through her service on the board.
Laura Young, Board Member
Nurse at Spearfish Monument Hospital
Laura is a registered nurse, with over 10 years experience working in a variety of clinical settings. She is currently an ER nurse at Spearfish Monument Hospital. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from South Dakota State University. As a feminist and committed member of her community, Laura is passionate about providing trauma informed care and working to end gender based violence. Having grown up in Spearfish, Laura returns to the area excited to serve the VVIP board.
Drew Skjoldal, Secretary
Attorney at Nies Karras & Skjoldal, P.C
Drew joined the VVIP Board in June of 2023. He is a graduate of Black Hills State University and Northern Kentucky University. He practices in area of Business and Estate Planning, Guardianships/Conservatorships, Probate, Real Estate, General Contract Law. He grew up in Bison, South Dakota and currently resides in Spearfish with his family.
Elizabeth Welfl, Board Member
Director of Corporate Events at Epic Golf Club
Elizabeth Welfl joined the Artemis House Board of Directors in 2023. She is deeply committed to advocating for several causes, including the rights and well-being of individuals affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. Having witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of these issues on individuals and families, she is motivated to contribute meaningfully to the cause.
Through her advocacy involvement in community initiatives and her professional background in business development, marketing, and event management, she brings a blend of skills that will aid in advancing Artemis House’s objectives.
Elizabeth is a Board member for South Dakota Parent Connection and serves on the South Dakota Advisory Panel for Children with Disabilities and the Spearfish Parks, Rec, & Forestry Advisory Board. She is also a South Dakota Ambassador for the CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” program.
“I am honored to be part of an organization that provides essential resources, refuge, and empowerment to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Together with the dedicated team at Artemis House, I am eager to make a difference and foster a society where everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered.”
Tara Heairet, Board Member
State of South Dakota Department of Health
Tara joined the board in March 2024. She is a South Dakota girl that grew up in Chamberlain S.D. with the Missouri River as her playground. She is currently employed with the State of South Dakota with the Department of Health in Spearfish. As a wife and mother of 3, she believes each child deserves to be given opportunities in life to help them succeed. Tara has have been involved in numerous fundraisers through children’s sports, served on the Jr. league basketball board and taught Sunday school.
“I am looking forward in making new connections and giving back to the community and surrounding areas that has given us a beautiful place to live and raise a family.”