Shawn Harper

Imagine, graduating last in your class with a 1.62 accumulative GPA and voted most likely to fail, yet making your way to the NFL and becoming a leading business owner. Growing up, Aaron Shawn Harper faced multiple learning disabilities. Many didn’t believe in him, but Shawn never settled for failure achieving beyond what everyone thought was possible. While attending Indian University, Shawn was drafted to play in the NFL which became a 7-year career as an offensive lineman with the LA Rams, Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts and NFL Europe. 

Shortly after the NFL, Shawn founded his thriving multi-million dollar security firm, American Services and Protection, by translating the skills and disciplines he learned from the NFL to corporate America. Author of Best Seller, The Winning Edge, Shawn is known as the “Winologist” and one of the nation’s leading motivational speakers. On the corporate stage with well-known companies including Dow, Proctor & Gamble, Chase Bank and more, Shawn is breaking down elite level strategies and methodologies used by major professional athletes into simple concepts to win in business, and in life. His paradigm-shifting approach has helped transform thousands of individuals and corporations by reframing their mindset from success to winning, and activating their greatest potential to compete and dominate at the highest levels.

Shawn’s heart to see lives transformed overflows to his innermost passion – to impact the youth. That led him to finding his non-profit initiative, For The Next Gen, that offers motivational speaking, life coaching and personal development programs in schools across the nation. Shawn’s story empowers students to write their own destiny by overcoming obstacles and developing what he calls the winner’s mindset. When Shawn speaks, students lean into his personable, powerful and humorous presentations. Shawn infuses his mantra, “We’re not born winners or losers, we’re born choosers!” It is Shawn’s ‘no excuses’ philosophy that has motived thousands of students to dream big, create opportunities out of their obstacles and believe in their true potential.

Kathleen Rooney

Autism is Kathleen’s passion and devotion. She has worked with autistic children, preteens, teens, and young adults in many capacities. Since 1991, she has worked as a private clinician using music, sensory integration, and other teaching and communication techniques to help autistic individuals and their parents interact. She aims to help their children reach their fullest potential in communication, social, cognitive, fine and gross motor development, and self-help skills.

Kathleen has presented as a workshop trainer, consultant, program originator, life coach, and sensory integration clinician for over 30 years on topics related to autism for school boards, parents, preschools, daycares, related service providers, group homes, and Indigenous communities. She originated and facilitated a summer camp program called Outdoor Work Experience for five years, where peer role models served as mentors to autistic teens and young adults as they practiced work skills. She also created and facilitated a program titled Family Contribution/Family Pride, where she helps parents incorporate chores around the house as pre-employment work skills, such as endurance and work etiquette.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kathleen developed and facilitated an adult autism dance class, a wholistic self-improvement course for autistic adults, a dating course for neurodivergent teens and adults, and was the lead of the autism advisors on the Housing through an Autism Lens housing initiative in Ontario. She also created 30 mini-courses on topics for autism and neurodivergence to aid in navigating the social realm, self-help skills, independence, wellness, employment skills, emotional regulation, and self-identity. 

Kathleen has also been a consultant and trainer with the Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute since 2019, facilitating training on Autism, Trauma, De-escalating Children and Youth in Crisis, Trauma-Informed Care, Ethics of Helping, and Wellness Strategies.

Looking ahead, Kathleen Rooney envisions a significant shift in the autism paradigm, starting in Ottawa, Canada. Her plan involves creating autism-friendly businesses that actively serve and employ members of the autistic community, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment. 

DOUG CRANDELL

Doug Crandell has managed, staffed and directed community mental health and disability programs at the provider level for 25 years. He has been the Project Director for a number of demonstration grants funded through the U.S. Dept. of Labor, the Bureau of Justice Assistance and the Social Security Administration. He directed Georgia's Medicaid Infrastructure funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

He is a Senior Consultant with Griffin-Hammis Associates and on the faculty of the Institute on Human Development and Disability at the University of Georgia. For the last four years, Doug has provided training and technical assistance to Georgia's supported providers through a joint effort with the Carl Vinson Institute of Government. He is a Subject Matter Expert (SME) with the Office of Disability Employment Policy in D.C. and is currently working with several states to restructure their employment supports to include evidence-based supported employment, customized employment, and self-employment.

Doug works in collaboration with New Mexico's UCEDD to deliver training and technical assistance under the state's Partners for Employment Initiative. Georgia was recently awarded a Disability Employment Initiative grant, which Doug will collaborate on with the Georgia Dept. of Economic Development as well as the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, Georgia Tech, and others. As an author, Doug has published 7 books and is a regular contributor to the venerable SUN Magazine, where he publishes essays on labor, health, and disability.

HEATHER JANES

Dementia expert, Heather Janes is a visionary for bringing quality care to people as they age. In twenty-plus years pursuing her passion in senior and dementia care, Heather has launched her own dementia consulting firm, Monarch Dementia Caregiver Services, LLC. and is a licensed Certified Dementia Practitioner. Currently, Heather faithfully serves individuals as an Administrator in her community- Peaceful Pines Senior Living- Fort Pierre. She also provides private consulting for grant-funded projects through the National Institute on Health. Heather is driven to provide services and resources to all people as they age through her commitment to the dementia public health crisis and is dedicated to improving the availability of care.

DR. PATRICK SCHWARZ

Dr. Patrick Schwarz is a dynamic and engaging professor, author, motivational speaker and leader in Education and Educational Leadership for all students. He is the President of Creative Culture Consulting LLC and Young Professor Emeritus at National Louis University, Chicago. He is the author of From Disability to Possibility®, You're Welcome, Just Give Him the Whale, Pedro's Whale and From Possibility to Success. His amazing colleague, Dr. Paula Kluth, co-authored three of his books. Patrick has presented, consulted and coached in school districts all across the world, impacting a significant number of schools with his progressive work. Patrick's professional mission is to promote education and human services that advance the status of people of all ages with diverse support needs. This will enable individuals to be successfully engaged, find meaning and be respected members of their learning, working and living communities.

TRACY PALECEK

Tracy Palecek is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Human Services professional who has a passion for helping those who are facing adversity.  Tracy has over 20 years of experience working with trauma, poverty and resiliency in those she has served.  She has served as an advocate, program developer, disaster relief responder, community trainer, mental health therapist and mentor.  She loves to work within systems to create change and help people find meaning and purpose in their lives.  She is the CEO and Owner of Palecek Therapy & Consulting and is blessed to spend her time between her therapy practice, public speaking, and consulting in areas of mental wellness, poverty reduction, and interpersonal skill building.

JESSIE TAKEN ALIVE-RENCOUNTRE

Jessie Taken Alive-Rencountre is a Hunkpapa Lakota from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. She has worked as a school counselor serving hundreds of students for 15 years. She was named the Great Plains Emerging Tribal Writer’s Award winner for her 1st children’s book Pet’a Shows Misun the Light. Utilizing her teachings from her Lakota culture combined with a school counselor lens, she has published 5 children’s books, with another being released in early 2024. Jessie was invited to be a guest speaker for Facebook and Instagram in the fall of 2021. Her passion is to help people remember their importance in life and to utilize their unique talents, to create better communities for future generations to come. She is also a Lakota Jingle Dress Dancer and loves to educate others about Lakota culture using storytelling combined with traditional song and dance. In 2021, Jessie was named a future legacy leader by the Spirit Aligned Leadership Program, an international organization.

TRICIA JONES-PARKIN

With over two decades of experience, Tricia Jones-Parkin is a dedicated advocate for individuals with disabilities, focusing on fostering inclusivity and competitive integrated employment. In 2011, Tricia played a pivotal role in crafting Utah's Employment First Language, leading to transformative initiatives supported by federal grants and partnerships. These efforts have significantly enhanced employment opportunities and community integration for individuals with disabilities in Utah.

Currently, Tricia is a Senior Program Coordinator at the Institute for Disability Policy and Practice and a consultant for Griffin Hammis Associates. In this role, she provides customized employment training and technical assistance to employment specialists in Utah, working directly with job seekers and their support teams. Tricia also extends her expertise through training and mentoring at the provider and government levels across several states. Her work ensures that working-age youth and adults with significant disabilities are prioritized as employment support services are established and implemented.

TONY RUSSELL

Tony Russell is an advocate for Veterans and people with disabilities. His deep understanding of mental challenges began at a young age when he was adopted after a tragic accident. As an Air Force Wounded Warrior, Tony served 9 years as a Civil Engineer with multiple deployments and humanitarian missions before being medically retired after suffering a career ending injury that put him in a coma. Tony was forced to relearn the foundational basics of living, and one of the things that helped him along his recovery journey was his Service dog.

Having experienced first-hand the extensive impact a service dog can make, but also being aware of the high cost and limited number of dogs available to the people who need them, Tony knew this was something he wanted to pursue.  With the support of his wife Eleanor, they co-founded South Dakota Service Dogs (SDSD) in 2021. Their mission is to provide Service dogs at no cost to Veterans and First Responders who deal with PTSD, physical disabilities, health conditions, and other challenges.

In addition to founding South Dakota Service Dogs, Tony has emerged as a leader for disability rights and access here in Rapid City. He serves as the VP of the city’s Disability Awareness and Accessibility Committee and is on the Board of the Workforce Diversity Network of the Black Hills. He has also helped facilitate some really neat connections between his organization, SD Service Dogs and the people supported by Black Hills Works. Tony is also a motivational speaker, often sharing lessons he has learned through his inspiring personal story.  

Serenity Johnson

Serenity Johnson is a freshman at Black Hills State University, pursuing a major in special education. Serenity has been actively involved with Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) since high school, participating in Project Skills and receiving their support during her transition to college. Passionate about working in the disability community, Serenity's commitment stems from a foundation set early on by her father, who always emphasized that disabilities would never be an excuse to limit any of her goals or aspirations. Due to this upbringing, she has developed a strong desire to instill that same perseverance and motivation in every person with a disability, which is why she feels so called to pursue a career in special education. With the resources provided by a dedicated special education teacher, Serenity thrived in high school and made the most of the opportunities available. She has also served as a team leader at the Youth Leadership Forum for the past two years and will be joined at the conference by her guide dog, Leo. 

Logan Eisner

Logan Eisner is a 20-year-old from Deadwood, South Dakota. He currently works in maintenance at The Lodge at Deadwood where he has been employed since graduating from Project SEARCH. In high school, Logan participated in the Project Skills program, part of South Dakota’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services, which allowed him to explore various jobs and discover what suited him best. In his senior year, Logan applied for and was accepted into Project SEARCH, where he interned at Monument Health and The Lodge at Deadwood, gaining valuable work experience across multiple internships. Through his internships and the support of VR, Logan developed the skills that made him an ideal candidate for his current role at The Lodge at Deadwood, which has continued to offer him opportunities to grow. 

Brad Keizer

Brad Keizer is the Black Hills Program Coordinator for the Helpline Center. One, of only two employees representing the organization west river, this includes volunteer connections, as well as educating the region about 211 & 988. 

Brad has been in the non-profit sector for over 20 years, mostly with fundraising & youth development work. One of his joys in life is to help connect people, which is why he is honored to share with each of you. 

Derek Sukstorf

Derek Sukstorf serves as the Academic Manager at Boxelder Job Corps near Nemo, South Dakota.  Derek directs the high school, GED, drivers’ education, and TABE reading/math programs.  He also acts as one of the facility's two disability coordinators, supporting the success of individuals with disabilities in the Job Corps program and beyond. Beginning his teaching career at Boxelder in 2017, Derek has taught high school math, TABE math, GED, and robotics over his seven years of service. 

Before transitioning to education, Derek spent a decade working as an engineer and manager in the oil and gas industry.  He holds a bachelor's degree in Geological Engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, a master’s degree in Secondary Education from Black Hills State University, and a master’s degree in Educational Administration from South Dakota State University.

Passionate about empowering young adults to achieve their dreams, Derek firmly believes in the potential for success in every individual.

MALCOLM CHAPMAN

Malcom  “Chap” Chapman, a former U.S. Marine Corps Officer and three-term Rapid City City Councilman founded the Chapman Group, an organizational communications consulting firm. The firm offered a wide range of services, including retreat facilitation, strategic planning, coaching, seminars, and keynote addresses to organizations and businesses.

Chap holds a master's degree in public administration and has been recognized with the 2008 South Dakota Municipal League Excellence in Municipal Government Award. His dedication and leadership have also earned him the distinction of being selected as a 2015-2017 Bush Fellow for his work with service organizations.

An advocate for service, Chap serves on several local, statewide, and national boards. In 2022, Chap accepted a position as a Grantmaking Officer with the Bush Foundation of St. Paul, MN. He focuses on South Dakota and the region of Minnesota, North Dakota, and the 23 Native Nations that share that geography.

Chap and his family proudly call Rapid City, SD, their home.