Welcome

President Renae Buehner, RNC - term expires 2021

 I graduated from  Dakota Wesleyan University with my associates degree in 2001. I went back to get my bachelors degree and graduated from University of Phoenix in 2012.

I have been a labor and delivery nurse since 2002.  In that time I have been a flight nurse, a resource nurse, staff nursing, and supervisor. During most of those years I have been a member of SDPA and enjoy being part of putting the yearly conference together.

For family, I married my high school sweetheart and we have 3 beautiful daughters that keep us busy.

Presidents Letter - 2020

Beth Graff - President Elect

Beth works at Madison Regional Health System and is the Director of Clinics and Community Patient Services, OB

Past President : Meghan Foster, RNC - term expires 2021

Hello all and thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving you as your President. I have been involved in SDPA for several years, starting with planning committee member, board member, President elect and now President. I have enjoyed every moment of being involved in SDPA. I thoroughly enjoy meeting all of the members and working with speakers to produce a fantastic conference. I have worked in the Avera Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for 12 years as a bedside nurse, transport nurse and currently as clinical nurse educator. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my 6 year old daughter, Madelyn. We enjoy camping with family and enjoying the nice weather for the short time we have it here in South Dakota.  I also enjoy crocheting accessories  for those cold weather months.

Treasurer: Lisa Jorgenson  - term expires 2021

.I currently work in the NICU at Avera McKennan Hospital. I was a NICU nurse from 2003-2008, have been on the NICU transport team from 2005- present, and a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner from 2008 to present. I graduated from Creighton University in 2003 with my BSN and from the University of Nebraska Medical Center with my MSN in 2008. My clinical interests include: quality improvement activities, staff education, and reviewing Vermont Oxford Data.

I am born and raised in Sioux Falls. My husband Jay and I have four children- Jonah (11), Jack (8), Lucy and Liam (5 year old twins).

Charissa Ortman Brockmueller - term expires 2020

I graduated from Augustana University in 1999 with a Bachelor's of Arts in Nursing and then began my nursing career at Sioux Valley/Sanford Health.  After 5 years of NICU nursing experience, I entered into a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner program at Vanderbilt University and graduated with a Master's of Science degree in 2006.  I currently work full-time at Sanford Health as a NNP in the NICU and with the flight team.  My clinical areas of interest include simulation training, flight team, and mentoring.

My husband, Brad, and I live in Sioux Falls and we have a daughter named Alexa in middle school who is active in music, athletics, and academics.  I play the trombone in a community brass choir and enjoy traveling all over the country to visit friends and family and/or sightseeing.

Shannon Backstrom - term expires 2021

 I have worked in obstetrics over 17 years as a Registered Nurse.  Since 2005, I have worked as a Nurse Practitioner in the Avera Medical Group Maternal Fetal Medicine taking care of high risk obstetric patients. I work directly with a perinatology team providing care for the high risk OB patient as well as assisting in surgery and providing postoperative care. 

Annie Siewert, MD FACOG - term expires 2021

I am an Board Certified and practicing OB/GYN physician at Avera Medical Group Obstetrics and Gynecology in Sioux Falls, SD

Cathy Lessly - term expires 2022

I have been a NICU nurse for 29 years working with premature and sick babies and their families. I have been a charge nurse and transport nurse at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital.

Kayla Arnold - term expires 2022

Heather Solon - term expires 2022

I am a registered nurse in Obstetrics and Labor/Delivery at Avera St. Mary's Hospital in Pierre, SD

Shanna Konz - term expires 2022

I am a Certified Nurse Practitioner at Sanford Women's Health in Sioux Falls, SD

Lauritz Meyer - term expires 2023

I am a neonatologist at Sanford Children's Specialty Clinic in Sioux Falls, SD

Natasha Lopez - term expires 2023

Laurie Hogden - term expires 2023

I am a neonatologist at Sanford Children's Specialty Clinic in Sioux Falls, SD

Executive Assistant: Susie Petersen, RNC

I am the executive assistant for the South Dakota Perinatal Association, taking over that role in May, 2014.  I became involved with the SDPA many years ago attending conferences and then serving on the planning committee.   I have held a position as a past board member and the secretary/treasurer.  I have met many collegues from across the state at the conferences.  I am very passionate about the SDPA and assisting the Board of Directors in providing education to nurses, physicians and allied health in South Dakota and surrounding states.

I worked at Avera McKennan Hospital since 1976 starting as a nurses aide, a LPN in 1978 and then received my associate degree in nursing in 1988.  The first 4 years of my career was in the Orthopedic area and then I transferred to the Newborn Nursey, Post Partum, Labor and Delivery and Obsetrical unit.  In May, 2020 I retired after almost 44 years of working at Avera McKennan Hospital.

My husband Rick and I enjoy vacationing and spending time with family.  I also enjoy scrapbooking our vacations and family events.