(Sioux Falls, SD) – AARP South Dakota today announced the names of 15 local advocates, who have received Fellowships to participate in the inaugural South Dakota State Walking College.
The program is presented in partnership with AARP Livable Communities and America Walks, a national education and advocacy organization which works to advance safe, equitable, accessible, and enjoyable places to walk and move by giving people and communities the resources to effectively advocate for change.
“We are delighted to welcome this group of passionate community leaders, who are working to improve walkability and livability in Sioux Falls and other communities throughout the state,” said Erik Gaikowski, AARP South Dakota State Director, “The Fellows represent a range of backgrounds and experiences, including health and wellness, traffic engineering, economic development, and education.”
The South Dakota State Walking College Fellows are:
Whitney Brown, Maintenance Manager at Augustana University and accessibility advocate from Sioux Falls
James Burzynski, pharmacist, student, and walkable community advocate from Sioux Falls
Ron Christensen, retired agricultural research engineer from Sioux Falls
Thomas Gulledge, Fitness and Wellness Director with the City of Mitchell
Heath Hoftiezer, Traffic Operations Engineer with the City of Sioux Falls
Lindsey Holmquest, Associate State Director with AARP South Dakota in Sioux Falls
Lindsey Kimber, Executive Director with Glacial Lakes Area Development and City Council member in Britton
Elicia Kortus, historic preservation specialist and leader of a non-profit in Jasper, MN, who lives in Sioux Falls
Chrissy Meyer, Regional Communications Director with the American Heart Association, based in Sioux Falls
Andrea Powers, Executive Director with Southern Hills Economic Development in Hot Springs
Rhonda Preller, retired teacher and President of the Milbank Area Retired Teachers/Personnel Association (MARTA) in Millbank
Danaca Schettler, Traffic Engineer with the City of Sioux Falls
Prairey Walkling, Family & Community Health Field Specialist with SDSU Extension who works with the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations and lives in Rapid City
The following Walking College Mentors have been appointed to provide coaching and facilitate discussion groups:
Beth Davis, Healthy Community Consultant who currently serves as the Physical Activity Coordinator with the South Dakota Department of Health in Pierre
Zach DeBoer, community-based artist working in the field of creative placemaking and neighborhood advocate in Sioux Falls
Mary Michaels, Public Health Prevention Coordinator with the Sioux Falls Health Department
The Walking College curriculum has been designed to expand the capacity of local advocates to be effective community change agents. Fellows will complete a six-module distance-education program this summer, covering the science behind the benefits of walking, evaluation of built environments, as well as communication skills and building relationships with decision makers. At the end of the course, each Fellow will develop an individual Walking Action Plan for their community.