The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) recognized four individuals and one facility for their outstanding contributions to post-acute care during the 2025 Post-Acute Partners in Care Conference, held April 8–9 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary as a leading event in long-term care, this year’s conference marked a milestone with the inaugural Post-Acute Care Award Celebration. A new tradition launched to honor excellence across the continuum of post-acute care.
Awards were presented in five categories, with nominations submitted by SDAHO members and final selections made by the association’s Post-Acute Council. The 2025 award categories included:
- Clinical Excellence Award
- Frontline Caregiver Award
- Leadership Excellence Award
- Facility of the Year
- Lifetime Achievement Award
Award Recipients:
Clinical Excellence Award –Â Jason Johns, Dow Rummel Village, Sioux Falls
This award is designed for licensed caregivers and recognizes long-term care professionals who have clinical expertise. This individual focuses on patient-centered care, embraces new techniques, technologies and innovation. They understand collaboration, teamwork and the definition of a true leader. They are dedicated to quality improvement and engaged with their community and advocacy.
Mr. Jason Johns is the Director of Nursing at Dow Rummel Village in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Jason began working as a Certified Nursing Assistant 17 years ago, while finishing LPN school. While finishing his nurse schooling, Jason worked in correctional health. Following graduation, he became a beside nurse in the intensive care unit (ICU), but knew he had a passion for working in a post-acute setting and in 2019 accepted a position as the director of nursing at Dow Rummel Village.
Frontline Caregiver Award – Amy Preston, Avera Brady Health and Rehab, Mitchell
This award is designed for non-licensed caregivers and recognizes those who demonstrate compassionate care and display clinical competence in their role. This individual is a patient advocate with strong communication skills, works well with a team and are adaptable when challenges arise. They continuously work on professional development, respect diverse backgrounds and are often seen as a mentor and support system for those they work with.
Ms. Amy Preston has served the Mitchell community for 23 years as a certified nursing assistant (CNA), but has been a caregiver her entire life, beginning at the age of 10, taking care of her grandmother.
Amy started off as a candy-striper, until she was old enough to start working, which was 16 when she became a CNA. Amy took some time off to raise her own children, then returned to be a CNA with Avera Brady Health and Rehab, where she has served since 2009. Amy is on her second generation of residents, taking care of residents in the beginning of her career, and she is now providing care for their children.
Leadership Excellence Award – Dawn Rithmiller Bethesda Home, Webster
This award recognizes individuals who demonstrate vision and strategy for their organizations. They inspire and motivate those they work with and have effective communication skills. They are comfortable with decision making and use data driven insights along with experience and intuition when making informed decisions. They act as mentors and actively support growth and development among team members and embrace innovation. This individual is committed to diversity and inclusion, and they are positively engaged in their community.
Ms. Dawn Rithmiller is the Director of Nursing at Bethesda Home, serving in this role for over a decade. Dawn began her career with DakotaCare as a team leader in 2000. During this time, Dawn unfortunately spent a lot of time in healthcare settings due to several traumatic events that impacted her and her family, which she says guided her to the nursing field.
In 2009 Dawn made the decision to go to school, to become an LPN. She then decided to continue, earning her AND, and then her RN, all while working and raising her family. Dawn is passionate about providing the best possible care for her residents while making the best working environment for staff.
Outstanding Facility of the Year – Avera Brady Health and Rehab, Mitchell
Facilities considered for this category demonstrate exceptional standards in patient care, evidenced by positive health outcomes. They provide compassionate services and are committed to ongoing staff training and development. This facility prioritizes a patient-centered approach and are dedicated to effective communication among the entire staff. This facility embraces innovation in care delivery and adheres to all regulatory requirements and safety standards. Staff members are engaged with their community and solicit feedback from residents, patients and their family members to offer continued improvement and enhancements for the services the facility offers.
As a team, Avera Brady Health and Rehab has maintained a 5-star status since 2017. Their nursing home Compare Matrix’s exceed state and national benchmarks in many areas, such as low hospital re-admission rates and emergency room visits. Staff continuously utilize both online and in-person hands on training. Avera Brady Health and Rehab has multiple PIP teams focusing on improving the quality of life for residents, including communication, grievance assistance, dining experience, and entertainment.
Lifetime Achievement Award – LaVonne Gaspar, Avera Health
This award is designed to recognize an individual who has served in healthcare for more than 20 years. They demonstrate a consistent record of professional excellence, achieving significant milestones and recognition throughout their career. They have made an impact on patient care and serve as leaders and mentors for their colleagues and other health care professionals. This individual has contributed to the advancement of healthcare through innovative practices, research and technologies. They are engaged in their community and are advocates for access to quality healthcare for all populations. They demonstrate longevity and dedication and believe in lifelong learning, earning accolades and recognition from their peers.
Ms. Lavonne Gaspar has served 58 years and counting as a leader in healthcare and advocacy. Lavonne spent 35 years in nursing at Avera McKennan, before taking on the role of Director of Nursing Services at Avera Prince of Peace. She would later be promoted to Administrator at Avera Gregory Hospital. Lavonne’s leadership expertise has been shared at facilities across South Dakota which include: The South Dakota Veterans Home in Hot Springs, United Living Center in Brookings, Menno Nursing Home, Bethel Lutheran Home in Madison and Avantara Nursing Home in Sioux Falls. LaVonne most recently served as the administrator at Avera Prince of Peace.  Lavonne also shared her knowledge through the years by serving as an unpaid preceptor to dozens of aspiring nursing home administrators. Her passion for others goes on, LaVonne and her husband provided housing to over 40 expectant mothers over the years through her help with catholic family services.
LaVonne has served on numerous task forces including LifeCircle South Dakota, and South Dakota  Alzheimer’s.
Congratulations to all of this year’s Excellence in Long-Term Care Award Celebration nominees and recipients. The number of nominations SDAHO received is a clear reflection of the many outstanding healthcare professionals across South Dakota.
