The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) hosted its 26th annual Post-Acute Partners in Care Conference March 31–April 1, 2026, at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. Over 200 attendees joined two half-days of learning, networking, and celebration, continuing the event’s mission to support post-acute care professionals and provide valuable continuing education.

This year’s conference featured 26 educational sessions covering topics from regulatory updates and leadership to dietary guidance and palliative care.

Michella Sybesma, SDAHO VP of Education and Communication, said, “The Post-Acute Partners in Care Conference keeps growing, and we’re thrilled to offer our members a mix of education, networking, and continuing education opportunities. Thanks to our sponsors, we can provide this experience while keeping costs low for attendees.”

The 3rd Annual Facility Art Contest celebrated the theme “A Century of Caring – Caring Through the Decades”, with 15 facilities participating. This year, the participants decorated a Christmas tree, with all designating a special ornament that SDAHO will take to Pierre later this year for their Christmas tree at the Capitol. For this year’s conference three winners were selected for a special monetary prize:

  • First Place ($2,500): Edgewood Assisted Living
  • Second Place ($1,500): Dow Rummel Village
  • Third Place ($750): Avera Prince of Peace

The 2nd Annual Post-Acute Partners in Care Awards honored four individuals and one facility for excellence in care, leadership, and community. South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden joined the ceremony to help present awards, making the moment extra special. Recipients included:

  • Clinical Excellence: Krista Schaeffer, RN – Pioneer Memorial Hospital, Viborg
  • Frontline Caregiver: Laurenda Olson, CAN – Avera Brady Health and Rehab, Mitchell
  • Leadership Excellence: Samantha “Sam” Anderson, Charge Nurse – SD Human Services Center, Yankton
  • Lifetime Achievement: Gary Peterson – Dow Rummel Village, Sioux Falls
  • Outstanding Facility: Avera Sister James Care Center – Yankton

Use the arrows to see photos of all of the winners:

Clinical Excellence Award: Krista Schaeffer, Pioneer Memorial Hospital & Health Services
Frontline Caregiver of the Year: Laurenda Olson, Avera Brady Health & Rehab
Leadership Excellence Award: Samantha "Sam" Anderson, SD Human Services Center - Geriatric Program
Lifetime Achievement Award: Gary Peterson, Dow Rummel Village
Facility of the Year: Avera Sister James Care Center

Justin Hinker, SDAHO VP of Post-Acute Care, reflected on the honorees:
“It’s an honor to recognize these incredible individuals and facility. Their dedication to residents, patients, and communities exemplifies excellence in long-term care. The nominations show the passion and heart of those choosing this career path. We are also grateful to Governor Rhoden for taking the time to join us as we honored this year’s award recipients”

Thank you to everyone who attended this year’s Post-Acute Partners in Care Conference. If you are looking for presentations from any of the sessions you attended, don’t forget to check out the conference portal where they have been archived for easy access.

Visit the SDAHO Conference page for future in-person events, sdaho.org/conferences.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR