Welcome to the Family Resource Network.  Our office staff is excited to work with parents and childcare providers throughout the region.  Feel free to contact our staff members concerning the Child and Adult Care Food Program or any questions related to early childhood education.  Early childhood staff members and food program personnel are listed below along with their biographies.

 

  

 

Coordinator of Outreach

Gail Bultman

Gail is the Coordinator of Outreach for the Family Resource Network.  She is responsible for the overall administration of Early Childhood Enrichment and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

Gail's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Child Psychology and Parent Education from the University of Minnesota and she is currently working on a Master of Science degree in Child and Family Studies at South Dakota State University.  Her previous work experiences have all involved serving children and families in a variety of roles.

Office Coordinator

Yvonne Dobrenski

Yvonne has worked with the Family Resource Network since 1997, her main responsibilities include reception, bookkeeping, secretarial duties and office management.  Yvonne has over 30 years of career experience, during which she has worked for higher education, private business and a church.  Yvonne enjoys working with all the providers and parents who utilize the FRN. 

Pam Emmett

Pam is new to the Family Resource Network.  Her main responsibilities include reception, bookkeeping, and secretarial duties.  Pam has 30 years experience and has previously worked on campus, for private business, and the City of Brookings. 

Early Childhood Enrichment Specialists

Deb Conatser

Deb is a Child Care Health Consultant at the Family Resource Network.  She is responsible for administering hearing and vision screening to children in child care programs in Region 4.  Deb also provides technical assistance on health and safety concerns and works with the Infant Toddler Environmental Rating Scale.

Deb is a registered nurse and works in the emergency room at Brookings Hospital.  She also teaches various educational programs within the Health Care System.

April Flemming

April is an Early Childhood Enrichment Training Specialist for the Family Resource Network.  Her responsibilities consist of training, technical assistance, creating newsletters, and coordinating the Toy Lending Library, Bright Start Responsive Parenting and the Governor's Child Seat Program, Project 8.

April graduated from SDSU with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies and a minor in Sociology. Prior to graduating, she completed two internships, the Department of Social Services Child Care Services, and the Family Resource Network.  April has worked as a school-age site supervisor for approximately 50 children.

Kathy Gilpin

Kathy is an Early Childhood Enrichment Training Specialist. Her primary responsibilities include training, mentoring, offering technical assistance and Coordinating the Child Development Associate Credential (CDA). Kathy graduated from South Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with a major in Early Childhood Education. She also attended Madonna College in Livonia, Michigan and she has an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn, Michigan.

Kathy's background caring for children spans nearly twenty years. Her professional work experience includes being a home Family Childcare provider, and serving as a teacher at a Childcare Center.

Bonnie Tonsager

Bonnie is the Out of School Time Training Specialist for the Family Resource Network.  She is responsible for providing technical assistance, training, NAA Accreditation guidance and onsite consultations.  Bonnie also coordinates the OST Credential, Reach Out and Read and is responsible for webpage development.

Bonnie graduated from South Dakota State University with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies and a minor in Sociology.  Prior to graduating she completed her internship at the Department of Social Services as a Child Protection Worker.  

Bonnie's work experiences range from family child care to preschool.  In addition to those experiences Bonnie has spent 5 years in Out of School Time Care.  In OST she worked 2 years as a support staff and 3 years as a site supervisor.  Bonnie's after-school experience was a success with over 100 children enrolled in her site.

State Wide Infant Toddler Training Coordinator

Kathy Schwartz

Kathy is the Statewide Infant Toddler Training Coordinator for the Infant Toddler Training Project. She works with the Regional ECSE offices and the Tribal Coordinators to ensure the delivery of services across the state.

Kathy received her B.S. degrees in Early Childhood Education and Psychology from South Dakota State University and is currently working on a Master of Science degree in Counseling and Human Resource Development at South Dakota State University.   Kathy’s work experiences include center and home based work with birth to five year olds, out of school time care, program coordination and training specialist.

Child and Adult Care Food Program Daycare Specialists

Peggy Leslie

Peggy has worked as a Family Daycare Specialist for the Child and Adult Care Food Program since August of 1998. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from South Dakota State University in December of 1996, with a major in Early Childhood Education and Child and Family Services, and a minor in Sociology.

Peggy previously worked as Head Teacher in the infant room at Kid's World Learning Center, a daycare center in Brookings, student taught in the toddler classroom at SDSU Laboratory Preschool, and was a student assistant in the four and five year old classroom. She completed her internships with the Children's First Step Learning Center and the Department of Social Services. Peggy has also worked as a Nanny/Housekeeper for two families in Framingham, Massachusetts.

 Callie Molengraaf

Callie graduated from South Dakota State University in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in the college of Family and Consumer Sciences. Her major was Human Development and Family Studies, with a minor in Psychology.

Callie completed her internship with the Brookings County Extension in January of 1997.  She later helped to implement and teach the Juvenile Diversion Program for Brookings County, and she also spent time working with Character Counts and the 4-H Program.

Callie has enjoyed working as a Family Daycare Specialist with the Family Resource Network at SDSU since September of 1999. She has previously worked with the Personnel Department and Nursing Departments on campus.