[HOWARD, SD] — Horizon Health honored staff milestones and achievements as well as philanthropic commitment at its annual Circle of Care Awards celebration August 4. The event was held in conjunction with National Health Center Week, which recognizes the vital work of Community Health Centers. This year’s theme was “Building Innovative Care Where It Matters Most.”
Keynote speaker Angela Kennecke, shared the legacy she’s created for her daughter Emily who tragically died of a Fentanyl overdose. Emily was an artist, athlete and beloved daughter whose life was cut short much too soon. Through her charity, Emily’s Hope, Kennecke works to prevent further overdose deaths using advocacy, education, and treatment scholarships. Emily’s Hope manages a post-overdose response team as well as hosting support groups for families. Kennecke speaks tirelessly about the drug crisis to offer hope to families struggling with addiction.
Kennecke is an Emmy award-winning journalist whose investigative reporting has led to changes in state laws. Additionally, Kennecke hosts the nationally top-rated podcast, Grieving Out Loud, A Mother Coping with Loss in the Opioid Epidemic, and is the author of The Day His Heart Stopped Crying, an inspirational book about second chances.
Following Kennecke’s remarks, Horizon presented its Circle of Care Awards recognizing teams and individuals whose accomplishments exemplify Horizon’s mission to provide access to high-quality, affordable primary health care services.
“We are honored to once again present our Circle of Care Awards recognizing the outstanding commitment of our teams and donors in keeping our communities well,” Horizon CEO Wade Erickson said. “These individuals take great pride in the work they do every day, and we are grateful for the care and dedication they selflessly give to their patients and communities.”
The Keeping Communities Well Award recognizes outstanding clinical teams that demonstrate excellence in quality, patient care, community involvement, and Horizon’s core values. This year’s award was presented to Huron Medical and Plankinton Dental. The team in Huron includes Abby Von Eye, Registered Nurse; Amanda Adams, PA-C; Beth Wernke, MSW, LCSW-PIP; Brittany Friese, Certified Medical Assistant; Caitlin Schoenfelder, Registered Nurse; Cherie Leddy, Licensed Practical Nurse; Cinthya Urena; Medical Receptionist/Interpreter; Dahliyah Aye, Certified Medical Assistant; Ehler Klosoe, Lab/X-Ray Technologist; Evelia Reyes Guillen; Medical Receptionist/Interpreter; Htoo Paw, Lab/X-Ray Technologist; James Ronan, Custodian; Jasmine Sifuentes, Medical Receptionist; Joan Biever, Certified Medical Assistant; Katie Stearns, CNP; Michelle Sifuentes, Medical Receptionist/Interpreter; Morgan Sabalier, Licensed Practical Nurse; Mu Dah, Medical Receptionist/Interpreter; Paul Brown, PA-C; Dr. Ruth Lim, MD; Samara Contreras, Community Health Worker; Sheri Decker, Medical Receptionist; Tanya Blue, Registered Nurse; Tia Chase, PA-C; Tracy Davis, Custodian; and Zar Moo, Medical Receptionist/Interpreter.
Our team at the Plankinton Dental Clinic includes Dr. Alaina Oberembt, DDS; Ellie Stange, Dental Receptionist; Katti Paul, RDH; Kelly Thomson, Registered Dental Assistant; Mia Glanzer, RDH; Natalia Surzhok, Registered Dental Assistant; and Dr. Steven Baune, DDS.
The Team on a Mission Award recognizes an outstanding administrative/support team that takes initiative to improve the organization’s values, efficiency of services, and processes that continue to move the Horizon mission forward. The award was presented to Horizon’s Learning Development Team, including Lisa Virchow, Medical Front Office Learning and Development Coordinator; Shawna Schwader, Dental Assistant Learning and Development Coordinator; Ashley Garfve, Dental Front Office Learning and Development Coordinator; and Mary Honomichl, Operations Manager.
The Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation and Outstanding Philanthropist Awards are annually presented to Horizon Health partners who demonstrate outstanding commitment to Horizon initiatives through financial support and encouraging others to take leadership roles toward philanthropy and community involvement.
SDN Communications is the 2026 Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation. SDN Communications has been a strong partner with Horizon Health since 2003, playing a pivotal role through telecommunications and financial support. Resources the company devoted to behavioral health, patient care, and capital and equipment needs have largely removed barriers to necessary services in rural and frontier locations. Their strong working relationships with their member companies throughout South Dakota have ensured our ability to provide health care to some of South Dakota’s most rural communities. Their fiber footprint and financial support enhanced Horizon’s ability to increase technology and be able to provide expanded telehealth services.
The 2026 Outstanding Philanthropist Award was given to Patrick Maroney. Pat is originally from Howard, South Dakota, but now resides in Sioux Falls. As a former board member of the Horizon Health Foundation, he was a strong advocate for ensuring all South Dakotans have equal access to health care, dental services, and behavioral health. His support and investment in rural health stems back to 2018. Over the past eight years, he has had a significant impact on capital and equipment needs, supporting various Horizon Health clinics, Smiles for Miles, and is a loyal supporter through our monthly Giving Hearts program. He established the Foundation’s first endowment, The Maroney Family Endowment, to serve patients of greatest need in Miner County.
Employees recognized for their combined 175 years of service as Horizon employees included: Michele Block, Arlington (20); Sara Rus, Howard (20); Lori Kiehl, Howard (20); Megan Palmquist, RDH, Howard (15); Lindsey Heath, CNP, Martin (10); Tracy Lenz, Iroquois (10); Renee Gerbracht, Faith (10); Michael Krempges, Howard (10); Cheri Pudwill, Mooreton, North Dakota (10); Misty Rudebusch, MPAS, PA-C, Howard (10); Andrea Nelson, Elk Point (10); Jessica Christensen, Elk Point (5); Melanie Pollard, Wessington Springs (5); Dr. Jessica Scherer, DDS, MS, Martin (5); Madison Buschkamp, Yankton (5); Dr. Devyn Prodoehl, DDS, De Smet (5); Hannah Nielsen, Elk Point (5); Alyssa Hofer, CNP, Plankinton (5); Brittany Friese, Huron (5); Shae Jung, Howard (5); Beverly Stradinger, Isabel (5); Caleb Larson, Mission (5); Stacie Thompson, Howard (5); Cinthya Urena, Huron (5); and Tiffany Stickney, Wessington Springs (5).