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Meet the Staff

  • Shelly Pfaff is the Executive Director. Shelly has a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in sociology, and she has a Masters of Education with a major in guidance and counseling. She has worked in various positions serving persons with a variety of disabilities for over 30 years.

  • Colette Wagoner is the Program Specialist. Colette has a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in psychology, and she has a Masters of Arts in Community Agency Counseling. She has worked in a variety of positions serving persons with disabilities for over ten years.

  • Laura White is our Office Manager/Administrative Assistant. She became a part of our team in November of last year. Laura came to us from St. Mary's Healthcare Center. She has a Bachelor Degree in Telecommunications and Journalism. Laura's work for St. Mary's was in their Mission Integration and Long-Term Care Division.

The COALITION's
FY2007 Staff Activities Report
(October 2006 - September 2007)
Presented at June 9, 2008 Annual Membership Meeting

The COALITION had a total of 2.6 FTE during FY 2007

COALITION Activities

These activities are carried out in support of our members, the general public and our organization:

  • Published and disseminated the bi-monthly newsletter
  • Responded to thousands of request for information and referral to needed services
  • Provided training to business/community leaders on the ADA and “Welcoming All Customers”
  • Circulated hundreds of email alerts on state and national issues to statewide advocates network
  • Provided education to state and national leaders on issues such as funding of services, housing and transportation needs, ADA Restoration Act, Money Follows the Person Act, Ticket to Work Act, mental health parity and access to voting.
  • Completed activities in support of Board of Directors activities, the annual raffle, annual membership renewals, board election process and annual membership meeting.
  • Hosted the 13th Annual Disability Awareness Day at the Capitol during the 2007 legislative session.
  • Hosted information exhibits at a variety of statewide conferences and events.

% of total staff time supporting these
activities was approximately 12%

Board of Vocational Rehabilitation and
Statewide Independent Living Council
Staff Activities

These activities are carried out in support of South Dakota’s Board of Vocational Rehabilitation and Statewide Independent Living Council:

  • Support of Board/Council and sub-committee activities
  • Coordination of quarterly meetings for both boards/councils
  • Coordination of public meetings/forums
  • Solicitation of nominations for board/council vacancies and preparation of briefing documents for the Governor
  • Processing payment of travel vouchers and meeting related expenses
  • Completing logistical arrangements in support of both boards/councils
  • Coordination of special activities i.e., Annual Governor’s Awards Luncheon, Annual CIL Staff Training Event, National Disability Employment Awareness Month Events
  • Assist with the preparation and submission of State Plans for VR and IL services and related Federal reports
  • Drafting of meeting agendas and minutes and dissemination of the same
  • Assist with orientation of new members to both boards/councils

% of total staff time supporting these
activities was approximately 47%


"Freedom to Work" Project
Staff Activities

These activities are carried out in support of South Dakota’s Freedom to Work Project:

  • Support the Leadership Council and workgroup activities
  • Coordination of quarterly meetings for the Leadership Council
  • Coordination of public forums
  • Drafting of meeting agendas and minutes and dissemination of the same
  • Processing payment of travel vouchers and other related expenses
  • Coordination of “Employment and Benefits” training sessions statewide
  • Support of the Sioux Falls Career Development Team and of other community efforts to develop a similar concept
  • Solicitation of nominations for Leadership Council vacancies and preparation of briefing documents for DHS Secretary
  • Oversight and revision of project website information
  • Assist with preparation and submission of grant application and/or renewal
  • Dissemination of “Tips Newsletter” and other project materials i.e., “Everybody Works! Everybody Wins” brochure
  • Assist with orientation of new members to the leadership council

% of total staff time supporting these
activities was approximately 41%