Welcome!

Joel and his wife, Kristin, have home-educated their five children in South Dakota for 15 years, the last 7 in rural Garretson. Joel exercises his passion for education in general and home education in particular by sitting on the Board of Directors of The Education Alliance of Christian Homeschoolers of South Dakota, leading a team of dedicated volunteers who produce the Christian Homeschool Conference of South Dakota (the largest annual homeschool event in the state). Joel is also a volunteer high school teacher at Living Legacy Academy (a homeschool co-op in Sioux Falls).  

Julie and her husband were attracted to the lifestyle that homeschooling offered their family 20 years ago. They live in Sioux Falls. Three of their five children have graduated as homeschool students and two have graduated from college. Julie has a degree and professional background in education and special education. Since leaving public education to be at home with her children, she has maintained a private practice serving individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Dyslexia.

Rep. Sue Peterson (District 13) is currently serving in her third term in the SD House of Representatives. With a professional background in banking and finance lending her expertise to the House Appropriations Committee. Currently, she serves as the Vice Chair of the House Education Committee and a member of the House Government Operations and Audit Committee. Sue and her husband, Bill, live in Sioux Falls and have three sons. Homeschooling has been a part of their family life for the past eight years. Sue is a strong advocate, sponsoring and supporting legislation that promotes the freedom to homeschool in South Dakota. 

 Nancy Dennert is a mother to five children and an 21 year veteran homeschooler. She and her husband Dana farm and ranch north of Aberdeen.  Nancy wants her children to love to learn and be allowed to follow their God-given talents. She loves supporting families on their own homeschooling journeys. Through her family’s experiences, Nancy has insight into the SD legislature and has experience in grassroots organization and lobbying. 

Kate  is currently serving in her first term as the President of the Rapid City Area School Board and third term overall. She and her husband, Vince, live in Rapid City and have seven children. Kate analyzes each child’s needs and chooses the best education option for each child. Her kids have attended public school, have dual-enrolled, and have been homeschooled. Two of her children have attended the UNL, and one attended Denver Lincoln Tech. Kate advocates for children with dyslexia in South Dakota and is a trained Barton System dyslexia tutor. She is also busy with chickens, her garden and aspires to raise meat birds, and goats someday. Her family enjoys exploring the Black Hills together.  

Mary is a native Pierre resident, a small business owner, and a full-time farmer with her husband and five kids. Her five kids continue and thrive in their homeschool education while running their family farm. She is a strong advocate not only for her family but every family’s right to homeschool education and has been involved in the capital processes for 15 years. Her passion lies in ensuring parental rights remain intact in the state of South Dakota.