Bill Thelen

DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

I went to Brookings High School, and I went to college at Southwest State University in Marshall, Minn. At ULC, I oversee all housekeeping, laundry and maintenance on campus. I currently live in Brookings with my wife and four sons.

Email: bthelen@ulcbrookings.com

Direct Line: 605.696.7550

Camille Koolmo

CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER

I was born and raised in Brookings, S.D. I attended St. Cloud State University and earned my bachelor’s degree. I moved back to Brookings after starting a family. My husband, Graham, is a Sioux Falls firefighter and we have two daughters.

Email: ckoolmo@ulcbrookings.com

Direct Line: 605.696.7519

Justin Werkmeister

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

I’ve been a Brookings resident my entire life. I went to Brookings High School and South Dakota State University where I got my Bachelors in Economics and later became a licensed CPA. I was blessed with an opportunity to join ULC in 2021 where I get to combine my accounting skills with my love of people. Most importantly, I’m married with two wonderful sons!

Email: jwerkmeister@ulcbrookings.com

Direct Line: 605.696.7532

Amanda Renkly

Certified Dietary Manager

I attended South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD where I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Dietetics and have resided in the Brookings area ever since.  I currently reside in Volga, SD with my husband Brady, son Emmett and golden retriever, Lucy. I have worked in related nutrition fields since graduating, and have been pleased to be working in the long term healthcare field as a Certified Dietary Manager for three years now. 

Email: amanda@ulcbrookings.com

Direct Line: 605.696.7518

Sarah Lippert

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES

I am originally from Bemidji, MN but have called Brookings my home since October of 2016. I graduated from Bemidji State University with a degree in Social Work and have held my Social Work licensure ever since. I was lucky to have discovered my passion for working in the geriatric field early on in my career and am so grateful to have found a home at ULC. I look forward to meeting and interacting with the residents and families. A heartfelt thank you for allowing me the opportunity to get to know your loved ones. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my infant son, husband and 2 cats. I also love sewing, cheering on the SDSU Track and Field teams, and enjoying the outdoors-when SD weather allows!

Email: slippert@ulcbrookings.com

Direct Line: 605.696.7509

Gladys Sterud

Director of Nursing

I am originally from Kenya. I moved to Brookings in 2007 where I attended SDSU. Go Jacks! I graduated with a master’s in counseling in 2010. I decided to pursue my childhood dreams and went back into the medical field in 2016. I graduated from Lake Area Technical College with my LPN in 2017 and obtained my RN degree in 2018 from the University of South Dakota. I have 3 beautiful kids and in our spare time we like to travel and attend the kid’s sporting events. I am honored to be a part of this great community.

Email: gsterude@ulcbrookings.com

Direct Line: 605.696.7516

Elizabeth Mosena DeBerg

Administrator

I am honored to be a part of the United Living Community team and have faith in our quality employees who provide excellent care and attention to your loved ones.  I look forward to working together with the United Living Community team, families, volunteers and community members to carry out the mission into the future. 

 I have a passion for the mission of the United Living Community which has been demonstrated through my involvement and schooling in Long Term Care and Gerontology.  I wholeheartedly believe in transparent and timely communication and care deeply about providing high quality services and meeting community needs.

 I am a wife and mother of 3 amazing boys.  My spare time is spent at my children’s activities or with my family enjoying the great outdoors camping, gardening, and boating.  I also love to cook!

Email: edeberg@ulcbrookings.com

Direct Line: 605.696.7500

Machelle Rowen

AR/AP Accounting Clerk

I grew up on a farm near Oldham, SD.  Graduated from Oldham-Ramona High School.  Attended Northern State University and the University of South Dakota focusing on Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology and Business.  I currently live in Arlington with my husband Dan.  We have 6 wonderful children, son-in-law and our first grandchild.  I enjoy shopping, spending time with my family and friends, going to movies and my kid’s activities.  I have been in long term care for 5 years starting as an Activity Director and joining the ULC team at the beginning of this year in the finance office. 

Email: mrowen@ulcbrookings.com

Direct Line: 605.696.7502

Maria Fitzpatrick

Case Manager

I grew up in Ipswich, SD and graduated from IHS—Go Tigers!! I attended Northern State University and transferred to South Dakota State University in 1998. I graduated from SDSU in 2001 with a BS in Medical Technology and Chemistry I've worked at SDSU Animal Disease Research Diagnostic Lab, Brookings Health System Lab, 3M doing research for the Attest Line, and the Hy-Vee Floral Shop before deciding to get back into the medical field. I graduated from Lake Area Technical College with my LPN in 2021, RN in 2023, and BSN from SDSU in 2024. I married my college best friend, Dan, and we have 4 kids. When I'm not working, you will find me cheering on the Bobcats Football & Wrestling Teams. 

Email: mfitzpatrick@ulcbrookings.com

Direct Line: 605.696.7503

Cari Schwartzkopf

Recreation and Volunteer Services Coordinator

I am a Brookings native who graduated from Brookings High School in 2005.  I have worked at United Living Community since 2013 in a variety of roles including CNA, med aide, scheduler and now Recreation and Volunteer Services Coordinator.  I love being able to interact with our residents and their families on a daily basis.

Email: cschwartzkopf@ulcbrookings.com

Direct Line: 605.696.7506

Angi Hudy

Infection Control & Wound Care Nurse

I graduated from USD in 2009. I have  long term care experience, home health, and hospital experience. I moved to Brookings in 2017 with my husband. I love togo fishing, kayaking, and spend time with my family. 

Email: ahudy@ulcbrookings.com

Direct Line: 605.696.7514

Jada Straub

Staff Scheduling Coordinator, CNA, UMA

I am originally from Minnesota. I moved to Brookings in 2021 with my boyfriend of almost 4 years. We have an Australian Cattle dog mix named Moose, who will be 2 years old in April. He definitely keeps us on our toes. I got my CNA in 2016 and UMA in 2019. My Mom, who is a nurse, is the one who inspired me to start in the medical field.

Email: jstraub@ulcbrookings.com

Direct Line: 605.696.7513

Gail Bunker

Executive Administrative Assistant

I grew up in Bruce SD and attended Sioux Valley School in Volga SD. I attended LATI In Watertown SD. I am grateful to join ULC where I get to combine all of my office skills thru the years.  I reside near Brookings with my husband, Tim and we have one daughter, Nicole.

Email: gbunker@ulcbrookings.com

Direct Line: 605.692-5351

Denise Young

MDS Coordinator

I was raised on a farm and graduated from Menno High School. When I was 11 years old I was hospitalized at Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children for 3 months and decided I wanted to be a nurse. I graduated from Freeman Junior College with my LPN degree 10 years later. I obtained my RN degree 8 years later from Dakota Wesleyan University. I started off in a critical access hospital and decided emergency nursing was my career choice so I did travel nursing for 20 plus years in the emergency department and in corrections. For 7 years I have been doing MDS nursing, which is like forensic nursing as you have to assess and do lots of search and find to get the most accurate reimbursement for the care we provide. I have 3 children and 3 grandchildren. During my spare time I enjoy attending my grandchildren activities with my fiancé. We are also avid campers and Indian Motorcycle riders and plan on being fulltime RVers when we retire. I am exited to be a part of the ULC family. My office door is always open, stop in and say hello

Email: dyoung@ulcbrookings.com

Direct Line: 605.696.7510