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

Danna Groenewold

DIRECTOR OF NURSING

I am a Minnesota girl, graduating from Fairmont High School, that started my career in health care “a long” time ago as a Nurse’s Aide while raising my family.  I continued my medical pursuit by joining a volunteer fire department as a first responder, moved on to an EMT and finally receiving my training as a Paramedic.  Being a paramedic is what moved my family to Brookings.  We love the community and have made Brookings our home.  I was a Paramedic for many years here in Brookings. Moving my career to Nursing-graduating from USD.  I have worked ER, ICU, CCU, and LTAC.  I have worked for ULC since 2017,  as a charge nurse, case manager, and I am now very proud to be the Director of Nursing and being part of this wonderful family.  Personally, I am a mother of 6 and grandmother of 17. I enjoy sewing, crafting, motocross, pool,  and motorcycles.

Email: dgroenewold@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

Bernadette Rasmussen

RN Staff Development Nurse

I grew up on a farm in northwest Iowa and graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing degree from MN State Univ Moorhead. I have worked in a variety of direct and indirect nursing roles over the years with most recent being Lead RN Education Specialist and RN Clinical Liaison.   I have four sons and 6 Grandchildren. I am excited to be starting the new year of 2024 with United Living Community and making Brookings my home. 

Email: brasmussen@ulcbrookings.com

Direct Line: 605.696.7514

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

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

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