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

Talent Acquision Specialist

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: gsterud@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

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

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