Leadership
Dedicated Leaders Ready to Serve
Administration Staff
Jennifer Gray
Executive Director
Jennifer Gray has been with Aspire since 1996. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology/Sociology, and is a graduate of The National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities Leadership Institute, as well as the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Aberdeen program. She also serves on the ANCOR Board of Representatives for South Dakota. Over the years, Jennifer has served in many roles supporting people with disabilities, including being a family member. Jennifer values relationships and community partnerships, and is a strong advocate for our employees to ensure Aspire delivers high quality services for our participants.
Arlette Keller
Director of Quality Assurance
Arlette has worked for Aspire since 1992. She graduated from NSU with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Special Education. She is a graduate of the National Leadership Consortium on Developmental Disabilities Leadership Institute. Arlette began her career at Aspire as a DSP and has worked a variety of positions before taking on the responsibilities of the Director of Quality Assurance. She currently oversees the Quality Assurance, Education and Residential Services and is chairperson of the Admissions Committee.
Angela Huffman
Director of Nursing
Angela has worked for Aspire since 2010. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Presentation College. She oversees all of Aspire’s medical services, coordination of care, preventative healthcare, promotes healthier lifestyles through diet and fitness, provides education to employees and participants on health and medications, ensures state guidelines/laws are followed, and advocates for human rights and dignity. She serves on the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce's Wellness committee as well as advising Aspire’s Wellness Committee and Events Committee. Angela is an instructor for CPR and Medication Administration.
Paul Schumacher
Director of Vocational Services
Paul has worked for Aspire since 1991. He has a degree in management and marketing. He started his career at Aspire as a DSP and has held various other positions along the way. Paul currently oversees the day activities which include: Day Services, Employment Options (supported employment), Community Contracts and Maintenance. Paul is also the advisor for the Creative Expressions and Safety and Sanitation Committees.
Meranda Leidholdt, SHRM-CP
Director of Human Resources
Meranda has worked for Aspire since 2014. She graduated from Northern State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Design. Meranda plans, develops, organizes, implements, directs, and evaluates the company’s human resource function and performance. She is also the current President and Certification Director of the Aberdeen HR Association, the Secretary for the Association Resource Team, a CPR instructor, a Person Centered Thinking coach and the adviser of both the Culture Club and Employee Personnel Advisory committees.
Beth Day
Director of Finance
Beth has worked for Aspire since 2017. She received her Bachelors degree in Information Management Systems and has her Masters in Business Administration. Beth has worked in a variety of government, private business and corporate settings, giving her just the right blend of expertise for this job. She currently oversees the Business Office functions of Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable and Payroll as well as maintains the Agency’s financial statements and records.
Board of Directors
Aspire's Board of Directors is composed of community members, family members and Aspire partners who provide oversight and outside opinion for the agency. Learn about joining our boards.
Laura Millett, President - Aberdeen School District
Lisa German, Vice President - Northeastern Mental Health Center
Robyn Ewalt - Secretary/Treasurer, Avera Health
Krissy Epp - Aramark, Participant
Cate Diede - Transition Liaison Project, Parent
Ryan Schimke - First Interstate Bank
Dave Taffe - Foundation Board Liaison, Retired Pharmicist
J'aime Matthews - Aberdeen Housing Authority
