YES.

Kristin Bennett’s watching her life come full circle. Growing up in a small piece of heaven called Britton, SD, she was destined to return home to raise her three kids in peace and safety, surrounded by old-fashioned values and the famous mid-western work ethic. “There’s no place like home” rings true after college in San Diego, a career launch in Los Angeles, a move to Rapid City, and then a bit of big-city experience for the family in Denver. Home to stay is the motto for Kristin, although she encourages all young people including her own children to discover what’s out there before landing back in the comfort of a small home town like Britton. Kristin thinks of herself as an accidental entrepreneur. Childhood ambitions centered mainly around raising a family and playing with horses. Much to her own surprise, she is blessed with the ambition, personality, and the crucial everything’s possible attitude that leads to a successful business venture like YES. There’s no better fit for a compassionate and action-oriented person than nonprofit management, and nothing more satisfying than watching her progressive company blossom. And wouldn’t you know, having lived a lot of life in 47 years, that childhood vision came true too. Kristin enjoys an enormous abundance of satisfaction in the love of her three beautiful children, countless horses, cats, dogs, and a large, supportive extended family.

Gail O'Brien has lived in the Britton, SD area all of her adult life. She grew up in Fargo, ND and spent summers at the lake in Minnesota. She graduated from Minnesota State University with a BA in Economics. She and her husband were married and moved to his family farm in northeast SD following college graduation. They have three adult children and two grandsons. Chad and his wife, Kristen are massage therapists in Boulder, CO and have two adorable boys, Evan and Elijah. Nate and his wife Ann are engineers and dental hygienists, respectively. They are in the process of joining the family farm operation. Ally is a massage therapist and is currently attending school for nursing. Gail has worked in the manufacturing sector as an inventory controller and buyer/planner for both Horton, Inc and Bobcat and taught piano lessons when the kids were young. Gail is the organist and treasurer for her church, a Master Gardener (in training) and a Biofeedback technician. She loves to travel, learn and experience new things. Summers often find her on the local glacial lakes skiing or savoring a prairie sunsets. Free time is spent walking, biking, reading, baking, gardening, playing piano, golfing and enjoying country living. It’s been her pleasure to work with Kristin Bennett in her management business this past year. She stays challenged with a variety of duties.

Tamara Kohnen was born and raised in Hitchcock, South Dakota. Growing up on a farm/ranch Tamara learned the value of hard work. She's an accomplished athlete who loves volleyball, basketball, track, and softball. She participated in FCCLA on a state winning parliamentary procedure team. Her need to continually learn and her love of adventure makes her a perfect fit for the YES team. Coming from a family of five siblings, three brothers and one sister, she has learned great life lessons (and survival skills!) through them. Tamara is part of a family-run Hunting lodge, and enjoys hunting, fishing, and camping. She has lived in Bristol South Dakota for the past 4 years with her Fiancé Patrick and their son Jake. Tamara graduated from Northern State University with her Bachelors Degree in Biology and has interned at South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks. She has vast knowledge of nature and wildlife and an absolute love of the outdoors. Family comes first with Tamara, and she spends all her free time with her Fiancé, son, and large extended family.

Sara Glaze was born and raised in South Dakota and has lived in Colorado since 1986. She moved to Denver to pursue “a career in the big city”, and has been successful in Operations, Administration and Bookkeeping for companies ranging from corporate and small business to non-profits. Each opportunity has is advantages, but Sara prefers small business and non-profit entities as she enjoys the “hands-on” feel of intimate work environments. She is most successful assuming the progressive responsibility that comes with large roles in smaller companies, giving her the opportunity to make tangible and visible improvements to every level of operations. A martial artist since 1979, Sara pursued her passion in the Arts after her move to Colorado. She teaches the Zoom Conditioning© program at Progressive Martial Arts in Denver, a curriculum that she designed and developed to coach athletes of all levels to reach their peak fitness abilities. Sara is a certified group, personal and TRX trainer whose passion for martial arts and boxing continues to inspire athletes of all abilities.

Shelby is the daughter of David and Stacey Beck of Britton, SD. She has two sibilings, Holly and Brianna. She recently graduated from Britton-Hecla High School, and in August will attend Minnesota State University Moorhead to major in Paralegal. The athletic highlights of her high school career include winning Districts, Regions, and placing eighth at the 2009 State Tournament in girls' basketball, and winning the 2010 basketball Districts. She has also receieved academic awards in high school, including being named an A-Honor Roll student, winning $5,000 in a state-wide essay contest, receiving a few local scholarships for college, and graduating with highest honors. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with my friends and family, shopping, playing basketball, swimming, and gardening. 

Jatelyn is the daughter of Bill and Jodi Meyer of Britton. Her family owns the local hardware store in Britton. She has two siblings, Aria and Kyler and one half-sister named Courtney. She is recently graduated from Britton-Hecla High School, and next fall she will attend Northern State University and major in Business Economics. Her athletic highlights from high school include: getting 8th place at state her sophomore year, being a district champion two years in a row, and being named to the All-Academic Volleyball and Basketball Team for 2010-2011. In high school she received academic honors including: A honor roll her whole high school career, graduating in the top 10% of her class and being a member of the National High School Scholars Society. In her off time she enjoys to be outside, being with friends and family, playing volleyball and shopping.

Emily is the daughter of Mary Goedert and has lived in Britton for the past 11 years. She is the oldest of two siblings, Megan and Dallas. She graduated from Britton Hecla High School in 2008 with high honors. She has attended Minnesota State University Moorhead for elementary education. In high school, she received many athletic awards including all-state basketball, miss basketball contestant and was named MVP for two all-star games, was named all-conference and NEC all-area for volleyball three years, and was a state champion long jumper. She enjoys being active, running, playing softball, basketball, fishing, shopping and reading. You will also find her spending a majority of her time with friends and family.