Merrie Atherton, Affiliate Director
Homebase: Webster. Reach Merrie at: [email protected]
Merrie has been involved in DI since she was in elementary school, and DI was still Odyssey of the Mind. Since then, Merrie has been a team member, team manager, team parent, program coordinator, tournament appraiser, tournament director, state board member, and now serves as our fearless leader! Affiliate Director is a volunteer position, and we appreciate Merrie’s time and energy to South Dakota DI!
Why Merrie loves DI: “I love the program and the life skills it teaches all of us. I find myself using my DI skills more often than one would think! I also love to see the connections everyone makes through DI!”
Jenn Brist, President
Homebase: Watertown. Reach Jenn at: [email protected]
Jenn got involved with DI in 2010 when her kids signed up for DI and she found herself managing a team. Since then, she’s managed many teams, and served as program coordinator and tournament appraiser.
Why Jenn loves DI: “My senior level team in 2017 had an awesome skit and amazing props, but they were always changing things up slightly. At Global Finals in Knoxville, they literally said “Time” to end their skit at the exact moment the timekeeper said “Time!” WHEW! All three of my grown kids comment frequently that DI was good practice for the curveballs of real life.”
Hannah Carda, Vice President
Homebase: Pierre. Reach Hannah at: [email protected]
Hannah was in Odyssey of the Mind as a student, but has been immersed in DI for the last eight years. She’s served as a team manager, program coordinator, and tournament director.
Why Hannah loves DI: “Getting inspired by the kids – they are creative and unique and so delightful. I have met great people as fellow managers, parents, and board members.”
Maria Kendle, Board Member
Homebase: Crooks. Reach Maria at: [email protected]
Maria was first hired as the school coordinator for the Odyssey of the Mind program 28 years ago and has been instrumental in growing SDDI. She’s served as a team manager, program coordinator, tournament director, tournament appraiser, and team parent.
Why Maria loves DI: “I love to watch the growth in students as they work through the year. It teaches teamwork, perseverance, creative problem-solving, time management all while building confidence and enhancing beyond school knowledge and experiences.”
Kristie Erickson, Board Member
Homebase: Aberdeen. Reach Kristie at: [email protected]
Kristie first got involved in Odyssey of the Mind as a gifted education teacher. She’s been part of South Dakota DI since it began in the 1999-2000 school year. Kristie has served as a team manager, program coordinator, tournament director, tournament appraiser, and a parent.
Why Kristie loves DI: “I love to see the teamwork and how the team members are excited about their solutions. I also love to see former team members, now adults and have them share what DI and teams meant to them.”
Paul Kosel, Board Secretary
Homebase: Groton. Reach Paul at: [email protected]
Paul has been part of South Dakota DI since his kids first joined a team 15 years ago. As a DI parent and a board member, Paul appreciates that DI is a unique program that encourages kids to think!
Why Paul loves DI: “Our oldest daughter was in Project Outreach (now called Service Learning). They saw a need to help kids with food after school. The BAGS Ladies did a project called the BAGS program for the school. That program is still going today. Proof that DI makes a difference in a community.”
Arlinda Gylfe, Board Member
Homebase: Elk Point. Reach Arlinda at: [email protected]
Arlinda has been part of South Dakota DI for the past 22 years, first as a manager for her daughter’s team. Arlinda has not only served as a tournament appraiser, but she is also a faithful challenge master and head appraiser. Arlinda also volunteers as an appraiser at Global Finals, so she is definitely one of our in-house experts!
Why Arlinda loves DI: “I love what DI teaches and how kids love to learn, and the excitement and energy the kids bring to DI.”
Amanda Witt, Board Member
Homebase: Hartford. Reach Amanda at: [email protected]
Amanda’s DI journey started 22 years ago as a team manager for her son’s team. All three of her children participated in DI and are now grown – but Amanda is still pouring her heart into SDDI. Amanda has served as a team manager, program coordinator, and tournament appraiser/volunteer.
Why Amanda loves DI: “What makes DI so special to me is the way it builds confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills in kids. I’ve seen students who were once quiet and unsure find their voice, take risks, and grow into confident leaders. It’s not just about solving challenges—it’s about learning how to think, collaborate, and persevere. As a parent, it’s been especially rewarding to watch all three of my kids participate in DI. I’ve seen firsthand how the program has shaped their growth, resilience, and ability to work as part of a team.”
Ashley Baird, Alumni Rep
Homebase: Harrisburg. Reach Ashley at: [email protected]
Ashley’s DI journey began in 2003 thanks to a neighbor encouraging her to join a team. Ashley has also served as a team manager, tournament appraiser (including at Global finals), and is an International Challenge Master. Ashley handles all the tournament scheduling, scoring coordination, and is our technical trouble-shooter. SDDI is grateful for Ashley’s expertise, enthusiasm, and commitment!
Why Ashley loves DI:
“Di brings out the absolute best in people! I love DI because it creates a space where creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving come together in the most wonderful way! It’s not about performing or building – it’s about watching individuals grow in confidents, learn to trust their ideas, and support one another! DI builds skills that last far beyond the Challenge, but more than that, it builds a connection and genuine love of learning!
Betsy Sage, Board Member
Homebase: Rapid City. Reach Betsy at: [email protected]
Betsy competed in Odyssey of the Mind as a student but became involved in DI ten years ago as a manager for her son’s team. Betsy is also a program coordinator and has stepped in as a tournament appraiser and tournament director.
Why Betsy loves DI: “I love Destination Imagination because it gives kids the courage to try, the freedom to fail, and the joy of discovering what they’re truly capable of.”
Barb Baker, Board Member
Homebase: Spearfish. Reach Barb at: [email protected]
Barb got involved in DI nine years ago when her mom asked for help with the teams she was managing. But Barb’s experience really goes way back to Odyssey of the Mind days when she competed as a team member. Since then, Barb has served as a tournament appraiser, team manager, program coordinator, tournament director, and team parent.
Why Barb loves DI: “As a student I was in Odyssey of the Mind (decades and decades ago). My favorite memory from then was sewing 2 dinosaur costumes and making a gigantic dinosaur egg out of chicken wire and papermache, that I could actually fit in!”
Dean Fenenga, Past Affiliate Director
Homebase: Watertown. Reach Dean at: [email protected]
Dean started his DI journey 23 years ago as a team manager for his son’s team and then coached his daughter as well. Dean has served as team manager, board member, tournament appraiser, Affiliate Director, and team parent!
Why Dean loves DI: “It is one of the few educational programs that focuses on teaching team members, managers, and appraisers
“How to learn” with application of different skills to accomplish a shared goal. I have watched many team members turn from shy, quiet kids, to leaders in their professional life.”