Board of Directors
Meet our leadership team
Jessica Mathews, Board Chairperson
Personal Chef
Jessica joins the VVIP and Artemis House board with a passion for empowering survivors of violence. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Sociology from the University of Maine at Farmington. Jessica started her career in social work, working with adolescents in need of emotional and behavioral support and later adults with disabilities. In 2016, after obtaining a certificate in Patisserie and Baking from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Boston, she left social work to open her own bakery. Jessica joined the Spearfish community in October 2021 and is excited to serve survivors of violence through her position on the board.
Drew Skjoldal, Secretary
Attorney at Nies Karras & Skjoldal, P.C
Drew joined the VVIP Board in June of 2023. He is a graduate of Black Hills State University and Northern Kentucky University. He practices in area of Business and Estate Planning, Guardianships/Conservatorships, Probate, Real Estate, General Contract Law. He grew up in Bison, South Dakota and currently resides in Spearfish with his family.
Laura Young, Board Member
Nurse at Spearfish Monument Hospital
Laura is a registered nurse, with over 10 years experience working in a variety of clinical settings. She is currently an ER nurse at Spearfish Monument Hospital. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from South Dakota State University. As a feminist and committed member of her community, Laura is passionate about providing trauma informed care and working to end gender based violence. Having grown up in Spearfish, Laura returns to the area excited to serve the VVIP board.
James Vande Hey, Vice Pres
UPS Spearfish
James joined the VVIP Board in August of 2021 and has been a member of the Spearfish community since 2011 when he moved here to attend Black Hills State University. He graduated from Black Hills State University with a degree in Mass Communications with an emphasis in photography. He currently manages The UPS Store in Spearfish. As an open member of the LGBTQIA+ Community James has witnessed that Violence can not only break down a person, but an entire community. He is dedicated to his new role as a board member and looks forward to the future of working with the VVIP Board and it’s members.
Kris Jurgensen, Board Member
RN, SANE
Kris is a South Dakota native that grew up in rural Southeast South Dakota. She has been in healthcare for over 20 years in a wide variety of areas including acute medical and surgical care, emergency medicine, intensive care, physiatry and rehabilitation, gerontology, oncology, and wound care. Kris is also a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner that has been supporting those in crisis in the Northern Hills for over five years. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, running, and spending time with her husband and two children, along with their two lazy dogs.
Dixie Olson, Board Member
Broker Owner at Properties Unlimited Realty and Owner of Lucy’s Nearly New Shoppe
Dixie joined the VVIP board in September of 2023. In addition to running her real estate and consignment businesses, she currently sits on the Monument Health Advisory Board in Sturgis. She is a founding member of Realtors for Kids, served as an advisory board member for First Interstate, past Chamber of Commerce board member, past South Dakota CEO board member, and regularly volunteers her time and talents to local causes she supports. When she is not working, Dixie most enjoys spending time with her family, especially her 5 grandchildren, reading, traveling, and being outdoors. She is looking forward to serving on the VVIP and Artemis House Board.
Julia O’Neil-King, Treasurer
Retired from U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security, served as full-time VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) with VVIP/Artemis House for 1 year, then as a staff member and Resource Development Coordinator.
In addition to her involvement with VVIP, Julia also serves on the board of directors with the Matthews Opera House and Arts Center and volunteers at the Spearfish Food Pantry, Good Shepherd Clinic, and with Lawrence County 4-H. She is a member of Northern Hills Master Gardeners and Beta Sigma Phi sorority. Julia has had a number of experiences which motivated her to join AmeriCorps as a VISTA and begin her association with VVIP. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Western State College of Colorado and her Masters in Public Administration from University of Alaska Southeast. Prior to working for the federal government, Julia was a paramedic and firefighter. Serving as a first responder to domestic and sexual violence emergencies were difficult and challenging and in 2013, the daughter of a good friend was the victim of a domestic violence murder-suicide. These experiences gave Julia a passion for fulfilment of the VVIP mission. She and her husband live in Spearfish and she cherishes time with family and friends, and enjoys reading, travel, and outdoor activities
Elizabeth Welfl, Board Member
Director of Corporate Events at Epic Golf Club
Elizabeth Welfl joined the Artemis House Board of Directors in 2023. She is deeply committed to advocating for several causes, including the rights and well-being of individuals affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. Having witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of these issues on individuals and families, she is motivated to contribute meaningfully to the cause.
Through her advocacy involvement in community initiatives and her professional background in business development, marketing, and event management, she brings a blend of skills that will aid in advancing Artemis House’s objectives.
Elizabeth is a Board member for South Dakota Parent Connection and serves on the South Dakota Advisory Panel for Children with Disabilities and the Spearfish Parks, Rec, & Forestry Advisory Board. She is also a South Dakota Ambassador for the CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” program.
“I am honored to be part of an organization that provides essential resources, refuge, and empowerment to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Together with the dedicated team at Artemis House, I am eager to make a difference and foster a society where everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered.”
Tara Heairet, Board Member
Tara joined the board in March 2024.