DEFYING EXPECTATIONS
By: Andrea Van Essen | Photos By: Kate Jones Studios
Natalie Barber has built a rich and fulfilling life and career, defying expectations that others had of her and even those she had for herself. It’s a process that took place slowly but surely, even when she didn’t realize it.
Growing up in small-town Iowa, Natalie says she didn’t have any concrete goals or dreams she was working toward.
“I didn’t really care about school back then, I was a ‘C’ or ‘D’ student. I’ve always been the type of person where you can try to teach me things, but if I’m not interested, it’s really hard for me to focus,” explains Natalie.
In a small community — she had a graduating class of just 35 — where everyone thinks they know everyone else’s story; it was easy to make judgments and set limiting beliefs about others’ potential.
“I had teachers say some mean things,” Natalie recalls. “People really didn’t expect much from me.”
Life went on though. Natalie ended up meeting her future husband, James, while she was still in high school. He was four and a half years older than her, and worked with her mom at a local factory.
“I skipped school one day to go have lunch with her. He happened to see me and
thought I was cute, and for a few months he kept saying things to my mom like, ‘So, when do I get to meet your daughter?’”
Natalie waitressed while in high school, and on her way to work one day, her mom called her.
“She said, ‘This guy that I work with is coming to meet you. He’s got some tattoos and piercings, and you’re going to like him, he’s really cute.’ He came in, asked for my number, we went on a date, and have been inseparable ever since,” Natalie smiles.
Things moved relatively quickly. Natalie was just 18 when they met, and she recalls that they got engaged about 11 months after that, and married a year and a half later. About a month after they got married, she found out she was pregnant with their first child, Ellie.
At the time, James was studying to be an electrician, and the couple decided to move their young family to Sioux Falls. Now, over 15 years later, they are happily settled in Brandon, where he has started his own electrician business (605 Electrical), and Natalie has found her calling in real estate.
It’s a career journey that was a long time in the making. Over the years, Natalie says she never quite felt like she “had a thing.”
“I just kind of thought I was going to be someone who works random jobs forever. I didn’t know how good it could be,” Natalie adds.
From the time she was in high school, Natalie worked a variety of jobs, from waitressing to factory work, selling plans at a cell phone company, working for insurance agents, and joining a multi-level-marketing company while staying at home with her three kids. She earned an Associate degree in Healthcare Administration out of high school but “didn’t work a minute in it.”
Regarding her shift into real estate, Natalie says it wasn’t something she ever imagined doing, but it has felt like a natural fit. She had been staying at home with her kids for about five years, when, over cocktails with a friend one night, she mentioned that she was feeling a bit antsy and brought up the idea of real estate.
“I’d never said out loud that I wanted to get into real estate, and I didn’t have a plan, but my friend responded, ‘You have to do that!’ It was just that little push I needed,” Natalie explains.
Natalie launched her real estate career at Keller Williams in 2017 and recently transitioned to a group with three other women — The Collective Realty Group at 605 Real Estate.
“I think the surprising thing has been that it feels like it’s what I was always supposed to do, it just took me that long to figure it out,” Natalie says. “And I know all those things I did before prepared me for where I am today, so that’s pretty beautiful.”
One of the things she appreciates most about real estate is its flexibility, which allows her to focus on her family.
“For me, success isn’t about how many dollars are in your bank account or how much stuff I have. It’s, ‘Are my kids proud of me?’ That’s all I really want for my kids to be proud of me and to make a difference in the community.”
In her professional role, she says it’s important that people feel comfortable and confident in who they’re talking to, and that the client relationship is the right fit.
“I like to win, of course. It’s always fun when you can get a deal for your client or when you can get a really great offer. That gets me going, but my favorite part is seeing people light up when they walk into a house and it all starts coming together. Those stories that unfold are so much fun,” Natalie shares.
She adds, “My clients are my bosses, but over the past year and a half, I’ve really worked on setting boundaries. I’m here for you, but I do have a family, too. That might not be the right fit for everyone, but people who have those same values will match up.”
That’s an attitude she encourages in her clients as well, noting that social media can create pressure for people to have a certain type of house or lifestyle.
“I tell clients, ‘I don’t really care what your budget is because I’m not the one making your mortgage payment. What are your priorities? Do you want a fancy house, or do you want to go out for supper or a nice vacation? If someone isn’t paying your bills, they shouldn’t have an opinion,’” Natalie states.
While she may not have had a specific vision for what her life would look like, staying authentic to what she cares about has been a constant for Natalie over the years, whether that’s pursuing a career move that felt right, prioritizing family and time at home, or diving deep on topics that matter to her.
Because when she finds something that she’s interested in, Natalie goes all in.
“I don’t know where it comes from, but when I make a decision, I just make it and I’m done. I really go with my gut, and my intuition guides me,” Natalie adds.
Walking has become a great outlet for her, both physically and mentally. Natalie loves walking outside, especially at Big Sioux Recreation Area near her home in Brandon, and she even started up a walking group with other women this last summer.
“I was trying really hard to make connections, and it can be hard to do that in a healthy atmosphere. I like walking better with a friend, so I threw it out on Facebook, and it’s been a great way to meet new people,” Natalie says.
When she’s not working or walking, her favorite place to be is at home with her family. Her oldest daughter, Ellie, is 16, her son, Tate, is 11, and her youngest daughter, Beau, is 9.
In 2021, she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, and health became her focus.
“I knew I could prevent and help my diabetes, so it didn’t make sense for me to just eat whatever I wanted and take medicine to control it. It’s just how I roll. I hired a health coach, started walking, lost weight, and changed everything about my lifestyle. It wasn’t easy — that first year I cried a lot — but it’s really become a passion.”
“We like to watch movies, hang out at home, and have game night as a family,” Natalie shares.
“Family supper is one of my biggest things, which is hard as the kids get older, but at least a couple times a week, I try to make sure everyone’s eating at the table together, otherwise it feels like we lose connection.”
She adds that she’s incredibly grateful for the home they have — while it’s not a “forever home,” she feels fortunate for a place to raise her family.
“We’ve been here for eight years, and we talk about buying our forever home often, but this still feels like home to me. We’ve lived in a lot of places we had to make home, and I feel really grateful for the house we have today. I never want to be someone who’s always looking for the next new thing.”
Photos Left to Right: Annual Loyalty Days Parade with Natalie’s crew; Sunset walks; The Collective Realty Group client appreciation event
In 2024, Natalie became obsessed with making sourdough. I don’t even eat it that much because it’s not great for my blood sugar, but I love the process of making it for my family to enjoy.
She enjoys listening to all genres of music, depending on my mood, and I have a random talent of remembering all the lyrics to songs.
Natalie got a tattoo of the Chinese symbol “courage” when she was 18, and later in life someone thought it said “carrots” — Apparently, they look very similar.
Her favorite quote that she lives by is, “Your life is made out of two dates and a dash, make the most of the dash.”
Natalie didn’t know how to cook until she married James, and she still lets him do it every chance she gets.
Photos Top to Bottom: Natalie’s girls’ weekend with her best friends since high school; Sourdough obsessed; Annual Arnold’s Park cousins’ trip; Mom and Dad go out with friends to the Tacos & Tequila Festival at the Bird Cage; The hat says it all; 2023 Barber Family Photo
We all want the best for our pets and with the new year beginning, it’s a great time to write down health goals for your pet. Here are a few ideas to consider to help improve your pet’s health this year!
1 TREAT RESPONSIBLY
By Janine Hagen, AERCMN
to Improve Your Pet’s Health in the New Year 5 WAYS
One of the biggest pet health concerns is obesity, which can contribute to many other diseases including Type 2 Diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure, osteoarthritis, and heart disease. In the new year, help ensure your pet maintains a healthy weight by determining your pet’s daily calorie intake goal. Or, if your pet is already carrying a little extra, create a weight loss plan with your family veterinarian. Often, pet weight gain is due to calories from treats, so consider scaling back. Options include training treats that are much smaller, breaking large treats in half, or using a small portion of your pet’s daily kibble instead.
2 EXERCISE, PLAYTIME, AND ENRICHMENT
It’s important for your pet to get up and move – whether that means a walk outside or indoor activities like obstacle courses, running stairs, chasing a toy, or engaging in play with you.
In addition to physical exercise, your pet needs mental stimulation! For dogs and cats, puzzle toys are a great choice. A variety of pets can also enjoy food scavenger hunts or developing a new trick or skill. New toys, switching around enclosure items, playing videos that will pique your pet’s interest (such as bird videos for cats), and similar concepts are all great ways to provide stimulation!
Note: If your pet is recovering from surgery or has any physical limitations, follow your veterinarian’s instructions and guidelines for activities.
3 PET-PROOF
Two of the most common emergencies seen in the ER are also two of the most preventable: pet toxins and the ingestion of something inedible, otherwise known as a foreign body ingestion. To help decrease your pet’s risk of consuming a toxic item or foreign body, pet-proof your home! This means keeping toxic items like chocolate, xylitol gum, grapes, medications, toxic plants, antifreeze, and rodenticides out of your pet’s reach or out of your home altogether, as well as securing all trash cans! It also means cleaning and organizing your house to minimize your pet’s access to common foreign body culprits like yarn, socks, hair binders, kid toys, and similar items.
4 REGULAR GROOMING AND CLEANING
Grooming, nail trimmings, daily dental care, cleaning up after them, and maintaining habitats/enclosures all play a role in your pet’s overall health – as well as yours! It’s also good to get in the habit of regularly deep cleaning or replacing items that get a lot of daily use, such as litter boxes, water and food dishes, bedding, toys, and similar items.
5 REGULAR VETERINARY VISITS
No matter the pet, it’s important to have a relationship with a local primary care veterinarian by visiting every 6-12 months, depending on the type of pet and its healthcare needs. In addition to providing regular wellness exams, vaccinations, and thorough dental cleanings and dental x-rays, your family veterinarian will also become familiar with your pet’s behavior so they know exactly what you mean when you say, “Sparky just isn’t himself these past few days.” Your family veterinarian is a fount of knowledge – especially important if your pet has health concerns, ongoing pain, or a chronic disease. Your family veterinarian will also be able to refer you to trusted veterinary hospitals and specialists in the area if your pet ever requires emergency care or specialty services.
We hope you and your pets have a healthy new year! If you do have any concerns about your pet’s health, contact your family veterinarian.
PHOTO BY LITTLE WHITE DOG PET PHOTOGRAPHY
By: Teresa Mentzer
High on a hill overlooking the surrounding prairie, early residents saw the promise of what would become South Dakota’s largest city.
They built palatial homes on this promontory point, and established a sophisticated neighborhood to reflect the success and self-assurance of their personal ventures. This covey of statesmen, lawyers, merchants, lumberman and bankers brought leadership and civic pride to the Queen City at the turn of the century.
Home to some of Sioux Falls’ largest and most ornate houses, the Cathedral neighborhood was where the city’s most powerful and prominent citizens displayed their prosperity and sophistication in the late 1800’s with palatial Victorian and post-Victorian era homes.
The Cathedral Historic District stretches from West 4th and West 6th streets to the north, West 10th Street to the south, North Spring Avenue to the east and North Summit and North Prairie Avenues to the west. Nearly 100 feet above adjacent downtown, the neighborhood offers panoramic views of downtown Sioux Falls and the Big Sioux River valley.
One notable site, the Pettigrew Home and Museum at 131 N. Duluth Ave. has indeed preserved the past for nearly 100 years, and the learning he coveted has endured for generations. Upon his death in 1926, Richard F. Pettigrew bequeathed his home, personal library and a museum to Sioux Falls. His will stated that he wanted the local boys and girls to learn about the past.
In 1974 the Cathedral Historic District was entered into the National Register of Historic Places. Along with the homes of his contemporaries, the Pettigrew Home lies in this district.
Among nearly 200 homes built from 1872-1925, several stood out architecturally to the historical
Photos By: Siouxland Heritage Museums
preservation officials including the two and a half story Queen Ann-style house owned by Cyrus and Mary Walts at 103 S. Summit. A large front porch, bay windows, a round turret and a gabled roof characterize this era’s popular style. Walts, one of the earliest to settle in Sioux Falls, held many city positions ranging from Deputy Postmaster to City Justice. Mary was the city’s first public school teacher. Walts Avenue was named in their honor.
incorporated Neo-Classical, Mediterranean, Greek Revival, Italianate, Neo-Dutch and Tudor characteristics.
Two homes that used Richardson Romanesque style are at 103 S. Prairie and 305 N. Duluth. The one on Prairie, once owned by Henry Avery, was built by Wallace L. Dow who came to Sioux Falls in 1884 at the request of the governor to build a new prison. The Avery House was made of Sioux Quartzite. The ruddy pink facade alone stands out on the large corner lot, but the string course under the second story, windows of different lengths and shapes, and a whimsical polygonal turret topped with a cone-shaped roof make a bold statement of individuality and confidence.
At 303 N. Summit stands the home of William A. Beach who owned the area’s largest printing company. Will A. Beach Printing Company was east on 7th and Phillips within walking distance from his stunning two and one half-story shingle-style house. The list of details used to ornate its exterior is long and varied: lintels, pediments, dentils, and a bull’s eye window. Large balustrades support a porch, shake shingles cover the upper two-thirds and horizontal siding runs juxtaposed on the lower third.
As the 14-block neighborhood grew, certain styles pervaded on various streets. This uniformity of style, for instance, is evident on the five hundred block of Summit where all the houses are Queen Anne Cottage Style. Streets like Spring, Prairie, Duluth, 8th and 9th are lined with stately homes constructed during the same time period.
Homes of early residents including names like Tuthill, Ross, Doolittle, Wells, McKinney, Peck and Fantle also
The second Romanesque-style home on Duluth Ave, was owned by Joe Kirby, who founded the Kirby Law Office and the Western Surety Company. Today his company serves 40,000 independent insurance agencies in all 50 states. The home’s exterior is solidly constructed with red jasper. Rock lintels, stone transoms and mullions, and striking arches around the windows make this house fortress-like. It even has the lookout tower with a conical roof.
Romanesque style is also the feature design of St. Joseph’s Cathedral at 503 N. Duluth for which this area derives its name. While many of the houses in the district were built by 1916 when the church was constructed, it strikes a pose in the skyline of the sprawling 70-plus acres atop the neighborhood summit. Two of it spires rise up 185 feet well above the trees that were planted by the first families to reside in the district. Like those early founders, the Cathedral watches over what is no longer a prairie town but a thriving urban center.
Private Event Room
Variety of Beverage Service Packages
Limited Amount of In-House Catering
Sun-Mon: 10:00-8:00pm
11:30-10:00pm
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11:30-9:00pm
By: Sarah Grassel
Imagine waking up with the birds and wildlife of the Midwest around you. Usually that requires pitching a tent, renting a log cabin, or parking an RV. One local family recently started a new venture that takes out the extra effort of enjoying the outdoors while still surrounding yourself with the beauty of nature.
You may recognize the name Maguire. The company has been around for over 100 years and is well known for their success as an industry leader in the fabrication, construction, and maintenance of water storage tanks and towers. Recently, they have recently begun to diversify their portfolio.
Maguire has served communities in more than 33 states across the country with a well-trained workforce of over 100 dedicated employees. Product Development Manager Parker Jones says, “Elevated Outdoor Living ties into what Maguire does in fabricating steel that is used for the base of the structure.”
On vacation in Mexico, the Jones family stayed in a similar structure. It sparked the idea and creativity. Immediately, they began brewing and brainstorming about what it would take to bring the concept back home. “After experiencing it ourselves, we determined this would be a great product to bring to the United States,” Parker explains.
One of the great selling points of Elevated Outdoor Living structures is that they have been created to withstand all four seasons including heavy snow loads and up to 120 mph sustained winds. This truly makes the concept available across the nation for anyone to enjoy.
Parker adds, “The overall goal is to sell Elevated Outdoor Living kits to anyone who wants to have a unique, elevated outdoor space in their backyard, lake, or mountain house.” The spaces are all designed to elevate features in the natural
environmental surroundings while internally providing a beautiful, modern feel.
The entire process is simple.
Step one: inquire about your build online. After that, the team starts on design and fabrication. “The kit is made out of high-quality sustainable materials that were specifically chosen for their quality and longevity,” Parker shares. “Little to no maintenance of the kit is required, ensuring you will enjoy this space for years without the headache of maintenance.”
Some of the materials include Anderson windows and doors, a full steel structure, aluminum decking, and energy-efficient SIP panels. The SIP panels are an interlocking system that is a major part of how easy it comes together. Parker proudly states, “Elevated Outdoor Living has many unique features you will not find in any four-seasons room or traditional treehouse.”
The team is also happy to share that the kits are electricready, so while you feel off-grid and surrounded by the forest in a beautiful wildlife escape, you are still able to have the luxuries of any modern home. The hookups don’t limit the supply, so it’s no different than using power in any other home structure.
In addition to homeowners interested in creating their own private escape, these kits are the perfect opportunity for those who are looking to invest in a glamping experience or host hunting camps or shortterm rentals. They are designed to occupy up to 20 people. Parker says, “They are a perfect place to host gatherings in a one-of-a-kind space designed to entertain, foster creativity, or relax and recharge.”
From elevated water towers serving a number of communities to elevated living spaces, Maguire is on a roll and this exciting new venture may just be the beginning. Parker is a third-generation member in the family business and is very excited to embrace this new opportunity. So far, the idea has been received extremely well.
According to Parker, when you see one of the places and really experience all of the finished pieces together, it sells the idea pretty fast. “We officially launched the kits in August of 2024 and almost immediately began production for 2025.”
In total, the fabrication, build, and delivery take only three months. “Our strategy is to continue to sell them in our home area of Sioux Falls and then expand our reach and networking,” Parker explains. However, the family has no question about the uniqueness of the living space and is ready to ship anywhere a customer would like.
Jessica Krohn, Owner
Photography by Lauren Baker photography Images from Summer in the Garden workshop
By: Erica Wilcox
It’s common to think of the New Year and immediately think of resolutions, goals, changes, organizing… all the activities that bring on fresh beginnings. With that comes the polarizing thoughts of failed goals, resorting to old ways of thinking, falling into old habits, etc. So maybe not setting these expectations of ourselves in the first place saves us from the disappointment of failing to meet our New Year resolutions? Because this is such a heavily discussed topic this time of year, introducing new ways of achievement felt relevant to dive into.
Have you heard of habit stacking? Habit stacking is a trick for creating new habits. In a nutshell, you attach a new habit to one you already do consistently. For example, the first thing you do when you get up in the morning is start the coffee pot. But you’ve been researching why it’s important to start your morning by drinking electrolytes before coffee. So, each night now, you set a glass and your electrolytes near the coffee pot to remind you to start with that before you start your coffee. Now, each morning, you head to the coffee pot to start it, but
you see your electrolyte drink beside it and make that first. Then, you proceed with your normal habit of making your coffee. You can even make this habit stacking transition smaller by setting a reminder on your phone each night to grab the glass of water and your electrolytes and simply set it out. Maybe it will take a few days to introduce the new habit. but you’re starting the stacking with small, bite-size changes to form a new habit.
If you have a goal for the new year, like many, ask yourself what smaller goals you can create to get closer to that large goal each day. If it’s weight loss, start with a small goal like setting out your workout clothes the night before. Buy yourself the new workout sneakers you’ve been eyeing. Contact the gym you’ve been researching to ask about ways to try out a class to see if you like it. Most gyms, supplement brands, or athletic-specific brands will be running discounts and deals to entice those with New Year’s resolutions to choose their gym/brand/product to achieve those goals.
IF YOU’RE WANTING TO DETOX YOUR COSMETICS IN THE NEW YEAR, START HERE!
Born and raised in Sioux Falls, SD, I’ve been obsessed with fashion since I could dress myself. I was one of those kids who dressed up every day for school, no sweatpants here! My first taste of real fashion was my first retail job at 15. Working in fashion and living it through my everyday outfits, I noticed that everyone would always ask me about my outfits! I’d often get personal shopping requests or asked for fashion advice.
My passion kept growing to the point where I knew this was what I wanted to further my education in. I went on to get my bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising with a minor in business at South Dakota State University. After completing an internship and study trip, I knew that this was my calling, but I was not sure where to go with it.
After doing some corporate buying and retail management, I was grateful for the experiences but needed more. After years and many individuals telling me to start a blog, I finally did.
Best Dressed Blonde was born… an everyday fashion, clean beauty and lifestyle brand. Sharing through my personal website, Instagram and other fashion platforms is the perfect way to express and showcase my passions!
On Best Dressed Blonde, you’ll find me sharing daily deals and sales, makeup tutorials, try-ons and a little bit of everyday life! My passion has also grown into my clean beauty business with Crunchi where I help women detox their skincare and makeup with truly high-performing and clean products.
bestdressedblonde.com
Join us as we announce the 2025 Kentucky Derby Raffle Winner! Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 5:30-8PM
Canopy Hotel – Steel District 120 E. 4th Pl., Sioux Falls
NEW THIS YEAR: The 2025 Raffle winner will receive a WEEKEND getaway for 6 to both the Kentucky Oaks on Friday, May 2 and the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 3, 2025! Included is private air transportation (FridaySunday), 6 box seats for Derby weekend just past the finish line and hotel.
Raffle tickets are $150 each. No limit on the number of tickets you can purchase! Contact Jessica at jarend@rmhcsodak. org to purchase your tickets today!
By: Lauren Johnson
January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and Call to Freedom in Sioux Falls helps to bring wholeness to all individuals impacted by sex and labor trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation by navigating a healing path through its continuum of care model. Call to Freedom (CTF) was established as a nonprofit in 2016, opening its first office doors in March 2016.
“It all started with volunteers. They are the backbone of our organization,” says Becky Rasmussen, President and CEO of CTF. “When we started, CTF didn’t have much money, nor did it have much awareness. People didn’t talk about human trafficking but, amazingly, clients started walking through our doors, and we’ve helped over 1,400 individuals since then.”
Now CTF has two locations with 27 staff members and another location opening soon. The number of individuals being helped by Call to Freedom has increased by 40 percent from year to year, with 419 cases in 2023, the age range was 8-64, and approaching nearly 600 in 2024.
“There are only 529 shelter beds exclusively for human trafficking survivors as of 2012, and less than one percent of victims is ever identified, because safety and basic needs aren’t being met,” Becky says. “They are very vulnerable to being recruited again and again.”
Marissa's House is CTF's supportive housing site, comprised of 12 units available to adult female survivors and their children, housing up to 36 individuals at a time. The house was named based on an encounter Becky had with a young teenager named Marissa.
“We were doing some outreach in August 2015 at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, handing out materials to individuals who looked like they could be buying prostitutes,” Becky says. “We wanted to bring awareness, and a young girl caught my eye. Something inside said go connect with her. I walked up to her and said, ‘Hi, my name is Becky,’ and
she said, ‘Hi, my name is Marissa.’ We had a 10-minute conversation, when suddenly she said, ‘You have no idea what kind of day I’ve had,’ and she was gone.”
Free International from the Las Vegas area was also doing outreach that day. Their business is to identify missing kids, where they’d go to large events and do a missing kid search. “They had put together a book of potential missing kids, ages 14 to 17, and deepened their search around big events. They soon discovered the intersection of missing kids and human trafficking situations. One of their members handed me the book of 117 girls that were missing, and I felt something that said look for the girl you met before. I started flipping through the pages, and Marissa’s picture was in that book.”
Marissa had been found in October 2014 and then went missing again in May of 2015. Becky thought, “How do you find a girl and then they go missing again?” She soon discovered that in human trafficking situations, it's common for girls to be re-recruited. Becky then started asking many more questions.
“I didn’t know what to do with all this information, having had this encounter, and then a series of other encounters, and a woman who had been running the now-folded Tapestry International who told me, ‘I feel like God is nudging you.’ I went home and prayed, and He started downloading the vision that you see today.”
CTF’s first housing project opened in October 2016. "God was moving through the ministry of CTF, and we began providing housing via small efficiency apartments for women," Becky says. "Throughout their victimization, survivors are often deemed unfit parents, and lose custody of their children. We saw that the survivors we were housing had a deep desire to be reunified with their children. There weren't any housing options that could support family reunification, and I had a feeling that we were meant to build it." In April 2022, Marissa’s House brought women and their children together in a supportive environment to be moms again as well as successful in their jobs, finances, and parenting.
Marissa’s House is one arm of CTF's Continuum of Care Model, but the mission of CTF extends even further. Staff and volunteers provide individualized
case managers performing outreach in rural areas, tribal nations, jails and prisons; family development and youth case managers; occupational therapists; housing navigation in three areas (emergency, supportive, and transitional); bilingual outreach to victims of labor trafficking; prevention efforts and curriculum in schools and juvenile detention systems, including “Speak Up” and “Set Me Free” programs helping kids to understand when they’re vulnerable to being victimized.
“We make space for people to put their hands and passion to work to help, and we are very intentional about giving our community ways to get involved, such as mentoring, helping move clients to new homes, administrative work, grocery shoppers, you name it. Our Prayer team is very strong and always looking for more. Donations are always welcomed through our website at www.calltofreedom.org and by contacting our development team.”
On Saturday, Jan. 11th, 2025, individuals can help to increase awareness and use their voice on social media by either wearing blue or a blue X on their hand to help combat and end human trafficking. Make sure to tag Call to Freedom on all social media posts.
Becky stresses awareness of the indicators surrounding trafficking and exploitation, which include somebody taking advantage of a vulnerability and profiting from it, online behaviors such as demanding pics or videos that are private, one-sided conversations (where you overshare but they share little), and threats or blackmail to get you to do things. Workplace behaviors such as threats or abuse from employer, inability to quit your job or go home, withholding payment, or controlling your paycheck. Sex trafficking behaviors include asking you to keep secrets or telling you not to tell anyone what they did to you or what they had you do, keeping you isolated from friends and family, and manipulating you with strings attached like making you do sex acts in return for something.
“You may run into someone who needs help,” Becky says. “Indicators are this person is not free to come or go, they have few or no personal possessions, they are not in control of personal I.D. documents, they avoid eye contact and work long or unusual hours.”
If you suspect any of these indicators or see something suspicious, visit the South Dakota Attorney General’s website and click the link to local trafficking, contact National Human Trafficking at 1-888-373-7888, or call 911. Victims seeking services can go to calltofreedom.org or call 605-759-3565.
PRESIDENT & CEO
Have a mom, daughter, grandma, friend, sister or wife that you think deserves to be queen for a day?
Tell us why you think that special someone should be Queen for a Day by sending in a 200 word max story and photo to jess@michelscom. com by March 31, 2025. Clips of various stories will be chosen to run in the April edition of Empire, with one winner to be ‘crowned’ in May. A great prize package perfect for a queen!
Life is too short to eat boring food.
All of us at Empire know that food is the ingredient that brings us together! In the coming months, we will be featuring the best foodie spots in Sioux Falls!
Want to feature your foodie spot? We’d love to have you! Email ads@michelscom.com for more information!
DR. BRADY COBURN
Bringing World-Class Plastic Surgery Home to South Dakota
By: Michaela Feldmann
Dr. Brady Coburn, MD, has always been inspired to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives through healthcare. With a family legacy rooted in medicine— his grandmother and mother were registered nurses, and his sister is a pharmacist—Dr. Coburn felt drawn to the healthcare field from an early age. “I am the first doctor in my family,” he shares. “But I knew from the start that I wanted to be part of the healthcare community.”
It wasn’t until his college years at South Dakota State University that Dr. Coburn decided to pursue a career as a physician. He later earned his medical degree from the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine, graduating in 2018. “I’m incredibly grateful for my training at USD,” Dr. Coburn says. “Even during residency interviews, I was impressed by how well-respected USD is nationwide. It’s a smaller, highly competitive program that prepares its students exceptionally well.” He then continued his training at Loyola University Medical Center at a highly competitive 6 year Integrated-Plastic Surgery Residency.
Dr. Coburn’s passion for plastic surgery has a deeply personal origin. His sister was born with microtia, a congenital condition affecting the outer ear, and underwent reconstructive surgeries at Shriners Children’s Hospital in Chicago. “That experience really resonated with me,” he reflects. “It was incredible to later train at Loyola University Medical Center, where I had the opportunity to perform similar procedures at that same Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. It brought my journey full circle.”
After completing his advanced training, Dr. Coburn returned to his roots in South Dakota, joining Plastic Surgery Associates of South Dakota in August 2024. “I have strong ties to this community,” he says. “I grew
up in Sioux Falls, went to Washington High School, and have family throughout the state. Bringing my training back home to serve this community has always been my goal.”
Dr. Coburn specializes in a comprehensive range of plastic surgery procedures, from cosmetic enhancements to reconstructive surgeries. His expertise includes breast reconstruction, breast augmentation, breast reduction, and body contouring. “Breast reduction, in particular, is one of my favorite procedures,” he explains. “It’s lifechanging for patients, both physically and emotionally. Seeing their quality of life improve and hearing their gratitude is incredibly rewarding.”
For breast reconstruction patients, Dr. Coburn works
closely with breast surgeons in the surrounding community and Sioux Falls Hospitals to help women reclaim their confidence after mastectomy. “Breast reconstruction can be profoundly empowering,” he says. “It allows patients to move forward from a challenging experience with renewed strength and positivity.”
Cosmetic procedures, too, can have a transformative impact. “Enhancing confidence through cosmetic surgery is just as empowering,” Dr. Coburn notes. “It’s about helping patients feel their best, inside and out. We prioritize listening to their goals and providing personalized care every step of the way.”
At Plastic Surgery Associates of South Dakota, Dr. Coburn collaborates with Dr. Breit, a seasoned surgeon
with over 20 years of experience. “Our practice is built on collaboration and individualized care,” he says. “From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll be greeted by a team dedicated to your success. We’re here to guide you through every step of your journey, from preoperative consultations to postoperative care.”
Dr. Coburn’s combination of advanced training, compassionate care, and a deep connection to the community sets him apart. “Plastic surgery is about more than aesthetics,” he emphasizes. “It’s about helping patients feel confident, whole, and empowered. That’s the heart of what we do at Plastic Surgery Associates.”
By: Duane Duimstra, Sioux Falls VA Health Care System Public Affairs Officer
As we age, many of us experience persistent or chronic pain. This was true for Sharon Taplett-Lundgren, a Veteran who dedicated over 18 years to serving in the Navy and Army. Driven to take control of her health, she utilized the healthcare services and programs offered at the Royal C. Johnson VA Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This experience motivated her to participate in her first Golden Age Games this year.
Focusing on “Fitness for Life,” the VA’s National Golden Age Games emphasizes the rehabilitative advantages of sports, fitness, and wellness for Veterans aged 55 and older. The annual multi-sport competition for older Veterans enhances their quality of life and accommodates various abilities. Organized by the VA in different cities, it fosters a sense of community among Veterans.
“My care team at the Sioux Falls VA has kept me moving and going to be able to participate and do well in my first Golden Age Games,” said Sharon.
Sharon was faced with shoulder and back issues that made walking, bending, and lifting weights difficult. Instead of surgery, she chose the VA’s Whole Health approach. This approach empowered her to take charge of her health in conjunction with the care she receives from the VA.
“The VA’s whole health approach is the whole package,” said Sharon. “It’s what I need to keep me going. No matter what problem I had, the Sioux Falls VA has something to help.”
A blend of specialized services and integrative health has significantly reduced Sharon’s back and shoulder pain. In addition to her regular medical appointments with the dedicated Women’s Health Clinic, she has taken advantage of physical therapy and complementary integrative health approaches. Her enhanced health, fitness, and mobility contributed to her winning several awards at the Golden Age Games.
“Using all those services has kept me going and striving for more,” said Sharon.
Sharon’s journey with the Women’s Health Clinic and Integrative Health at Sioux Falls VA exemplifies the quality-of-care Veterans can anticipate. As her health continues to improve, she plans to participate in the upcoming Golden Age Games in Memphis, Tennessee, this May.
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