Behind every milestone at Black Hills Works are the extraordinary individuals who have dedicated decades of their lives to our mission. These staff members, who have been with us for 20+ years, embody the heart and soul of our organization through their unwavering commitment to the people we support. Their stories reflect not just careers, but callings—filled with moments of challenge, triumph, growth, and profound connection. As we share these journeys, we hope they inspire each of us to see the lasting impact we can make through dedication to our shared purpose. These are the voices of experience that shape our culture and remind us why the work we do matters so deeply.
Lesli Pond – Administrative Assistant
“I didn’t know anything about disabilities. I thought I was being nice.
“We were getting ready for a meeting with participants. I thought I’d do people a favor so I randomly took chairs away from the table thinking, wouldn’t that be so much easier for people who are using wheelchairs? Because then they wouldn’t have to ask for help.
“And Michelle Aman said, ‘What are you doing? Why don’t you ask them where they would like to sit, and then you go remove the chair.’ When she said that, I realized that made lot more sense. They might not want to sit by that person that’s next to them, right?”
This simple but profound lesson came during Lesli Pond’s early days at Black Hills Works. It demonstrated the person-centered approach that has become a hallmark of the organization and set the tone for what she would continue learning throughout her career.
Lifelong Relationships
Lesli moved to Rapid City in 1998 from Alaska with her military husband and two young children. She served as an administrative assistant to Colleen Ronning for many years and later worked with Diane Flahaven Neu and others.
In addition to her office responsibilities, Lesli was eager to get to know Black Hills Works participants. Colleen supported that interest, giving her the flexibility to teach classes at day services, volunteer with Special Olympics, and participate in other activities. Those experiences reinforced a lesson she still carries today: no matter an employee’s role, at the end of the day, it’s all about our participants.
One memory from community swim remains especially meaningful.
“I’m looking face to face at a participant, not down toward her like usual when she’s in her wheelchair. We were just eye to eye in the water and we said, ‘Oh my gosh. How awesome is this?’”
The ISC supporting the participant recognized the significance of the moment as well. It was a simple experience, but one that highlighted connection, equality, and perspective.
Lesli says her relationships with participants and colleagues have been among the most rewarding parts of her career. She is especially grateful to have started at Black Hills Works during a time when many long-term employees shared their knowledge and experience with newer staff.
Continuous Improvement
Throughout her time at Black Hills Works, Lesli has witnessed significant changes in services and supports.
She remembers when the Learning Institute, now Hub 1, was filled with participants during the day. Today, participants have more opportunities to spend time in the community. Housing options have expanded, and individuals have greater privacy and choice.
The organization’s person-centered culture has also continued to grow stronger.
Lesli notes, “What we think of as being kind isn’t always the right thing.”
She learned that sometimes the kindest thing to do is step back and encourage participants to make their own decisions or advocate for themselves, even when it may be difficult. Through the friendships she developed with participants who worked in her office at RSC, she saw countless examples of people supporting one another and exercising their independence.
She hopes future generations of staff continue embracing this philosophy and give participants the dignity of personal choice, even in everyday decisions.
Thankful for Black Hills Works
As she reflects on her career, Lesli remains grateful for the many experiences Black Hills Works provided. She values the relationships she built, the support she received while raising young children during her husband’s military deployments, and the lessons that changed her perspective on life.
She jokes that she tried leaving Black Hills Works twice for other jobs but returned within days both times.
Now retiring, Lesli looks forward to spending more time with her two adult sons, adoptive daughter, and eight grandchildren. She also enjoys life with her four dogs, volunteers many hours with the Humane Society, and plans to travel with her camper to visit family and friends in Minnesota and Florida.
But who knows? Maybe she’ll return a third time!
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