Meet our newest staff member, Kelsey Hansen. Kelsey joined us in September as a Youth Academic Navigator (YAN). You can meet the rest of our staff in the archives.
What’s your role at the D2 Center?
I am a YAN at the D2 Center. You can say I am like a mentor for the students. I offer advice, am a positive influence in their lives, and encourage students to take the steps needed to graduate high school and pursue their next passion in life.
How long have you worked at the D2 Center?
I started at the D2 Center on September 19, 2013.
Tell me about your education.
After graduating from Bennington High School, I attended South Dakota State University. There I earned my Bachelor of Sciences in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation. I also graduated with three minors: Sociology, Health Education, and Human Development of Family and Child Studies.
What is your professional background?
By choice, I have worked in three different Boys and Girls Clubs since the summer of 2011; this has given me the opportunity to work with students with a large diversity of backgrounds. I have also worked as an assistant volleyball coach, an intramurals referee, a secretary at Performance Physical Therapy, and at South Dakota State University as a member of the Set-Up Crew.
Why were you interested in working at the D2 Center?
I was interested that the job allows one to act as a “mentor,” work directly with people, have a positive influence on a one’s life, encourage each youth to be the best they can be, and provide support to students that are trying to earn a high school diploma.
What’s your favorite thing about working at the D2 Center?
I love getting to know each youth on a personal level. The privilege of having each one trust me enough to learn about their past and assist them with their journey to grow as a person and reach their goals is a tremendous feeling. The fact that I have the opportunity to change someone’s life is the most rewarding experience a person can have. In addition, the D2 Center is a great atmosphere to work in and the people that work there each bring something special to the office.
Tell me about your family.
I love my family more than anything in the world! I have my mother, father, sister, and my brother; who passed away in 2007. I am very close with my extended family as well.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time I like to be outside, hang out with my family and friends, participate in sports, watch any assortment of television shows and movies, travel, and I have recently developed an interest in a wide variety of “DIY: Do it yourself” projects.
