Meet Our Board of Directors

Calm Waters is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors who believe in the importance of creating a place where Veterans and their families can feel supported, understood, and welcomed. Our Board members bring diverse professional experiences, personal connections to military service, and a shared commitment to strengthening the Calm Waters mission.

Jarod is a Growth and Development Director with Northwestern Mutual, where he serves in a dual capacity as both a financial advisor and a mentor to emerging advisors. In this role, he helps clients build sound financial strategies while also guiding and developing the next generation of professionals as they grow and establish their own practices.

In addition to his work in financial services, Jarod is the owner of Lifetime Solutions, a rental company he founded to provide reliable and high-quality solutions to his community.

Jarod brings more than 20 years of service in the South Dakota Army National Guard, including nine years on active duty and two combat deployments. Throughout his military career, he has held a wide range of leadership roles as both an enlisted soldier and an officer. He currently serves with Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 147th Field Artillery in Sioux Falls.

Outside of his professional and military commitments, Jarod is a dedicated father to his two sons. He is actively involved in his community, volunteering his time as a coach for multiple youth sports and investing in the development of young athletes both on and off the field.

Keith works in the banking industry in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was raised in Sioux Center, Iowa, alongside his parents and older brother. After graduating from Western Christian High School, he attended Southeast Technical College and the University of Sioux Falls.

Keith served in the Marine Corps Reserve from 2007 to 2013 and later returned to the University of Sioux Falls, where he earned his MBA in 2016.

He currently resides in Sioux Falls with his wife, Katie, their four children—Connelly, Cayenne, Lucille, and Aaron—and their German Shepherd, Shadow.

Tesia graduated from the University of South Dakota in 2021 with a Master’s degree in Social Work and currently practices as a clinical mental health therapist. She values family, relationships, the helping profession, community, her Christian faith, perseverance, and optimism.

Tesia has served on the Calm Waters board since its inception and currently serves as secretary. Her role on the board is particularly meaningful to her, as she has many relatives who have served in the military.

Drawing on her experience in mental health, Tesia is guided by the belief that “nobody was meant to try to live this life alone,” a principle she frequently shares with her clients and carries into her work with Calm Waters.

Leah serves as the Administrative Assistant to Thomas S. Voorhees at Equitable Advisors. She is currently working toward obtaining her securities licensing, with the goal of succeeding Tom upon his retirement. In her role, Leah supports a practice that provides a range of services, including health insurance, long-term care, life insurance, mutual funds, and annuities, with a strong focus over the past decade on farm succession planning.

Leah is known for bringing a positive and upbeat attitude to her work and values the opportunity to support others during important moments in their lives. She is actively involved in her church and is passionate about making a meaningful impact in her community. Outside of work, Leah is the proud owner of her dog, Gizmo, and enjoys spending Sundays watching football, singing, and exploring new experiences.

Colleen grew up in South Dakota on a dairy farm. Her father was a World War II Veteran, while her mother ran the household and raised five children. After a lifetime of hard work, education, and helping others, Colleen founded Embracing Change Counseling Services.

Colleen’s professional journey has included working in public schools, serving as a social worker, and ultimately establishing her own counseling practice. She provides support and guidance to those seeking a safe space to be themselves and express their thoughts and feelings without judgment. Colleen especially enjoys providing services to area farmers and our nation’s Veterans.

Jamie moved to Sioux Falls from Colorado in 2009 and has built a career of more than 10 years in the financial services industry. As a member of the team at Northwestern Mutual, she plays a key role in supporting the advisory practice and helping ensure day-to-day operations run smoothly so clients receive an exceptional experience.

Outside of work, Jamie enjoys staying active and making the most of her time with family. She loves the outdoors, traveling, attending concerts, golfing, and working out. One of her greatest joys is cheering on her son at his sporting events and supporting him in everything he does.

Jessica earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Denver, with a concentration in mental health and trauma. Her work is grounded in a deep belief in compassionate, whole-person care that honors both the emotional and lived experiences of those she serves.

As a United States Army Veteran and the spouse of a disabled Veteran, Jessica brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to her work, reflecting a profound commitment to supporting military families, caregivers, and Veterans. She currently serves as a social worker with Calm Waters, where her passion for helping others is driven by her dedication to walking alongside individuals and families as they navigate healing following military service.

Outside of her work with Calm Waters, Jessica enjoys spending time with her husband and son. In her spare time, she enjoys crocheting, cooking, gardening, and camping—finding joy in both creative pursuits and time spent outdoors with her family.