ABOUT

The Team

THE TEAM

Holly Soper

SDSD Executive Director

With over 20 years of experience in management, operations, and the
nonprofit sector, Holly is a dedicated leader committed to making a lasting
impact. With a strong background in leadership, community outreach, and
advocacy, she works tirelessly to develop programs and resources that
support those in need.

Before stepping into her role as Executive Director, Holly served as a
Community Outreach Specialist with the Rapid City Police Department,
where she focused on assisting individuals experiencing homelessness, as
well as those in transitional housing, sobriety, and treatment programs. Her
career also includes extensive experience in management, crisis
intervention, and building partnerships to ensure individuals receive the
support and assistance they deserve.

Beyond her professional work, Holly is an avid dog lover and has three
dogs of her own, including her service dog, Shadow. She enjoys hiking,
spending time with family, reading, cooking, and baking.

Dan Gullickson

SDSD Director of Training

With over 20 years of experience in canine training and behavior, Dan Gullickson is a dedicated and highly skilled professional in the world of working dogs. As the Director of Training at South Dakota Service Dogs (SDSD), Dan leads the development and implementation of training programs designed to empower dogs and handlers alike.

Dan is an American Kennel Club (AKC) Evaluator and a Certified Training Director with DVG (Deutscher Verband der Gebrauchshundsportvereine), the oldest and most respected Schutzhund training organization in the world. His extensive background spans a wide array of disciplines, including:

Search and Rescue (SAR)
Detection and Scent Work
Tracking and Trailing
Service Dog Training
Working Dog Sports and Competition

Throughout his career, Dan has worked with countless dogs and handlers, cultivating strong, reliable partnerships through structured training, positive reinforcement, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His passion for helping dogs reach their full potential, whether in public service or as life-changing support animals, is at the heart of his work.

Under Dan’s leadership, SDSD continues to uphold the highest standards of service dog training, ensuring that each dog and handler team is prepared for real-world challenges with confidence and skill.

When not training, Dan actively participates in dog sport events, stays current on the latest training methodologies, and mentors aspiring trainers. His hands-on approach, wealth of knowledge, and genuine care for dogs and their handlers make him an invaluable asset to SDSD and the greater working dog community.

Kathy Sjomeling

SDSD Lead Trainer

With a deep love for dogs and a passion for both teaching and learning, Kathy Sjomeling has dedicated her career to helping dogs and their people build stronger, more meaningful connections. As the owner of Dogzausted LLC, she has been a trusted trainer and dog walker in the Rapid City and surrounding area since 2018.

Her expertise extends across the community, having taught classes for Rapid City Kennel Club, RyeDoodle Boarding and Training, Happy Tails Dog Training Center, and Dogzausted. A Certified Trick Dog Instructor and AKC Evaluator, Kathy is committed to empowering dogs and their handlers through engaging, effective training techniques.

For over two years, Kathy has been a dedicated trainer with South Dakota Service Dogs, playing a vital role in preparing service dogs to change lives. She considers it an honor to give back to the community through her work, helping dogs and their owners achieve confidence, trust, and success.

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Miranda Cheyne

SDSD Trainer

Miranda is a dedicated dog trainer with 10 years of experience, specializing in service dog training. She is proud to be a part of South Dakota service dogs, not only because the organization has saved so many veterans lives, but also because, as an Air Force veteran herself, she deeply connects with the mission. The profound impact these dogs have on their handlers, fuels her passion and pride in her work. Outside of her professional life, Miranda is a mom of two children, a business owner, and in her spare time, she enjoys reading mystery novels.

Our Canine Companions

ABOUT OUR CANINE COMPANIONS

At South Dakota Service Dogs, we don’t limit ourselves to a specific breed—we focus on something far more important: the right traits. Our trainers carefully evaluate each dog for qualities like calm temperament, strong focus, emotional resilience, and a willingness to work—the foundational traits needed to become a dependable service dog.

Whether a dog joins us through rescue, donation, or a trusted breeder, every single one is held to the same high standards from the very beginning. Why? Because the stakes are too high to get it wrong.

We set that bar early to ensure our dogs are set up for success—and to avoid the heartbreak and stress of removing a dog from a team later down the line. When a veteran or first responder meets their service dog, it should be the start of trust, healing, and long-term partnership—not uncertainty.

With a professional training environment and a team that cares deeply for each dog, we work to prepare them for a future of purpose and impact. Because these dogs aren’t just companions—they’re lifesaving teammates.

What You Can Expect From SDSD Fully Trained Dogs

Our fully trained service dogs represent the highest standard of excellence. These dogs are not only a reflection of our organization—but a lifeline for the veterans and first responders they serve.

Once they graduate our program, SDSD dogs are expected to:

Be clean, well-groomed, and presentable at all times
Use the bathroom in designated areas and only on command
Stay calm and focused in public—no barking, no begging, no disruptive behavior
Show zero aggression and maintain a friendly, confident demeanor in all environments
Perform at least three specialized tasks to assist their handler’s unique needs
Consistently respond to obedience commands with reliability

It’s important to note: Dogs still in training may not meet these standards yet—but they’re working toward them every day. Our process is intentional and thorough, because when it comes to placing a service dog, we don’t cut corners.

Follow us on social media to watch the training journey in real time—and see how these incredible dogs become the partners our heroes can depend on.

Are you a breeder interested in donating puppies to our program?

We’re always open to conversations with ethical breeders who share our mission of serving veterans and first responders through highly capable service dogs. However, please note that not all puppies or breeds are suitable for service work and contacting us does not guarantee acceptance into our program. Every potential dog is evaluated on a case-by-case basis by our professional training team to ensure they meet the specific temperament, health, and behavioral standards required for success.

If you’re a breeder interested in learning more about our criteria and how you might support our mission, we’d love to connect! Reach out to us at info@southdakotaservicedogs.com

Community Partners