Meet our leadership team
Abby kwasnieski
Board Chair / Camp Director
Abby is married with two boys and is the MS/HS Principal at Langford Area School. She is a dedicated educational leader and mental health advocate with a multifaceted educational background in psychology, addictions, counseling, and school administration. She has 12 years of experience supporting children, families, and educators through a holistic, trauma-informed lens while leading with empathy, collaborative problem-solving, and a relentless focus on building relationships.
Her background, both personally and professionally, has shown her the power of play, connection, and relationships and equipped her to create a nurturing space where kids feel safe and valued. She is passionate about building a camp culture that is built and rooted in grace, joy, and biblical truth where all are empowered to lead with love. She feels called into this role and wants to provide a space where every camper is invited into a relationship with Jesus and can experience God’s love in unforgettable ways.
Her background, both personally and professionally, has shown her the power of play, connection, and relationships and equipped her to create a nurturing space where kids feel safe and valued. She is passionate about building a camp culture that is built and rooted in grace, joy, and biblical truth where all are empowered to lead with love. She feels called into this role and wants to provide a space where every camper is invited into a relationship with Jesus and can experience God’s love in unforgettable ways.
jillian lanphear
Board Member / Child Placement Specialist
Jillian is a state employee in South Dakota. Her work is located in the Watertown Child Protective Services (CPS) office. She as been a Child Protection Supervisor for two years and is a proud mother of two. She is a contact person for the Human Service Agency's Youth/Family Programs and Services, an organization that receives and evaluates reports of child abuse and neglect.
With both professional expertise and personal experience, she is passionate about empowering foster youth and strengthening families. Jillian is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where children connect grow and feel empowered.
melissa meester
Board Member / Mentor Training & Camp Child Specialist
Melissa is a Clinical Social Worker who has been working with children and families for more than 20 years. She has worked with youth in many settings including inpatient, home based, foster placement and on an outpatient basis. Melissa has been working at Bridgeway Counseling Center for 14 years. She earned her master's degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Kansas.
Throughout her career, Melissa has continued to focus on gaining education and expertise in children’s mental health. She participated in two intensive yearlong trainings; the first for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, and the second for certification in Touch-Based Relational Intervention in partnership with Texas Christian University to better treat children with attachment disorders.
Melissa most recently obtained certification in Accelerated Resolution Therapy to help individuals who have experienced trauma. She has also obtained numerous trainings in Play Therapy and uses play strategies in her practice frequently. Melissa also has provided clinical supervision for the University of South Dakota Master of Social Work program and licensure supervision for staff at Bridgeway.
Throughout her career, Melissa has continued to focus on gaining education and expertise in children’s mental health. She participated in two intensive yearlong trainings; the first for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, and the second for certification in Touch-Based Relational Intervention in partnership with Texas Christian University to better treat children with attachment disorders.
Melissa most recently obtained certification in Accelerated Resolution Therapy to help individuals who have experienced trauma. She has also obtained numerous trainings in Play Therapy and uses play strategies in her practice frequently. Melissa also has provided clinical supervision for the University of South Dakota Master of Social Work program and licensure supervision for staff at Bridgeway.
joyce anderson
Board Member / Mentor Training & Camp Child Specialist
When Joyce first got a chance to work with a Royal Family Kids Camp 3 years ago, she wasn’t sure how the Lord could use her. She knew that the purpose of Royal Family Kids was to provide a safe, caring place for disadvantaged children and to help them learn more about Jesus. She wondered, “Can I be a positive influence?” What she learned … was that the children and Royal Family Kids … were more of a blessing to her .. than she was to them.
Joyce says, “The sense of joy and fulfillment was delivered each and every day through the smiles and laughter from the children. There was true joy in serving.” And, THIS is what motivated Joyce to be involved in helping develop “For the Children - Glacial Lakes.”
Joyce not only has her doctorate in Education from USD … she also is a specialist in school psychology and has been working as a school psychologist in Northeast South Dakota since 1989.
pam hurst
Board Member / Fundraising Director
Pam Hurst serves as our Fundraising Chair, bringing boundless energy, dedication, and heart to our camp family. Known for her generous spirit and deep passion for the mission, Pam works tirelessly to ensure every child has the resources, support, and positive experiences they deserve at camp.
Whether she is championing community support, connecting with donors, or serving on the ground as a beloved camp grandma alongside her husband, Monte, Pam is focused on creating a safe, joy-filled environment where kids can truly shine. Her dedication behind the scenes and warm presence at camp make a lasting impact on our volunteers, our community, and most importantly, the children we serve.
Whether she is championing community support, connecting with donors, or serving on the ground as a beloved camp grandma alongside her husband, Monte, Pam is focused on creating a safe, joy-filled environment where kids can truly shine. Her dedication behind the scenes and warm presence at camp make a lasting impact on our volunteers, our community, and most importantly, the children we serve.
rev. mark tracy
Board Member / Assistant Camp Director
Mark is a father of three and grandpa to nine and has been married to Joy for 36 years. Mark is a pastor, but also has his MBA with 25 years experience in business and will be assisting the camp director by doing much of the background planning for each Royal Family Kids camp. Mark has helped with three different Royal Family Kids camps and is passionate about helping children see the love of Jesus.
Mark's passion for serving at Royal Family Kids Camp comes from a core belief that every child deserves to experience unconditional love and create joyous memories. The mission to stand in the gap for children who have faced abuse, neglect, and abandonment deeply resonates with him. Mark is driven by the opportunity to replace painful histories with moments of pure fun, genuine connection, and overwhelming acceptance. He believes that being part of a week that intentionally showers these incredible kids with worth and value is a profound privilege. Mark wants to do more than just volunteer; he wants to be a source of encouragement, laughter, and hope, helping to plant a seed of healing that will last long after the camp week is over.
Alexys thorson
Board Member / Joy Ranch Staff
Alexys Thorson is an important part of the Joy Ranch team, helping bring our mission to life through camps, retreats, fundraising, events, grant writing, communications, and hospitality.
She has a special passion for creating meaningful experiences for children, adults, and families of all abilities, helping ensure everyone has opportunities to participate, connect, explore, and make lasting memories.
Whether she’s planning a camp, welcoming guests, developing a new event, or working behind the scenes, Alexys brings creativity, enthusiasm, and genuine care to everything she does.
We are grateful to have her helping make Joy Ranch a place where all are welcome.
She has a special passion for creating meaningful experiences for children, adults, and families of all abilities, helping ensure everyone has opportunities to participate, connect, explore, and make lasting memories.
Whether she’s planning a camp, welcoming guests, developing a new event, or working behind the scenes, Alexys brings creativity, enthusiasm, and genuine care to everything she does.
We are grateful to have her helping make Joy Ranch a place where all are welcome.