At the Village at Skyline Pines, the care and well-being of residents is at the heart of every decision. This is more than a philosophy — it’s how this team operates every day, with a deep commitment to people, both staff and residents.
A vivid example from the last year of this leadership approach is how quickly the team moved to open their new memory care facility to accommodate a family in urgent need. “We had a family sitting with Kelli, crying because they couldn’t care for their loved one at home anymore, and they didn’t know what to do,” recalled Cory Back, General Manager.
Kelli Back, the Village’s Administrator, turned to Cory and said, “I need those rooms. Whatever it takes, I need them.” The board of directors had given the team six months to renovate and open this new facility for residents, but the team came together and cut that timeline down to only 60 days — this family in need was the driving force behind the monumental effort.
“That’s what we do here,” Cory said. “When we see a need, we do whatever we can to meet that need.” This determination to create solutions reflects the Village’s unwavering focus on the residents. “It wasn’t about the money or timeline; it was about getting this gentleman the care he needed,” Cory said. “We don’t have barriers when it comes to doing what’s right for our residents.”
While Kelli and Cory have built a reputation for leading with compassion, they also prioritize internal growth within their staff. Megan Geistfeld, the facility’s Assistant Administrator, has been with the team for several years, and under Kelli’s mentorship, she’s developed into a strong leader. Now, Megan will be transitioning into the Administrator role, and Kelli will move into a higher position, focusing more on strategic leadership while remaining actively involved. “Megan’s ready. She’s confident, and we’re excited for her to step into this new role,” Kelli said.
Megan, now a certified administrator in South Dakota, echoed this commitment to service. “When people asked me what would change when I take over, I always reassure them: We’ll keep doing what we’ve been doing — putting residents first,” she said. This continuity brings comfort to both staff and families, who trust the Village at Skyline Pines to provide exceptional care.
Cory and Kelli are advocates for this style of staff development. “We try to bring people up, identify potential and give them the tools to succeed,” explained Kelli. Megan’s transition into the administrator role is a direct result of this philosophy. “When you give people the opportunity to learn and grow, you not only create future leaders but also inspire those at every level of the organization to see what’s possible.”
The approach is not just about leadership — it’s also about how the team works together. The staff at Skyline Pines is encouraged to understand the full scope of the operation, from caregiving to business management. Cory described how the team operates as a family, with each person supporting the others. “We’re all in this together. Whether you’re in marketing or caregiving, everyone should understand how their role fits into the bigger picture,” he said.
And Cory is clear about what this mission entails: “We don’t want to be the biggest; we just want to provide the best care possible. If that means expanding, then we’ll do it, but it’s always about doing what’s right for the residents.” With the addition of Megan’s leadership, the “people-first” philosophy that Kelli and Cory have built over the years will continue to guide the Village at Skyline Pines, ensuring that residents and families can rely on a consistent, compassionate environment.
1050 Fairmont Boulevard
Rapid City, SD 57701
thevillagerc.com