At the Village at Skyline Pines, over 100 residents live in a community designed for independence, comfort and personalized care. Every decision — from daily routines to staff interactions — is guided by one principle: knowing each resident as a person.“Putting residents first is foundational,” said Kelli Back, Administrator. “From the moment someone walks through the door, it’s about knowing them personally: their routines, their preferences, even the small details like which TV shows they enjoy or what laundry detergent they can use.”
That level of personal attention extends far beyond the administrative office. Every staff member — whether in housekeeping, dining or activities — is trained to notice the details that make residents feel at home. “There’s no such thing as ‘that’s not my job,’” said Megan Geistfeld, Assistant Administrator. “If a server is busy and someone’s coffee is empty, any team member stops to help. That’s how we maintain comfort and continuity for
103 residents with over 80 employees.”
Kelli and Megan lead by example, fostering a culture that’s less about black-and-white rules and more about human needs. “We don’t have a sales team reading scripts,” Kelli explained. “We sit down with families, hear their concerns and make decisions in the moment about what’s best for their loved one. The human traits — the feelings, the nuances — are what matter.”
Megan has been learning under Kelli’s guidance, absorbing
not just operational knowledge, but the subtleties of leadership. “Kelli’s trained me to lead, not to boss,” Megan said. “It’s about getting your hands dirty alongside your team, listening, learning and creating an open space where staff feel comfortable sharing ideas.”
Knowledge and mentorship are central to the Village’s philosophy. Staff are encouraged to grow professionally, earning certifications and expanding skills that benefit both residents and the team. “The knowledge they gain isn’t just on paper,” Kelli noted. “It builds confidence, loyalty and ultimately improves the care we provide. Seeing our staff succeed — it’s a joy.”
The transition of leadership from Kelli to Megan is happening organically, reflective of the Village’s people-first approach. “I’m excited to know that residents will continue to be in great hands,” Kelli said. “Passing the torch is gratifying — it ensures the legacy of care continues and gives me comfort knowing the team and the residents are supported.”
Megan echoed that excitement. “There will be hard days,” she admitted, “but knowing Kelli is always a call away makes me confident. We’ll work together, learn from each other and keep growing as a team.”
The Village at Skyline Pines thrives on this ideal combination of empathy, structure and adaptability. Whether it’s respecting individual preferences, mentoring staff or preparing for the next generation of leadership, the goal remains the same: a community where every resident feels valued, every team member feels empowered and care is always personal. “It’s never about a checklist,” Kelli said. “It’s about doing the right thing for every resident, every day.”
Pictured, left to right: Megan Geistfeld and Kelli Back
1050 Fairmont Boulevard
Rapid City, SD 57701
thevillagerc.com
