PIERRE, S.D. – An experienced leader in deaf education has been named the next superintendent of the South Dakota Services for the Deaf (SDSD), formerly known as the South Dakota School for the Deaf.

After 12 years with the organization, Kami Van Sickle accepted the head position at SDSD earlier this month. Before beginning at SDSD, Van Sickle was a teacher for the deaf and hard of hearing in the Sioux Falls and Worthington School Districts. Van Sickle started her career with SDSD in 2011 as an Outreach Consultant before transitioning to Service Coordinator in 2018. She looks forward to this next professional step.

"The South Dakota Services for the Deaf team is the most knowledgeable, passionate team I've ever encountered," said Van Sickle. "I am excited to stand next to this amazing group and continue to provide top-notch pediatric audiology and educational outreach services for children who are deaf and hard of hearing and their families in our state."

South Dakota Services for the Deaf, part of the South Dakota Board of Regents, works to provide quality services for children who are deaf and hard of hearing, their families, schools, and educational teams statewide.

Van Sickle shares her aspirations for the future of the organization.

"Our services will continue to evolve to meet the needs identified across South Dakota," said Van Sickle. "We will strive to grow the capacity of SDSD to ensure we are meeting the needs of all children who are deaf and hard of hearing by extending and equalizing our audiology and educational outreach services across the state."

Van Sickle will succeed current superintendent Kim Wadsworth as she retires this June.

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