Lobbying
Our top priority is to raise funds foa full time professional lobbyist to represent our interests at the state capitol every day of the legislative session.
Our lobbyist is our eyes and ears at the capitol and is able to alert us when we need to activate our grassroots efforts to protect and advocate for our freedoms.
Our Board Members and Advisors
Lisa Fisher, President
Nancy Dennert, Vice President
Nancy Dennert, Vice President
Lisa lives on a small hobby farm near New Underwood with her husband and children, raising goats and chickens. Having homeschooled for over 15 years, she has graduated two sons, and continues to homeschool her younger two children. In her time as a homeschool parent, Lisa has helped found co-ops and support groups, serving as a director
Lisa lives on a small hobby farm near New Underwood with her husband and children, raising goats and chickens. Having homeschooled for over 15 years, she has graduated two sons, and continues to homeschool her younger two children. In her time as a homeschool parent, Lisa has helped found co-ops and support groups, serving as a director and teaching many classes, including large drama productions. Currently, she works part-time as an administrator and teacher at the Box Elder campus of Journey, a local microschool. Lisa is passionate about helping homeschool families be successful, and maintaining the rights of all parents to direct the education of their children.
Nancy Dennert, Vice President
Nancy Dennert, Vice President
Nancy Dennert, Vice President
Nancy Dennert is a mother to five children and 20+ year veteran homeschooler. She and her husband Dana farm and ranch north of Aberdeen. Nancy wants her children to love to learn and be allowed to follow their God-given talents. She loves supporting families on their own homeschooling journeys. Through her family’s experiences, Nancy ha
Nancy Dennert is a mother to five children and 20+ year veteran homeschooler. She and her husband Dana farm and ranch north of Aberdeen. Nancy wants her children to love to learn and be allowed to follow their God-given talents. She loves supporting families on their own homeschooling journeys. Through her family’s experiences, Nancy has insight into the SD legislature and has experience in grassroots organization and lobbying.
Mary Weinheimer, Secretary
Nancy Dennert, Vice President
Mary Weinheimer, Secretary
Mary is a native Pierre resident, a small business owner, and a full-time farmer with her husband. Her kids have thrived in their homeschool education while helping to run their family farm. She is a strong advocate not only for her family but every family’s right to homeschool. She has been involved in the capital processes for over 15 y
Mary is a native Pierre resident, a small business owner, and a full-time farmer with her husband. Her kids have thrived in their homeschool education while helping to run their family farm. She is a strong advocate not only for her family but every family’s right to homeschool. She has been involved in the capital processes for over 15 years. Her passion lies in ensuring parental rights remain intact in the state of South Dakota.
Aaron Schrader, Treasurer
Aaron Schrader, Treasurer
Mary Weinheimer, Secretary
Aaron and his wife Annie live at the northern edge of the Black Hills and have home educated their three children from the very beginning. They knew they wanted to create a home environment and education structure that built a love of learning, strong family ties and creativity into the lives of their children. In serving on the FAIRSD
Aaron and his wife Annie live at the northern edge of the Black Hills and have home educated their three children from the very beginning. They knew they wanted to create a home environment and education structure that built a love of learning, strong family ties and creativity into the lives of their children. In serving on the FAIRSD board, Aaron brings educational degrees and 11 years of experience teaching in the public education system.
Kate Thomas, Board Member
Aaron Schrader, Treasurer
Kate Thomas, Board Member
Kate and her husband, Vince, live in Rapid City and have seven children. Kate analyzes each child’s needs and chooses the best education option for each child. Her kids have attended public school, have partially enrolled in public school, and have been full-time homeschooled. Kate advocates for children with dyslexia in South Dakota and
Kate and her husband, Vince, live in Rapid City and have seven children. Kate analyzes each child’s needs and chooses the best education option for each child. Her kids have attended public school, have partially enrolled in public school, and have been full-time homeschooled. Kate advocates for children with dyslexia in South Dakota and is a trained tutor. She served as a school board member for four terms and is a past president of the Rapid City Area Schools.
Rachel Vogt, Board Member
Aaron Schrader, Treasurer
Kate Thomas, Board Member
Inspired by the focus on faith, family time, and freedom that homeschool offers, Rachel, and her husband, Craig, decided to homeschool their six children from the beginning. She appreciates the flexibility to curate each child’s individualized education, and meeting each of their needs in ways that are as unique as they are. Rachel lives
Inspired by the focus on faith, family time, and freedom that homeschool offers, Rachel, and her husband, Craig, decided to homeschool their six children from the beginning. She appreciates the flexibility to curate each child’s individualized education, and meeting each of their needs in ways that are as unique as they are. Rachel lives in south central SD, and is passionate about fighting for the rights of homeschooling here in her home state. She has many years of experience in grassroot organizations and the legislative process.
Dustin Collins, MD, Board Member
Dustin Collins, MD, Board Member
Dustin Collins, MD, Board Member
Dusty was raised in Arizona where he was homeschooled in the 1990’s – a time when homeschooling was a new grassroots movement. Because of this experience, Dusty and his wife, Samantha, are homeschooling their two children and enjoying the freedom and benefits it offers their family. Dusty has experienced firsthand the advantages of Altern
Dusty was raised in Arizona where he was homeschooled in the 1990’s – a time when homeschooling was a new grassroots movement. Because of this experience, Dusty and his wife, Samantha, are homeschooling their two children and enjoying the freedom and benefits it offers their family. Dusty has experienced firsthand the advantages of Alternative Instruction and is passionate about protecting and cultivating that opportunity for current and future generations of South Dakotans.
Stacy Sims, Board Member
Dustin Collins, MD, Board Member
Dustin Collins, MD, Board Member
Stacy Sims is a dedicated homeschool mom to five and wife to Stephen, living in Beresford, South Dakota. With 15 years of homeschooling experience, her desire is to see her children, love God and serve others. Stacy and her family are thankful for the work FAIRSD has done for homeschool rights, allowing her children to participate in band
Stacy Sims is a dedicated homeschool mom to five and wife to Stephen, living in Beresford, South Dakota. With 15 years of homeschooling experience, her desire is to see her children, love God and serve others. Stacy and her family are thankful for the work FAIRSD has done for homeschool rights, allowing her children to participate in band and sports in the local school district. Stacy believes parents are best equipped to guide their children’s education and is passionate about protecting their rights.
Julie Christian, Ex Officio
Dustin Collins, MD, Board Member
Julie Christian, Ex Officio
Julie and her husband were attracted to the lifestyle that homeschooling offered their family over 20 years ago. They live in Sioux Falls. Julie home educated all five of their children; four have graduated from the Christian Family homeschool. Julie has a professional background in special education. Since leaving public education to be
Julie and her husband were attracted to the lifestyle that homeschooling offered their family over 20 years ago. They live in Sioux Falls. Julie home educated all five of their children; four have graduated from the Christian Family homeschool. Julie has a professional background in special education. Since leaving public education to be at home with her children, she has maintained a private practice serving individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Dyslexia.