BROOKINGS, S.D. - SDSU Extension has expanded its Better Choices, Better Health SD team with the latest addition of Marcy Harder as an SDSU Extension Community Services and Volunteer Coordinator to the Aberdeen Regional Extension Center. In her newly created position, Harder will assist volunteers in enrolling in the program they are interested in and work with the program coordinator to ensure volunteers have the resources needed to do their work. Harder’s role also involves leading the program’s health and wellness classes.
“Since joining the Better Choices, Better Health SD team in March, Marcy has embraced her new position with energy and a positive, can-do attitude,” said Lori Oster, SDSU Extension Better Choices, Better Health SD Program Coordinator. “She is genuinely great with people, making them feel comfortable and valued whether they are a volunteer, partner, or co-worker – these are great qualities for a community service and volunteer coordinator, and her engagement with the hundreds of volunteers for SDSU Extension programs.”
Originally from Groton, South Dakota, Harder holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Presentation College. After receiving her degree, Harder spent 16 years working in direct patient care in many different specialty areas including working on the hospital floor and in an outpatient clinic, and as an employee health nurse, community health nurse and a disease intervention specialist. Bringing a wide variety of experience in prevention and wellness to the Extension team, Harder has also worked with many different age groups ranging from children to adults.
Harder was working with the South Dakota Department of Health when the role’s description caught her interest, as she had not worked with a volunteer program in the past and thought it sounded like a challenge.
“I was looking for something more diverse,” said Harder. “I thought working with volunteers would be a positive and fun experience. I’m excited to work with volunteers and promote wellness practices to better the health of the people in South Dakota.”
Harder can be reach at 605-626-2870 or marcy.harder@sdstate.edu. To learn more about the program or how you can volunteer, visit the SDSU Extension Volunteers page.
