South Central Developmental Services is a private non-profit organization.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Steve Andersen - Board President
Carol Ziebell - Secretary/Treasurer
Thea Cole
Julie Rickertsen
Barbara Graham - Vice President
Linda Benjamin
Greg Wichelt
Our Approach
About Us
South Central Development Services (SCDS)encompasses the geographical areas of Dawson, Frontier, and Gosper counties in Nebraska.
SCDS began serving the community in 1972 and was incorporated in 1973. We are part of a system of statewide community based habilitative services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Today we serve 60 persons and employ 90 staff. Our funding comes from State, Federal, County private pay and donations.
Our Story
Meet the Team
Kylie Joyce -Agency Administrator
Kylie began her career in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities while working as a direct support professional during college. For over 17 years, this experience has included work in community mental health and substance abuse treatment, as a Service Coordinator with Developmental Disabilities for the Department of Health and Human Services, and as an Associate Public Guardian for the Office of Public Guardian prior to becoming part of the team at South Central. Kylie has a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Nebraska-Kearney and a Master’s in Clinical Social Work from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. Kylie is married to her husband, Matt, and has two daughters. She enjoys spending time with family, enjoys reading, Husker volleyball, and good music.
Laurie Preitauer-Services Director
Laurie has been with SCDS since 7/9/2018 but has worked in this field since 7/12/1995. Laurie went to college at Chadron State. While at Chadron State Laurie started working for Office Of Human Development (OHD) part-time just for a job to get me through college. Laurie eventually went full time and the rest is history, she had found her passion. Laurie worked for thirteen years at OHD, 8 years at the North Platte Opportunity Center and now just under a year at South Central Developmental Services. Laurie is married to a wonderful man, Mike and has 4 beautiful children, 2 sweet grandchildren and 1 spunky granddog. She loves spending time with her family, helping her husband with his cows and golfing.
Brenda Crick-Quality Improvement Director
Brenda is married to her husband Bill. She has 1 daughter. 3 grandchildren and 1 fur baby. Brenda is the Quality Improvement Director. She has been employed in this field for 25 1/2 years. She started out as a work site supervisor and throughout the years she has held other positions. Brenda has a niece and nephew with disabilities and this field is where her heart is. Brenda enjoys teaching and interacting with others in this field.
In her spare time she loves going on vacations with family, trips that include gambling, and Facebooking.
Kathryn (Kathi) Yerg-Day Services Coordinator
Born in Bridgeport, NE and Raised in Sargent, NE. Kathi grew up on the farm; milked cows and slopped pigs. She is the oldest of 8 kids, 3 of which my folks took in. A set of two year old twins and a 13 month old. Kathi graduated from Sargent Public Schools (go Bulldogs!). She has lived in Grand Island and now live in Lexington. Kathi is married with 5 children and 18 grandchildren. She has raised sheep and started feedlot calves. Kathi enjoys: her flower beds (she has 6), singing and playing bells in the church choir, Kathi is a member of the community choir, and enjoys cross stitch.
Patricia Nix-Community Living Coordinator
Patricia is married to her husband EJ and has been married for 12 years. She has 3 kids and 3 bonus kids. She also has 11 grandchildren and one on the way. Patricia is a Big Husker Fan and a new found Kansas City Chiefs fan. Patricia started working for SCDS September 26, 1995. The first month of working here was very busy with all the training and then going to Beatrice to meet a couple gentlemen that we moved to Cozad in October of 1995. She has worked in the residential sites until being promoted to her current job at Community Living Coordinator. Patricia supports People First of Dawson County with many activities such as dances, Relay for Life, Bake Sales, Tammy Allbright Memorial Picnic, etc. Patricia also supports individuals going to People First of Nebraska Conference in Oct every year.
Billie Land-Community Living Coordinator
Billie is a Community Living Coordinator. She supervises staff with supporting individuals to live as independently as possible in their homes and to access their community.
Billie has an associate’s degree in paralegal studies but has stayed in this field because it is where my heart is. Billie has worked in this field for 19 years. Prior to that she worked with Alzheimer's patients and in the geriatric field.
Billie is married to Tim. They have been married for 28 years. She has 3 adult daughters and 7 grandchildren . She has 11 other siblings. 7 sisters and 4 brothers.
Billie loves to read and craft. Love the colors pink and purple and am a whimsical person. She believes in romance, magic, and fairies.
Tina Mulei-Community Living Coordinator
Tina is a Community Living Coordinator. Tina supervises staff with supporting individuals to live as independently as possible in their homes and to access their community.
Tina has an associate’s degree for surgical tech. Tina has worked in this field for 7 years. Prior to that she worked with animal rescue and worked with animals in a surgical center.
Tina has 5 daughters and 6 grandchildren. Tina has a daughter and a grandson with Cystic Fibrosis. Her goal is to help to find a cure. Tina loves music and the arts. Love the color purple and is passionate about her family and friends.