Joshua Cooper is a local from Humboldt, SD and has recently returned after performing for the last decade! Before earning his BFA in Acting at BYU, he performed literally hundreds of times on multiple stages in dozens of roles. Most noteworthily as Wesley in a stage adaptation of The Princess Bride, Greg in Reasons to be Pretty, d'Artagnan in The Three Musketeers, and the title character in The Picture of Dorian Gray. He also toured elementary schools with a Children's Theater performing Babe. After graduating, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue film acting. During his 4 years in California, Joshua landed two feature films, several guest star roles in TV shows and booked multiple commercials! As of 2021, you'll find him nurturing his roots and tending to his passion for plants and green thumb in his plant shoppe, The Deku Tree, in downtown Sioux Falls. 

Beth graduated in 2005 from Gustavus Adolphus College with a BA in Music. She has been teaching piano & voice lessons for the past 8 years. Beth lives in Sioux Falls with her husband & 3 children. Playing piano & singing are two of Beth's favorite things to do, so she is excited to share that passion with students in Sioux Falls! Beth loves musical theater & most recently, she portrayed Mary in a stage performance of "Mary Poppins." Beth worked in Youth Ministry for 8 years before becoming a mom, so she is comfortable working with children & teens of all ages. Each student is unique & each student can succeed! Beth has experience teaching children as young as 4 through adults & children with special needs. Check out Beth's website! https://elizabethfeltes.weebly.com/

Mark Koterwski graduated from Gallaudet University in 1989. Mark has worked for Communication Service for the Deaf for almost 25 years as a Community Support Specialist. Mark has also worked in following areas: Community Support, Interpreting Mentor Program, Employment Services, American Sign Language Instructor, Advocacy, and Communication Assistance. Mark has worked with deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing people with communication barriers for over 30 years in the states of Maryland, Washington D.C., Illinois, California, and South Dakota.

I first discovered working with glass when I was in high school and have loved it ever since. I enjoy working with all kinds of glass and am always playing with a new project. It's always exciting to learn how to make new glass designs and sharing them with friends. My inspiration is gathered from my family, friends, and everything around me.

Sioux Empire Paddlers is a local nonprofit in the Sioux Falls area. Goal are to get more people paddling our local water ways, safety, and stewardship. We have been around since 2014 and hope to see you on the river. Our instructors: Will Wheeler has been an instructor for 2 years with our group and is from Sioux Falls SD. Friederike Gedge is our newest kayak instructor this year. She is from Brandon SD and is also a Boy Scout Troop Leader. Mitchell Joldersma has been a kayak instructor for 4 years and is from Sioux Falls SD.

Learning Adventures Preschool- Sonia Sotomayor

My name is Yrene Parsons. I am originally from Peru. I studied Economics in my country for five years at the University of San Martin de Porres, Lima- Peru. I attended Augustana University, earning a bachelor's degree in Spanish. Before teaching with the Sioux Falls School District, I taught Spanish at Sioux Falls Lutheran School for two years. I also taught Zumba for five years. In teaching preschool at Sonia Sotomayor, I am able to combine my love of movement and dance with my teaching of the children. I love to teach my students to learn using all their senses, especially using movement in music, art and science. In my spare time, I love to hike with my family, traveling, being with friends, and shopping. I have taught at Mis Amigos Preschool since January 2018. I am so blessed to be part of a wonderful Community in Sioux Falls and be a little light in the life of these precious young people.