Two Health Sciences Alumnae Recognized By South Dakota Association Of Healthcare Organizations

Two University of South Dakota School of Health Sciences alumnae, Kristi Livermont and Kassandra Frey, were honored with Distinguished Service Awards from the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) at its 97th annual convention last month.

Recipients of the Distinguished Service Awards are nominated by their peers for their dedication to the health care profession and making a difference in the health care world.

Livermont, who graduated from USD in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in health sciences, was presented the Young Professional Award. Livermont is an administrator with Avera Missouri River Health Center located in Gettysburg and vice president of facilities at Avera St. Mary’s in Pierre. Livermont received a master’s degree in health administration from the University of Colorado Denver, after which she completed Avera’s administrative fellowship and administrator training through the state of South Dakota at Avera Brady Health and Rehab. She served as the interim administrator in Gettysburg before permanently assuming the role in 2022 and then earned her title as vice president of facilities at Avera St. Mary’s.

Frey, a 2014 and 2016 graduate of USD’s social work program, received the Social Worker of 2023 Award, which is presented by the South Dakota Healthcare Social Work Association. Frey, a coordinated care social worker with Avera Medical Group Family Medicine Clinic in Yankton, South Dakota, began her career as an intern in 2015 with the South Dakota Social Services Center in Yankton. She shas been part of the Lewis and Clark Behavioral Health team in addition to working as a certified social worker and private independent practitioner specially trained in dialectical behavioral therapy. She joined the Avera Family Practice Medical Clinic in Yankton earlier this year.