Anelis Coscioni - Executive Director
Anelis Coscioni worked together with the Soroptimist Club of Sioux Falls to start the Toy Lending Library in 2015, after learning about the need. Several families in the Downtown area of Sioux Falls didn’t have toys for their children to play and learn. The former veterinarian from Brazil enjoys meeting new people that come through the nonprofit's doors (volunteers, families with their children or grandchildren, child care providers and people from other nonprofit organizations).
When she’s not volunteering at the Toy Library, Anelis spends time enjoying her family, Jorge and Anita, their friends, their two dogs and their three chickens.
Our Board of Directors
Jorge Luna - President
Sr. Dairy Production Specialist, ZOETIS.
A member of Zoetis Dairy Production Specialist dairy team, Jorge currently supports veterinarians and dairy producers in Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota. His areas of focus include protocol development/implementation and Hispanic training in the areas of reproduction, production, fresh cow health and transition management. Previously, Jorge has worked in California as a Territory Manager for Pharmacia Animal Health. He has also worked in Idaho and Mexico as a Fresh Cow Reproduction Manager for Pfizer Animal Health.
Jorge received his bachelor’s degree and, Master’s in Reproductive Physiology at the University of Arizona.
Jorge offers the Board his experience in problem solving and strategic thinking. Coming from a humble family, Jorge believes that every child should have access to learning through play.
Dohui Kim Emerson- Vice President
Dohui Kim Emerson (pronounced Doe-He) graduated from Northern State University with Finance and Business Administration degrees. She has experience in business operations, marketing and project management from positions including Management Analyst for the SD Department of Revenue, Program Manager for multiple nonprofit organizations, and Producer for several award-winning films. She also sits on the board of the South Dakota Arts Council.
Emerson believes that children learn about the world and develop their imagination from playing with toys and reading books. Her current favorite toys are puzzles of any shape, material, or color which promote children’s concentration, understating of shapes, problem solving skills, dexterity, and more!
Ellen Arens- Board Treasurer
Coming Soon.
Amanda Larson- Board Secretary
Coming Soon
Andrew Simmons- Board Member
Andrew Simmons consults with enterprise-level businesses to deliver IT solutions, including data center, fiber Internet, phone and managed services. He has been active in the Sioux Falls community as a volunteer for Junior Achievement, United Way, mentoring and many other organizations. Simmons holds a bachelor’s degree in information technology from Colorado Technical University and an MBA from the Vucurevich School of Business at the University of Sioux Falls. He is a recent graduate of Leadership Sioux Falls Class of 34.
Lacey Askeland- Board Member
Lacey Askeland first became involved with the Toy Lending Library after checking out toy boxes for her two daughters. She was inspired by the organization’s mission to provide free educational toys to local children, and she currently volunteers once a week cleaning and sanitizing toys. Lacey has a B.A. in French and English from Kenyon College in Ohio, and a Ph.D. in English from the University of Iowa. She is passionate about education, and she loves that the Toy Lending Library provides young children with so many different invitations to imagine, learn, and explore.
Lisa Martin- Board Member
Lisa Martin is the director of the Madison Public Library. She has six children, a husband, and a cat (but not necessarily in that order). When not at work, Lisa reads, does laundry, or runs. So far she has always come back home.
Lena T Haus- Board Member
Lena Tran Schaeffer is a first generation Vietnamese-American from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Currently, she is a Communications and Patient Education Partner at Avera Health and previously worked at Lutheran Social Services and the University of South Dakota. She received her undergraduate in Communications (2015) and graduate degree in Educational Administration (2018) from the University of South Dakota.
Celeste Uthe- Burow- Board Member
Celeste Uthe-Burow is currently working as a professor at Augustana University. She teaches in the School of Education. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) and is currently waiting her certificate as a Registered Play Therapist (RPT) has completed the hours and supervision necessary for the designation. Her background includes 32 years as an educator and administrator with the Sioux Falls Public School District. She has served as a 1st, 2nd, and 5th-grade teacher, as well as having worked as an elementary school principal and Student Support Services Administrator for Student Support Services.
Celeste works with children and is extremely impressed and thankful for the Toy Lending Library. The value it provides for our community is unending!
Carla Konrad, MD - Board Member
Carla de Matos Konrad is originally from Brazil, where she got her Medical Degree from the Centro Universitário Christus in 2016. She is currently certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates. She moved to South Dakota after marrying her husband who is originally from Parkston, SD.
Carla is passionate about primary health care, especially pediatrics. She believes all children deserve to have the tools to thrive and the Toy Lending Library aligns with that belief. She is convinced that access to age-appropriate toys can be one of the tools children can use to develop their skills and thrive.
