ABOUT THE LEGACY FOUNDATION

Our Mission:

Serving medical providers and patient families in South Dakota to bridge gaps in healthcare

Here at The Legacy Foundation, we see the value in everyone. We want to be a catalyst for positive change, and since our very beginnings we’ve remained true to our founding principles: health, empowerment, and sustainability.

Dealing with the health challenges of today requires problem-solvers who bring different perspectives and are willing to take the first step forward. The Legacy Foundation emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and support the community, and a desire for our actions to speak louder than words.

The Legacy Foundation is here for all. We do not withhold services from anyone based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender orientation or expression, marital status, military/veteran status, personal economic status, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.

ADDRESS

1000 N. West Avenue, Suite 310

Sioux Falls, SD 57104

EMAIL

info@thelegacyfoundationsd.com

PHONE

(605) 215 - 0884

FIND US

Pink Paper

We're often asked why our logo features a piece of crumpled pink paper. It's simple: it reminds us of the reason we're here.

Owen Turner was 12 years old when he passed away in September 2021. His favorite things in life were the color pink, Mickey Mouse, Daniel Tiger, and tearing apart any paper he could get his hands on. Owen inspired the development of The Legacy Foundation, and the memory of his feisty personality drives our work forward even when the going gets tough. We work to improve the lives of others by keeping his legacy alive.

Owen's Story

Meet the Team

President & Co-Founder

Eleanor Turner, MA

Originally from the United Kingdom, Eleanor now lives and works in Sioux Falls, SD. When she isn't working for the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine she can be found writing books about baby names, advocating for families of children with disabilities, and drinking far too much Diet Coke. She has four children and her son Owen is the inspiration for The Legacy Foundation.

Eleanor is a Co-Founder and President of The Legacy Foundation, and also sits on the board of Aequitas Health Honor Society.

Vice President & Co-Founder

Michelle Schimelpfenig, DO, MPH

Michelle is pediatric primary care physician in Sioux Falls, SD. She has long held a vision for finding ways to bridge gaps in healthcare, enabling physicians and their patients to partner together and reduce barriers to effective, long-term care. She has three children and runs a small hobby farm in her spare time.

Michelle is a Co-Founder and Vice President of The Legacy Foundation, and also sits on the board of the South Dakota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Executive Director

Mike Turner, BS

Mike works for The Legacy Foundation as the full-time Executive Director and is also a part-time graduate student working on his MBA through the University of South Dakota. He enjoys gaming, DIY, and exploring new places to eat in his spare time. He has four children and his son Owen is the inspiration for The Legacy Foundation.

Mike is the Executive Director for The Legacy Foundation, representative for South Dakota EMSC, and a regular Family Action Network speaker.

Our Board

Board Member

Tyler Hill

An Air Force veteran and a graduate of the University of Sioux Falls, Tyler has spent much of his military career training and building up his fellow service members - a skill that he has also incorporated into his civilian life, as he helps to build up his community. He is an employee at the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine and has way too many opinions about movies.

Tyler lives in Sioux Falls, SD and has been a member of the board since 2022.

Board Member

Jenny Pohl

Jenny has a special interest in the rights of children with disabilities, particularly those from adoptive families.

Jenny lives in southeast SD and has been a member of the board since 2023.

Board Member

Marissa Lardy

Marissa has a special interest in the intersection between nutrition and wellbeing, and enjoys working with plants and nature. She is also highly adept at charity fundraising and event coordinating.

Marissa lives in Sioux Falls, SD and has been a member of the board since 2022.

Board Member

Elizabeth Hanson, PhD, CCC-SLP

Liz is an assistant professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of South Dakota, with a special interest in providing evaluation and treatment for persons who benefit from augmentative and alternative communication systems (AAC). She also serves on the board of SESDAC in Vermillion, SD.

Liz lives in southeast SD and has been a member of the board since 2023.