Ellie Dana Raymer- Chair 

Ellie Dana Raymer had been in the Valley since 1996 as a summer resident, and a full-time resident since 2017. She is a retired technology executive that has had leadership responsibilities in information technology for Fortune 500 companies, as well as key roles in start-ups.  She began her career at Reader’s Digest reading mail from customers, had the good fortune to attend Harvard Business School, and enjoyed a time working in the high-tech arena in Silicon Valley. Through her career she had continued opportunities to recruit and train staff as they emerged from their formal education.
 

From her experiences, has become a strong advocate for early and continuing education and support for all children. She lives in the Valley with her husband, Randy, Lab "Mischief" and 1 horse (actually the horse lives at a stable, not at her house).

Ellie has been a volunteer in numerous enterprises, some examples:  Greenfield Hill Residential (teenage mental health), Rape Crisis Center, Braille for computer programs ( adult- teacher),  Business Information Processing Education for the Disabled (BIPED)- middle and high school- teacher), Chamber Board Richardson Texas, Boys and Girls Club Board/volunteer, Information Technology advisor University of Texas at Dallas, Docent Dallas Zoo (gorillas), riding instructor, Airport Board, Squadron Leader - Commemorative Air Force WASP Squadron, real estate and architectural Committees.  

Schelby Merrill- Secretary 

Schelby Merrill started her hospitality career in 2004 serving in various positions at several different properties only to find herself placed in the middle of the Great American West at Brush Creek Ranch. 

After settling down in Wyoming and purchasing her husband’s family ranch -   her innate calling to help people grow and become successful transitioned into becoming a consultant for hospitality and project management.  Schelby, her husband and two young children live in Encampment.

Schelby is a founding member of Valley Village Childcare. 

Schelby’s community activities have been included several organizations, associations, chambers and boards in Wyoming. She has served on the local Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce and is currently serving as Secretary on the Valley Village Childcare Board, VSO Board and Upper Platte River Solid Waste Disposal District and Good Times Valley Recreation Steering Committee.  

Ryta Sondergard- Director

Ryta is a native of Michigan attending the University of Michigan with degrees in Economics, Business and Marketing. She is an accomplished and high energy leader with a gift of cultivating community and business relationships. She is a creative thinker with expertise in fundraising, public relations, marketing, volunteer management and event coordination.

Her interests lie in reading, gardening, travel and theatre. She is a motivational speaker on the topics of development and business strategies, organizational management, internal communications, fundraising and donor cultivation. She devotes her volunteer hours to organizations that focus on the education and well-being of youth.

Ryta moved to the Valley in 2020. She served as Community Relations Coordinator for Sinclair Wyoming Refinery Company for eight years. She currently sits on the board for Valley Village Childcare, Carbon County Boys and Girls Club, Rawlins’ Downtown Development Association.

Jacquie Hall - Director

  After completing her sociology degree at the University of Colorado, Jacquie has been fortunate to serve the nonprofit community as a fund raiser. She is currently the Senior Director of Principal and Planned Gifts for Craig Hospital Foundation, that serves 2,000 spinal cord and brain injured patients each year.  

Prior to Craig, at the University of Denver, Jacquie's focus was to raise funds to match Bill Daniel's $22 million challenge to create the ethics focused MBA program and to build the Daniels College of Business. 

As Vice President at Mile High United Way, Jacquie raised funds for foster care, transformational housing for low-income families, after-school programs and quality childcare.  It was at United Way that she became passionate about and learned the importance of early childhood education.  

In 2021 Jacquie was awarded the National Philanthropy Day Outstanding Professional Fundraiser Award, having raised over $200 million during her long career.  Jacquie is the Past Chair of United Way's Worldwide Major Gifts Council and has served as an instructor and consultant for United Way and Up With People, training professionals internationally.  She is currently a volunteer at Clayton Early Learning in Denver.

Shelli Ward -Treasurer

A military spouse for over 26 years, Shelli Ward recently settled in her husband’s hometown of Encampment, Wyoming, drawn by his family’s deep-rooted history in the area and her love for the tight-knit Upper North Platte River Valley community. With extensive experience in childcare and banking, as well as experience assisting in classrooms with children with special needs in the public school system, Shelli brings hands-on experience to her role. Her dedication to community is further reflected in her years of volunteering at numerous military family events, including with the Family Readiness Group, fostering support and connection. Passionate about building a supportive community, Shelli is committed to her role and advocating for the children of Valley Village.

Megan Martin Buszkiewic - Director 

Megan Buszkiewic, a small business owner in partnership with her husband Jay, possesses a comprehensive background in Human Resources, which significantly contributes to her success in her role. She derives immense fulfillment from being the self-directed leader and managing her team effectively.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Megan is a devoted mother to two daughters, Jemma and Jayda, and places great value on spending quality time with her family and friends. 

Darrin Jennings - Director

  Darrin was born and raised in Carbon County, Wyoming.  He attended the University of Wyoming graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Elementary Education and a minor in Science.  He received a Master of Science degree from Chaldron State College in Chaldron, Nebraska. 

Darrin is currently the superintendent of Schools for Carbon County School District #2.  A position he has held since 2022.  Prior to that, he has held various administration positions in School Districts #1 and #2.   He started his career in education in 1995 teaching 4th grade and 7th grade. 

Darrin and his wife Val have two daughters and two sons and one amazing grandson.  He and his family have lived in the North Platte Valley community for the past 7 years. He and his family enjoy spending time at the family cabin, watching Wyoming Cowboy sports and riding their horses.