Dani Gullickson
Executive Director
Read More
Dani Gullickson joined Immunize South Dakota (ISD) in December 2021 as the organization’s first executive director.
She brings a strong background in operations management, event coordination, and partner relationships. She supports the organization’s expansion, diversifies coalition membership, and oversees operations. She also manages communications and advocates for ISD as the most trusted source of information on immunizations and vaccine-preventable diseases in South Dakota. In addition, Dani manages the organization’s annual conference and other educational opportunities.
Previously, Dani spent seven years at the Community HealthCare Association of the Dakotas (CHAD), where she managed virtual and in-person events at CHAD, including two annual multi-state conferences, meetings, trainings, and webinars. She assisted the CEO and supported CHAD staff in operations, training, and finance. In addition to her primary responsibilities, Dani also provided partnership oversight and event management for the Sioux Falls Area Immunization Coalition, overseeing the transition from a regional coalition to a statewide organization, making her a natural choice to lead ISD.
Dani holds an associate degree in business administration from Southeast Technical Institute. In her free time, she enjoys reading and camping. She lives in Harrisburg with her husband and a full house of children and pets.
Andrea Polkinghorn
President
Read More
Andrea Polkinghorn, BSN, RN, is the Lead Immunization Strategist for Sanford Health, where she develops and leads immunization strategies across all vaccinating locations. She provides oversight and consultation to 46 medical centers and more than 200 clinics, ensuring standardized immunization practices, effective implementation of immunization guidelines, and ongoing staff education. She also leads quality improvement efforts to support a strong and effective immunization program.
Andrea serves as Board President of Immunize South Dakota, where she oversees the coalition’s business operations and guides both short- and long-term strategic goals. She also presides over coalition meetings and works to advance statewide immunization efforts. In addition, she is Vice Chair of the Board of Health in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Andrea’s passion for immunization began in 2015 after encountering misinformation that made her question vaccine safety for her first child. Thanks to a knowledgeable pediatrician who provided science-based information, she regained confidence in vaccines. This experience sparked her dedication to educating others and advocating for vaccination, particularly in addressing disparities in immunization rates.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from South Dakota State University and lives in Sioux Falls with her husband, Chris, their three daughters, and their dog, Diesel.
Britney Leinen
Vice President
Read More
Britney Leinen, MPH, is the Population Health Coordinator at Avera Health in Sioux Falls, SD. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and Political Science from the University of South Dakota and a Master’s of Public Health from the University of Minnesota. She also serves as Member-At-Large on the board of the South Dakota Public Health Association. Britney is passionate about health literacy, health equity, and empowering communities through education. Britney lives in Sioux Falls, SD with her husband and their rescue pup Rico.
Michelle Osborn
Treasurer
Read More
Michelle Osborn is a dedicated Registered Nurse and Nursing Educator with over a decade of diverse experience in nursing education, pediatrics, and immunizations. She is deeply committed to impacting the future of nursing and advancing healthcare knowledge across South Dakota.
Currently serving as Nursing Faculty at Southeast Technical College, Michelle has been involved in clinical education and curriculum development efforts since 2018. Her work includes clinical/simulation education, curriculum development, onboarding and mentoring faculty, managing clinical placements, and ensuring compliance with state and national nursing standards.
Michelle has a strong passion for immunization education and advocacy, rooted in her early career work providing vaccines throughout South Dakota. She remains committed to promoting preventative care and public health through both student education, clinical practice, and community engagement.
Michelle holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus in Nursing Education from Aspen University. She lives in Sioux Falls, SD with her husband, Mike, their three children, and their dog, Benny.
Carmen Toft
Director at Large
Read More
Carmen Toft has been on the board of Immunize South Dakota since 2022, serving as vice president from 2022-2026. She assists the president with their duties and responsibilities, promotes collaboration, and provides marketing, advocacy, and decision-making support for ISD.
In addition to her role with ISD, Carmen is director of South Dakota Families for Vaccines, supporting advocacy efforts to protect and expand access to vaccines. Previously, Carmen worked for the National Council of Urban Indian Health and the Community HealthCare Association of the Dakotas, where she created engaging communications and marketing materials and contributed to policy initiatives designed to promote Urban Indian Organizations and federally qualified health centers and their impact on public health and the communities they serve.
Sara Hicks
Director at Large
Read More
Sara Hicks is the immunization coordinator for Lewis Drug pharmacies. Sara helps to educate pharmacy staff and Lewis Drug patients on vaccinations. She also works to organize vaccine efforts in the pharmacies and surrounding communities throughout the year.
Kimberly Albers
Director at Large
Read More
Kimberly Albers is a Change Management Consultant at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She began her nursing career in 2007 after earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from South Dakota State University in Brookings. She later earned a Master of Science in Nursing in Leadership and Management in August 2023 and a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Organizational Leadership in April 2025 from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota.
Throughout her nursing career, Kimberly has worked in surgical trauma, labor and delivery, women’s health, family medicine, outpatient infusion, and anticoagulation services. Her passion for leadership was sparked during her four years as a nursing supervisor at Sanford Health. She has received multiple awards, including Avera McKennan’s Angel Award and Sanford Health’s New Knowledge, Innovations, and Improvements Award. Kimberly has served as secretary of Sanford’s Nursing Senate and as chair of Sanford’s Ambulatory Council. She was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing in fall 2022 and recently earned certification as an Agile Leader through the Scrum Alliance.
Kimberly grew up on a farm near Ipswich, South Dakota, and currently resides in Sioux Falls. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and adventuring with her husband and their three sons. A fun fact about Kimberly is that she served as a gestational carrier.
Ashley Sands
Director at Large
Read More
Ashley Sands, MD FAAP is a Pediatric Infectious Diseases Physician at Sanford Children’s Hospital in Sioux Falls. She is originally from the northeast United States. She studied Theatre and Zoology at Connecticut College and is a graduate of Ross University School of Medicine. Dr. Sands completed her pediatrics residency and chief residency at Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and her pediatric infectious diseases fellowship at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in Queens, New York. She is a proud Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and has been a strong advocate for children and their health throughout her career.
Dr. Sands has become a particularly passionate advocate for vaccines after seeing many children suffer from severe complications of vaccine-preventable diseases. She has spoken on behalf of children’s health and vaccines on local news stations and “On Call with the Prairie Doc” on South Dakota Public Broadcasting. In addition to vaccines and health advocacy, Dr. Sands’ research interests include antimicrobial stewardship, tuberculosis, and congenital infections.
Dr. Sands lives in Sioux Falls with her husband and son. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the world and trying to keep her gardens alive.