Our Directors
2017-2018
Michelle Wasson
President
Michelle Wasson has been a Physician Assistant for 18 years. She has worked in various areas including Pediatrics and Endocrinology – both adult and pediatric. She currently practices in Family Medicine. She has been a Diabetes Inc board member since 2009 and currently serves as the Medical Director.
Dr. Rachel Edelen
Director-At-Large
Dr. Rachel Edelen, a South Dakotan, is a graduate of USD SM and completed her pediatric residency in San Antonio, Tx. She came back to Rapid City SD as a general pediatrician for 3 years and then completed a pediatric endocrinology fellowship with Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Texas. She returned to Rapid City and is now a board certified pediatric endocrinologist with 15 years’ experience in treating children with diabetes and other endocrine disorders.
Erin Bachi
Executive Director
Erin Bachi started her career as an elementary school teacher in California and taught for 12 years before moving to Denver. During her teaching career, she received a Master of Arts degree in Curriculum and Instruction. In Denver, she worked for Community Educational Outreach, a non-profit that works with adults that have previously been incarcerated. She started out teaching GED and job readiness classes and moved into the role of Director of Operations. Erin’s background and love for working with kids makes her a perfect fit for Diabetes Incorporated.
Heather Linde
Secretary
Heather is a high school Science Teacher, and has been a board member since 2011. When in the sixth grade, she saw a commercial about the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes, and convinced her parents to take her to the doctor and get tested. Being deathly afraid of needles, she quickly learned how to handle giving shots after learning how insulin would allow her to live her life to the fullest. She has an active family, including her husband, Dan, and her sons, Bodhi and Sawyer, who have shared many miles running and riding on bikes with her. She has a passion for being a diabetes advocate, and empowering others to live well with diabetes.
Jason Byars
Director-At-Large
A professional in healthcare administration became a Diabetes Inc board member in 2008. Jason was born in Minnesota where he was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in 1974. His family moved to Rapid City where he was raised. Eventually Jason would graduate from college and get married. He and his wife returned to Rapid City and are rising their three children. They enjoy outdoor activities, playing soccer, hiking, music, and exploration.
Jennie Brehm
Treasurer
Laura Knowles
Director At-Large
Sheena Hannah
Director At-Large
Dawn Neal
Director At-Large
Jennie McNabb
Vice President
Linnea Grosz
Director-At-Large
Deb Winter
Director-At-Large
Kendrea Flynn
Director-At-Large