Who We Are

Independent Health Solutions is a trusted provider of care for individuals in South Dakota, especially for the elderly, individuals with disabilities and those with chronic illness. Our mission is to promote health, safety and independence in your own home. Through in-home care, education, and community health services, our goal is to improve the health of individuals as well as South Dakota communities.

Our Leadership

Ashley Kingdon-Reese

Ashley Kingdon-Reese

Founder and Executive Director

Ashley Kingdon-Reese is the Founder and Executive Director of Independent Health Solutions, a home healthcare agency and onsite medical company based in Huron, South Dakota. Ashley is a registered nurse, has her Master of Business Administration in Health Care Management and is currently completing her dual certification in Legal Nurse Consulting and Forensic Nursing. She is motivated with the purpose of promoting health, safety, and independence.

After finishing nursing school in 2014, Ashley recognized the need for a different type of care for aging adults. Inspired to help the aging South Dakota population live independently and to address the rural healthcare crisis, she set out to create Independent Health Solutions. Launched with funding awarded from the South Dakota Governor Giant Vision Business Competition, the business is now flourishing and recently expanded to providing medical services for businesses and the local community. 

Ashley also founded the Coalition for Alzheimer’s Leadership and Legislation, a nonprofit dedicated to raising public awareness, providing free care for those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s, and educating caregivers. Her community efforts include collaboration with Kiwanis International, Lions Club International, the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, Aging Adult Services Coalition, United Way and Beadle County Safety City.


Ashley has also been honored several times for her work in South Dakota, including Scholar of the Goldman Sachs 10KSB program, 40 Under 40 Award, Spirit of Dakota Award, and the She Award for Leadership.

 
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Our Team Leaders

Melissa Heath

Melissa Heath

Home Health Aide Coordinator & Operations Manager.

Melissa Heath

Meet Melissa, a dedicated HHA Coordinator and Operations Manager at Independent Health Solutions. Her passion for caring for others blossomed early in life, inspired by her mother's career. Melissa's love for nurturing, learning from, and assisting the elderly has always been unwavering. She is a staunch advocate for the underserved and a compassionate mentor to fellow caregivers. 

Melissa fosters a culture of knowledge sharing within her team and holds sincere appreciation for those she serves. Her ability to spread joy, overcome health barriers, and celebrate shared accomplishments makes her a beacon of positivity. As the starting and ending point for training new home health aides, Melissa ensures that her expertise is passed on to the next generation of caregivers.

Her remarkable contributions have left a lasting impact on her community, as evidenced by her nominations for the "Unsung Hero" award at the 2022 She Awards and the "Women of Influence" category in 2023. Melissa's dedication to mentorship has garnered her the prestigious title of "Mentor of the Year" by StartTodaySD.

Miranda Retzer, RN

Miranda Retzer, RN

Director of Nursing

Miranda Retzer

Meet Miranda, an accomplished registered nurse and the Director of Nursing at Independent Health Solutions. Miranda earned her degree from Dakota Wesleyan University in 2014 and has accumulated over 8 years of invaluable experience in the field. She is experienced in Occupational Health and a Wellness Coach. Specializing in infection control, she serves as a diabetic educator and is recognized as a proficient trainer for CNAs and Med aides. With expertise in Prolastin C infusions through training with Eversana, she has also received specialized instruction in bone marrow donation from Be the Match.

A dedicated professional, Miranda is actively involved in the Huron Area Women Business Leaders, contributing to the community and fostering connections. Her commitment to continuous learning is evident as she works towards her health coach certification, further expanding her skill set. Having worked in both acute and long-term care settings, Miranda brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her nursing practice, making a positive impact on the healthcare landscape.