We are Black Hills Advocate

We are here to help. If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening or debilitating illness, is receiving home health services, hospice services or residing in a nursing home or assisted living facility, or perhaps you reside in the private community and your children live outside the area or have limited availability due to juggling other family obligations - Black Hills Advocate is here to help.

We can coordinate all the services necessary to ensure that you or your loved are receiving the highest standard of quality care and services possible and report to the family members so they remain involved. Our services vary between a single visit to ongoing advocate services.

  • Jenny Schmidt

    Passionate Advocate

    Jenny Schmidt is a board certified patient advocate and has over 25 years of experience working in the health care field. She has a passion for serving vulnerable people in our community. She is a Rapid City Stevens High School graduate. After graduation, Jenny honorably served the Marines for four years as a field medical hospital corpsmen in the United States Navy. She went on to attend Elmhurst College, graduating with honors with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Professional Communication.

    Following graduation, Jenny worked in business development for large companies in Chicago including Orbitz.com during its startup and IPO as well as piloting a new sales initiative and successfully creating a new revenue stream for Cars.com. Her business background gives her a unique perspective to address financial, insurance and quality of life questions.

    After her return to Rapid City in 2006, Jenny worked for 9 years at Westhills Village Retirement Community serving in the role of Director of Marketing/Business Development and subsequently the Director of Independent Living.

    Seeing the need for someone to help people in the community quarterback care and ensure quality of life with an unbiased opinion and fierce allegiance only to the client, Jenny launched Black Hills Advocate in June of 2015 with a passionate focus on connecting people with the services that were right for them while ensuring delivery of the best care available.

    Jenny serves on the Board of Directors of the Hope Center and is an active voice in the community for seniors and other underserved populations. Jenny makes her home in Rapid City with her spouse, children, and three dogs. On weekends, she can be found spending time with friends, reading, and enjoying the beauty of the Black Hills.

    Email Jenny

  • Caroline Kilty

    Advocate, Administrative Assistant

    Caroline joined Black Hills Advocate in October 2024, bringing a fresh perspective to our team. Originally from California, she sought higher education at Berklee College of Music in Boston and spent six years immersing herself in the vibrant culture of the city before relocating to Rapid City with her partner who was born and raised in the Black Hills.

    While Caroline’s background differs from that of a traditional case manager, her deep passion for helping others is what led her to Black Hills Advocate. She leverages her diverse experiences to provide a compassionate and detail-oriented approach, striving to create a meaningful impact in the lives of those she serves.

    Caroline now resides in Rapid City with her partner and their dog, Honey.

    Email Caroline