Wendy Otheim, Ed. S.

Wendy Otheim, Ed.S., brings over 35 years of dedicated experience to the field of education. She holds degrees in elementary education, special education, and administration from Northern State University and the University of South Dakota. Currently, Wendy serves as the Director of Special Services for the Brandon Valley School District in South Dakota, a role she has also held in two other school districts. Her career includes extensive experience in special education, general education, and English Learner classrooms. Wendy’s involvement on the West Central School District school board sparked her interest in educational administration. Additionally, she contributes to the field as an adjunct assistant professor in special education at Augustana University.

Wendy served on the South Dakota CASE executive board for over eight years, as treasurer, president-elect, president, and past president. Service on boards included the national CASE executive board, and the School Administrators of South Dakota (SASD) executive board. Wendy served on CEC’s Leadership Development Committee and on the Delegate Assembly and Legislative committees through SASD.   Wendy was awarded the Outstanding Administrator of Special Education for SASD/SDCASE (2018-2019) and the CASE Outstanding Administrator of Special Education (2019). 

Personally, Wendy became passionate about special education through being a sister to an awesome guy named Art, who had Down Syndrome. Watching her parents advocate for him served as an example, along with getting to know the wonderful teachers Art had through the years. Wendy enjoys time with family, spending time outdoors and loves the role of grandma. She is extremely proud of her three adult children, who are all members of the Air National Guard.