SESHRM upcoming events

Trends in Substances of Abuse and Implications in the Workplace with Tim Heerts (08/18/2026)

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Trends in Substances of Abuse and Implications in the Workplace with Tim Heerts, Avera

Session Description

Attendees will broaden their knowledge of emerging trends of substances of abuse and how they impact the workplace. This information will help human resources professionals to shape policies and procedures related to impaired employees and drug testing.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the dynamics and dangers of impaired employees in the workplace.

2. Have knowledge of emerging trends in substance abuse impacting the workplace.

3. Understand the current landscape of policy and employee testing related to marijuana.

Presenter Bio

Tim Heerts, MA, LPC, LMFT, CEAP

EAP Clinical Specialist | D.O.T.-Qualified Substance Abuse Professional

Avera Employee Assistance Program

Tim Heerts has a Bachelor of Arts in Education degree from Central College of Iowa, and earned his Master of Arts in Counseling degree from Sioux Falls Seminary. He has been in the counseling field for over 35 years, with over 25 years specializing in the EAP field. He has worked extensively counseling individuals in the areas of mental health and family therapy. He is a DOT-Qualified Substance Abuse Professional. Tim began employment at Avera EAP in 2015. He has many years of experience in consulting and coaching supervisors and business leaders in dealing with difficult issues that affect the workplace.

Approved Credits


SESHRM is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDC) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities. This program is valid for one (1) PDC toward SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification.	This program has been pre-approved for one (1) hour of HR General credit toward aPHR®, aPHRi™, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi™ and SPHRi™ recertification through HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®).

ADA vs. FMLA: Navigating Overlap and Compliance with Jean H. Bender of Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP. (09/15/2026)

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 16:30:00 GMT

ADA vs. FMLA: Navigating Overlap and Compliance with Jean H. Bender of Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP.

Session Description

Join the SE SHRM Chapter for a professional development program presented by Jean H. Bender, Of Counsel at Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP.

In "ADA, FMLA, and PWFA: Navigating Overlap and Compliance," Jean will examine the complex intersection of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). Attendees will gain practical guidance on managing overlapping leave and accommodation requirements, avoiding common compliance pitfalls, and applying best practices to real-world workplace situations.

This program is approved for SHRM Professional Development Credits (PDCs) and is designed to help HR professionals confidently navigate these important employment laws.

About the Presenter

Jean H. Bender is an employment lawyer with Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP, where she counsels employers on all aspects of employment law and employee benefits. Her practice includes advising organizations on disability discrimination, FMLA leave issues, wage-and-hour compliance, workplace policies, harassment investigations, hiring and termination decisions, and ERISA-related employee benefit plans.

Jean has been recognized by Best Lawyers® as South Dakota's 2021 Employment Law – Management "Lawyer of the Year," is ranked by Chambers USA in Labor & Employment and holds a Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished Peer Rating for professional achievement and ethical standards.

Approved Credits


SESHRM is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDC) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities. This program is valid for one (1) PDC toward SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification.	This program has been pre-approved for one (1) hour of HR General credit toward aPHR®, aPHRi™, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi™ and SPHRi™ recertification through HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®).

Beyond Accommodation: Designing Workplaces Where Disability Is an Advantage (10/20/2026)

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Beyond Accommodation: Designing Workplaces Where Disability Is an Advantage

Join SE SHRM for a practical discussion about the Americans with Disabilities Act, the interactive process, and workplace accommodations. Presenters Vicki Stewart of Employment Disability Resources and Emily Maurice of Halbach | Szwarc Law Firm will explore how employers can move beyond basic compliance to create workplaces where employees with disabilities are supported, included, and positioned to contribute their strengths.

Please take this short survey to help the presenters tailor this session to the accommodation and ADA challenges employers are facing now:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8TVLJFG

About Our Presenters

Vicki Stewart is the Executive Director of Employment Disability Resources, a Sioux Falls nonprofit that provides education, awareness, and resources to promote the successful employment and inclusion of people with disabilities. With more than 30 years of experience in the disability field, Vicki is a respected advocate, educator, and community leader dedicated to helping employers create workplaces where people of all abilities can contribute and thrive.

Vicki holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religion with a minor in Psychology from Augustana University. She serves on several community and statewide boards and advisory groups, including Levitt at the Falls, the Sioux Empire United Way, the City of Sioux Falls Human Relations Commission, the ADA Sioux Falls Committee, and the Society of Human Resource Management South Dakota State Council. Through training, advocacy, and collaboration with employers, Vicki works to remove barriers, change perceptions, and advance disability-inclusive employment practices.

Emily Maurice is a South Dakota native and an attorney with Halbach | Szwarc Law Firm in Sioux Falls. She earned her undergraduate degree from Augustana College in 2008, completed a post-baccalaureate certificate in paralegal studies in 2010, and graduated with honors from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 2017.

Before attending law school, Emily worked as a paralegal on employment law and litigation matters in Minnesota and South Dakota. During law school, she served as co-president of the Trial Team, president of her class, and Note and Comment Editor of the South Dakota Law Review, where her work was published in Volume 61.

In 2023, Emily helped found Halbach | Szwarc Law Firm, a full-service Sioux Falls law firm. She currently serves on the Board of Governors for the South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association, the State Bar of South Dakota’s Strategic Planning Committee, and as Second Circuit Bar Commissioner. She is also committed to mentoring future legal professionals and introducing young people to careers in law.

Emily lives in Sioux Falls with her husband, their three children, and two dogs. Her family enjoys traveling and exploring new destinations together.

Approved Credits


SESHRM is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDC) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities. This program is valid for one (1) PDC toward SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification.	This program has been pre-approved for one (1) hour of HR General credit toward aPHR®, aPHRi™, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi™ and SPHRi™ recertification through HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®).