Wednesday, April 9 Agenda

Thursday, April 10 Agenda

Day 1 - April 9, 2025: Keynote Speakers & Panelists

Keynote Speakers

Tito Campbell (9:00-10:15 am), Restorative Justice Specialist
Minnesota State Department of Corrections

“A Life Restored”

Tito Campbell is a Restorative Justice Specialist for the Minnesota Department of Corrections. In his role with the DOC, Tito leads a Restorative Justice pilot project that employs incarcerated individuals as restorative justice mentors working on preventing and reducing violence in prison facilities. He is the point person for all Restorative Justice councils in Minnesota DOC facilities. Tito Campbell has created and supports a Restorative Justice Committee, an advisory group of formerly incarcerated individuals. Tito also serves on the Board of Directors for Volunteers of America Minnesota/ Wisconsin. Tito is justice impacted having served thirteen years in the Minnesota state prison system. While incarcerated he was a Restorative Justice council member for ten years where he was able to learn and teach about RJ to the prison community, a peer mentor and treatment unit coordinator. Tito serves as a conduit for change and hopes to create a safer and more restorative prison environment through restorative justice/restorative practices. “We are not the labels you put on us.”

Dr. Rachel Bachmeier (3:30-4:45 pm), Principal West Fargo High School

“Restoring to What? The Importance of Community in Schools”

Rachel Bachmeier is Principal of West Fargo High School. Originally from Kent, Ohio, Dr. Bachmeier attended Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio for her undergraduate degree, majoring in History and Secondary Education. Upon graduating, Dr. Bachmeier joined Teach for America and served as a Corps Member on the Rosebud Indian Reservation, teaching 8th Grade Language Arts at Todd County Middle School. In 2016, Dr. Bachmeier moved to her husband’s hometown of West Fargo and began her career at West Fargo High School, first as an English Learner Social Studies instructor and later as an administrator. She received her doctorate from the University of North Dakota in 2024, completing a dissertation on restorative practices, and lives in West Fargo with her husband, daughter, and their rescue pup.

Panelists (12:30-1:45 pm)

Sadie Nelson, Panel Moderator

Sadie Nelson is an enrolled member of the Sokaogon Chippewa Community and a descendant of White Earth Nation and Forest County Potawatomi, and is dedicated to restorative justice and Indigenous peacemaking. She has worked in the Homeless Response System since December 2024 and serves as the Indigenous Youth Cultural Program Coordinator at the Indigenous Association. Previously, she worked in Victim Services and Cultural Programs at Youthworks, where she was introduced to restorative justice. Influenced by her grandmother, she is passionate about teaching talking circles and culturally relevant peacemaking practices. Sadie integrates culture into her work to support marginalized communities, focusing on healing, prevention, and anti-poverty initiatives. She is also deeply involved in the Native community and holds extensive training in trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices.

Natasha Gourd, Wicanphi Tokca Win (Different Star Woman) Spirit Lake Nation

Natasha Gourd, Wicanphi Tokca Win (Different Star Woman), (Spirit Lake Nation), is a mother of four children and a member of the Spirit Lake Nation. She served five years as vice president of the Bismarck Public Schools Indigenous Parent Advisory Committee. She serves on the Native American Rights Fund Indigenous Peacemaking Advisory Committee. Natasha has developed a diversionary court system for tribal-affected youth and has been a peacemaking consultant for various tribes and organizations for ten years. She serves as the Restorative Practice Council Coordinator for the Consensus Council and a Leadership for Education Equity Public Policy Fellow for the South Dakota Education Equity Coalition.

Laurie Vilas, Peacemaker Mille Lacs Band Tribal Court, White Earth Nation

Laurie Vilas (White Earth Nation) is a current Peacemaker for the Mille Lacs Band Tribal Court with a focus on custody, visitation and guardianship cases. She has been doing Restorative Justice Work for over 25 years through building bridges with local, state, and tribal systems. She has been committed to working with youth from elementary and high school students with emotional behavior disorders and at a Native American Group home residential setting serving 8–18-year-old students. Laurie is a former Circle Coordinator for “Mahnomen County Working Together” in Mahnomen, Minnesota which led to collaboratively implementing a sentencing circle for youth offenders to reduce recidivism. She has done work with prisoner reentry for Northwest Indian OIC in collaboration with Minnesota Department of Corrections to reduce recidivism of Native Americans on Leech Lake, Red Lake and White Earth reservations. In these positions Laurie utilized Restorative Justice Practices to enhance safety, wellbeing, and cultural identity through traditional teachings of Native American Values.

Ricky White, Niigonanakud Anishinabe Whitefish Bay First Nations, Ontario, Canada

Ricky White, Niigonanakud, is Anishinabe from Whitefish Bay First Nations in Ontario, Canada. He is Pizhew or Lynx Clan and a lifetime member of the renowned drum group, the Whitefish Bay Singers. As a result of growing up on an isolated reservation, Ricky retained deep knowledge of the Anishinaabe language and culture and those teachings continue to guide his spirit and work today. Over the last 22 years, Ricky has served as an Ojibwe Language and Culture Teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, Executive Director of Education, and Superintendent of Schools. He was exposed to world class professional development, especially in the key areas of school improvement, school climate, and reaching students that our school systems struggling with.

Ricky has shifted his professional career to strategically sharing the blueprints of best practices for student success and working to help turnaround schools, programs and communities. He started a consulting company, fittingly called “First Nations Consultants, ” and is now sharing his strategies all over Canada and the United States to inspire and unite his methods and messages for enhancing the educational experience for all involved.

Day 2 - April 10, 2025: Keynote Speakers & Panelists

Keynote Speakers

Kendall Hughes (9:00-10:15 am), Restorative Justice Practioner

“Can Restorative Justice Be a Vaccine for Violence?”

Kendall Hughes served as the first-ever director of the newly created Office of Restorative Practices (ORP) within the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) before recently returning to community and grassroots work. With decades of experience — both in the Federal Bureau of Prisons and a nonprofit in southeastern Minnesota — Hughes has a deep understanding of helping people rebuild their lives after crime.

Hughes has spent his career working with people affected by crime — those who have been harmed and those who caused harm. He started as a nonprofit worker in lower-income communities and then served for 20 years as a federal prison chaplain. During this time, he developed programs that helped incarcerated men build skills, form supportive relationships and engage in meaningful conversations with survivors of violent crimes. In 2019, he co-founded Three Rivers Restorative Justice, which helps people resolve conflicts without going to court. The program has been successful, with high satisfaction rates from participants and a reduction in reoffending.

Lauren Starling, Artist in Residence

Lauren Starling (they/them) is a graduate of MSU Moorhead. They earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, emphasis in Psychology, with a minor in Juvenile Justice. Lauren has bravely spoken publicly about channeling the aftermath of domestic abuse and sexual assault, into creating large scale murals and public art. Lauren's primary works are in acrylic painting and illustration and is known especially for creating nearly 100 murals across the tri state region. In addition, they have been a painting instructor and have been independently teaching public & private painting classes. They also have volunteering service with assorted human rights groups.

The majority of Lauren's professional work experience is in the mental health/human services field. They are currently working full-time at a nonprofit with incarcerated women, providing rehabilitative services to achieve social reintegration, as well as continuing to take on freelance art projects. Lauren believes in the power of redemption, embracing fresh starts and resilience to emerge stronger from adversity. Lauren is interested in pursuing higher education as an Art Therapist to promote healing and empowerment through the creation of art.

Wednesday Morning
April 9, 2025

Speaker Bios

Designing a Sustainable Blueprint for District-Wide Restorative Practices and Reducing Recidivism

Dr. Jennifer Sahr, Fargo Public Schools

Dr. Jennifer Sahr is an experienced educational leader dedicated to equity and psychological well-being in education. As Assistant Director for Educational Justice at Fargo Public Schools, she implements initiatives ensuring equitable academic and emotional support for students. With a doctorate in Educational Leadership, Dr. Sahr has extensive expertise in Multi-Tier Systems of Support (MTSS), restorative practices, and trauma-informed care. A skilled mentor and problem-solver, she has been recognized for her contributions to education, and passionate about community engagement, Dr. Sahr serves on various boards, advancing outcomes for children and families in Cass County.

Dr. Rupak Gandhi, Fargo Public Schools

Dr. Rupak Gandhi has served as Superintendent of Fargo Public Schools since July 2018 and was named the 2022-23 North Dakota Superintendent of the Year. Beginning his career in Houston ISD, he has held roles as a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent in Colorado Springs. Dr. Gandhi holds degrees from Texas A&M, Grand Canyon University, and Northwest Nazarene University and has completed advanced leadership programs, including Harvard's UDL Summer Institute. Active in the Fargo community, he serves on multiple boards and committees while mentoring through AASA. Dr. Gandhi and his family proudly call Fargo home.

Dr. Chasity Odden Heide, Fargo Public Schools

Dr. Chasity Odden Heide is the Coordinator of Social, Emotional, and Restorative Services for Fargo Public Schools. Passionate about educating the whole child, she champions the role of collaborative teams in supporting students across school systems. With expertise in evidence-based programming, Dr. Odden Heide has led training in restorative practices, trauma-informed care, suicide prevention, and crisis management. As a former school counselor, she spearheaded district-wide initiatives in these critical areas. Recognized as North Dakota’s School Counselor of the Year in 2017, she currently serves on the Executive Council of the North Dakota Counseling Association.

The Art of Connection: Building Restorative Communities Through Creativity and Wellbeing

Heidi Danos, Firefly Center for Art & Wellbeing

Heidi Danos is a lifelong learner who has amassed a wealth of experience working across a wide range of industries, including e-commerce, hospitality, manufacturing, and nonprofits. Using a creative lens, she enjoys working toward innovative solutions and believes that nurturing positive connections is essential for the success of individuals, communities, and organizations. Her desire to pursue restorative practice work stems from personal experiences and a commitment to improving the landscape for others. She is a Restorative Family Mediator, MN Rule 115 Qualified Neutral, and a restorative Justice Facilitator. This work gives her hope that, collectively, we can address the deep divides in our social structures and families, repair harm, and strive for a more equitable balance of power in polarizing situations. On a more personal note, Heidi lives in Fosston, MN, with her husband Pete, two kids, one dog, a snake, and a gecko. She enjoys the outdoors and Minnesota’s long summer days—though not so much the snow. Heidi finds joy in art and writing, and she is currently serving as Interim Director for the Firefly Center for Art & Wellbeing.

Teaching Midwesterners to Stop Fighting

Faye Seidler, Community Activist

Faye Seidler is an award-winning advocate that specializes in suicide prevention, LGBTQ+ populations, and state data. She was born and raised in North Dakota and has a decade of experience in community organizing, public speaking, and professional development training. She is known for connecting and uplifting others, bringing communities together, and always keeping hope in focus.

Transformative Community

Amber Harris, Restorative Justice Movement

Amber Harris (she/her) was shaped by a life of racial discrimination and societal bias, growing up in a community where her racial identity made up less than 1% of the town’s census. A survivor of familial complex trauma, her lived experiences led her to advocacy, community engagement, and Restorative Justice education. Restorative Justice is at the core of who she is. Her education extends beyond institutions—she has been deeply shaped by the penal systems of Illinois, Louisiana, and Missouri. The lasting impact of the cocaine pandemic and opioid epidemic continues to fuel her passion for transformative justice, public safety education, and mental health awareness. Since 2014, Amber has been a powerful presence in her community as an advocate, educator, and resource. As co-founder of the Restorative Justice Movement Center, her role has evolved alongside the services offered. The grassroots center has impacted countless lives on the streets of Saint Louis. Her work contributed to a proposal replacing high school detention with Restorative Justice circles in the Springfield Catholic High School District. Amber is an active member of SDART (Sisters of Dominican Anti-Racism Team), GROW (Grassroots Optimal Wellbeing Coalition), and the Universal Advocates Network. She mentors at-risk youth and co-leads initiatives on food insecurity. With 15 years of experience as a Medical Technician specializing in geriatric mental health, wound care, hospice, and palliative treatment, she remains dedicated to community well-being. Her work spans all ages, economic classes, and educational backgrounds, driven by an unwavering commitment to equity, justice, and transformative change.

Tracy Stanton, Community Consultant

Tracy (T-Spirit) Stanton is an award-winning international spoken word artist, trainer, workshop facilitator, community organizer, and peacemaker. She harnesses the transformative power of spoken word poetry and storytelling to inspire personal and societal change. With a deep commitment to connection, collective liberation, and creative expression, she speaks truth to power and healing to the heart as a form of resistance. As a founding member of Freedom Community Center, a Black-led abolitionist organization addressing systemic and interpersonal violence, and the creator of Some Things Must Be Heard: Spitting & Politicking, she builds platforms for radical artists and organizers committed to freedom dreaming and power building. She has organized direct actions, led over 70 Black-only community meetings, and facilitated workshops worldwide on systemic violence, transformative justice, abolition, emotional regulation, and more. Her recent achievements include serving as a 2025 & 2024 Artist Inc Facilitator, a 2023 Artist Leadership Fellow with Mid-America Arts Alliance, and the 2023 Poet in Residence at the National Blues Museum. Featured in major media outlets and honored with numerous awards, T-Spirit continues to use poetry as a force for change, ensuring her voice lives in the hearts and souls of those she encounters.

Exploring the Intersections of Transformative Mediation and Restorative Justice

Sarah Prom, New Perspectives, LLC

Sarah Prom, MA, LPC, ODCP has over 15 years of counseling, coaching, training and mediation experience. Sarah received her Master’s in Counseling from the University of North Dakota and is a licensed Professional Counselor in North Dakota and Minnesota. She has expertise in the areas of team development and facilitation, workplace stress and conflict management and workplace training. Her focus in these endeavors is to build self-awareness and transform the quality of people’s interactions. Having worked in higher education, healthcare organizations and in the non-profit sector, she has broad perspective of the dynamics that impact organizational systems. Sarah is also a Certified Transformative Mediator, an Organizational Development Certified Professional, Certified in the administration of the MBTI and the Conflict Dynamics Profile.

Wednesday Afternoon
April 9, 2025

Speaker Bios

Utilizing Circles to Build Community and Resilience in High School Students

Courtney Quist, West Fargo Public Schools

Courtney Quist, M.Ed, is in her 4th year of being a school counselor at West Fargo High School. She received her Masters of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling from NDSU. Prior to this career as a school counselor, Courtney served as a Program Director and Operations Director for a small, neighborhood-based nonprofit that provided afterschool and summer programming that primarily served families with lower socioeconomic statuses and new American and refugee families. Courtney lives in Moorhead with her partner and her cat.

Dana Rosendahl, West Fargo Public Schools

Dana Rosendahl, M.Ed, is in her 6th year as a school counselor at West Fargo High School. She graduated from NDSU with her Master of Education in School Counseling in 2019. She lives in Fargo, ND with her husband and 2 daughters, Emmy (4) and Bria (2). She is also a group fitness instructor at Mojo Fit Studios and Ride Cycle Studies, which aligns with her passion for health and wellness.

Megan Cowden, West Fargo Public Schools

Megan Cowden is in her 1st year as a school counselor at West Fargo High School and will be graduating from MSUM with her MS in Counseling with a School Counseling emphasis in May 2025. Megan is one of the recipients of the Infuse Mental Health Grant at MSUM. Previous to this role, Megan has about 10 years of social work experience in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Megan lives in West Fargo with her husband and two daughters.

Using Restorative Justice in Cass County Criminal Cases

Kimberlee Hegvik, Cass County District Attorney’s Office

Kimberlee J Hegvik is the Cass County State’s Attorney. Prior to her taking office in 2023, she worked as a Cass County Assistant State’s Attorney for over 16 years. She obtained her law degree from the Florida State University College of Law, and her undergraduate degree from NDSU.

Lindsey Haugen, Haugen, Moeckel, & Bossart

Lindsey Haugen is a criminal defense attorney at Haugen, Moeckel, & Bossart in Fargo, ND. Mr. Haugen specializes in criminal defense practice both in North Dakota and Minnesota, as well as in Federal Court for the District of North Dakota. With over 23 years of experience, Mr. Haugen is a passionate supporter of alternative sentencing options including the introduction and use of restorative justice in criminal cases.

Ethan Lee, Cass County District Attorney’s Office

Ethan Lee is a Cass County Assistant State’s Attorney. He has been prosecuting for over six years. He graduated law school from the University of North Dakota School of Law in 2018.

Casey Moen, Cass County District Attorney’s Office

Casey Moen is an Assistant Cass County State’s Attorney. He has been prosecuting for 10 years. He graduated law school from Creighton University in 2010.

Dan Bertsch, Public Defender

Dan Bertsch is a public defender, a former assistant state’s attorney, a former Air Force civilian attorney, and former Air Force Judge Advocate. He graduated from NDSU with a BS in Psychology then the University of North Dakota School of Law in 1988. He was once a productive citizen when he farmed near Hillsboro.

Let’s Go Outside—IZHAADAA AGWAJIING

Pham Thi Hoa, Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies

Pham Thi Hoa is about social change and impact. Her leadership in managing global and national programs has diversely addressed issues in arts and cultures, conflict resolution, cultures, climate action, disaster relief/recovery, economic development, migration and refugees, and public media. Hoa has a Master's in Public Affairs from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Minnesota.

Joshua Jones, Founder/Director of Red Lake Trail Head

Joshua Jones is a Red Lake Nations community leader, environmentalist, changemaker, and advocate for youth development. He is Founder & Director of the Red Lake Trail Head, a DNR Hydrologist, and Director of Ombimindwaa Gidinawemagiganinaadog.

From Courthouse to Classroom: Transforming Restorative Justice for Schools

Michelle Carney, Clay County Attorney’s Office

Michelle Carney is the Director of Victim Services and the Juvenile Diversion Program in Clay County, a role she has held since 2012. With a career in victim services spanning North Dakota and Minnesota since 2004, she has been a dedicated advocate for victims. Through the backing of Clay County Attorney Brian Melton and the Clay County Board, Michelle has successfully grown programs that address the needs of victims while promoting restorative approaches for youth. Her work in juvenile-based restorative justice reflects her passion for supporting victims and engaging young people in meaningful accountability and healing processes. Michelle is driven to create impactful change, bridging the needs of victims and young people while fostering collaboration across systems to create safer, more supportive communities.

Lukas Brandon, Clay County Attorney’s Office

Lukas Brandon is the Restorative Practices Coordinator for Clay County. Working in the schools with youth, administrators, law enforcement, and parents to find creative solutions to incidents of harm, Lukas brings a sense of fun and curiosity to his restorative work. Known for being “The Ball Guy”, Lukas uses contact juggling as a means to engage with students and show them that practice is the path to mastery and success.

Jeff Nyquist, Clay County Attorney’s Office

Jeff Nyquist is a local Restorative Justice Practitioner. Following a career in print media, Jeff was introduced to the Art of Hosting, a suite of methods to facilitate group dialogue which he used consulting with private organizations. While employed at the Clay County (Minnesota) Attorney’s office he worked as their Restorative Justice Facilitator and later assisted their development of a school-based RJ Coordinator program and Restorative Practices Advisory Committee. He has training in Mediation and is currently a member of the State of Minnesota Office of Restorative Practices Strategic Planning Group.

Thursday Morning
April 10, 2025

Speaker Bios

Using Talking Circles in the College Classroom to Build Equity and Community

Jamee Larson, NDSU

Jamee Larson teaches composition and creative writing at North Dakota State University, where she is in her 10th year. Larson has a MFA degree from Minnesota State University and is a very proud Dragon alum! She lives in Moorhead with her wife and three critter babies.

When the Teacher Speaks: Why I Do This Work

Rhonda Gilbertson-Evans, Advocate

Rhonda Gilbertson-Evans is a poet and spoken word artist in the Fargo-Moorhead area. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Community Health and master’s degree in education, serves as a board member for Parachigo (an art collective in Fargo), and hosts open mic events at Black Coffee and Waffles. For the past 34 years, she has served marginalized populations through community activism, advocacy, and spoken word poetry. Rhonda’s experiences working with the unhoused, HIV positive individuals, the deaf and blind, and the impoverished have inspired her to be a story-teller, recognizing that we live our lives in stories that weave together our struggles, triumphs, and shared humanity.

Empowering Change: The Role of Lived Experience in Justice Involvement

Adam Martin, F5 Project

Adam Martin is the CEO and Founder of F5 Project, a nonprofit that aims to disrupt the cycle of crime, addiction, and isolation through individualized care that fosters resilience and restores hope. Adam isn’t your typical entrepreneur and often had the odds stacked against him. Growing up in the foster care system, Adam often struggled as he grew up. After receiving five felonies, he thought there must be more to life than this. Adam always had a desire to serve those who often get overlooked; he made the decision to become a resource for individuals coming out of jail by providing personalized support to individuals to deter repeat offenses.

With a passion for justice reform, he left his private-sector job and decided to be the catalyst his local community needed. Often described as ambitious, Adam started F5 Project in 2016. What began as a way of improving the lives of formerly incarcerated individuals in Fargo, ND, the nonprofit has evolved into a statewide initiative to bridge resources and provide full-spectrum services to people struggling with incarceration, mental health, and addiction. F5 Project offices in eight cities across North Dakota and serves 525+ participants each month.

Restoring Hope and Cultivating Community Through Restorative Practices

Brian Andrews, Lakes Area Restorative Justice Project

Brian Andrews, Executive Director of Lakes Area Restorative Justice Project, experienced a life of overcoming mental health struggles and managing stress from the darkest depths of addiction, and homelessness, and personal experience with the criminal justice system. Brian has been married to his best friend of over 20 years and they have six amazing children together. Brian is a trainer for SMART (Stress Management & Resiliency Training), Peer Support Specialist, Peer Recovery Specialist, Trained RJ Conference Facilitator, Circle Keeper and community advocate working tirelessly to live his tagline of "Restoring Hope & Cultivating Community".

Katie Mccormick, Lakes Area Restorative Justice Project

Katie Mccormick is a person in long term recovery. who works for RecoveryCor as a Navigator helping participants reach their goals and live a healthier lifestyle. In her free time, I her free time Katie enjoys serving her community. Recently appointed as chairperson of the newly created Restorative Practice Advisory Committee formed in Crow Wing County and volunteers at Lakes Area Restorative Justice Project as a Community Member in the Community Group Conferencing Model along with volunteering at Open Arms homeless shelter. Some of her hobbies include paddle boarding, gardening and baking. Katies most important and rewarding role in life is being a mother to an amazing little boy, enjoying the challenges and rewards of parenting!

Jeanine Wiley, Lakes Area Restorative Justice Project

Jeanine Wiley is a Parent First to an adult daughter who is currently serving in the United States Marines. Over the years Jeanine served the community in various ways, from working with Head Start preschoolers to teens and young adults. Jeanine spent years working with the Crisis Line overnights, serving at her church, working for the school district and with children in the private sector. Jeanine's personal time is spent serving as a board member of a nonprofit organization that focuses on supporting marginalized communities.

Michael Skruskrud, Lakes Area Restorative Justice Project

Michael Skruskrud is a Minnesota native, growing up and raising a family in the Twin Cities area. He brings with him 30+ years of experience in meeting and exceeding his client’s needs in the medical sales field. He was an entrepreneur and small business owner, helping to improve patient care in hospitals and clinics around the Midwest. During the COVID Pandemic, he reflected on what was most important to him, which was making a positive impact in people’s lives. He started working in a Group home for vulnerable adults, assisting them with their day-to-day lives. Then an opportunity came to become a Peer Recovery Specialist in the Brainerd Lakes area. This came at the perfect time for him. He has close family ties to this area and was able to relocate to support his aging parents, while also living out his newfound purpose of working with people one-on-one to help them improve aspects of their lives. During this work he was given an opportunity to become a volunteer with LARJP. It was the result of this volunteer work that he found his purpose; to help turn lives around toward a path of success and achievement.

Building and Restoring Connections: A Panel Discussion on Fostering Equitable, Inclusive, and Supportive School Communities

Jacob Snyder, Ben Franklin Middle Schools

Jake Snyder first began his work with youth through coordinating an adventure program at a summer camp in 2013. This evolved into after school mentoring with a local non-profit, and then his first position in the educational field was a special education paraprofessional at Century Elementary School in Grand Forks, N.D in 2016. Snyder worked at West Fargo High School from 2018-24 in multiple roles. He was an English Language Arts teacher at West Fargo High School from 2018-23, a Restorative Practice Leader from 2021-23, and a Social Emotional Behavioral Facilitator from 2023-24. Snyder served as the debate coach at WFHS from 2019-24. Snyder now works at Ben Franklin Middle School as the Dean of Students. He assumed the position for the 2024-25 school year on August 21.

Yorrick Byers, Davies High School

Yorrick Byers has over 30 years of experience supporting youth and families in education, mental health, and restorative practices. Yorrick served as a Dean of Students in Minneapolis schools for 22 years and worked in mental health at Miller-Dwan in Duluth, specializing in high-risk youth. Additionally, he supported community reintegration with Better Futures Minnesota. Currently, Yorrick is the Restorative Practices Facilitator at Davies High School in Fargo supporting students and staff with restorative practices.

Jacob Kienzle, Discovery Middle School

Jacob Kienzle is currently the Dean of Students at Discovery Middle School. Prior to his current role, he spent nine years as a classroom Language Arts teacher, working with students in grades 6 through 12. Mr. Kienzle has spent the past four years working as a restorative practices and Circle facilitator working with staff and students. He is dedicated to helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally focusing on accountability and meaningful connections within the school community.

Dr. Chasity Odden Heide, Fargo Public Schools

Dr. Chasity Odden Heide is the Coordinator of Social, Emotional, and Restorative Services for Fargo Public Schools. Passionate about educating the whole child, she champions the role of collaborative teams in supporting students across school systems. With expertise in evidence-based programming, Dr. Odden Heide has led training in restorative practices, trauma-informed care, suicide prevention, and crisis management. As a former school counselor, she spearheaded district-wide initiatives in these critical areas. Recognized as North Dakota’s School Counselor of the Year in 2017, she currently serves on the Executive Council of the North Dakota Counseling Association.

Rachel Nelson, Fargo South High School

Rachel Nelson is a graduate of MSUM with over 30 years of experience in private, non-profit, and public sectors. She has provided case management and crisis intervention to individuals ranging from ages 5 to 98, gaining extensive practical knowledge. Though comfortable in administrative roles, Rachel’s passion lies in directly supporting people facing intellectual, cognitive, developmental, behavioral, and mental health challenges. Rachel has worked with Fargo Public Schools for 8 years and is currently a Restorative Practices Facilitator at South High.

Dr. Jennifer Sahr, Fargo Public Schools

Dr. Jennifer Sahr is an experienced educational leader dedicated to equity and psychological well-being in education. As Assistant Director for Educational Justice at Fargo Public Schools, she implements initiatives ensuring equitable academic and emotional support for students. With a doctorate in Educational Leadership, Dr. Sahr has extensive expertise in Multi-Tier Systems of Support (MTSS), restorative practices, and trauma-informed care. A skilled mentor and problem-solver, she has been recognized for her contributions to education, and passionate about community engagement, Dr. Sahr serves on various boards, advancing outcomes for children and families in Cass County.