Bismarck Magazine - Volume 11: Issue 2

HIDDEN HOMETOWN HEROES

For 35 Years of Support and Service

Founded in 1991 by Bismarck native Patrick Atkinson, your GOD’S CHILD Project has raised, educated and healed over 200,000 orphaned and vulnerable children in 7 countries.

Volunteer Opportunities are needed both locally and globally. Contact us at Kelly.Gaffaney@GodsChild.org to find out more.

The GOD’S CHILD Project brings hope, futures, and life-saving efforts locally and worldwide, and Bismarck-Mandan is the heart of this work. Please be generous as you share your time, love, prayers, and financial support for the thousands of children we care for today.

Stop by Today: 721 Memorial Hwy #2

Bismarck, ND 58504

Hours: 9 am - 5 pm

Learn more. Get involved. Scan the QR Code.

www.GodsChild.org | Info@GodsChild.org | (701) 255.7956

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Bismarck Magazine is published four times a year and is complimentary. Copies are available across the Bismarck, Mandan and Lincoln communities or online at bismarck-magazine.com.

PUBLISHERS

Hannah Haynes hannah@bismarck-magazine.com

Caroline Crary caroline@bismarck-magazine.com

LAYOUT EDITOR Jenna Kluting

PHOTOGRAPHERS Al Schirado

CONTRIBUTORS Maria Brezny

COPY EDITOR Jennifer Kranz

ADVERTISING info@bismarck-magazine.com

Printed in the USA

Bismarck Magazine Corporation, Copyright 2015 Bismarck Magazine and bismarck-magazine.com. All rights reserved. This periodical cannot be reproduced without the written permission of Bismarck Magazine. Bismarck Magazine will not be held responsible for any errors found in the magazine. Bismarck Magazine Corporation accepts no liability for statements made by advertisers.

LETTER

Photo by Connor Picard

PUBLISHERS

There is something truly special about a community that shows up for one another, and here in Bismarck-Mandan, that spirit is alive and thriving.

This summer, we are honored to once again partner with Bismarck Scheels and the Bismarck Larks to bring you one of our most meaningful issues of the year: Hidden Hometown Heroes.

This feature is dedicated to the individuals who quietly and consistently make a difference in our community. They are the ones who don’t seek recognition, yet deserve it the most. From first responders and teachers to veterans, volunteers, mentors, and everyday neighbors— these heroes share a common thread: a servant’s heart, unwavering dedication, and a passion for others that often goes unseen.

Each story in this issue is a reminder that impact isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s found in the small, consistent acts of kindness. It’s in the early mornings, the late nights, and the moments when no one is watching. These are the people who shape our community, uplift those around them, and inspire us to do the same.

As you flip through these pages, we hope you feel inspired—not only by the stories you read, but by the reminder that each of us has the opportunity to make a difference right where we are.

Thank you for being part of this community and for supporting the stories that matter most.

HIDDEN HOMETOWN HEROES

By: Rob Williamson, Bismarck Larks Team President

At its best, community is more than a place. It’s people. It’s the neighbor who shows up without being asked, the volunteer who stays a little longer, and the everyday person who quietly makes life better for others. That’s the spirit behind our SCHEELS Hidden Hometown Heroes initiative and this year’s theme: Community Champions.

When we asked fans to nominate someone who gives back, we intentionally

left that definition openended. Community looks different for everyone. For some, it’s supporting fellow parents. For others, it’s organizing a neighborhood event, volunteering for a local nonprofit, mentoring students, or simply being the person others can count on when it matters most. What unites all of these acts is a shared commitment to lifting others up. We believe that’s worth

celebrating.

In today’s fast-paced and often disconnected world, community has never been more important. We spend so much time behind screens and in our own routines that genuine human connection can feel harder to come by. But we know it’s those very connections that ground us, inspire us, and remind us that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves. Community

champions help bridge those gaps. They create moments of belonging. They remind us that small acts of kindness can ripple outward in powerful ways.

At the Larks, we believe deeply in the importance of those moments. We see their power in high-fives at the ballpark, a shared laugh with friends, or cheering alongside someone you’ve never met before. Baseball has a unique way of bringing people together. Fans leave our ballpark with a smile, a sense of belonging, and a greater appreciation for the place we call home.

This year is especially meaningful for us as we celebrate our 10th season. Over the past decade, we’ve been incredibly fortunate to be supported by a community that shows up, gives back, and believes in something bigger. This community wasn’t just supporting the Larks, they were supporting moments to be together. The individuals featured in this issue embody that spirit in the most inspiring ways, and we’re honored to help share their stories.

To our fans, partners, and neighbors… thank you. Thank you for making BismarckMandan the kind of place where community thrives. Alongside SCHEELS and Bismarck Magazine, we invite you to read these stories and feel inspired that you’ve chosen one of the greatest communities to call home. We invite you to pay it forward. Together, let’s continue to champion what makes our community so special.

Rob Williamson Bismarck Larks Team President

Who? Sage Walz

What? CHI St. Alexius Health

Why? Sage Walz embodies the spirit of community involvement with an open and willing disposition to the opportunities presented before him. Through his work at CHI St. Alexius Health and his many personal passions, Sage’s influence is felt throughout the Bismarck-Mandan community.

As a Clinical Psychiatry Nurse Manager at CHI St. Alexius, Sage has devoted his day-to-day to caring for adults and adolescents experiencing psychiatric, behavioral or social problems. His passion for his patients inspired him to lead a revitalization initiative for the adult inpatient unit. When he first took over management, the adult unit had six kids and zero adults. Now, the unit typically houses 15 inpatients, a majority of whom are adults. Sage’s push for revitalization is not over as he continues to advocate for the expansion of a 30-bed adolescent inpatient unit, which would open up additional adult beds and address the continually growing need in the community.

Being able to meet people at their most vulnerable with compassion and sincerity is what fuels Sage’s devotion to psychiatric nursing. “What I love about psychiatry is it’s a special kind of nursing where you get to go and say, I’m here for you, life is tough, and we will get through this,” he explains. Caring by creating genuine connections and having hard conversations with patience and love defines Sage’s medical career.

Outside of the hospital, Sage shares his musical talent at various local churches leading several worship services. “Leading worship is my passion,” he explains. “I’m a singer, I play guitar, and I love doing it.” He has also been invited to lead worship in churches around the country, including New Mexico, Arizona, and South Dakota.

Various other organizations through BismarckMandan enjoy the support of Sage’s enthusiasm, including the Three Crowns Swedish Association, a group devoted to preserving and sharing their Swedish heritage through outreach and events, and the Eckroth Marching Band, an informal adults marching band, in which Sage plays the bass drum.

By leading with sincerity, Sage has made a lasting impact on the Bismarck-Mandan community, giving of his time joyfully. “If you’re willing to say yes to things, give it a shot, don’t be afraid, you get to do a lot of fun things,” he says.

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Who? Janet Bassingthwaite

What? Mandan Little Learners PlayLab

Why? Passionate and driven, Janet Bassingthwaite is making a huge difference in the minds of the littlest learners among us. Her passion for early childhood education has driven her to expand the options available to children and their families, leading discussions and heading programs that have created real change in the community.

After teaching at the University of Mary in the early childhood program for ten years, Janet felt a call to return to work with children again. She was hired as the first early learning coordinator for the Mandan Public Schools and tasked with helping prepare the community’s youngest for school. “I realized the community was asking for more experiences and opportunities and an understanding of what school readiness means,” she says.

From there, Janet started SPARK (Simple Play-based Activities and Resources for Kids) at the Morton Mandan Public Library. These bi-weekly events include reading a story and 40 minutes of play time spent bringing the story to life through different learning stations and open-ended play. The response from the community was overwhelming.

At the same time, the Mandan Public Schools district noticed a significant increase in school readiness and early kindergarten scores and wanted Janet to be able to continue expanding her mission. Through conversation, Janet brought the idea of a playlab forward where she could continue sessions like SPARK, opening up the opportunity to even more families. Timing worked out with the building of Mandan’s new high school, and a building opened up. After renovations, Mandan Little Learners PlayLab opened in December of 2025.

The PlayLab is free to participate in and designed for children aged 0-5, but open to kids up to the age of 8. “The idea is for families and their littles to come in and engage together and explore, to unplug and connect with each other,” Janet explains. “We have a little bit of structure, and it’s balanced with open-ended free play, and it’s meant to build skills through play.” Modern parents are inundated with information and technology claiming to be the best way to help kids grow developmentally, and Janet is passionate about helping parents return to the basics. “I wanted to help families and caregivers understand the importance of play in skill building,” she explains. At the PlayLab, there are no toys or tools with batteries, and screens and phones are highly discouraged. “There isn’t anything in our space that you couldn’t find at the dollar store or outside,” Janet explains.

As of right now, Janet is the only staff for the PlayLab, so she is on site for all the sessions, and loves being able to help children and their parents. “It’s a joy to do what I do,” she says. “It’s amazing that the community has embraced it, and they let me do what I am doing.”

Want More? sites.google.com/msd1.org/mandanndkids/home

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9 Braces & Aligners

Who? Dana Henry

What? Brave the Shave, North Dakota United, Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network, 31:8 Project

Why? “Service has always been core to who I am. The quote I live by is, 'We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.' so that’s what I try to do daily.” These words from Dana Henry encompass the unyielding passion she has for service. From serving on multiple boards, to volunteering for different nonprofits, to advocacy and awareness, Dana gives of her time freely to serve everyone around her.

Brave the Shave, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and their families through their battle with cancer, holds a special place in Dana's heart.Dana discovered the organization three years ago when volunteering at their YMCA Big Event. “I got to see their mission in action,” she recalls. “The families with the kids were on stage sharing their stories of resilience in the battle they have traversed.” Dana serves as a board member for the organization and raises awareness at different philanthropic events and through various media channels.

Dana's heart for service doesn't stop there. She serves as the secretary and treasurer for the North Dakota United public employee local 4660 board, advocating for public workers. She also sits on the board for the BismarckMandan Young Professionals Network as an event specialist focusing on community service. Every year the Young Professionals partner with a nonprofit and organize fundraisers for their cause. This year, they raised a little over $2,500 for the North Dakota Asian American Art & Cultural Initiative.

Another cause Dana pours her tireless energy into is the 31:8 Project, a nonprofit devoted to fighting the reality of modern human trafficking. When Dana moved to North Dakota in 2020, she attended a few 31:8 Project events and was inspired to serve on their event planning committee, helping organize fundraisers like the Harvest Moon Soiree and Spare Trafficking Bowling Fundraiser.

No matter where in the world she finds herself, Dana finds time to serve others. “Every time I travel, I try to do a volunteer service project wherever it is I’m going,” she explains. From serving hot meals in New Orleans to raising awareness about human trafficking in Las Vegas during the Super Bowl, Dana’s passion extends beyond state boundaries.

Inspiring others to serve is integral to Dana’s mission. Her service initiative titled GIVE (Get Involved in Volunteer Efforts) models how anyone can serve, even in small ways. She urges everyone to consider how they can serve the people of their community: “Whether I am taking off makeup from a gala or wiping the mascara off my face from crying, I know I am doing what I can to make a difference.”

Want More? bravetheshave.net

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Who? Eneida Vilella-Loraas

What? Dakota Children’s Advocacy Center

Why? Dakota Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC) is a child-focused approach to evidence-based trauma treatment for children and families exposed to trauma like sexual and physical abuse, domestic and community violence, human trafficking, and neglect. A multidisciplinary team works together to minimize trauma to the child and help them heal through mental health services.

Eneida Vilella-Loraas is the Director of Mental Health Services at DCAC and a bilingual therapist. Her day-to-day is composed of most people’s worst days, helping bring kids and their families hope, light and healing. As director, she oversees the mental health staff, but also serves her own clients, specifically Spanish speaking children and Native American children. Originally from Puerto Rico, when she moved to Bismarck at the age of seven, she was the only Spanish speaking student. “As I’ve become an adult and found psychology and trauma therapy as my niche, I wanted to be that light of hope for those kiddos that don’t speak English as their native language,” she explains. She has also culturally adapted evidence-based behavioral therapy for Native American children such as Honoring Children, Mending the Circle, an adaptation of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Advocacy for Spanish-speaking children is a deep passion for Eneida. Most treatment resources created for children and their families are written in English, with translations into Spanish as an afterthought, creating additional barriers to treatment. “I’ve spent a lot of time advocating for that,” she explains. “I spoke nationally a couple years ago on that language justice piece, specifically to leaders in the child advocacy world. Bilingual therapists are burnt out. Translating is an extra step that they have to do in their day to day… It takes a toll, so it’s something that I’ve made it my mission to talk about.”

Outreach to marginalized groups is also important to Eneida. She runs a Spanish speaking therapy group at Mandan High School and Mandan Middle School, and those groups are at their limit. “Kiddos are being seen, and they’re being heard, and their face lights up when they see someone that looks like them and speaks their language,” describes Eneida.

Eneida also fights to bring telehealth services to the region, to help overcome distance and transportation barriers. She was a key figure in launching North Dakota’s Telehealth Outreach Program for Traumatized Youth in 2019, and she continues to advocate for telehealth on a national level, speaking at conferences and helping train new professionals. Telehealth provides the same service kids would receive in-person, with the same effectiveness, making it a vital tool for rural communities like North Dakota.

Eneida is a tireless champion for the children of our community, making a difference in countless lives when it matters the most. “It’s hard work,” she says. “Seven years in, and you think back a lot, but this is definitely where my heart lies. I’m in it for the kids. Work is work, and it’s hard sometimes, but sitting down with a kiddo and seeing really great change in them and watching them get their light back, that is good enough for me.”

Want More? www.dakotacac.org

Who? Ashley Wolf

What? Tracy’s Sanctuary House, 31:8 Project, Heaven’s Helpers, HIPP Kid’s Therapy

Why? Ashley Wolf has a heart for service that manifests itself in countless volunteer hours spent at organizations vital to the Bismarck-Mandan community. She works quietly behind the scenes to humbly serve and create a better future for everyone.

Since 2015, Ashley has been a dedicated supporter of Tracy’s Sanctuary House, a non-profit that offers a comfortable, safe, and affordable place for families to stay while a loved one undergoes a medical crisis. Inspired by their mission, Ashley helps secure sponsorships and attends fundraiser events, ensuring affected families have one less thing to worry about.

Another non-profit Ashley pours herself into is 31:8 Project, an organization that responds to human trafficking through education, awareness, and survivor support. “You don’t realize how close to home it is,” Ashley says. She works to raise awareness for the group, secures sponsorships, and faithfully participates in fundraisers, helping protect some of the most vulnerable in our society.

Ashley also supports Heaven’s Helpers, devoting her time to the 701 Closet, Soup Cafe, and Repurpose Store. “Their mission is so true to what we need here,” she explains. She organizes clothing drives, donates her own personal items, and volunteers her time sorting and organizing donated goods.

One of the organizations more personal to Ashley is HIPP Kid Therapy. When her daughter started occupational and speech therapy, she discovered hippotherapy as another option. Having grown up around her grandfather’s horses, she immediately understood the power horse lead therapy could have. She not only enrolled her daughter, but also began volunteering for them, helping other families encounter life changing treatment. She also volunteers her time every year at the Remarkable Kids Rodeo, an event intended to help children with disabilities access rodeo events up close and personal. Now open to all kids, the event is the morning of family night at Mandan Rodeo Days where Ashely continues to help kids ride and connect with horses.

Part of what fuels Ashley’s drive is passing along a love of service to her daughter. “I involve my daughter in a lot of it, and it’s good to know I’m passing that on,” she says. Her example is already inspiring action in her daughter who donated the proceeds of her lemonade stand to the Heaven’s Helpers Soup Cafe, a beautiful testament to how small acts of kindness can inspire generational generosity.

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Who? Denise Fettig Loftesnes

What? Dream Center - Bismarck, Bismarck Memory Cafe, and Alzheimer’s Association

Why? Denise Fettig Loftesnes serves the community of Bismarck-Mandan with a humble disposition and genuine passion for service. By responding with compassion to the needs of those around her, Denise has made our community a kinder place for the vulnerable and marginalized.

Denise pours herself firstly into her work at the Dream Center of Bismarck, where she serves as the Development Director. A hands-on leader, Denise advances the Center’s mission, connects to other organizations and resources, as well as serves the people who come through every day for a hot meal. One in three children and one in five adults suffer from food insecurity in our community, and the Dream Center meets these individuals’ needs with hot meals, free groceries, and connection to additional resources. Denise advocates tirelessly to raise awareness for the Dream Center as a resource for those in-need in our community.

Her work at the Dream Center goes beyond providing nutritional nourishment. Leading by example, every person who comes for a meal is greeted with a smile and conversation. “I’ve had our guests tell us, I feel like I’m human when I come in here,” she says. A real meal provides dignity, giving people hope that they can break free of their cycle of poverty. “Everyone is needed in this world,” she emphasizes.

Another cause Denise devotes herself to is supporting individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia as well as their caregivers. Fighting degenerative mental illness is deeply personal to Denise who moved back to North Dakota to take care of her parents when they were diagnosed with dementia. Even after her parents passed away from the disease, Densie couldn’t stop advocating. She started Bismarck Memory Cafe in February of 2022 as a resource support group for both individuals and families navigating the challenges of memory loss. The group meets once a month, and Denise hopes it helps caregivers not just survive, but thrive. “It’s hard work and it never stops, so I wanted to give them resources to stay strong,” she explains.

Advocacy doesn’t end there for Denise, however. She volunteers as a community educator with the Alzheimer’s Association, advocates in D.C. with the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, and is now serving on the Bismarck Human Relations committee for the City of Bismarck. In her free time, she also volunteers at Furry Friends Rockin’ Rescue. “My favorite part is getting the opportunity to tell people how special they are,” she says. “We need you, every single person.”

Want More? www.dreamcenterbismarck.org, www. bismarckmemorycafe.com, and www.alz.org/mnnd

Immerse yourself in the story of the creation of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library set in the Badlands of North Dakota.

Boundless.

An exhibit showcasing photography and narrative by Chad Ziemendorf, the official photographer who has captured the story from the beginning.

Exhibit opens July 2026 at The Capital Gallery, Bismarck,ND.

Who? Duey Johnson

What? Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation

Why? Duey Johnson has devoted his life to turning the hardest parts of his life into opportunities for good. After his wife Donna was diagnosed with cancer 18 years ago, the softball team Duey was on banded together to raise money for her treatment through a charity tournament called the Rug Rat Benefit Softball Tournament. After discussing it, Duey and Donna decided they could do without the money raised and donated it to the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation (BCCF). A couple years later, Duey took over the Rug Rat Benefit, running it for 12 years and raising around $80,000-$90,000 for the Bismarck Cancer Center (BCC). As the tournament came to an end, Duey brainstormed other ways to continue raising money for the BCC. He started a new event, the Rug Rat Chili CookOff, raising $60,000-$70,000 in the five years since it started.

In 2013, Duey was approached about joining the advisory board for the BCCF. While initially opposed to the idea, he agreed to sit in on a meeting. “I fell in love with the foundation at the first meeting,” he says, and shortly after, he was appointed to be on the board. He has served on the board since then, currently as their vice-president. “The beauty of our foundation is that 97 cents of every dollar that we raise goes directly to patient care,” he shares.

Duey understands the financial toll of cancer treatments all too well, walking with both his wife Donna and his son Michael through their cancer treatments. “I never thought I would ever volunteer as much as I did,” he shares. “I always say, if there’s anything that becomes a job, I’m going to quit it. This is not a job. It’s a passion. I know firsthand what these patients and their caregivers are going through.” Duey pours countless hours into the BCC helping out at their events and fundraisers year round, from Spook Out Cancer to Apple Jam, to the BCCF Golf Tournament, as a friendly face, an impassioned advocate, and a generous spirit.

Despite the suffering Duey has experienced in his life, he remains positive about its meaning. “I know that God, every day, whatever we do, he’s got a reason behind it,” he says. Being able to share this conviction and lighten people’s loads fuels Duey’s passion. “The beauty of serving is in the joy of the people,” he says. “That’s where the reward is.”

Want More? www.bismarckcancercenter.com/foundation-andgiving

Scan to vote for your favorite Hidden Hometown Hero™

Who? Michelle Erickson

What? Abused Adult Resource Center and North Dakota Association of Nonprofits

Why? For over 20 years, Michelle Erickson has devoted her time and energy to caring for the safety, stability, and well-being of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Through different roles at the Abused Adult Resource Center (AARC), Michelle has made a positive impact in the lives of thousands of survivors, treating them with compassion and dignity, and helping them rebuild their lives. Now the Executive Director for the past seven years, Michelle’s leadership has only furthered the impact of this vital organization.

After graduating with a criminal justice degree, Michelle started volunteering at the AARC before being hired as an advocate, helping survivors find safe and affordable housing. She became involved with the Homeless Coalition, advocating for systemic and sustainable solutions. “I’ve always been passionate about the housing piece,” she says. “Everyone deserves a place to go home.”

Housing is directly tied to sexual assault prevention as the homeless are consistently exposed to risk without a safe place to sleep.

Now in her role as Executive Director, Michelle continues advocating for homelessness, while also supporting her team who deal with trauma every day.

“I love my staff,” she says. “I have some really great staff who are so invested in their jobs. I couldn’t do my job without them. We’re all just trying to do the best we can for people and trying to keep them safe.” The staff at the AARC provide crisis intervention, safety planning, emergency shelter, helping attain permanent housing, court assistance, and whatever else the victim may need for emotional support and beyond. Their thrift store, Seeds of Hope, helps support their mission. All proceeds go back into their organization, and the store provides a resource where clients can be fitted with clothing, furnishings, and even work to gain retail experience as they adjust to working with the public again.

To further assist those in need, even beyond the AARC, Michelle sits on the board of the North Dakota Association of Nonprofit Organizations, which helps bring nonprofit leaders together, provide educational opportunities, and open collaboration between groups to create stronger community resources.

Humble about her own role, Michelle emphasizes the strength of the people she works with every day. “The people I’ve sat with have so much strength and courage and bravery,” she says. “When they’re able to get out and realize their own self-worth and their own strength, it’s an inspiration to everybody… We hear people say you saved our lives all the time, and I always say, you saved your own. We just gave you the tools.”

Want More? www.abusedadultresourcecenter.com and www.ndano.org

Who? Steven Featherston

What? We Honor Veterans Program and Last Minute Training

Why? Steven Featherston served six years in the US Air Force as a fire protection specialist from 2005 to 2011, ending his service with the rank of staff sergeant. However, his service didn’t end when he took off his uniform. Instead, he continues to serve his local community by drawing on his unique experiences and talents.

Through Sanford Health’s hospice program and partnership with the We Honor Veterans Program and Missouri River Quilts of Valor, Steven honors his fellow veterans by assisting with veteran pinning ceremonies. “I just stumbled into it because I was looking to help out with the hospital, and they said, ‘we have this veteran program, you’re a vet, would you like to try it?’ Steven recalls. “And I was like, sure, why not… It’s just a good opportunity to give back to them.” Steven’s involvement ensures veterans at the end of their life receive the special recognition and gratitude they deserve for their service to our country.

To Steven, volunteering is not an option, but rather the right way to be a community member. “I’m closely tied to the local community, so I can see spots where I can help out,” he explains. During COVID, when he was working at St. Alexius hospital, he saw the stress and pressure hospitals were under first-hand. To address this need, Steve helped automate St. Alexius’ in-hospital CPR training, then started an independent American Heart Association CPR and First Aid training site called Last Minute Training in 2022. These classes help certify pre-hospital users, like firefighters, rural residents, and preschool staff. Steven has taken the model used at his company and helped others start other training facilities as well to meet the constant demand. To date, his company has trained over 3,000 students.

Steve’s impressive efforts to serve his community are neverending, but he feels deeply that it’s just him doing a small part. “We call it service, but honestly, it’s just being active in the community,” he says. “I don’t consider it anything special… I like seeing the ripple effects of altruism because the beauty of that is you get to see that everything is connected.”

Want More? home.lastminutetraining.net and www.wehonorveterans.org

Scan to vote for your favorite Hidden Hometown Hero™

Who? Amy Hollar

What? University of Mary, 31:8 Project, Soul 57, Junior Achievement, Legacy Boosters, Corpus Christi

Why? Amy Hollar leads through service, a shining example of how giving of yourself leads to greater community change. With a legacy of lifting others up, Amy has impacted countless lives through her work at the University of Mary, 31:8 Project, Soul 57, and many more organizations.

In the classroom, Amy has an uncanny ability to see the potential in her students before they see it in themselves. “I always tell them I believe in them before they believe in themselves,” she says. By getting to know her students on a personal level, she can inspire real confidence in them and their abilities. Through her role as internship coordinator, she connects students to real world opportunities, helping shape their future and make a difference. “It’s meant a lot to me to have the opportunity to work with students and help them find their potential and make a positive difference in the community,” she shares.

Outside of work, Amy selflessly gives of her time to several organizations. She currently serves as the secretary for the Legacy High School Girl’s Basketball Booser Club. She also sacrifices her time to assist with Junior Achievement, a nonprofit that helps educate K-12 students in finances, the work force, and entrepreneurship. She is also trained as a level one guide in the Catachesis of the Good Shepherd Method, helping form little souls in the faith at Corpus Christi.

Amy has also been foundational to the establishment and growth of two vital nonprofits in the Bismarck-Mandan community, 31:8 Project and Soul 57. Amy first heard about the 31:8 Project from a fellow professor at the University of Mary. After inviting Stacy Schaffer, founder of 31:8 Project, to speak in her classroom, Amy immediately felt the call to support the mission. She applied to be a board member shortly after and has been serving on the board since, supporting the nonprofit’s mission, helping spread awareness, and creating ways for the nonprofit to grow. “I’ll never not have a role in 31:8,” she says. “It becomes a part of who you are.”

Amy’s involvement in Soul 57, a nonprofit devoted to helping children navigate grief, came from a personal relationship with the organization’s founder, Jenny Maattala. Jenny’s sister Casey was one of Amy’s best friends who she met in college. Once Casey passed from cancer, Amy reconnected with Jenny. Their friendship led to many coffees, where Jenny shared her vision for a nonprofit that offers free grief support to children. Amy immediately offered her help and advice and currently sits on the board of directors as the communication chair.

Through it all, Amy keeps her focus on others, allowing herself to be challenged, and humbly serving where she feels called. “My favorite part of serving is getting to meet people I would never get to meet,” she says. “It just opens your eyes to a world that’s much bigger than what we see and experience every day.”

Want More? www.soul57.org, www.318project.org and www.umary.edu

THERE'S ALWAYS MORE TO DO IN

Summers in Medora are magic. The historic town sits in the foothills of Theodore Roosevelt National Park where a unique adventure awaits every visitor to the rugged Badlands. From putt-putt golf to trail rides to the Medora Musical, Medora offers something for everyone in the family.

Medora’s food and lodging options are legendary, from fine dining at Theodore’s Dining Room to Pitchfork Steak Fondue on Tjaden Terrace overlooking the Badlands to more casual eateries like Badlands Pizza & Saloon right downtown. If you are looking for a quintessential hotel experience, Hotel 1883 opens this summer with modern amenities and scenic views. At the Medora Campground, new mini cabins are opening at the Little Missouri’s edge. For a truly western camping experience, you can stay in a conestoga wagon out on the prairie, just like the early pioneers (except with air conditioning). The Ferris Inn offers a chance at a historic stay in the very same rooms Teddy Roosevelt spent many of his

With so many options available to families for entertainment, lodging, and food, Medora stands out as a truly affordable family vacation. “We’re always focused on keeping Medora an affordable destination for families,” emphasizes Brock White, Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation marketing director. With prices intentionally kept low, several experiences encompassed within different value bundles, and discount pricing for kids, seniors, and military veterans, you can experience a summer weekend full of Western themed fun for the whole family without breaking the bank.

The generations of families that come back to Medora every summer speaks to the enchantment of the area. “It’s the 61st year of the Medora Musical, and people have been coming their whole life,” describes Brock. “They came as kids, they’ve brought their kids, and now they bring their grandkids.”

The Medora Musical is a one-of-a-kind show celebrating faith, family, freedom, and the great American West set on one of the most unique stages in the world, the Burning Hills Amphitheater, open to the breathtaking bluffs of the Badlands. Dancing, singing, comedy, history, and patriotism come together in a splendid display of entertainment starting June 3rd and running almost every day until September 12th.

The theme for this year’s Medora Musical is America250, joining the nation in celebrating its proud history. New this year are summer showcase nights, seven special nights occurring throughout the season turning the Musical into an all day event with themed nights, daytime pop-up events and activities, free music downtown, and more. It’s a whole new way to experience the Medora Musical.

One of the most patriotic places in the country, Medora is the location to celebrate America250. The historic town is celebrating America250 all summer long, with a special celebration July 2nd-5th, culminating in the grand opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library on July 4th. In addition to the opening of the Presidential Library, visitors can expect free live entertainment daily downtown by Rough Riders Hotel, and a festive experience at Chimney Park with food trucks, a kids zone, vendors, beer gardens, and another live stage with free entertainment daily. Look for more

information about these events and ticket bundles with exclusive perks coming soon at Medora.com/America250.

The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library (TRPL) will be only the 17th presidential library when it opens, and the only one located at the base of a national park, a momentous occasion both in North Dakota’s history and America’s. The Library will be a living museum celebrating all things Theodore Roosevelt with immersive experiences, curated artifacts, interactive elements, and educational lectures. A grand

ribbon cutting ceremony is planned for July 4th. Visitors can purchase tickets online now at www.trlibrary.com.

Whether it is your first visit or your 50th, There’s Always More to Medora. The stillness and natural beauty of the landscape offers a refuge from the bustle of daily life. It’s a place to slow down, be together with friends and family, and discover new experiences.

For more information please visit medora.com.

YOUR B est HEALTH STARTS

WITH A WELLNESS VISIT

Life is busy. For all the things that matter most, take the time to check on you.

Annual wellness visits monitor and support your long-term health. They also serve as the foundation for building a relationship with a primary care provider.

“These visits allow us to discuss your health without your visit being overshadowed by pain, injury or illness,” said Christina Krieger, MD, a family medicine provider at Sanford Southridge Clinic.

By getting to know you and your health needs, a provider can then offer highly personalized care and guidance to help you reach your best overall wellness.

“Wellness visits help you stay proactive rather than reactive when it comes to your health,” said Dr. Krieger.

During a wellness visit, a provider reviews your medical and family history, assesses your physical health, screens for behavioral health concerns, addresses any questions you have and helps you stay up to date on preventive care. They can also refer you to other specialists as needed.

“Preventive care identifies and addresses potential health concerns early, when they’re often easier to manage or treat,” Dr. Krieger said. “It’s much more effective, and often less stressful, than trying to catch up after a condition has progressed or led to complications.”

WHEN IT COMES TO your HEALTH, NO

QUESTION IS TOO SMALL

PREVENTIVE CARE CHECKLIST

Your provider will recommend different types of preventive care and a screening schedule based on your individual risk factors, such as your age and health history.

PREVENTIVE CARE

YOU MAY NEED:

IN YOUR 20s AND 30s

 Cervical cancer screenings

 Cholesterol screenings

 Vaccinations

Anything that feels new or different is worth talking about during your wellness visit. You know your body better than anyone, which means you know when something doesn’t feel right. And no question about your health is too small or too sensitive to address.

TO PREPARE FOR YOUR VISIT, WRITE DOWN ANY QUESTIONS YOU HAVE SO YOU REMEMBER TO DISCUSS THEM, SUCH AS:

Why are my feet tingling?

Why can’t I fall asleep?

What can I do for weight loss? What are these rashes from?

You should also bring a list of all prescribed and over-the-counter medications or supplements you take and how much you take of each. If you’re seeing a provider at Sanford Health for the first time, bring a copy of your medical records.

IN YOUR 40s AND 50s

 Blood pressure checks

 Cervical cancer screenings

 Cholesterol screenings

 Colorectal cancer screenings

 Heart and vascular screenings

 Lung cancer screenings

 Mammograms

 Prostate cancer screenings

 Vaccinations

Annual wellness visits are covered by most insurance plans.

Scan to schedule a wellness visit