These Are Your Neighbors

Amanda Peterson serves as the Director of Educational Improvement and Support at the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI), where she leads and supports a wide range of statewide initiatives. With expertise in strategic planning, data analysis, resource allocation, and individualized instruction, Amanda helps districts navigate the evolving needs of diverse learners.She serves as the Federal Liaison, oversees the state’s accountability process, and directs improvement efforts for underperforming schools. Amanda also manages several federal programs, including Title I, Title IV, and Homeless Education, and partners with agencies statewide to promote continuous and system-wide improvement. Prior to joining the NDDPI team, Amanda completed her master’s degree in school administration at the University of Mary and has served as an English teacher, instructional coach, and dean of students. She is also serving as a school board member for Bismarck Public Schools.

Mike Chaussee. Mike’s top values are Freedom, Thoughtful Action, and Play. Not necessarily in that order. He tries to work those values into everything he does, including at his current job, which is  as Executive Director for a non-profit called North Dakota Assistive. He’s been there about six years and loves the fact he gets to help people across the state discover freedom and play by finding solutions to some of the challenges they face. He helped define the organization’s current vision, to “Put Assistive Technology in Reach of Every North Dakotan.”He believes everyone needs to know about assistive technology’s benefits because even if they don’t need or want it now, if they’re lucky enough to live a long life, they will at some point benefit from assistive devices.His present and future were shaped by a North Dakota upbringing, a master’s level education,stints in broadcast journalism and higher education professorhood, and a family he can’t bemore proud of.He likes to ask and answer questions. That likely comes from being a journalist and teacher.

Kalen Ost is a seasoned communicator with a passion for crafting compelling narratives that drive engagement, build trust, and support organizational goals. With a strong foundation in content development and stakeholder engagement while delving more into strategic communications, Kalen brings a thoughtful and creative approach to projects. Throughout a career spanning journalism, marketing and now government communications sectors, he helps teams translate complex ideas into accessible communications. Known for his collaborative spirit and attention to detail, Kalen excels at aligning messaging with mission—whether through internal communications, public relations, or digital content strategy. In his current role, Kalen partners closely with leadership and cross-functional teams to develop communication plans that support significant initiatives, enhance employee experience, and strengthen organizational identity. His work often includes writing executive messaging, managing multi-channel campaigns, and advising on tone, voice, and brand consistency.A graduate of MPCG, Kalen received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Writing from Dickinson State University, before working for The Dickinson Press, the Jamestown Sun, the Anne Carlsen Center, Dakota Staffing, the Farm and Ranch Guide, Bis-Man Transit, and the City of Bismarck in a variety of capacities. Outside of work, Kalen enjoys getting lost in the storytelling of others, whether that be in a movie, video game, Reddit rabbit hole, or book.

Heather was raised in Youngstown, Ohio. She moved to the northwest corner of the state to earn her B.A. in Latin and Classical Art History at Bowling Green State University.During that time she was a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve.Heather moved to Dayton, Ohio, where she would live for 20 years. Heather was hired at Technicolor Cinema Services in their Wilmington, Ohio production facility. After 5 years with Technicolor, she was hired at University of Dayton in their Department of Teacher Education.During Heather’s time at UD, she volunteered for the Marianist Environmental Education Center and coordinated their annual art and education show. Her world religions coursework led to attending a Buddhist women’s conference in Mongolia, her first trip to Asia. She hiredand managed the graduate assistants for her department, and volunteered for eventshosting international students.Heather joined the Peace Corps and went  to China in June of 2013.  Heather was a Peace Corps volunteer teaching oral English to future English teachers. She learned that teaching and training adults is her jam. She served on internal PeaceCorps committees for peer professional support for teaching and edited the PC China gender equality and women’s empowerment monthly newsletter. She led ‘Teaching inEnglish’ training for her university’s faculty and local middle and high school teachers.During her winter breaks, she stayed at Dhamma Moli, a Buddhist nunnery in Yangon,Myanmar, run by the Buddhist sisters she had met in Ohio, teaching English to nunswho were working on their PhDs. During service she earned Peace Corps’ TEFL(Teaching English as a Foreign Language) Certificate, and at the end of her service in2016, she accepted a 3-month position as a TEFL Technical Trainer for the new cohortof PC China volunteers. After leaving China,  She was hired by Fort Yates Public Middle School to be their English Language (EL) Coach and moved to Bismarck in November 2016. Heather returned to China as a TEFL trainer for 2 more summers, and in 2019, decidedto focus on adult education. She was hired at the North Dakota State Penitentiary toteach English Learners and GED classes. She was hired part time by the Bismarck Adult Learning Center (ALC) inJanuary of 2022 as an EL and GED teacher. In August, thanks in part to the wave ofUkrainian refugees, she was hired full time, teaching 3 English classes per day. While working at the ALC Heather became involved in Dakota TESOL, Teachers of English toSpeakers of Other Languages. She served as co-president of the organization in 2024and currently serves on their Executive Board as the Adult Education area interestRepresentative.In August of 2024, Heather moved into her current role as Community IntegrationFacilitator for the City of Bismarck. This was a newly created position, housed in PublicHealth and funded by a grant from the state Office of Refugee Services. Heather is passionate about helping all area newcomers, but especially English learners, and believes that all types of success are related to some form of education.Heather tries to approach every type of work with humility, humor, and her whole self,whether leading weary administrative staff in laughing exercises to lighten the mood orteaching The Hokey Pokey to Buddhist nuns as a way of practicing English (andallowing them to dance

Born and raised in Bismarck, Tom Gerhardt brings a lifelong passion for storytelling, community, and public service to his role as Executive Director of Dakota Media Access. He graduated from the University of North Dakota with a degree in television broadcasting and kicked off his career in sports at KMOT-TV in Minot. From there, he moved to KXMB-TV in Bismarck, where he spent the next two decades as a reporter, anchor, and eventually news director.Tom covered some of the region’s most memorable stories—everything from the 2011 Missouri River flood and the Craig Cobb saga to the Bakken boom, DAPL protests, wildfires, federal court coverage, and even Will Ferrell’s legendary Anchorman spoof at KXMB.In 2016, he stepped away from the anchor desk to join North Dakota United, advocating for teachers and public employees across the state. While there, he launched three education-focused podcasts, including The Cutting Ed(celebrating innovative teachers), Education Mindset (a real-time look at how educators adapted during COVID), and a deeper dive into teacher recruitment and retention.Tom later joined ND Assistive, where he led statewide marketing and communications efforts to help people access life-changing assistive technology.Today, at DMA, Tom is helping usher in a new era of community media—supporting local creators, elevating underrepresented voices, and strengthening civic engagement across Bismarck and Mandan. He’s also a proud Rotarian involved in the Youth Exchange Program and a board member for the North Dakota News Cooperative.When he’s not at DMA, you might find Tom out for a run (he’s completed 11 half-marathons and one full), hiking with his rescue dog, sipping coffee or bourbon, cheering on the WNBA with his wife Brenna, or spending time with their five kids.

Sarah Kolberg grew up in McKenzie, North Dakota. She is a news anchor and lifestyle host on KFYR-TV. She anchors Country Morning Today, co-hosts ND Today, and anchors First News at Noon. She loves sharing stories that highlight the people, places, and moments that make North Dakota home. This new adventure in news has been so much fun — and she doesn't even mind the early mornings!Outside of broadcasting, she’s been a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant for 20 years.She is passionate about skincare and helping women feel confident and connected — and playing with skincare and makeup never gets old!She is a wife, mom to two boys, and dog mom to Daisy and Ducky. When she’s not working, you can usually find her biking, running, or spending time outdoors with her dogs, family, and friends. She also love all things vintage and thrifting — or as she likes to call it, “treasure hunting.”

Our guest today is Kate Herzog. Kate grew up in Mandan, ND and graduated high school there.  She then graduated from the University of North Dakota with honors, earning a BA in Communications while working at the Grand Forks Herald and living in Downtown Grand Forks.  She moved back to the Bismarck area and worked for the Bismarck Tribune before volunteering and then working for the Downtown Business Association starting in 2010.  From there she became the Chief Operating Officer, as well as the Founder and President of the Downtown Bismarck Community Foundation 501c3 development arm, and President and Founder of the North Dakota Downtown Coalition.  She currently sits on numerous public and private committees and boards throughout the Bismarck and North Dakota region. She coaches high school girls golf and teaches junior golf lessons through her work on the DJGA board.Her passion is creating and supporting great communities.  Over her time working in Downtown Development, Bismarck has seen a turnaround in Downtown property values (up 150M), jobs, businesses, walkability, livability and housing. In her spare time, she  loves to golf, coach, drink too much coffee and spend time with her family and friends. She is revitalizing her small 1930s cottage home and enjoys bringing it to life.  

Sandy is an innovative leader and communication strategist who is passionate about building engaging culture to get results. She currently serves as Deputy Secretary of the Office of the Secretary of State and has held leadership roles in multiple state agencies. She has been involved with Designer Genes of North Dakota, a Down syndrome support network, for the over 20 years helping individuals with Down Syndrome to earn, learn, and belong in our community.  She currently serves as their board president.During her free-time, Sandy is back-up barista for her husband Matt. Together they own The Gifted Bean Coffee House, in the Bismarck Veteran’s Memorial Public Library. The Gifted Bean seeks to hire and inspire individuals with unique talents and abilities, like their son and future owner, Cristian, who has Down syndrome.

Cassie Steiger is the owner of Curated Travel Co., a travel agency she launched in 2014 to offer a more personalized, concierge-style approach to travel planning. What began with destination weddings and honeymoons has grown into custom European getaways, African adventures, cruises, and warm-weather escapes—always with the same high-touch service at its core.Born and raised in North Dakota, Cassie values the small-town pace of life but has always felt the pull to explore the world—and help others do the same. In 2021, she was named North Dakota Women’s Entrepreneur of the Year for her innovative response to the pandemic, launching a training program to empower other travel advisors. Today, she continues mentoring advisors while planning unforgettable trips for her clients.Now entering a new season of motherhood with one daughter off to college, Cassie is embracing the change with gratitude, intention, and a few more stamps in her passport. When she’s not working or traveling with her partner Brad, she’s cheering on her youngest daughter Avery in sports, catching up over coffee, visiting her granddaughter or practicing yoga—next stop: Mexico!

Jason Grueneich is fighting for HIV advocacy and recovery support in North Dakota. Drawing on his experience as an HIV-positive man who has experienced homelessness and addiction, he has helped launch and lead transformative initiatives: North Dakota’s HIV Peer Navigation Program, Bismarck’s first LGBTQ+ recovery group and the state’s first nonprofit dedicated to people living with HIV—Shine Bright & Live.Jason leads with vulnerability, wisdom and a strong belief in people’s capacity to heal. He is known for his magnetic presence, charismatic communication and ability to bring people together, even in tense situations. He chairs the North Dakota HIV Advisory Board, has shaped public policy around LGBTQ+ inclusion and HIV awareness and built coalitions that include doctors, police departments, libraries and faith leaders. He knows what it’s like to feel hopeless—and what it takes to walk through fire and emerge as a force for others.With his Bush Fellowship grant, Jason will focus on personal healing as a foundation for his growth as a leader, deepen his nonprofit leadership skills and develop a long-term vision for destigmatizing HIV in rural America.

Tim grew up in the Bismarck/Mandan community and returned to the area about 15 years ago.He has lived in four other states and has a very wide resume in terms of vocations which helpedprepare him to be able to relate with virtually any group of people. He serves as Pastor at 3:16Church in Mandan, ND; which he helped plant in 2017. He also serves the first respondercommunity through Crisis Care Chaplaincy. He holds positions on two non-profit boards andfinds time to get to the golf course occasionally too. He is married to his wife, Cindi, and theyhave a Doberman named Jake, whose Sleep Number is 53. He also has an adult daughter wholives in Fargo. Tim believes in getting involved in our community and serving others.

Sherrice Roness is the Students in Transition Coordinator or Homeless Liaison forBismarck Public Schools.  She has been in this position for 9 years.  She has been aLBSW (Licensed Social worker) in ND for 25 years. All 25 years of her career havebeen dedicated to working with at risk youth and their families. She has worked inmultiple positions including a School Social Worker on the Standing Rock Reservation, Coordinator of the South Central Juvenile Drug Court, In- Home Case Worker forBurleigh County Social Services, and a Guardian ad Litem for youth.

Katie Cashman Fitzsimmons is exactly one half of The Cashman Auctionisters, the auctioneering sisters. Her partner in crime is her Bozeman-based sister Missy. Since 2016, Katie and Missy have auctioned at over 250 events for charities, non-profits, organizations, and individuals. Those auctions have brought in over $18,000,000, allowing those groups to further the good work they each do for their communities. Katie resides in Bismarck, North Dakota where she serves in her day job as the Director for Student Affairs for the North Dakota University System. In this role, she works with the 11 state colleges and universities (who enroll roughly 45,000 students) to advance all the initiatives that take place outside of the classroom. That includes substance misuse prevention, sexual assault prevention and intervention, student mental health, initiatives that support belonging and community, student health insurance, student access to voting, and many other things that pop up along the way. This would also involve briefing the State Board of Higher Education and developing policy that they approve which are in effect for the campuses. In addition to that, Katie serves on the legislative team for the System Office which consumes an inordinate amount of time every other year.Auctions and higher ed aside, her real full-time gig is wife to her firefighting husband Owen and mom to their three young kids, Maggie (9), Connor (8), and Tommy (5). Katie has summited Mt. Kilimanjaro, used to enjoy running half marathons (ha! As if my joints would tolerate such abuse now), and holds the title of “First to all Fifty States” amongst her five siblings (but is tied with her sister Missy on the continent count). Katie loves playing cards, hiking, long walks paired with a podcast, baking, and spending time with her family. She is terrible at going to bed but really good at sleeping; she’s also terrible about planning meals but really good at eating; and she loves talking a bit game with Christmas lights but chickens out when it gets too cold and slippery.

For nearly 12 years, Amanda has served as the Sales & Marketing Manager at the Bismarck Event Center, where she gets to do what she loves most: connect with people, support our community, work in the entertainment business and help bring unforgettable events to life. Before this role, she got her start at Agency MABU as a college intern, then joined the team full-time. From there, she took on a management role at AAA Travel and Insurance and later worked with Rasmussen College as a Professional Development Coordinator — each experience helping her to learn how to lead, collaborate, and grow.Amanda earned her bachelor’s degrees in Business Communications and Business Administration from the University of Mary, and went on to complete her Master’s in Management and Organizational Behavior from Benedictine University in Chicago. Along the way, she also became a proud graduate of the Bismarck-Mandan Leadership Academy and was honored to be named the Bismarck-Mandan Business & Professional Women’s Foundation “Woman of the Year” in 2016. Amanda was also the Sakakawea Award winner for the Young Professionals Network and most recently was recognized by the Dakotas-Manitoba Minnesota Optimist District in 2018 as the Optimist of the Year and then the Bismarck Optimist Club 2022 Outstanding Optimist of the Year.Outside of work, she loves giving back. Amanda has served on many different boards and volunteered in different capacities in the community, but some of her most favorite include coaching Basketball, Volleyball and Soccer for Bismarck Special Olympics, volunteering her time with the Bismarck Optimist Club on many different projects including the annual Easter Egg Hunt and Bowling Tournament and her previous involvement with the Young Professionals Network. In her free time, she enjoys camping, traveling and spending time with her husband, two kids and mini-labradoodle.

Megan Dooley is an occupational therapist and the founder of Innovative Therapy Solutions & Consulting, a mobile outpatient clinic that brings therapy and support directly to people across North Dakota—especially in rural and underserved areas. She specializes in working with individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, dementia, brain injuries, and other neurological conditions, helping them stay safe, independent, and connected to their communities.Megan is a proud member of the Bismarck Parkinson’s Support Group Board and collaborates with the Alzheimer’s Association and North Dakota Brain Injury Network to offer education, support, and hands-on therapy to individuals and their care partners. Her passion lies in walking alongside families through life’s hardest transitions—offering both expertise and encouragement when it’s needed most.Whether she’s adapting a home to support aging in place, leading wellness groups, or mentoring other healthcare providers, Megan is rooted in the belief that strong communities start with neighbors looking out for each other.When she’s not working, Megan enjoys coaching and playing volleyball, boating, camping, and spending time with her family. She’s proud to call Bismarck/Mandan home and to be part of the network of helpers that keep this region strong.

Janel Schmitz has called Bismarck home since she was six years old. She is married to Mayor Mike Schmitz, and they celebrated their 40 th anniversary in July 2024. Together they have two sons, Jason and David who is married to Kate and they have two children, Hazel and Harrison.Janel’s career has followed many paths. Graduating with a degree in dietetics in 1984, she washired by MedCenter One as a clinical dietitian. She accepted many opportunities at the hospitalin program development and eventually left dietetics to start a variety of programs including theDakota Children’s Advocacy Center, the first comprehensive program in the state to assessabused children.After 15 years at MedCenter One, she joined the nonprofit management world, working indifferent positions with Charles Hall Youth Services, Girl Scouts, the American Lung Associationand the American Red Cross. While at the American Lung Association, she played a significantrole in passing smoke free workplace legislation in North Dakota. During the 2011 floods, shemanaged national and international communications for the Red Cross. During this time sheachieved a master’s in business administration from the University of Mary.Working in the nonprofit sector concluded in 2011 when she accepted the Communications & Marketing Manager position at Bank of North Dakota where she is working today.She enjoys walking, working with her church, reading, wine tasting and hosting dinner parties.Mike and Janel love their new role as grandparents and are frequent visitors to their grands andchildren who all live in Minnesota.https://www.makeyourmarkbisman.com/

Cory Thrall grew up in Bismarck before moving to McPherson, Kansas to pursue an undergraduate degree in Pastoral Ministry.  After graduating from Central Christian College, Cory and his wife moved to Olathe, KS, where he attended Nazarene Theological Seminary.  While living in Olathe, he was the resident manager of the Salvation Army Family Shelter, a homeless shelter that kept families together.   In 2002,they moved back to ND, moving to Grand Forks, where his wife worked on her PHD in AstroPhysics.  In order to help aging parents, they moved back to Bismarck.  They started attending Legacy UMC around 2008 and in 2010, Cory came on staff.  In 2014, he was appointed to Washburn, Turtle Lake and Center UMC churches and in 2016 Hazen and Beulah were added. After COVID, he was appointed back to Bismarck as a church planter.  Cory planted a church called Mission Bismarck.  The focus of Mission Bismarck was to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those in the community who had little interest in church or the church had little interest in them.  Mission Bismarck met at Comic Realms, a comic book store.  Where there was a need in the community, Mission Bismarck and those who believe in showing Jesus’ love rather than talking about it, were there.  In 2024, due to a quick change in the Dakota’s Conference staffing, Cory was appointed to Legacy UMC.  His appointment to Legacy brings with it the connections and workings of Mission Bismarck.  Legacy has embraced the immigrant and refugee population of our community.  Legacy UMC has included creative ways to worship that are unconventional.  Legacy is a place of welcome for all humans.  Cory believes that God loves all humans and he hopes to lead Legacy to love like God loves.  

Deidre Hillman the founder of The 13th Hat, a corporate event planning company she launched in 2021 after serving as a state director for a nonprofit organization. With nearly 15 years of experience in event planning, Deidre thrives on creating memorable experiences—from fundraisers and galas to her personal favorite, conferences. She brings an energetic and strategic approach to every event, ensuring each one is both impactful and engaging.Deidre holds a Master’s in Business from the University of Mary and is a certified John Maxwell Coach, Facilitator, and Trainer, equipping her with the leadership skills to inspire and guide others in the event planning industry.Based in Bismarck, ND, Deidre lives with her husband, Matt, and their spirited daughter, Harper. When she’s not planning events, she dedicates her time to volunteering as a Wish Coordinator for Make-A-Wish and serving on the Dakota Zoo board. She and her family love adventuring together, with camping being their favorite summer tradition.

Joan Klein was born and raised in Cebu City, Philippines. She moved to Salt Lake City, Utah with her mom, dad and brother at the age of 14 because of her mother's work relocation. Joan has an architectural background with a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from Woodbury University in Burbank, CA. She has worked in several architecture firms in Maine, North Carolina and North Dakota. In 2022, Joan and her co-founder started a non-profit called the North Dakota Asian- American Arts and Cultural Initiative. This non-profit is a platform for education, collaboration and celebration for Asian- American Arts and Culture. They have events that allow for an immersive experience for individuals and families in the Bismarck- Mandan community and beyond. Joan also volunteers for the Bismarck- Mandan Young Life. She is one of the leaders for the kids at Southern Central High School. As a committee member, Joan helps coordinate events for their fundraising efforts. Joan, her husband, son and daughter call Bismarck, North Dakota their home. She has a passion for architecture, photography, screen printing, drawing and several forms of paintings.