in whatever struggle/challenge they may be facing.” 

“Bethany is very passionate about helping others and it has meant a great deal to her to be able to provide mental health services in her own rural community in Milnor, ND where she resides and the surrounding areas. In our under-served rural North Dakota communities in which most of her clients reside, Bethany has served as a much-needed resource providing family therapy and school based mental health services as well as being leader in informing/educating school staff about mental health impact on students and pro-active ways to work as a team with the effect of challenges with mental health.”

“I think her impact on our school has been enormous. She has a unique ability to build fast relationships and trust with students in both primary grades, as well as secondary. She truly has the student’s interest at heart and wants them to see success in their personal and academic lives. She gives great strategies for teachers and does well communicating ways to help our students succeed. She has also done a great job of acclimating into our staff. If you didn’t know she worked for an outside company, you would think she has been here for years.” -Mikal Kern, Wyndmere Elementary School Principal

In her role as a Partnership Care Coordinator, Nancy consistently advocates on the behalf of her clients’ families to empower themselves, to prevent family dissolution, decrease dependency on social services. She is a tremendous resource to families who have adopted special needs youth, who may continue to need support in meeting their children’s needs.”- Lynn Flieth, Richland County Social Services

“Mrs. Richels possesses a strength-based mindset notwithstanding the challenges her clients may be facing when she opens them for services with the partnership program. Step by step she guides families to community-based resources that serve to meet the needs of the children she serves, building on the existing assets that are inherently lie within individuals. Both parents and students gain a sense of empowerment as they are able to experience both individual and family success.”- Rosemary Hardie, Director of Special Services at Wahpeton Special Education Unit 

“Nancy is respectful, responsive and compassionate in carrying out her duties. She works with all partnering agencies, such as juvenile court, school system, social services, and mental health providers to advocate for the best possible outcomes for the clients she works with. She empowers parents to be the “expert” on their own child and to make informed decisions that are in their best interests.”- Tammy Juneau, Family Social Worker

strong skills in working with families makes her a sought-after contact at the county. Margo is warm, welcoming and engaging. It is obvious that she believes and strives for the Family Based Services philosophy of “the family is the best environment for the growth and development of children” as she has worked to maintain children in the home. When this is not possible Margo was a strong advocate for parents and children as well as being a positive and supportive role model for them.”-Lindy Jaeger, Regional Representative Southeast Human Services Center

“Margo and I started our careers together in the Partnership Project when it was started in the early 1990’s. She was a strong advocate for youth and families and excelled in that position. March was a leader in getting theses services started as she had a strong conviction to helping families who were struggling with mental health issues to stay together. She provided education to community providers on how to support family systems and how to work together to get needs met for youth.”- Nancy Pillen, PATH supervisor 

“Margo Barnes, as a foster parent, adoptive parent, community member, and as a professional, truly lives and demonstrates the North Dakota Family Based philosophies of giving children permanence and supporting families.” Nancy Germain, Lead AASK Adoptive Specialist Catholic Charities North Dakota

foster care, families who have adopted infants or children internationally and domestically, and to families who provide guardianship to a child in their home. The North Dakota Post Adopt Network began in January, 2016 and has been a pivotal part of life after permanency. The network provides a wide array of services including in-person supports groups throughout the state, online supports, camp experiences, opportunities to send adoptive and guardianship families to specialized trainings, triage and referrals, one-on-one support, professional scholarships, adoptive parent retreats, and so much more!

The ND Post Adopt Network is a true symbol of what NDFBSA lives by. Post Adopt supports families, and guides them to find strengths they never thought they had. Post Adopt understands the important need to preserve families and create positive connections meant to last a lifetime. We are so fortunate to have such an amazing service in North Dakota!-Morgan Nerat, Program Supervisor, North Dakota Post Adopt Network