Our Team

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P&A Staff

At Protection & Advocacy (P&A), our team is made up of skilled professionals who are dedicated to supporting and advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities. Each team member plays a unique and important role in helping individuals navigate challenges, understand their rights, and access the support they need.

Intake Specialists

Intake Specialists are often the first people individuals speak with when they contact P&A. Intake Specialists at P&A serve as knowledgeable guides for individuals with disabilities seeking support. They maintain up-to-date information about disability rights and available services across North Dakota, and they respond to requests by providing accurate referrals and technical assistance. Intake Specialists screen reports of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation, assess the level of risk involved, and coordinate protective services when needed. They also evaluate eligibility for P&A services and assign cases to the appropriate staff. In addition to handling referrals and risk assessments, Intake Specialists help promote self-advocacy and conduct outreach to raise awareness about P&A’s mission, share educational resources, and strengthen community connections.

Disability Advocates
Disability Advocates at P&A work directly with individuals with disabilities to protect their rights and support their independence. They receive case assignments involving alleged rights violations and collaborate with individuals to resolve issues and meet disability-related needs. Advocates promote self-advocacy and help people navigate challenges related to services, discrimination, and accessibility. They also investigate reports of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation, assess risk, and coordinate with other agencies to ensure safety and support. In addition to individual advocacy, Disability Advocates develop and lead trainings on disability-related topics, engage in outreach to raise awareness of P&A’s mission, and share educational materials with the public. They also participate in workgroups and special projects, and collaborate with individuals, organizations, and policymakers to improve disability-related systems and promote meaningful, long-term change.

Attorneys
P&A Staff Attorneys provide advocacy and legal services to individuals with disabilities who are facing rights violations or barriers to accessing the services they need. They may represent individuals in legal proceedings, offer legal advice, and help address complex issues like discrimination, abuse, or denial of services. In addition to their direct work with clients, Staff Attorneys also guide and support P&A Advocates on legal matters, helping ensure that advocacy efforts are aligned with current laws and best practices. Attorneys share their legal knowledge through outreach and education, and they work to improve laws and policies that affect the disability community through systems advocacy.

 

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Committee on Protection & Advocacy

P&A’s governing board is called the Committee on Protection & Advocacy. It consists of seven members as specified in State statute. Committee on P&A members include individuals with a breadth of knowledge and experiences.

Responsibilities

  • Provides oversight and sets the direction of the agency.
  • Engages in developing and approves annual priorities (focus areas).
  • Reviews and approves agency budget and policies.
  • Receives and responds to grievances and public inquiries.

Committee on P&A Members

  • Carol Jabs, Valley City - Governor Appointee
  • Amber Allers, Bismarck- Governor Appointee
  • Senator Sean Cleary, Bismarck - Legislative Council Appointee
  • Representative SuAnn Olson, Baldwin - Legislative Council Appointee
  • Carl Young, Bismarck - The Arc of North Dakota Appointee
  • Deb Jendro, Fargo - Mental Health America of North Dakota Appointee
  • Jonathan Ross, Fargo - ND Cares Appointee

Appointment to the Committee on P&A

Appointments to the Committee on P&A are made by the Governor (2 members), Legislative Council (2 members), The Arc of North Dakota, Mental Health America of North Dakota, and a non-profit advocacy group for people with disabilities selected by the Committee. The individuals appointed to the Committee on P&A must:

  • Broadly represent individuals with disabilities served by the P&A.
  • Be knowledgeable about the needs of persons with disabilities served by the P&A.
  • Meet federal eligibility requirements for membership.
  • Must not be a provider of treatment, services, or habilitation to individuals with disabilities.

Applications for appointment by the Governor’s Office can be submitted here.

Mental Health Advisory Council

P&A’s Mental Health Advisory Council (MHAC) serves in an advisory capacity to P&A and its governing board. The MHAC is comprised of individuals who are knowledgeable and passionate about mental health issues. The Advisory Council provides input to P&A on activities and priorities pertinent to its mental health program. Mental Health Advisory Council Brochure

Responsibilities

  • Provides independent advice and recommendations to the Committee on P&A.
  • Collaborates with the Committee on P&A and staff to develop focus areas for the Mental Health Program.
  • Creates an independent report assessing P&A’s progress within its Mental Health Program.
  • Develops activities or projects that align with P&A’s Mental Health Program.
  • Educates others on issues related to mental health, lived experience, the mission and purpose of P&A, and the Mental Health Program.

Mental Health Advisory Council Members

  • Chaz Brobst, Bismarck
  • Colleen Daley, Beulah
  • Julie Menard, Dickinson
  • Amber Orpen, Fargo
  • Kylie Oversen, Fargo
  • Mary Rennich, Bismarck
  • Darcy Severson, Mandan
  • Cindy Vollmer, Bismarck
  • Jodi Webb, Minot
  • Tracey Wilkie, Fargo

Apply for the Mental Health Advisory Council

P&A accepts applicants for the Mental Health Advisory Council on a rolling basis. Individuals with lived experience are encouraged to apply. Successful applicants will provide representation to one or more of the following groups:

  • Individuals who have or are receiving mental health services
  • Family members of individuals who have or are receiving mental health services
  • Parent of a child (under 18) who has or is receiving mental health services
  • Mental health professional
  • Mental health provider
  • An attorney

Applications for the Mental Health Advisory Council can be submitted here.

Application for the Mental Health Advisory Council in PDF version