Forensic Services
Denis Otterness
Interim Executive Director
Denis is a dedicated leader with a strong background in law enforcement and organizational management. With years of experience guiding teams and tackling complex investigations, Denis has a proven track record of handling internal and criminal cases, resolving challenges within organizations, and ensuring operational integrity. He brings extensive expertise in financial and grant management, risk assessment, data analysis, and employee relations—always with a focus on collaboration and effectiveness.
Denis holds a Master of Arts in Leadership from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Psychology from North Dakota State University.
Beyond his professional work, Denis has been deeply involved in community service, previously serving on the Board of Directors for CornerHouse – Interagency Child Abuse Evaluation & Training Center, as well as contributing to organizations like the Minnesota Emergency Services Chaplain Association, the Yellowstone County Local Emergency Planning Committee, and the Yellowstone County DUI Task Force.
Forensic Services
Skylar Helfrich, BSW
Forensic Interviewer - Dickinson
Skylar is a Forensic interviewer at our Dickinson Clinic. She graduated from Minot State University with a Bachelor’s in Social Work in 2022. Before starting as a Forensic Interviewer, she did her undergraduate internship at the DCAC. She also has experience as an assistant teacher in childcare for 6 years. She received forensic interview training from the National Children’s Advocacy Center in 2022. Skylar went into social work because of her passion of helping people during difficult times and the DCAC allows her to do that. She loves working at the DCAC because of the help we provide to children and families who have experienced trauma.
Jamie Swang
Forensic Interviewer
Jamie graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Minot state University in Criminal Justice. Prior to working for the DCAC she worked as a detention officer for 4 years at the Burleigh County Sheriff’s Office. Jamie enjoys working with children and helping them during this difficult time in their lives.
Becky Bjerklie
Advocate - Bismarck
Becky Bjerklie joined the Dakota Children’s Advocacy Center team in October of 2024 and quickly moved into her roll as an Advocate. She loves working with kids and families and has more than 15 years in Early Childhood Development. She is grateful to have the opportunity to help uphold the mission of the DCAC which is to provide a safe, family-friendly environment that promotes hope, health, and healing to traumatized children and their families.
Hannah Gardner
Child Life Advocate
Hannah joined the Dakota Children’s Advocacy Center in January 2025. She graduated from University of Mary with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Her team role is Child Life Advocate, and she works with children and their families to evaluate how the DCAC can help support each individual who comes in. She is currently working towards completing a master’s degree in social work.
Mental Health Team
Eneida Vilella, MA, LPCC
Director of Mental Health Services
Eneida Vilella, MA, LPCC is a Bilingual Therapist at the Dakota Children’s Advocacy Center. Eneida provides several evidence-based treatments to youth and their families affected by trauma in Spanish and English. She is trained in the following therapies: Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Alternatives for Families-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Problematic Sexual Behavior-Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Parent Child Interaction Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy and Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Responding to Chronic Stress. She has also been trained in adaptations of evidenced based practices including Honoring Children, Mending the Circle (Native American culture adaptation of TF-CBT), TF-CBT using Telehealth, and TF-CBT for Trafficked Youth. Eneida has presented nationally advocating for Language Justice in the world of Children’s Advocacy Centers. Eneida assisted in the launch of the Telehealth Outreach Program for Traumatized Youth in North Dakota and is a telehealth co-trainer nationwide.
Mariah Banse, MSW, LMSW
Therapist
Mariah is a Licensed Master Social Worker and has been with DCAC since May 2024. She graduated from Florida State University in 2024 with her Master’s in Social Work. Mariah is receiving formal training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Problematic Sexual Behavior Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (PSB-CBT). She plans to participate in other evidence-based trainings to better serve the children and families she will be working with. Mariah has experience working with individuals with disabilities and advocating for client independence and inclusion. Mariah is grateful for the opportunity to help children and families in a safe environment through difficult times and reach their goals.
Heidy Miranda, MSW, LMSW
Bilingual Therapist
Heidy Miranda, MSW, LMSW is a Bilingual Licensed Master Social Worker and has been with the DCAC since January 2025. She graduated from University of Maryland School of Social Work in 2008 with her Master’s in Social Work. She has been a social worker for 17 years and has dedicated her career to serving children and families in different capacities. She is originally from the Washington D.C metropolitan area and worked in Maryland as social worker with the Department of Child Welfare for 11 years. During this time she worked in the Sexual Abuse Treatment Unit, and was a certified Forensic Interviewer. She lived in Tucson, Arizona for almost five years where she worked as a mental health clinician in a psychiatric hospital treating children and adults. She has also provided mental health services at the Arizona State Penitentiary and the North Dakota State Penitentiary. She will be trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) and Problematic Sexual Behavior Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (PSB-CBT). She will continue participating in evidence based practice training of different treatment modalities to further enhance her clinical skills. Heidy is passionate about making a difference in people’s lives and is looking forward to providing therapeutic services at our DCAC as one of our newest bilingual therapist.
Rylee Kubischta
Mental Health Program Assistant
Rylee joined the Dakota Children’s Advocacy Center team in January 2024. Here, she assists the therapist with scheduling, data entry, and child supervision. She also coordinates the Telehealth Program, which reaches youth who would otherwise not receive services due to traveling time/cost, childcare, and other various barriers. Rylee has a bachelor’s of science degree in Psychology, with a minor in music. She has experience working with at risk youth, and has a passion for helping those in need. She is excited to continue to help those in need, and plans to work at the DCAC through attending graduate school, with the goal of being a mental health therapist herself. With the help of the DCAC, Rylee is excited to reach her goals, and fulfill her passions in both a conventional and creative way.
Office Team
Jane Link
Director of Engagement and Development
Jane Link has been the Director of Engagement and Development for the Dakota Children’s Advocacy Center since April 2021. She was born and raised in Bismarck and graduated from the University of North Dakota in 2000 with a B.A. in Communications, specializing in Public Relations. Jane has over 15 years of experience in fundraising, advertising and business management. She looks forward to helping the DCAC grow by increasing community awareness and support. If you’re an individual, or business, that would like to sponsor the DCAC or volunteer services, please contact Jane.
Alissa Thiele
Communications and Event Coordinator
Alissa Thiele joined the DCAC team in November of 2022 as our Communications and Event Coordinator. She was born and raised in Turtle Lake, ND and majored in Mass Communications at NDSU. Alissa has devoted more than a decade to marketing for nonprofits. Her goal is to raise awareness and shine a light on the vital work that the staff at DCAC do every day to support our children and families.
Alicia Rixen
Director of Operations
Alicia Rixen joined the DCAC team in October of 2023 as our Director of Operations. She graduated with a major in history and international studies from the University of North Dakota and is currently working towards her MPA from UND. Prior to working for the DCAC she devoted her time to the North Dakota Human Trafficking Task Force since its inception in 2016 to help develop statewide teams to address the needs of communities in North Dakota. Alicia looks forward to fulfilling DCAC goals in promoting hope, health, and healing children and families.
Cheryl Evensvold
Accountant
I joined the DCAC team in October of 2023 as the Accountant. I am originally from Palermo, ND. I graduated from Minot State University with a degree in accounting and business management. I have worked for several years for an agency serving survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking as the finance director and fiscal grant manager, and was executive director for an agency serving people with intellectual disabilities for several years. I feel privileged and excited to join the wonderful team at DCAC in supporting children and families to experience hope and healing.
Nicole Huson
Education and Outreach Coordinator
Nicole Huson joined DCAC in 2024 as the Education and Outreach Coordinator. She was an elementary educator for the last 20 years. She graduated from Minot State University in 2000 with a degree in Elementary Education. She returned to the college classroom in 2021 and received her Master’s of Education in Trauma and Resilience in 2023 from Concordia University, Saint Paul. She is excited to be part of the DCAC team and to share the mission of hope, health, and healing to our community.
Allison Goldade,
Client Services Coordinator
Allison joined our team in 2025. She was born and raised in Bismarck, ND. She graduated from the University of North Dakota in 2019 with her Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice. Allison has experience working with survivors of abuse and sexual trauma, individuals involved in the justice system, people struggling with substance abuse, and with children and families involved in the foster care system. At the DCAC Allison provides client coordination services and various administrative duties. Allison is excited to promote hope, health, and healing with the children and families we serve.
Scout
Therapy Pup In Training
Scout is the newest (and furriest!) member of our team. This playful pup is currently in training to become a therapy dog, where he will provide comfort and support to children and families visiting our center. With each day, Scout is learning how to offer gentle companionship, reduce stress, and create a safe, welcoming environment for those who need it most. If you would like to support Scout's training and care, please visit https://ddock.co/TQZQT5RYX3.