Meet Our Experts
Paula Condol, MS LPCC
Executive Director
Paula Condol has been the Executive Director of the Dakota Children's Advocacy Center since 2000. She has a master's degree in Community Counseling from St. Cloud State University and is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of ND and a Certified Supervisor. Paula provides several evidence based treatment to kids and their families affected by trauma including Trauma Focused -Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Alternatives for Families-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT) and Problematic Sexual Behavior-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (PSB-CBT). She has also been trained in many adaptations of evidenced based practices including Honoring Children, Mending the Circle (Native American cultural adaption of TF-CBT), TF-CBT using Telehealth, and TF-CBT for Trafficked Youth. Paula is a certified TF-CBT supervisor and is trained in providing TF-CBT consultation calls. She is also an in-house train the trainer in PSB-CBT - school age. In 2020 Paula also became a national trainer in providing TF-CBT via telehealth and has assisted in training over a 1000 people in providing telehealth during the COVID Pandemic. In 2004 Paula help start the state chapter of CAC's in ND (CACND) and served as their Executive Director for 11 years. In addition to her work with CAC's she worked as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Mary Masters of Counseling program for 9 years teaching counseling to new providers. She is a member of many local, state and national task forces.
Forensic Services
Carla Reinbold
Director of Forensic Services
Carla Reinbold joined DCAC team in January of 2024 as our Director of Forensic Services. She graduated with associated degree in Criminal Justice from Bismarck State College, and continues her education at the University of Mary. Prior to working for the DCAC she devoted many years to Burleigh County Sheriff’s Department working as a Detention Officer, as well as Coordinator of Campus Safety and Security for the University of Mary. Carla enjoys working with children/people who have experienced trauma in their life, and being an extra support for them while they are going through a difficult time.
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.
Kyra Jaeger-LaRoche
Advocate - Dickinson
Kyra joined our team in October of 2021. She graduated from Dickinson State University in 2019 with her Bachelor’s in Social Science Criminal Justice with a double minor in Psychology and Sociology. She has worked in crisis services since 2018 and is trained in Motivational Interviewing and Emotional De-escalation. Kyra enjoys working with children and helping their families navigate difficult situations. She finds it rewarding helping victims develop skills and obtain the resources they need. Her experience in working with victims of different crimes fuels her passion for helping children and their families during emotionally difficult times and providing a safe place for them.
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.
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.
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.