Staff and Board

FFND Staff

Christy Dodd, MPH

Executive Director

Christy earned her BA in Bible and Counseling from Trinity Bible College and her MPH from the University of Northern Colorado.  She has over 27+ years’ experience in both volunteer and leadership positions in local, state, and National nonprofit organizations from domestic violence, child abuse intervention, working with low income and immigrant populations, education, oral health policy work, small business development, and working with at risk youth. She has lived in ND since 2019.  Her passion is to ensure that every child lives in a safe place and that families have the tools they need to provide that.  She enjoys spending time with her son and their dogs, being actively involved in her local church, traveling around the state, and working in her flower garden.  At FFND, she oversees the organization, does board and staff development and strategic planning along with working as part of the Team to promote the work across the state.

Lindsey Burkhardt

Director of Prevention Initiatives

Lindsey Burkhardt is the Director of Prevention Initiatives for Families Flourish ND. With more than 17 years of experience in education, family services, juvenile justice, and prevention, she has dedicated her career to strengthening families and protecting children. Lindsey previously served as Director of the North Dakota Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Task Force (2022-2025), leading statewide prevention efforts. Lindsey currently serves as the Director of Prevention Initiatives and coordinates child abuse prevention efforts across the state of North Dakota.

Lindsey is a mother of four, community volunteer, and ordained minister. She is also the author of the children’s book, “My Body Safety Rules Help Keep Me Safe”.

TaylerAnn Faul

Director of Finance

TaylerAnn Faul earned her BA in Accounting from the University of Idaho and has been working in Finance for the last 12+ years. She has over 10 years of Grant and Contract Management. After working under state grants for more than 8 years, she found a passion in the non-profit world helping them find success with limited funding streams. FFND’s mission called to her heart, being a mom of two young girls. Even though she is behind the scenes, she is always striving to make sure our programs and her coworkers can succeed in their push to change children’s lives by giving them all the financial resources possible. She loves spending time with her family and baking with her littles.

Allison Mahoney, LBSW, MPA

Home Visiting Project Coordinator

Allison attained her BA in Social Work from Minot State University and has been licensed in ND for over 10 years and has since received her Master’s in Public Administration through St. Cloud State University.  She has over ten years of experience working in numerous roles within the child welfare system in North Dakota.  Additionally, she has over 5 years’ experience working on early childhood systems building and has been trained in numerous evidence-based home visiting curriculums.  Allison enjoys sports, outdoor activities, coaching and watching her children’s activities as well as cooking and adventures with her blended family.     

Sadie Kieson-Opperud, LCSW

Prevention Specialist

Sadie earned her bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in Sociology from the University of Providence and went on to earn her master's degree in social work from Widener University. She is currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in North Dakota.

Sadie has a passion for supporting children, families, and schools through prevention, education, and mental health services. She is dedicated to helping individuals and communities build stronger connections, promote well-being, and create environments where children and families can thrive.

FFND Board of Directors

Erin Fox Dukart, Secretary

Erin Fox Dukart is the Director of Environmental Services for Basin Electric Power Cooperative. Erin previously worked in public health as an epidemiologist for several years. Erin graduated from the University of North Dakota with degrees in Biology and Honors. She lives in Bismarck with her husband and three children.

Dr. Angela Cavett

Angela Cavett, PhD is a licensed psychologist and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor. She is Clinical Director of Chrysalis Behavioral Health Services and Training Center. Dr Cavett provides play therapy, which is an effective treatment for children who have been abused as well as those with behavioral concerns, depression, anxiety, autism, or ADHD. She was the first Registered Play Therapist and Supervisor in North Dakota. She was on the Board Organizing Committee for the North Dakota Association for Play Therapy and the first president of the board of directors for NDAPT. She has served on the North Dakota Psychological Association Board of Directors as well. She has served on the Federation of Families Board.

Dr Cavett provides training across the US and internationally. She has written over 50 publications, including the book Structured Play-Based Interventions for Children and Adolescents (2010). She is currently working on a memoir Shaky Ground: Finding Stability after a Braiding of Childhood Adversity. Angie lives with her husband, two amazing daughters and 5 therapy dogs, Prince, Cupcake, Hope, Joy, and Honey. She loves gardens, unicorns, and treehouses.

Fallon Leiseth

Fallon works as an LAPC at Evolve Therapy and Wellness, specializing in trauma work with Children and adults. She graduated from NDSU in 2017 with a bachelor's degree in human development and family science with a minor in psychology. She earned her master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Jamestown in 2024.  In the past, she has worked with the Healthy Families Home Visiting Program and Firstlink Suicide and Crisis Prevention.

 Fallon lives on a farm north of Arnegard, ND, with her husband and 3 kids. They are activity in their community with hockey and gymnastics.

Jeanine Larson, President

Jeanine is a highly accomplished communications professional with over two decades of experience in public relations, marketing and media. With degrees in broadcast journalism and communication from Penn State University, she brings a creative and polished approach to speaking, writing and strategizing.

Actively involved in her community, Jeanine serves as a board member for the American Diabetes Association, is a religious education teacher at her Church and is an ambassador for Giving Hearts Day. Passionate about effecting positive change for children, she aims to leverage her extensive communications expertise as a board member of Prevent Child Abuse North Dakota to raise awareness and drive impactful initiatives.

Jeanine resides in West Fargo with her husband, two children, and their family dog.

Austin Schauer

Rep. Austen Schauer was first elected to the North Dakota House in 2018 representing District 13 in West Fargo. He was re-elected in 2022 and just completed his third session.

Rep. Schauer is chairman of the Government and Veterans Affairs committee, House GOP Caucus chair and Employee Benefits Program committee. He is also a member of the Industry, Business and Labor Committee.

Austen’s legislative passion is working for the needs of abused children, crime victims and veterans. He is also adamant on healthy communication within State Government.

Austen is a retired news anchor, reporter, and producer. He spent 36 years in the TV news business, mostly in Fargo working for WDAY-TV and KVRR-TV.

Austen is also a fundraiser but looks forward to retiring from that role. With a team approach, Austen has helped raise nearly $20 million for Calvary Church in Moorhead, Park Christian School, Feed My Hungry Children, and the Fisher House at the Fargo VA.

In 2017, Austen helped a start-up recruiting business called ProSource. He remains there as the business development manager.

Austen graduated from both Dickinson State University and UND in communications. He has been married to Angie since 1978 and together they have three grown children and 10 grandchildren. Austen and Angie are members of Submerge Church in West Fargo.

Jarrod Auer

Jarrod Auer is originally from Glen Ullin, ND, and attended Dickinson State University where he studied Business Administration and Banking & Finance. He’s been with Kirkwood Bank & Trust for almost 16 years and has enjoyed the relationships and experiences that have come with being in the banking industry.

Outside of work, he is married to Mikalah and together they have three kids. Most of his free time revolves around family, but he also enjoys golfing, hunting, traveling, and spending time at the lake cabin.

Sherriff Sharma

With over 12 years in the medical industry and a robust background in sales and marketing, Sheriff Sharma brings a unique blend of expertise and passion to the Director of Business Development role at DTN Staffing. For the past 5 years, Sheriff Sharma has driven growth and strategic initiatives in this position, drawing on 8 years of leadership experience. As an owner of Inclusive Staffing, Sheriff Sharma has helped multiple businesses scale their business operations with Virtual assistants and reduce overhead cost. Working as a Chief Marketing Officer for a LTACH hospital for 3 years, Sheriff Sharma played a pivotal role in expanding brand presence and driving successful marketing campaigns. Previously working as a travel nurse, Sheriff Sharma understands the importance of compassionate care and a people-first approach, which fuels a commitment to fostering meaningful connections and business partnerships. 

Sheriff and his family lives in Bismarck North Dakota. His wife Cassy and their 2-year-old son Ashten enjoy exploring and traveling different places.

Katie Heck

Katie Heck is a passionate educator and injury prevention advocate dedicated to helping children, caregivers, and families thrive through learning, prevention, and community engagement. With nearly two decades of experience in education and youth development in both the United States and internationally, she has built her career around empowering others with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions that improve safety and well-being. Since joining Sanford Children’s Community Programs in 2020 and becoming Safe Kids Fargo-Moorhead Coordinator and Manager in 2021, Katie has led efforts to expand safety education, strengthen community partnerships, and increase engagement across southeastern North Dakota and western Minnesota.

Through collaboration with healthcare providers, educators, public safety professionals, and community organizations, Katie works to promote injury prevention and create safer environments for children and families. At the heart of her work is a belief that education can inspire change, strengthen communities, and help families protect what matters most.

Katie lives in Fargo with her husband, Ricky, and their two stepchildren. As a family, they stay active through the kids’ activities, support their local church, and enjoy playing games, thrifting, and exploring the outdoors through family hikes.