Forensic Services
Denis Otterness
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
Director of Forensic Services
Skylar graduated from Minot State University with a Bachelor’s in Social Work in 2022. Before starting as a Forensic Interviewer, she completed her undergraduate internship at the DCAC. 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.
Jackson Willems
Forensic Interviewer - Dickinson
Jackson joined DCAC in August 2025 after receiving his Bachelor's in Criminal Justice from Dickinson State University. Jackson has a strong desire to help those who have been put through difficult times. He enjoys working at DCAC because it gives him the ability to have a substantial impact on children and families in the local community.
Maura Unmuth
Advocate - Dickinson
Maura joined the DCAC in July 2025 and previously worked as a nursing assistant in a long-term care facility, where she gained hands-on experience in both long-term care and skilled rehabilitation. Now, a dedicated nursing student, Maura is working towards becoming a pediatric nurse with a focus on mental health and psychiatry. She has a genuine passion for caring for others and feels incredibly grateful for her now role as an advocate where she can make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Alicia Cuny
Advocate - Bismarck
Alicia graduated from United Tribes Technical College in 2015 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. After attending a grieving retreat that focused on Trauma, it was apparent to her that she had a different calling that focused on providing help and guidance to individuals who have experienced a traumatic event(s). Alicia looks forward to helping children and families in our community and provide them with the tools they need and deserve to cope with their experiences and live successful lives.
Mental Health Team
Eneida Vilella-Loraas, MA, LPCC-S
Director of Mental Health Services | Bilingual Therapst
Eneida Vilella-Loraas, MA, LPCC-S, is the Director of Mental Health Services and a bilingual therapist at the Dakota Children’s Advocacy Center. She provides trauma-focused, evidence-based therapy to youth and families in both Spanish and English. Eneida is trained in TF-CBT, AF-CBT, PSB-CBT, CPT, and SPARCS, and is a certified Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) therapist. Her training also includes culturally adapted and specialized approaches such as Honoring Children, Mending the Circle (a Native American adaptation of TF-CBT), TF-CBT for Trafficked Youth, and telehealth delivery. Eneida has presented nationally on Language Justice within the Children’s Advocacy Center movement and is a passionate advocate for equitable access to care. She played a key role in launching North Dakota’s Telehealth Outreach Program for Traumatized Youth and now serves as a national co-trainer in telehealth-based trauma treatment.
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 Therapy Intern
Rylee joined the Dakota Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC) team in January 2024. For over a year, she has been a dedicated mental health advocate, supporting families in accessing therapy services and assisting our therapists.
Currently, Rylee serves as our full-time Therapist Intern. Under the supervision of a licensed clinical supervisor and through the University of Mary’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Internship Program, she provides evidence-based treatments including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Problematic Sexual Behavior–Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (PSB-CBT).
Through the DCAC and in collaboration with school counselors, Rylee has led and co-led multiple psychotherapy groups for adolescents coping with chronic stress, using the SPARCS model. Her experience includes working closely with at-risk youth and children and teens who have experienced trauma, and she brings deep empathy and commitment to every client she serves.
Rylee is especially passionate about supporting LGBTQ+ and Native American clients and communities, and she approaches her work with cultural sensitivity and respect. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Mary and is on track to graduate from their Clinical Mental Health Counseling program next spring. Upon graduation, she plans to continue her impactful work with the DCAC.
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.
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.
Kayla Wedel-Lobsinger
Engagement and Giving Coordinator
Kayla holds an M.S. in Human Development & Family Sciences with a focus on Family and Community Services and a B.A. in Sociology, both from Oklahoma State University, as well as an A.A.S. in Criminal Justice from Cowley College (KS). Born and raised in Oklahoma, Kayla recently relocated to North Dakota with her family. She brings over 15 years of experience in non-profit management and development. Passionate about serving children and families, she is dedicated to building stronger communities and helping individuals lead safer, more fulfilling lives.
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.