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.
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.
Heather Banker
Forensic Interviewer - Bismarck
I graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with my master’s in criminal justice in December of 2022.
I have worked in a variety of fields that promote healing, rehabilitation, and child safety.
I look forward to working at the DCAC to continue children’s safety and healing services.
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.
Laurie Kunz
Advocate - Bismarck
Laurie joined the DCAC in December 2025 and has a strong background in social work and child-focused services. Before starting as an advocate, she worked as a Social Services Case Manager and as a Student Support Specialist, where she worked closely with elementary-aged children exhibiting high behavioral needs. Laurie earned an Associate of Science degree from Bismarck State College and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Minot State University, with minors in Psychology and Criminal Justice. She is passionate about supporting and advocating for children and families and is dedicated to helping create safe, supportive environments for youth.
Mental Health Team
Eneida Vilella-Loraas, MA, LPCC-S
Director of Mental Health Services | Bilingual Therapist
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.
Rylee F. Kubischta, MS, LAPC
Mental Health Therapist
Rylee joined the Dakota Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC) team in January 2024. She is a licensed therapist who provides trauma informed treatment for children and adolescents. Rylee is trained in TF-CBT, SPARCS, and PSB-CBT. She earned her Master of Science in Counseling from the University of Mary in the Spring of 2026. Rylee is passionate about supporting clients from all walks of life, and approaches her work with cultural sensitivity and respect. Rylee has been part of the DCAC team for several years in various capacities and is excited to continue serving clients in her clinical role.
Brittney Risser, MS, LAPC, LAC
Mental Health Therapist | Advocate - Jamestown
Brittney joined the Dakota Children's Advocacy Center (DCAC) team in June 2026 for the Mental Health Therapist/Advocacy position in Jamestown. She will soon be a licensed Mental Health Therapist with a dual licensure in Addiction counseling from the University of Jamestown. She also has a bachelor's in Industrial Business Management and a bachelor's in behavioral health. She will be starting her Doctorate in Clinical Research in August 2026. She has a passionate, empathetic person-centered approach and has worked with a wide variety of culturally-diverse populations for mental health and addiction during her internship. She helps her client's foster self-awareness and gain insight into their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors by rebuilding their confidence and self-worth. Outside of work she loves spending time outside with her family and her dogs.
Hannah Sandvig
Mental Health Coordinator
Hannah joined the DCAC in February 2026 after receiving a Bachelor of Science in Psychological Sciences from the University of Arizona. In her role, Hannah supports the coordination and delivery of mental health services for children and families in the community. Hannah is passionate about helping others and is grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those served by 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
Director of Finance
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.
Hannah Heid
Prevention Education Coordinator/ Grant Specialist
Hannah joined Dakota Children’s Advocacy Center in June 2026 after returning to her hometown of Bismarck. She studied Music Education at the University of North Dakota and taught elementary music for three years before most recently serving as Marketing Project Manager at North Dakota State University. In her current role, she leads child-focused community engagement initiatives and educational programs while also writing and coordinating grants. Hannah is grateful to be part of such an important organization, serving a community she knows and loves.
Katie Schiwal
Client Services Coordinator
Katie joined the Dakota Children’s Advocacy Center in May 2026 as the Client Service Specialist. She brings 17 years of experience supporting people of all ages who navigate cognitive and behavioral challenges. Katie is deeply passionate about supporting and advocating for individuals through traumatic, challenging events so they can lead fulfilling lives. She is thrilled to align her skills with an organization that embodies these exact values. Because the DCAC provides such vital services, Katie is deeply honored to be a part of the team.
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.