About NDRPC

Ana Ross

Anna Ross is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Kansas. With experience in community development, individual empowerment, and strategic planning, she has served on several Advisory Boards and Councils focused on education and community well-being. As the Engagement and Communications Director for the Belcourt School District, Anna leads impactful initiatives that foster cross-community collaboration and support student success. 

“I agreed to join this group because I believe in the power of collaboration and the importance of bringing together diverse voices to address the challenges our community faces. By being a part of this group, I hope to contribute my experience and help ensure that all stakeholders, particularly those in underserved communities, have a seat at the table and a voice in the decisions that impact them.”

Jayme Davis

Jayme Davis (Turtle Mountain Band/Standing Rock Nation) serves as the Representative for District 9 in the North Dakota House of Representatives and has been re-elected Minority Caucus Chair. Jayme is dedicated to advancing policies that promote equity, strengthen tribal/state relations, and uplift the diverse communities of her district. Jayme is completing her Master of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School and brings a wealth of experience in leadership and advocacy to her work in government.

Why I Said Yes:
I said “yes” to joining the Restorative Practices Council because I believe in the transformative power of restorative practices to build trust, heal relationships, and create stronger, more inclusive communities. As a legislator and advocate, I see restorative practices as essential tools for addressing systemic inequities and fostering collaboration across diverse perspectives. This work aligns deeply with my commitment to uplifting others and ensuring that every voice has a place at the table.

Joel Friesz

Joel Friesz has served as the Executive Director of the National Association of Community and Restorative Justice (NACRJ) since January 2022. A restorative justice practitioner for two decades, Joel has worked extensively with communities across North Dakota and region to implement restorative practices in K-12 schools, the juvenile justice system, and adult corrections. A lifelong North Dakotan, Joel resides in Fargo where he continues to support restorative justice efforts at both a local and national level.   

“I said yes to joining the Restorative Practices Council because I care deeply about the safety and well-being of our communities and schools in North Dakota, and I believe restorative justice plays a vital role in making that possible.”

Dr. Rachel Bachmeier

Rachel Bachmeier is Principal of West Fargo High School. Originally from Kent, Ohio, Dr. Bachmeier attended Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio for her undergraduate degree, majoring in History and Secondary Education. Upon graduating, Dr. Bachmeier joined Teach for America and served as a Corps Member on the Rosebud Indian Reservation, teaching 8^th Grade Language Arts at Todd County Middle School. In 2016, Dr. Bachmeier moved to her husband’s hometown of West Fargo and began her career at West Fargo High School, first as an English Learner Social Studies instructor and later as an administrator. She received her doctorate from the University of North Dakota in 2024, completing a dissertation on restorative practices, and lives in West Fargo with her husband, daughter, and their rescue pup.

She is excited to serve on the Council as restorative practices has been a central tenant of her work in education; she has seen firsthand the powerful and positive impact it has on the lives of our kids.

Seferino “Sef” Hernandez

My name is Seferino “Sef”  Hernandez. I moved to North Dakota from Texas when I was 8 years old. I’m a first-generation college graduate. I have an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Northland Community College and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of North Dakota. I currently work for Juvenile Court as a court officer. I have been working for Juvenile Court for about a year and a half. Before juvenile court, I was a police officer at the University of North Dakota Police Department and a correctional officer at the Grand Forks County Correctional Center.

 I said yes to joining the council because I want to use my personal and professional experience to establish a position for restorative practices in North Dakota. My goal is to work with others in this council to help BIPOC families have an easy transition in their respective communities. I also want BIPOC children in the state of North Dakota to be educated in law and services. I want transparency between families, schools, Juvenile court, and Human Services. With this said, I believe BIPOC families could avoid Juvenile Court involvement.

Sadie Nelson

Sadie Nelson is a Program Lead for the Ogimaa Youth Initiative at the Indigenous Association, where she supports Indigenous youth in reconnecting with culture, traditional teachings, and leadership development. An enrolled member of the Sokaogon Chippewa Community and a descendant of the White Earth Nation and Forest County Potawatomi, Sadie brings a culturally rooted perspective to restorative practices. Her professional background includes work as a youth victim services advocate and cultural coordinator, where she witnessed firsthand the power of restorative approaches in healing and community building. Sadie views restorative practices not just as a tool, but as a way of life. Sadie firmly believes that restorative practices strengthen relationships and promote collective well-being across generations.

Kirsten Dvorak

Kirsten Dvorak has served as Executive Director of The Arc of Bismarck and The Arc of North Dakota for nine years, advocating for the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With degrees in Human Services Management and Health Administration, she brings extensive experience in healthcare, mental health, and special education support. Kirsten is also deeply engaged in state-level policy work, advancing legislation and initiatives that strengthen equity, inclusion, and access to services. Inspired by her son Radek, who is on the autism spectrum, she is dedicated to creating meaningful and lasting change for the disability community.

Elizabeth Hilt

Elizabeth Hilt serves as Associate Director of Consensus Council and has spent nearly 20 years advancing Restorative Justice philosophies and practices across communities and systems. A devoted advocate for values-based dialogue, her work centers on creating space for difficult conversations that build empathy, accountability, and stronger relationships. Elizabeth earned her master’s degree from St. Cloud State University (MN), focusing on restorative approaches to criminal harms, and most of her career has centered on applications within justice systems—supporting youth, adults, and institutions in addressing conflict and repairing harm. She has led North Dakota’s statewide Restorative Justice program in partnership with Juvenile Court and the Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation since 2018, and views restorative practices not only as effective interventions after harm has occurred but also as essential tools for prevention, belonging, and resilience in school communities. Elizabeth lives in Fargo, ND with her husband and five children.

Dr. Anthony vandal

Dr. Vandal brings 27 years of experience in education, serving as a classroom teacher, buildingadministrator, and now as a superintendent. As an adjunct professor for Turtle Mountain
College’s Master’s in Education program, they contribute to preparing future educators by centering indigenous teaching methodologies and pedagogy, reflecting their deep commitment to cultural education. As a classroom teacher, Dr. Vandal integrated Ojibwe language, mindfulness practices, and cultural traditions into their curriculum, enriching students’ learning experiences and fostering a sense of belonging. Transitioning into leadership, Dr. Vandal has continued this work by championing initiatives that prioritize social justice, equity, and the celebration of diverse cultures at the school and district levels. In their role as superintendent, they work tirelessly to embed these values into educational decision-making, ensuring that every student and staff member is supported and valued. With nearly three decades of experience, Dr. Vandal remains dedicated to creating systems that uplift marginalized voices, promote DEIB, and build inclusive communities where all can thrive.

Travis Albers

– Travis is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and is
currently employed with the Mandan Public School District as the Cultural and Wellness
Advocate, Title VI Coordinator, and Middle School Activities Director. Travis has six
amazing children, three daughters Teylor, Skylar, Avery, and three sons Zander, Bowen,
and Cooper. Travis has the vision of promoting a community of inclusion and diversity,
aligned with improving overall health and wellness.

“I have a responsibility to guide and empower our youth through the sharing of cultural
values, teaching life skills, and leading by example as a father, role model, and
educator. Joining the Restorative Practice Council (RPC) gives me this opportunity and
allows me to work along other amazing leaders.”