About Us
Our mission is to facilitate healing and justice for victims of sexual and physical abuse, neglect, and exploitation and to engage the community to protect and support children.
What We Do
We provide a compassionate and effective way to bring services to children victimized by abuse. Our public-private collaboration significantly reduces the trauma associated with reporting child abuse. We help coordinate care and investigation from first report to conviction and beyond, while keeping the child at the center of everything the team does.
Who We Serve
Child Abuse has no boundaries. It spans across all social and economic levels, races, religions, and cultures. The Red River Children’s Advocacy Center serves victims of child abuse from Eastern North Dakota, Western Minnesota, Northeastern South Dakota, and four Native American Reservations.
Meet Our Team
Administrative Team
Sarah Matthews
Executive Director
Raelyn Soltis, LBSW
Director of Operations
Anna Schimmelpfennig, PhD, LP
Director of Mental Health Services
Licensed Psychologist
Amanda Marum
Finance Administrator
Miranda Marum
Director of Finance
Jessie Andren
Director of Community Partnerships
Forensic Interviewers
Chislaine Weisz
Forensic Interviewer
Jillian Gould
Forensic Interviewer/Program Assistant
Advocacy
Kim Thompson
Family Advocate
Lindsay Schneider, LBSW
Mental Health Advocate
Julie Stene
Family Advocate, Prevention Coordinator
Isabelle Hawkins
Family Advocate
Mental Health
Candace Meyer, LMSW
Mental Health Clinician
Courtenay Werth, LAPC
Mental Health Clinician
Alyssa Evans, LMSW
Mental Health Clinician
Sara Hruza
Mental Health Program Assistant
Board Member Spotlight
Dr. Stephanie Hendricks, DNP, FNP-C
Secretary
What is your role on the RRCAC board, and how long have you been serving?
They say time flies when you’re having fun – I think it’s been almost 2 years now!
What inspired you to become involved with the RRCAC and its mission?
Several years ago I worked in the pediatric intensive care unit and had the opportunity to care for children who had experienced abuse. Saying my heart is still with each and every one of them would be an understatement, and I felt that serving in this nonprofit was one way I could give back and make a difference. I wanted to do something to help children and families who have gone through this and help prevent future abuse. I feel that our community and state are unaware this happens right under our noses, and that so many people need our help.
What do you find most rewarding about your service to the community through RRCAC? How do you hope your board service contributes to the wellbeing of children and families in our community?
As a family nurse practitioner, I see firsthand how adverse childhood experiences can have lifelong effects on physical and mental health. Serving on the board allows me to support prevention, early intervention, and multidisciplinary efforts that help children heal while also strengthening families. I hope my healthcare perspective, commitment to community service, and passion for improving access to care help the organization continue to grow and reach more families in need.
Ultimately, I hope my board service contributes to a community where every child feels safe, heard, and supported, and where families have access to the resources they need to thrive. It is incredibly meaningful to play even a small role in advancing that mission.
Are there particular community initiatives or causes you are especially passionate about supporting, and why?
I am especially passionate about initiatives that improve the health and well-being of children and families through prevention, education, and access to care. As a family nurse practitioner, I’ve seen how early support can change the trajectory of a child’s life. Whether it’s mental health resources, child abuse prevention, substance use education, or increasing access to quality healthcare, I believe investing in children and families strengthens our entire community. I’m also passionate about mentoring future healthcare professionals and creating opportunities for education, because building a healthier community starts with empowering the next generation.
What has been your favorite achievement or impact that RRCAC has accomplished during your time on the board?
Board of Directors
Dr. Stephanie Hendricks
Secretary
Founder, Amend Healthcare
TJ Draeger
Treasurer
BFATM, APMATM, Financial Advisor, Legacy Financial Partners
Amy Norstedt
Board Chair
Marketing Director, TruGrid
Ruth Hetland
Vice Chair
Product and Project Management Expert, MBA, PMP, ACPMPO
Jennifer Christiansen
Business Analyst, Blue Cross Blue Shield of ND
Eric Malchodi
Executive Vice President, Chief Risk Officer, Gate City Bank
Patty Blozinski, CAFP, CAMS, CERP
SVP, Director of Financial Crimes/BSA Officer
Charitable Giving Information
Legal Name: Red River Children’s Advocacy Center
EIN (Tax ID): 20-1095721
501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
Including RRCAC in your will, trust, or estate plans is a meaningful way to support our mission of providing hope, healing, and justice for children and families impacted by abuse.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Jessie Andren, Director of Community Partnerships at jessie@rrcac.com
