You may contact any of the people listed below who will respond to you directly or refer you to the appropriate person. All have voice mail so you may phone 24 hours a day. Our aim is to help people with special needs find the assistance they need. If the service you desire is unavailable from us, we may be able to refer you to others who can provide it.
JEFF PEDERSON
PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
FARGO, GRAFTON, PARK RIVER, CAVALIER
(701) 235-8217 FAX (701) 235-7538
E-mail me
I have been President and CEO of Friendship, Inc. since 1993. I graduated with honors from Valley City State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Prior to joining Friendship, Inc. I was employed at the State Developmental Center in Grafton as Director of Administration.
My main focus as President/CEO of Friendship is to provide the highest quality services to the people we support. Friendship, Inc. recently received a four-year accreditation from The Council on Quality and Leadership in Supports for People with Disabilities. A four-year accreditation carries with it the acknowledgment of accreditation with distinction in the area of quality service to people with developmental disabilities. My emphasis on participatory managers and servant leadership has transitioned the organization into living out its Core Values of Reverence,
Integrity, Compassion and Excellence.
I currently serve on the North Dakota Association of Community Facilities’ Board of Directors, North Dakota’s Long Term Cares Assisted Living Committee, and numerous other local Boards and Committees.
KRISTINE CHRISTENSEN
CONTROLLER
FARGO, GRAFTON, PARK RIVER, CAVALIER
(701) 293-2954 FAX (701) 235-7538
E-mail me
As Controller of Friendship, Inc., I am responsible for the oversight of our financial functions.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Economics from St. Olaf College (Northfield, MN),
and a Masters of Business Administration (concentration in Accounting) from the University of
Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management. I am also a Certified Public Accountant. Prior to joining Friendship, Inc. in 2010, I supervised the financial reporting of Target Corporation’s legal entities at their Minneapolis-based headquarters.
JUDY CREWS
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY OFFICER
FARGO, GRAFTON, PARK RIVER, CAVALIER
(701) 293-2942 FAX (701) 293-2942
E-mail me
I am the Director of Human Resources for Friendship, Inc. I have been with the company since
1984. Prior to joining Friendship, I was employed by the telephone company for 13 years. I attended Fergus Falls Community College and Billings Business College in Billings, MT. My first job with Friendship was as a part-time typist. I have held a number of positions within the company.
My hobbies include reading, scrapbooking, being at the lake (or the ocean), and just relaxing. I have a wonderful family, great co-workers and lots of neat friends. I am blessed!!
DON BRUNETTE
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER – QUALITY ENHANCEMENT
PHONE (701) 293-2947 FAX (701) 235-7538
E-mail me
Don currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Friendship, Inc., overseeing licensing,
accreditation and programmatic operations in Fargo, Grafton, Park River and Cavalier. Don
has a Bachelors degree from NDSU and a Masters in Management degree from the University
of Mary. Don began his career at Friendship, Inc. job coaching and providing direct service
in a group home setting. Don also served as Director of Supported Employment for eight years
and has devoted the majority of his career to developing community-based employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Don also works for The Council on Quality and Leadership, CQL, based out of Towson, Maryland where he conducts accreditation reviews for non-profit organizations across the nation. He has served as past Chair of the Fargo Mayor’s Committee on the Employment Of People With Disabilities, past President of North Dakota-APSE, as national delegate for APSE and currently sits on the APSE Foundation Board.
DORI LESLIE
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER- QUALITY ENHANCEMENT
AND DIRECTOR OF VOCATIONAL SERVICES
(701) 235-8217 FAX (701) 235-7538
I have been employed at Friendship, Inc. since 1997. I am currently the Chief Operating Officer-
Quality Enhancement and the Director of Vocational Services. I provide leadership in the areas of:
1.) Quality Assurance and Basic Assurances for the organization
2.) Oversight of Nursing Services,
3.) oversight of Staff Training
4.) Risk Management
5.) Vocational Services
6.) All Seasons Laundry
7.) Home Management
My goal is to provide a more consistent methodology of assuring standardized best practices throughout every department and increasing quality assurance at the ground floor.
I graduated with an Associate of Arts degree from North Dakota State College of Science and with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education with an emphasis of special education from Bemidji State University. I also obtained my coaching license and completed the first three courses in becoming an American Sign Language interpreter. I started in the field of developmental disabilities in 1991 working first for Red River Human Services in Wahpeton and then for Rem-North Star in Bemidji.
I have devoted most of my career supporting people to live happy healthy lives. We strive to individualize employment for every person and help them overcome the barriers that they face every day. I also believe that each person we support should be given the opportunity to live the American dream- graduate from high school, get a job, have meaningful relationships and find a living environment that they are happy with.
KIM WAGNER
CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
FARGO, GRAFTON, PARK RIVER, CAVALIER
(701) 293-2989 FAX (701) 235-7538
I have an Associate’s degree in Speech/Theatre from Bemidji State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Mary, Bismarck. I have worked in the area of non-profit fundraising for the past 10 years. I am an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and the Fargo Kiwanis.
As the Chief Development Officer at Friendship, I create awareness of Friendship Inc.’s needs through coordinating fundraising events and campaigns, completing grant applications, and participating in community activities. Friendship Inc. has a number of great opportunities to support our mission of providing creative and innovative supports to people we serve, which are not reimbursable from state and federal funds. Donations made to Friendship, Inc. provide the individuals we serve with entrepreneurial opportunities, rent subsidies, accessible supports, adaptive equipment, i.e. hearing aids, braces, etc. and much more!
I am married to a Lutheran pastor and my best friend, David Wagner. We are the parents of four adult children scattered across the United States. My hobbies include: sewing, writing, motivational speaking, singing and spending time with my fabulous friends and family!
Friendship’s core values align closely with my personal values and I love the idea that together…we can make a difference!
If you wish to learn more about our Friends of Friendship program click here.
MONA STICHA
QUALITY ASSURANCE ADMINISTRATOR
GRAFTON
(701) 352-0060 FAX (701) 352-0371
E-mail me
I grew up on a small grain/cattle farm in eastern North Dakota. Upon graduating from high school, I attended Aaker·s Business College in Grand Forks, ND. I worked for a local insurance company for 2 years. My husband and I then co-owned and operated a business for 6 years. In June of 1986 I began employment with Friendship Inc. as a part time employee working direct care. I worked in various positions within our organization and am currently the Quality Assurance Administrator. In my leisure time I enjoy gardening, camping, horseback riding, hunting and spending time with family and friends.
RENDINA JOHNSON
QUALITY ASSURANCE ADMINISTRATOR
FARGO
(701) 293-2994 FAX (701) 235-7538
E-mail me
Hi, my name is Rendina Johnson and I am the Quality Assurance Administrator for the Home Management Department.
I have been working for Friendship Inc. since January 2005, in a variety of roles Supervisor, Manager, QDDP and QA Administrator. I attended Moorhead State University where my focus was Criminal Justice/Sociology.
DAVE STELTON
QUALITY ASSURANCE ADMINISTRATOR
FARGO
(701) 293-2949 FAX (701) 235-7538
E-mail me
I began my career at Friendship in 1995 as a direct care staff. Over the next few years I continued as a Supervisor and Manager in an ICF/MR setting. In 2004 I had the wonderful experience of being involved in the closing of a large group home and the development of an MSLA program that allowed people supported to live more independently in their own apartments. I continued as the Manager of that department until 2008.
Over the years I’ve had several opportunities to work in various departments within Friendship providing support as needed. In July of 2008 I began I began my current position as a Quality Assurance Administrator.
This has given me the opportunity to apply the things I’ve learned over the years to the various departments throughout the facility as we continue to assist people with disabilities in realizing their dreams and goals.
RENAE HOWE
QDDP
FARGO
(701) 293-2946 FAX (701) 235-7538
E-mail me
I have enjoyed my service with Friendship, Inc. since 1985. I have held various positions within the residential programs prior to my current position as Administrator/QMRP. I graduated from North Dakota State University in 1984 with a BS degree in Home Economics Education.
MARISA GABEL
QDDP
FARGO
(701) 293-2984 FAX (701) 235-7538
E-mail me
I began my employment with Friendship, Inc. in 2000 while I was a student intern in the Fargo area. I worked as a substitute and full-time staff in one of Friendship, Inc.’s group homes. I completed an Associate of Science Degree in Mental Health Care from North Dakota State College of Science while working at Friendship, Inc. I completed my Bachelor of Social Work Degree from Minnesota State University, Moorhead in 2002, became licensed in North Dakota, and was fortunate to find an immediate opening here at Friendship, Inc. for an Internal Case Manager. I accepted the position and in the summer of 2008, my position was changed to a QDDP for our MSLA sites . I have supported people in group homes, town homes and in their family homes.
JON OPGRAND
QDDP
FARGO
(701) 293-2945 FAX (701) 235-7538
E-mail me
I first started working for Friendship, Inc. in 1995. Prior to Friendship I graduated from
Jamestown College with a BA in psychology and worked at the Anne Carlsen Center for Children. I truly enjoy my work here at Friendship, Inc. through its Corporate Culture and positive working environment.
When not at work I enjoy camping, hiking, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, spending time with my wife and son and working on old cars.
KARLA ZIMMERMAN
QDDP
FARGO
(701) 293-2985 FAX (701) 235-7538
E-mail me
I have been employed with Friendship, Inc. since 1999. I am currently a Qualified Developmental Disabilities Professional (QDDP) for people living in apartments and for people who live with their families.
I graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead, with a Bachelor of Social Work degree. I am also a licensed Social Worker.
I have held various positions over the years at Friendship, Inc. including direct service professional, Lead Internal Case Manager, HIPAA Privacy Officer and Director of Quality Enhancement. I am a strong advocate for people with disabilities and believe in the Mission of Friendship, Inc.
CRYSTAL JOHNSON
QDDP
FARGO
(701) 293-2955 FAX (701) 235-7538
E-mail me
I have been with Friendship, Inc. since 2007 as a vocational coordinator and then transferred
into our residential department as both a supervisor and manager before moving into my current role as a QDDP. I graduated from Minnesota State University of Moorhead with a bachelor’s in Gerontology with an emphasis in psychology & Mass Communications with an emphasis in Advertising & Public Relations in 2007.
BRENDA MAJERUS
DIRECTOR OF SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT/EXTENDED SERVICES
FARGO, GRAFTON and CAVALIER
(701) 293-2978 FAX (701) 235-7538
I have been employed at Friendship, Inc. since 2000. I started as an Employment Specialist and currently am the Director of Supported Employment/Extended Services Program in Fargo, Grafton and Cavalier North Dakota.
I started my career in 1986 at Clay County Diversified Services in Moorhead, MN as a Program Aide and also worked as a Job Coach. Later, I became a Job Developer for Connections in Moorhead, MN. I have lived my entire life in the Fargo-Moorhead area and have been in the human service filed for over 24 years. I am a strong advocate for people with disabilities. In 1998, I received the MNDACA Distinguished Service Award. I am also a member of the Fargo Mayor’s Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities. In 2003, I was nominated as an honoree for YWCA Woman of the Year and received the APSE Best of the Best Outstanding Professional of the Year Award in May 2007.
The focus of our Supported Employment/Extended Services Program at Friendship, Inc. is to assist people with disabilities to gain successful employment in community-based jobs of their choice. We provide the tools necessary to make employment successful for the people we support and the employers who employ them. We currently work with over sixty businesses in the Fargo, Cavalier, and Grafton area that give back to their communities by hiring people with disabilities. We also provide support services to persons that own and operate their own business.
If you wish to hear more about our Supported Employment/Extended Services click here.
CARRIE BALSTER
DIRECTOR OF FAMILY and COMMUNITY LIVING
FARGO
(701) 293-2972 FAX (701) 235-7538
E-mail me
I am responsible for the operation of the Individualized Supported Living Arrangement (ISLA) and Family Support Services (FSS). I have held this position with Friendship since 1989. I have an extensive background in the field of education, holding a double major in both Special Education and Elementary Education. Prior to my employment at Friendship, Inc. I taught three years in a Special Education and Gifted classroom. I am a strong advocate for people with disabilities and believe in empowering people to live their life to the fullest.
MANUELA TELBIS
ADMINISTRATOR/QDDP
GRAFTON
(701) 352-0060 FAX (701) 352-0371
E-mail me
JENNIFER JENKINS
Director of Family and Community Living
GRAFTON, PARK RIVER, CAVALIER
(701) 352-0060 FAX (701) 352-0371
Hi! I am Jennifer Jenkins and I started with Friendship in September of 2007. I am glad to be a part of such a wonderful team of people. I am the Director of Family and Community Living in Grafton . I support people who live in their own apartments and also people who live with their family but need some respite hours. I graduated in 1996 from the University of North Dakota with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. I have worked in the human service field for 22 years . . .time really goes by!! I have had the opportunity to work in many areas: supporting people with intellectual disabilities, supporting people with a serious mental illness, chemical addictions as well as eating disorders and gambling addictions. I also worked for The Department of Homeland Security-FEMA assisting applicants with various housing needs. I very much enjoy working with people, and being encouraged by the progress that is made each day! There is truly no greater field to work in than human service.
TRACY MISIALEK
ADMINISTRATOR/QDDP
GRAFTON
(701) 352-0060 FAX (701) 352-0371
E-mail me
I began working for Friendship, Inc. in 2010. My current position is that of an Administrator/QDDP for 503 Hilltop Drive in Park River. I grew up on a farm (crops, not animals) just outside a small town in West Central Minnesota (Sacred Heart). In 2003, I graduated from the Univeristy of North Dakota with a Bachelors Degree in Social Work and acquired licensure to practice in the State of North Dakota. I have prior Human Service experience in the fields
of developmental disabilities, child protection and foster care. I also continue to serve my community as a lay Guardian ad Litem. I reside in Grafton with my husband and children. When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, fishing, boating and just relaxing at the lake!
HEATHER JENKINS
QDDP
GRAFTON
(701) 352-0060 FAX (701) 352-0371
Hi! My name is Heather Jenkins. I am the QDDP for the 412 Group Home, MSLA #5 & People that live at home in Grafton, ND. I have been with Friendship since September 2009. My posistion is to support the people served in the QDDP role. We work together as a team to support people to live successfully and achieve their hopes and dreams.
I was born and raised in Grafton, ND. After graduating from High School, I attended college at Valley City State University in Valley City, ND. GO VIKINGS!!! I graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology, a Bachelors of Science degree in Human resources as well as a Sociology degree. Throughout my life i have had many opportunities to work and volunteer in the Developmental Disability field. I started out working as a Direct Care Professional in Valley City, ND at the Open Door Center for the Independent Living Program where i worked for about 3 years. After Finishing College, My husband and i chose to move back to Grafton In 2009, where I took a position as a Program Specialist (QMRP), for the ISLA Program at REM, ND in Grafton. Starting in September 2009 I accepted the position as QDDP. Friendship is now where I call home, and I very much enjoy the people with work with and support every day!
Throughout my life i have been very blessed and surrounded by so many wonderful people!! I would have to say my greatest teachers and my support network are my family & friends!!
I am very lucky to have an awesome family, great friends, and a wonderful career. Friendship is a great place to work, as you see the difference you are making in someone’s life every day and you feel the difference they are making in yours!
JENNY JOHNSON
JOB DEVELOPER
GRAFTON, PARK RIVER, CAVALIER
(701) 352-0060 FAX (701) 352-0371
After graduating from high school in Park River, ND , I attended college at North Dakota State University in Fargo.
In 1989, I married my husband Steve and that same year I started working with people with disabilities. My employment with Friendship started on May 30, 1990 as a direct care staff. My husband and I had our first daughter in December of 1991, twin daughters in December of 1994 and a son in August of 2009 . During my employment at Friendship, I have worked in several positions and now I am a Job Developer in the Grafton, Park River area.
As a Job Developer, my main focus is to help people find community based employment. Developing links into the community has a significant impact on quality of life. Through social networking, natural extensions, customized employment and focusing on people’s talents and dreams, I can help them obtain meaningful employment; thus, improving the quality of their lives. We currently have about 40 direct hire community based jobs where the people we serve are directly hired, 9 self employed people and several who volunteer for a variety of community based activities. With the right supports, people can be successful in obtaining their goals and dreams.
