lauren belfer ASHTON HALL

Speaking of homes, if you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to live in a big historic manor house, this book is a must read.

WHEN HER BELOVED UNCLE FALLS ILL, HANNAH AND HER 9-YEAR-OLD SON NICKY TRAVEL TO ENGLAND TO SPEND THE SUMMER WITH HIM AT ASHTON HALL. AN EVERCURIOUS NICKY, WHILE EXPLORING, FINDS THE SKELETAL REMAINS OF A WOMAN WALLED INTO A FORGOTTEN PART OF THE MANOR.

Hannah, along with the others in charge of preserving Ashton Hall’s history, begin to piece together clues from long buried ledgers, documents, and the personal papers of the manor’s Elizabethan Era residents. As she uncovers the secrets of the women who lived before, Hannah’s own life begins to unravel and she realizes even separated by hundreds of years their lives are not so different. I loved the way we discover the history of Ashton Hall as Hannah does, the way she must make difficult choices to protect herself and her son, and the friends she makes along the way. [ aw ]

Annalise Duffy and her husband, Tyler, were expectant parents of their second child when they received news a parent doesn’t ever imagine. Following a routine anatomy scan at 20 weeks, Annalise received a call stating the ultrasound showed findings that would encourage further scans through maternal fetal medicine. As the couple nervously prepared for further testing, they focused on their son Ronyn, a toddler at the time, and remained hopeful that their baby would be born healthy.

At the maternal fetal medicine appointment, the scan showed three soft markers for Down Syndrome. These markers did not say with certainty that the baby would be born with Down Syndrome, however, the probability was high. Annalise and Tyler’s thought of having the “perfect family” left as emotions overtook them and they tried to process the possibility of having a child with special needs. This appointment was followed by two more tests; these would ultimately determine if their little girl would have Down Syndrome.

“Even though in my gut I knew the answer and that our baby would have Down Syndrome, I still prayed, wished, and hoped that somehow we would escape these odds and have a normal, healthy baby.”

Annalise remembers being confused and filled with tension and anxiety; she and Tyler were overwhelmed with emotions. “It sounds odd,” she commented, “that when you are given the news that your baby will be born with Down Syndrome, you are deemed ‘the lucky few’. During that time, I felt anything but lucky.”

“It sounds odd, that when you are given the news that your baby will be born with Down Syndrome, you are deemed ‘the lucky few’. During that time, I felt anything but lucky.”

However, the dreaded reality hit while Annalise was busy at work; it is a day she will never forget. “When we finally did get the confirmation, I was in the middle of teaching a class. I remember my phone ringing on my desk and telling my students I had to take the call as I stepped out of the classroom in fear,” she said.

She continued, “On the other line, the genetic counselor informed me that the amniocentesis tests came back and confirmed Down Syndrome. I don’t remember how the rest of the conversation went because it was as if I blacked out. I know I was trying to sound strong and brave so I could end the conversation as quickly as possible. When the call ended, I wanted to throw up. I started shaking and panicking while trying to hold back a flood of tears. I didn’t know what I was going to do. I had a class full of students I had just left and there was no way I could go back in there. I ended up making my way to the main office, finding an administrator, and going home to grieve.”

“No one dreams of having a child with Down Syndrome,” she explained. “In those days following the diagnosis, we were devastated for our baby girl, whom we chose the name Lakyn, and the life we created in our minds for her. We thought that the life we had planned wasn't going to happen.. It is one thing to feel the rollercoaster of emotions that this brings, but then there is seeing those same emotions and fears in your partner.

But, we knew that together, we would find a way through this punishment we thought God was putting on us.”

As part of the process of accepting the news about Lakyn and moving forward, Annalise and Tyler joined groups online composed of parents with kids who have Down Syndrome. These groups were local, international, and a few were specific to the age of the child. Annalise remarked, “I never posted initially; I just read what others were saying or asking, finding out what I could without bringing attention to the fact that I was scared to death to have a child with Down Syndrome.”

She explains that a common thread across these groups was that everyone was afraid when they got their initial diagnosis and had experienced horrible feelings and emotional reactions. Many posts shared fear, worries, uncertainties; all which captured exactly how she was feeling.

The veteran group members all shared the same responses, that having a child with Down Syndrome has a million more positives than negatives, that their families were so much stronger and better than they’ve ever been, and that they wouldn’t change a thing for the world.

It was those groups of parents that would help her progress towards acceptance. “I didn’t feel alone in my feelings anymore, no matter how dark those feelings were, and how ashamed you felt for having them, they were all validated.”

Those parents provided Annalise with the courage to be vulnerable and open about Lakyn’s diagnosis, her own feelings, and how to navigate an unexpected journey; which became the foundation of her initial blog posts.

"Our emotions are a form of authenticity and honoring them as valid is crucial and healthy.”

The most pivotal moment in her journey to acceptance, however, was meeting a local mom, Michele, and her son Conner, who has Down Syndrome. She shares, “It took me weeks to finally accept an invitation to meet them. At that point, I couldn’t even walk down the hallway to my classroom at school without anxiety and a knot in my stomach because I passed the special education room on the way to my own. I knew I needed to buck up and just rip the bandage off and start making local connections.”

Annalise adds, “We met at the zoo. We walked, shared our diagnosis stories, I asked all the questions, and Michele answered them.” The big moment though was when Conner reached out for Annalise’s hand, where she then knelt down next to him and they hugged. “It was in this very moment that I knew everything was going to be okay; I think I even said that out loud, too.”

From there, Annalise started to really embrace her pregnancy and celebrate. She reflects, “I took maternity pictures! I never did this with Ronyn because I hated the way I looked. I was so self-conscious.”

“Taking those pictures,” Annalise continues, “repaired broken pieces of me. I remember putting on the dress and immediately feeling beautiful in my pregnant body. I cried as I reflected on where I was at in the journey and how far I’d already come. Those pictures will always be there for Lakyn and she will know she was loved, wanted, and celebrated before she was here.”

As Annalise reads her earlier blogs, reflecting back on the journey through her pregnancy and her fears, she comments, “I hardly recognize that person. I’ve come so far in so many aspects of my life. I have a new sense of purpose and clarity. “Lakyn has given me everything I’ve ever wanted and that is to wake up every single morning and feel like I belong; I’m here for a reason. She makes me feel like I can move mountains. Together, we will.”

She continues, “I was ignorant about Down Syndrome. What I thought I knew is what caused all the sadness about the little girl I had envisioned. It’s what I didn’t know that kept me from seeing the beauty and potential of any life, not just Down Syndrome.”

Annalise learned that each person with Down Syndrome is unique and any individual is capable of achieving whatever they desire, as long as they are supported and given the opportunity, even those with Down Syndrome. “This was a significant moment in my journey. My mindset shifted and I found myself wanting to learn and do anything I could to help promote individuals with different abilities to achieve and succeed and to see them be included and celebrated.”

She started reading, networking, and learning about what Lakyn’s life could be like with advocacy and acceptance, not what she originally envisioned it would be like based on ignorance and lack of education. “I didn’t know if Lakyn would be delayed in walking or what she would be affected by in terms of health and development, but it didn’t matter because where there’s a will there's a way, and Lakyn wouldn’t be limited by her potential disabilities or others,” Annalise remarked.

When Lakyn finally arrived, Annalise’s and Tyler’s lives officially changed, and for the better. “The moment I saw her I was never the same. God was not punishing us. She was perfect. I wasn’t scared to look at her like I originally thought I would be, I actually couldn’t stop staring in awe knowing this child was mine. Lakyn did have some unforeseen health complications and spent 33 days in the NICU. She underwent three surgeries in her first six months of life which kept her from entering daycare. This resulted in Annalise taking an entire semester off from teaching.

“During this time at home with her, she became my best friend. When we looked into each other's eyes, there was this instant connection, like love at first sight. It sounds so cheesy but there is no other way to explain it. She is my person.” Annalise also realized that Lakyn was not just changing her life, but Tyler’s as well. Annalise watched his fears subside and his worries dissipate as he and Lakyn established their own special bond.

Today, Annalise’s favorite relationship to watch is the one between Lakyn and her big brother, Ronyn. She comments that Lakyn is the first person he greets in the morning and the last person he hugs before going to bed. “He sings to her, plays with her, and celebrates her,” Annalise relays with pride. “The most amazing part is that he doesn’t know she has Down Syndrome. We’ve never told him because we believe it’s irrelevant right now to our family dynamic. Watching him see her as his sister and not someone with Down Syndrome is a true testament to how we aren’t born with bias or judgmental thoughts towards others. These stem from what we learn from those around us. This is why I believe there is a need for awareness and change when it comes to education around Down Syndrome.”

As October is Down Syndrome Awareness month and top of mind, Annalise recalls three different situations involving kids with Down Syndrome that she learned of recently. These are stories that she says she refuses to remain quiet about as they are important in showcasing need for awareness and change.

The first instance involved a girl who experienced having her COVID-19 mask tied around her head with a shoelace while at school. Even though the girl had a doctor’s note excusing her from mandatory mask wearing, it was discovered that the shoelace was being used to secure the mask and prevented it from being taken off for more than six weeks.

Next, Annalise explained a story of a girl at an after school care program. The child required direct support since she frequently tries to run off. Funding was provided to the organization for the support professional to be hired, however, the organization did not complete hiring and the child was left unattended; she was without her shoes, outside in cold and rainy weather, with soiled pants when found by her mother.

Lastly, Annalise shared a story of a baby with Down Syndrome who was denied being put on the donor list for a heart transplant. “The doctor said to the parents that the process and procedures would be a ‘waste of a heart’ and the baby was denied life because of this.” This baby was Lakyn’s age.

“Many people don’t know about these discrepancies because they don’t have a reason to be engaged in that type of content. It doesn’t make the news and it’s not blasted on the internet. This is the reason I will advocate, educate, and bring awareness for not just Lakyn, but all people with Down Syndrome, every single day. As a parent, I cannot let these things be a risk factor for my child; Lakyn and those like her are just as deserving of quality care and life as anyone else,” Annalise says. “It’s wrong. It’s discriminatory, abusive, neglectful, and something people wouldn’t even consider if it involved a child that didn’t have special needs. No child is an exception.”

“Lakyn has given me so much. She’s given me passion which has provided me clarity in my career, which I didn’t even know I needed. I want to be a difference maker, change agent, and advocate for others, especially individuals with Down Syndrome. I want March 31st, World Down Syndrome Awareness Day, to be celebrated like Homecoming in schools and the Fourth of July in our communities, states, and country; crazy socks everywhere!”

Annalise shares that there are small adjustments people can make that promote acceptance.

“Refer to individuals with Down Syndrome as the individual first, such as, “Lakyn, the girl with Down Syndrome, not the “Down Syndrome girl”. She is Lakyn before anything else and Down Syndrome is something she has, not who she is. Another is, “don’t use the “R word”, and be brave and correct those that do. It’s insulting and politically incorrect.”

Annalise ends with, “Our journey and story have just begun. If you look at Lakyn’s smile, she lights up the room and your heart and it makes us question how we ever feared this life, this child. I pray through awareness, education, and acceptance that when an expecting family gets the unexpected news of Down Syndrome like we did, they respond with pride that they too are now a part of the lucky few.”

Annalise also encourages those who want to give back or become more educated surrounding Down Syndrome, to donate or volunteer with GiGi’s Playhouse Fargo. “GiGi’s has such a special place in our heart and having a Down Syndrome Achievement center locally is such a gift. The programs and services will benefit Lakyn and our family for years to come. It’s a home, a place where Lakyn will always feel safe and accepted.”

To read more detail and specifics around Annalise’s Journey, you can follow her blog here: https://annaliseduffy.wixsite.com/risingupwithds [ aw ]

Oct 11

Tablescapes Annual Fundraising Event

TableScapes is an annual fundraising event that celebrates creativity. Local designers create unique table designs that are truly a work of art. Funds raised from this event will be used to build a fully accessible home for four people with changing mobility needs. https:// ccrimoorhead.ejoinme.org/TableScapes2022

TIME: 5:30 PM

LOCATION: Courtyard by Marriott, 1080 28th Avenue South, Moorhead, MN

CONTACT: Adam Schroeder at adam.schroeder@creativecare.org

Oct 15

FARGO MASONIC VENDOR & CRAFT SHOW

Come see our local vendors and crafters and shop their booths at the Fargo Masonic Building. Lunch will be served from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.

TIME: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

LOCATION: Fargo Masonic Center 1405 3rd St N, Fargo, ND

CONTACT: 701-235-7875

Oct 23

Oktoberfest Celebration

Oct 27

Presentation Prayer Center 36th Annual Fundraising Brunch

Featuring Kindness

LEADER, NICOLE PHILLIPS

Holy Cross Catholic Church in West Fargo, ND will be hosting an Oktoberfest celebration on weekends during the month of October.

These include: Raffle, 50/50, Chance Baskets, Silent Auction, Jewelry, Cork Pull, Homemade Baked, Canned goods and Crafts.

On Sunday, October 23, a delicious Swedish Meatball dinner with all the

Fargo/Moorhead - After a two year hiatus due to Covid-19, the Presentation Prayers Center is excitedly bringing back its community celebration and fundraising brunch featuring Nicole Phillips, author, speaker, and podcast host on kindness.

Practice Kindness in a Divisive Culture with Nicole Phillips trimmings will be served from 10am – 1:30pm. Adults - $12.00 & Children ages 10 & under - $6.00. Take-Out available. Please contact the church to ask about weekend activities for both adults and children.

Nicole Phillips has been favored by Oprah and named to her list of Top 3 Happiness Podcasts of 2021. Phillips comes spreading the message of the transformative power of her favorite Fruit of the Spirit - Kindness.

She hosts NPR’s The Kindness Podcast, has written 5 books, and ran The Forum’s Kindness is Contagious column for 10 years.

The Presentation Prayer Center is honored to host her and help spread the message of kindness during its annual brunch.

LOCATION: Holy Cross Catholic Church, 2711 7th St E, West Fargo, ND

CONTACT: 701-282-7217

This fundraiser is their largest of the year and all funds go toward supporting the Presentation Prayer Center’s mission to facilitate spiritual growth for people of all faiths through opportunities for prayer, solitude, spiritual direction, retreats and other means of spiritual life enrichment.

To purchase your ticket online visit https://www.eventbrite. com/e/practice-kindness-ina-divisive-culture-with-nicolephillips-tickets-393155868787 or via facebook event page .

To purchase your ticket in person contact Scott Mathern-Jacobson

TIME: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM

LOCATION: Holiday Inn, 3803 13 Ave. S., Fargo, ND

CONTACT: Scott MathernJacobson, Executive Director at presentationprayercenter@ gmail.org or 701-799-2076

OCT 29-30

FMBALLET'S SPOOKY BALLETS

Dress up in your Halloween best and join us for our production of Spooky Ballets! This season we are back at the Fargo Theatre for this thrilling dance production. This show includes a variety of Halloween and fall inspired dance pieces, with a featured performance of "Nightmare Before Christmas".

Dressing up in your Halloween attire is HIGHLY encouraged! Prizes will be handed out.

Suggested for mature audiences (ages 8+). This seasons production will include zombies, skeletons, and monsters. Dancers age 8 - adult are involved in this production. www.fmballet.org

TIME: 7:00 PM (OCT 29) - 2:00 PM (OCT 30)

LOCATION: Fargo Theatre, 314 Broadway N #4715, Fargo

CONTACT: Lacey Gasper at info@fmballet.org

Nov 5

ST. ANDREWS (SCOTTISH) SOCIETY DINNER & PROGRAM

Celebration of Scottish food, bagpipes, tartans, songs, culture and history. Scots and Scot wannabes welcome! Purchase tickets by November 2. COVID vaccinations and full boosters required.

TIME: 5:00 PM

LOCATION: Courtyard by Marriott

1080 28th Ave S, Moorhead, MN

CONTACT: 402-981-2333

Nov 19

FARGO MASONIC VENDOR & CRAFT SHOW

Come see our local vendors and crafters and shop their booths at the Fargo Masonic Building. Lunch will be served from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.

TIME: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

LOCATION: Fargo Masonic Center 1405 3rd St N, Fargo, ND

CONTACT: 701-235-7875

DEC 3-9

13TH ANNUAL “HOLIDAY COLLECTIONS” CRAFT/VENDOR SHOW

Holy Cross Catholic Church of West Fargo will host a Craft/Vendor Show on Saturday, Dec.3 from 9 am – 3 pm at 2711 7th St. East in West Fargo (just south of Costco). Over 75 artisans will be available for all your holiday shopping needs. This is the largest church-held craft/vendor show in the region. Lunch will be available for purchase.

Admission: $2.00. For more information, please call 701-282-7217.

TIME: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

LOCATION: Holy Cross Catholic Church, 2711 7th St E, West Fargo, ND

CONTACT: 701-282-7217

Fargo Public Library events are free and open to the public. A complete schedule of upcoming events is available at all Fargo Public Library locations and on our website at www.fargolibrary.org

SEP1- OCT 31

ONE BOOK, ONE COMMUNITY READING CHALLENGE

Join your local library's One Book, One Community reading challenge to earn prizes. Details available at www.1book1community.org

ALL PARTICIPATING AREA PUBLIC LIBRARIES: Fargo Public Library, Moorhead Public Library, and West Fargo Public Library

CONTACT: Lori West at 701-476-5977 or the downtown Main Library, 101 4th St. North, Fargo / 701-241-1492

NOW - NOV 16

Weekly Fall Storytimes For Toddlers And Preschoolers

The Fargo Public Library’s Fall Storytime for Toddlers and Preschoolers runs through Wednesday, Nov. 16. Sessions are offered at all three Fargo Public Library locations during the week. For details, visit any Fargo Public Library location, call Children’s Services at 241-1495 or visit our website at www.fargolibrary.org.

LOCATION: Fargo Public Library / 701-241-1495

Northport Branch / 701-476-4026

Dr. James Carlson Library / 701-476-4040.

CONTACT: Children’s Services at 701-241-1495

Every Thursday in October & November BEGINNER YOGA FOR ADULTS

This is a class for those who haven’t tried yoga before or who want a refresher. Along with gentle stretching, this class will teach breathing exercises to

Oct 14

Friday Family Movies

Free Friday movies are shown at 1 p.m. on most Fridays during the summer at the Dr. James Carlson Library. Free popcorn is served.

TIME: 1:00 PM

LOCATION: Dr. James Carlson Library

CONTACT: Lori West at 476-4040 or the Dr. James Carlson Library, 2801 32nd Ave. S., Fargo / 701-476-4040

Fargo Public Library

102 North 3rd St, Fargo, ND 701-241-1472

Northport Branch

2714 Broadway, Fargo, ND 701-475-4026

Dr. James Carlson Library

2801 32nd Ave. S, Fargo, ND 701-476-4040

Main CirculationLibraryDesk

701-475-4026

Children's Services

701-475-4026 provide calmness. The class meets most Thursdays at 6 p.m. at the Dr. James Carlson Library. Bring a yoga mat if you have one, or a large towel, and wear comfortable clothing that is easy to move in. This program is recommended for adults. For details, email Lori at lwest@fargolibrary. org. No registration is required.

TIME: 6:00 PM

LOCATION: Dr. James Carlson Library

CONTACT: Lori at 701-476-5977 or the Dr. James Carlson Library, 2801 32nd Ave. S., Fargo / 476-4040

Oct 22

Recognizing Reptiles

Kids of all ages are invited to learn all about reptiles from members of the NDSU Herpetology Club who will have some scaly sidekicks along for hands on learning.

TIME: 10:00 AM

LOCATION: Main Library

CONTACT: Children’s Librarian at 701-241-1495. Main Library, 101 4th St. North, Fargo / 701-241-1495

Oct 27

ONE BOOK, ONE COMMUNITY EVENT: AUTHOR VISIT WITH LOUISE ERDRICH

An author visit with Louise Erdrich centered on her Pulitzer prize-winning book “The Night Watchman” is set for Thursday, Oct. 27, starting at 7 p.m. at the Knutson Center Centrum on the campus of Concordia College. Books will be available for purchase. This event is free and open to the public.

TIME: 7:00 PM

LOCATION: Knutson Center Centrum at Concordia College (901 8th Street South, Moorhead, MN)

CONTACT: Lori West at 701-476-5977 or visit www.1book1community.org

Nov 12

Paws For Reading

Emerging readers can sign up to read to a therapy pet (dog or cat) at the Main Library at 10 a.m. on the 2nd Saturday of each month. The sessions are 15 minutes each. Space is limited; pre-registration is required.

WHEN: 10:00 AM

CONTACT: Children’s Services at 241-1495 or the downtown Main Library, 101 4th St. N., Fargo / 241-1495

Nov 12

Nature Printmaking Workshop With Anna Johnson

Learn to make a nature print using natural materials with Native American artist Anna Johnson at this hands-on workshop at the Main Library. This event is part of the 2022 One Book, One Community event series. Pre-registration is required.

TIME: 10:00 AM / 1:30 PM

LOCATION: Main Library

CONTACT: Lori West at 701-476-5977 or the downtown Main Library, 101 4th St. North, Fargo / 241-1492

OCT 6 / NOV 3

A Sense Of Place Book Club

For all interested readers; this club meets at 11 a.m. at the downtown Main Library. A list of tiles is available at www.fargolibrary.org

TIME: 11:00 AM

LOCATION: Main Library

CONTACT: Beth at 701-241-1492 or the Main Library, 101 4th St. N., Fargo / 701-241-1492

OCT 10 / NOV 14

Tea Time Book Club

Book club featuring recent bestseller titles meets at 6:30 p.m. at the Dr. James Carlson Library. A list of titles is available at www.fargolibrary.org.

TIME: 6:30 PM

LOCATION: Dr. James Carlson Library

CONTACT: Jenilee at 701-241-8123 or the Dr. James Carlson Library, 2801 32nd Ave. S., Fargo / 701-476-4040

OCT 13 / NOV 10

Diverse Perspectives Book Club

Nonfiction, novels, memoirs and more; we seek multiple perspectives, with varying points of entry, and we work to center the voices of marginalized communities and people through our exploration about inequality and injustice in the United States. A list of titles is available at www. fargolibrary.org

TIME: 7:00 PM

LOCATION: Main Library

CONTACT: Megan R. at 701-241-1492 or the downtown Main Library, 101 4th St. North, Fargo / 701-241-1492

Oct 18

Senior Book Club

Book club featuring classic titles meets last Tuesday of the month (Sept. - May) at 7 p.m. at the Main Library. A list of titles is available at www. fargolibrary.org

TIME: 1:00 PM

LOCATION: Dr. James Carlson Library

CONTACT: Kirstie at kcarlson@fargolibrary. org or the Dr. James Carlson Library, 2801 32nd Ave. S., Fargo / 701-476-4040

Nov 17

Virtual Fall Book Parties

It’s like a book club, but you can read whatever you want! Stop by the library’s Facebook page to chat about the books you've been reading recently, or check out what our librarians bring to recommend. No registration is required.

TIME: 7:00 PM

LOCATION: online on the Library’s Facebook page

CONTACT: Megan R. at 701-2411492 or the downtown Main Library, 101 4th St. North, Fargo / 241-1492

Nov 29

Current History Book Club

Book club featuring classic titles meets last Tuesday of the month (Sept. - May) at 7 p.m. at the Main Library. A list of titles is available at www. fargolibrary.org

TIME: 7:00 PM

LOCATION: Main Library

CONTACT: Steve Hubbard at 701-241-1492 or the Main Library, 101 4th St. N., Fargo / 701-241-1492

Area Woman celebrates, showcases and supports women; the stories shared here encourage our community to consider the challenges women face and identify potential solutions. While our community is working toward that goal, Chris Johnson is dedicating his career to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all. Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) alum Johnson, Ph.D., MSW, is the Chief Executive Officer of the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center of Fargo-Moorhead (RACC). The team supports those impacted by sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, childhood sexual abuse, human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and elder abuse. “When I was an undergrad at MSUM, I had a ton of respect for [RACC],” Johnson says. “Many of the social problems we deal with as a society can be traced back to the issues we address.”

Founded in 1977, RACC is one of the earliest violence intervention centers in North Dakota and Minnesota. Its 28 employees serve more than 3,000 people annually, and that number is growing. The organization’s programs include crisis intervention, advocacy, counseling, criminal justice assistance, and education. It runs Rainbow Bridge, a space for supervised parenting and safe exchange, and offers a program to those who have used violence against their partners. “Our feminist roots are still as relevant today as they were 45 years ago, but we need all voices at the table,” Johnson says. While 83 percent of RACC clients identify as female, the team seeks to create a community free of violence by addressing all ends of the spectrum – engaging everyone from offenders to victims of all backgrounds.

Chris

Working as a man in a women-dominated industry, Johnson recognizes it’s critically important to listen. He serves disenfranchised populations, those with barriers he admits he’s never known, and says, “I need to really consider how I use my power and privilege to ensure I am doing right by these folks.” Johnson addresses this challenge head-on by learning from the talented women at RACC. This includes Myla Korbel, Chief Program Officer, whom he considers a mentor. She earned an undergraduate degree and a master’s degree in counseling and human development, both from MSUM. “She is so highly respected in the community.

She started with this agency in 1988,” he says. “Myla regularly says, ‘We do this work because we can.’ Even the most highly trained person may struggle to do this work. It’s one of the many things Myla says that I grab onto and hold close.” Korbel and her team respect his “listen and learn” philosophy. “Chris has a transparent leadership style with his staff regarding day-to-day operations and the future planning for the agency,” she says.

“HE IS ARTICULATE AND FOCUSED, WITH A GREAT MEMORY AND A MIND FULL OF KNOWLEDGE. HE ALWAYS HAS A VISION.”

Chris Johnson

Johnson’s strong start to his social work career began at MSUM, where he received his Bachelor of Social Work. “It is evident that MSUM has not deviated from its roots of being a teaching college. It’s apparent that the faculty is there for you. Not for their research, not for their tenure, but for you. This stuck with me throughout my entire academic journey,” he says. His passion for MSUM was visible to his daughter, Alexandra, who chose to follow in his footsteps. Today, she’s a junior in the same undergraduate program.

“IT’S COMFORTING TO KNOW THAT I HAVE SUCH A STRONG ROLE MODEL IN MY CORNER. HIS REFLECTION OF HIS MORALS SHAPED THE PERSON I AM TODAY; I AM FOREVER GRATEFUL FOR THAT.”

Alexandra Johnson

Despite his demanding schedule, Johnson remains committed to and engaged with MSUM. He served as an adjunct faculty member for seven years and is on the Master of Social Work Advisory Committee. In addition, he and his wife Ashley established the Gayel Marie Saude Scholarship Fund for social work students. It offers $2,500 per year and is meant to honor Ashley’s mother, who passed away in 2021.

To Johnson, MSUM has given him tremendous opportunity and he intends to give much in return. The demand for RACC’s services is rapidly increasing, and it’s seeking to nearly double its team of volunteers, advocates, counselors, and leaders.

For those seeking to support its mission, visit raccfm.com.