What we live by...
Our Mission
To empower and enrich the lives of all individuals.
Our Vision
We envision a community where all individuals are included, valued, and have a sense of belonging.
Core Values
Compassion – We appreciate others’ perspectives and learn by listening.
Integrity – We always act with honesty, equity, and respect for all.
Teamwork – We do our best work by collaborating and encouraging others.
Excellence – We demand more of ourselves to achieve AuSome goals.
Support – We work alongside others to create a cultivating environment that celebrates individuality.
Meet our Leadership Team
Brittney Hogan
Executive Director
With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, I have a passion to find innovative ways to disrupt how we have approached helping all individuals. Advocating for myself and others is something I have grown to do with grace and understanding.
I live in West Fargo, ND with my husband Kalen, our son Isaac who is 8, and as he would say 2 cats, 3 dogs, and no aardvark! After Isaac’s diagnosis with Autism, we moved to the F/M area to be closer to services and have had the opportunity to grow our network of amazing people who have impacted his development. I was introduced to the North Dakota Autism Center through their Potty Training program where we worked with their team in our home to learn skills and grow his confidence to be independent. Not everyone gets to graduate Potty Training School, but he did it!
My role as President of the ND Statewide Independent Living Council for the last eight years has provided me the opportunity to advocate for people with disabilities at the state and federal level.
I am excited to lead the team at the North Dakota Autism Center in this next era as we continue to grow our programs and resources for the individuals we serve and make our community more inclusive for everyone.
Hadley Huffman
Director of Business Operations
Hadley Huffman is the Director of Business Operations at the North Dakota Autism Center. Hadley’s role at NDAC involves making sure all aspects of NDAC are running as efficiently as possible. She collaborates closely with all departments and fills in any gaps that come up. Her team at NDAC works hard to make sure staff are passionate about making a difference in all individuals lives.
Hadley grew up in West Fargo and attended North Dakota State University, graduating in 2018 with a Bachelors of Science in Human Development and Family Science. Shortly after graduating, she started working as a Registered Behavior Technician for the Behavior Support Program at NDAC. She quickly found herself wanting to be more involved with NDAC and all of the great things that they do for the community.
Outside of work, you can usually find Hadley at Ride Cycle Studios, where she is a cycling instructor. She also enjoys catching up with friends, popping into a yoga class, or planning her next vacation to someplace warm.
Hadley’s favorite part about working at NDAC is how compassionate the staff are. No matter your role, you know you are making a difference in someone’s life. Everyone at the North Dakota Autism Center is dedicated to providing an inclusive space for everyone in the community.
Shelby Achter
Clinical Director
Shelby Achter is the Clinical Director and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in the Applied Behavior Analysis Department at the North Dakota Autism Center. Shelby’s role involves managing a caseload of clients and their individual goals. Shelby also collaborates with a staff team to create and implement individualized behavior intervention plans for each child. Shelby earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Concordia College, Moorhead and her Master’s Degree in Special Education from The University of North Dakota.
Shelby’s love for the field started with seeing the growth in the clients she worked with. She then became passionate about the science of Applied Behavior Analysis and its implementation. She now uses her passion for the science to meet each child where they are at and develop individualized plans to reach their goals.
Emily Briss
Director of Home & Community Based Services
Emily Briss is Director of Home and Community Based Services at the North Dakota Autism Center. Her responsibilities include monitoring the day-to-day activities by ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, managing family satisfaction, in addition to managing her own caseload.
Emily grew up in the disability field and was immersed in the world of support services from a young age. Volunteering at her mother’s program at Red River Human Services Activity Center, she witnessed firsthand the impact these services had on individuals in the community, including her own family members with intellectual/developmental disabilities. This early experience instilled a deep understanding and appreciation for the importance of these services.
Emily began her career as a DSP in 2019, where the individuals she worked with left a lasting impression on her and inspired her to obtain her Bachelors in Social Work from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 2023. Her journey has been largely shaped by the people she’s met and the experiences she’s had, and attributes her success to those she worked with early on.
Outside of NDAC, you can find Emily still volunteering at Red River’s Activity Center, walking her bulldog Dozer, or at the nearest flea market.
Kayla Farahmand
Director of Community Programs & Events
Kayla Farahmand is the Director of Community Programs & Events. Mission Developments’ role at the North Dakota Autism Center (NDAC) is dedicated to building inclusive, engaging, and impactful experiences for individuals and families in our community.
We plan and oversee all NDAC-hosted events—including the annual AuSome Evening Gala, AuSome Golf Scramble, and several smaller gatherings—ensuring each one fosters meaningful connections and promotes our mission. From coordinating logistics and vendor partnerships to managing volunteers and event promotion, we work to bring NDAC’s vision to life through events that educate, inspire, and unite.
Our team also leads NDAC’s free community programs, including the Enrichment Center, where individuals of all abilities can participate in a variety of activities such as arts and crafts, cooking, music, games, and local outings. Through our Sensory & Inclusive Community Partner Training, we collaborate with businesses and organizations to create welcoming spaces for individuals with developmental disabilities, helping build a more inclusive and informed community.
At the heart of our work is a commitment to strong community connections. We actively partner with local schools, organizations, and businesses to extend the reach of NDAC’s mission and proudly represent the organization at public forums, networking events, and community gatherings.
Together, we believe in creating a community where everyone belongs.
Board of Directors
Jess Engel
Board President
Thomas Beadle
Vice President
Jodi Stende
Secretary
Ashley Hauer
Treasurer
Dan Cash
Brandon Erickson
Ashly Schott
Chance Lindsey
Katie Lamb
