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About US

NDAC historY

The North Dakota Autism Center (NDAC) is a beacon of hope and support for individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities in the Fargo/West Fargo/Moorhead and surrounding communities. NDAC has emerged as a leading force in providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services, advocacy, and bringing awareness along with education tailored to the unique needs of the autism community in North Dakota.

NDAC’s inception can be traced back to our Co-Founder’s Sandy Smith and her daughter, Darcy Kasprowicz who recognized the pressing need for specialized support for individuals with ASD and their families. The Smith family was confronted with limited resources and few services for their son/brother, Tyler, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2. In response, they united to create a daycare specifically designed for individuals with ASD and other developmental disabilities. This initiative aimed to provide support, not only for Tyler, but other families in the community who needed assistance for their loved ones.

In 2008, NDAC officially opened its doors as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, bringing support and comfort to those families who had loved ones diagnosed with ASD. This was a pivotal moment in Fargo/West Fargo/Moorhead’s journey toward autism acceptance and inclusion. From humble beginnings, NDAC quickly gained momentum, fueled by unwavering dedication and community support. Through strategic partnerships with local stakeholders, governmental agencies, and philanthropic organizations, NDAC secured the resources necessary to expand its reach and impact to what we know today. Community involvement is a pivotal step for NDAC to empower and enrich the lives of all individuals. NDAC envisions a community where all individuals are included, valued, and have a sense of belonging.

With a dedicated team of professionals, volunteers, and supporters, NDAC remains poised to make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities along with their families. Through its core values of Compassion, Integrity, Teamwork, Excellence, and Support, NDAC strives to create a brighter, more inclusive future for all. 

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.

Tom Kopp

Tom Kopp
Director of Mission Development

Tom Kopp is the Director of Mission Development for the North Dakota Autism Center. Tom’s role is to lead the Community Programs, Marketing/Communications Department, and the Development Department. Through in-person connections, media and forums, Tom shares the mission and story of NDAC. He also assists the Executive Director in building relationships within the local community and developing strategic partnerships with businesses and organizations.

Tom attended the University of North Dakota, completing his Criminal Justice degree in December of 2005. Since then, Tom has worked for 16+ years in multiple non-profit residential programs as a positive leader, mostly in a director role. Tom worked closely with youth, direct care staff, case management, families, custodians, and guardians to provide outstanding care and give hope to those they served. Tom also had taken time to meet with donors on various occasions to give insight into the programs and tour the facilities.

Tom currently lives in Fargo with his wife Kelly, their three children Porter, Briggs, Maris, and their golden retriever, Murphy. Tom enjoys playing golf, the Fargo Force, UND hockey and football, and watching his kids in all their extracurricular activities that range from hockey, football, basketball, baseball, swimming, soccer, and gymnastics. Tom loves to spend his free time in the summer at the lake and loves to travel with his family. 

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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. 

Board of Directors

Jess Engel

Board President

Thomas Beadle

Vice President

Thomas Beadle - vice president

Jodi Stende

Secretary

Secretary to the president.

Ashley Hauer

Treasurer

Dan Cash

Brandon Erickson

Ashly Schott

Chance Lindsey