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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

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

 

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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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Emily Briss
Director of Mission Development

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.

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