These Are Your Neighbors

My name is Amelia Gold. I'm 22 years old and a recent graduate of the University of Mary, where I earned degrees in Communication and Catholic Studies. This fall, I'll begin pursuing my MBA at the University of Mary as well.
Originally from the Twin Cities area, I came to Bismarck to attend college. Through the years I got close with Sr. Idelle Badt, Executive Director and founder of Stepping Stone Medical Respite. During my junior year she invited me to join the organization as its first employee. I joined the team in August 2025 and currently serve as the Outreach Coordinator.
In my role, I oversee marketing, communications, donor relations, fundraising, and volunteer engagement. I manage our website, social media, newsletters, volunteer program, and community outreach efforts. At its core, my work is about sharing the stories of hope, healing, and transformation happening every day at Stepping Stone and helping the community become part of that mission.
Stepping Stone Medical Respite serves individuals in the Bismarck-Mandan area who are experiencing homelessness and recovering from a medical crisis after being discharged from the hospital. Residents receive a safe place to stay, 3 meals a day, transportation to medical appointments, and support from our social work team as they work toward stable housing and long-term recovery. In our first 10 months of operation, we served 32 residents, and all but five got connected to housing right after they left us.
Outside of Stepping Stone, I serve as a part-time youth minister at the Church of St. Anne, where I lead the parish's middle school faith formation program ( am currently starting this program but by then it will be started). I'm also a board member/ event coordinator for the Great Plains Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). In my free time, I enjoy being with friends, enjoying the river, and photography occasionally photographing weddings, families, and seniors.
I'm passionate about storytelling, community engagement, and helping people see the dignity and potential in every person. Whether through communications, ministry, or other encounters, my goal is to connect people to meaningful causes and create opportunities for hope and joy.

Amelia is a Montana native who has called North Dakota home since attending and graduating from North Dakota State University with a bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, and management communication in 2009. In 2019 she received her master’s degree in Education from NDSU. She has worked in the disability services field, for NDSU Extension, and now as a Product Safety Communications Specialist for Bobcat.Beyond work, she is a 4-H volunteer and enjoys speding time with my family and friends. You can usually find her working on a crochet project, playing board games with her family, catching a game of league volleyball with her friends, or traveling. She lives in central Bismarck with her husband, Zach, and her two sons, William and Owen.

Tosha York is the photographer behind Tosha Rochelle Photography in Bismarck, but honestly, the camera is just her excuse to connect with people and hype them up. Her whole goal is to make you laugh so hard you forget you're being photographed... and to leave you feeling not only seen, but celebrated. She co-founded Bismarck Boss Babes and loves finding creative ways to give back, like Portraits with Purpose, a headshot fundraiser she co-hosted with her friend Chelsy of The Poppy Creative that raised $1,800 for two local nonprofits. When she's not behind the camera, she's chasing her kids, coming up with ten new business ideas, and trying to automate her systems all at the same time.

Tony Aukland has been in Information Technology for 30 years. He is employed by the ND Information Technology Department and has served many roles including Email Admin, Desktop support, Server Administration, Unified Communications, AI, and Cybersecurity. The first in the state to serve as cyber analyst for the North Dakota State and Local Intelligence Center. Tony is now the state’s Technology Outreach, Awareness, and Education Director, he has several certifications in Cybersecurity and IT, and claims three hometowns, Valley City, Reynolds, and Devils Lake. A graduate of Valley City State University with degrees in Math Education and Computer Science. He recently received an MBA from the University of Mary and a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. Tony also adjuncts at the University of Mary and Bismarck State College. In June of 2026, Tony was elected to the Bismarck Public School Board. He is a Scout leader, Motorcycle Enthusiast, and Community Supporter. His favorite thing to do is spend time with his wife, Donna, their three children, and Bailey, the Black Lab Wonder.

Ethan Hoepfner, LBSW, is a school social worker at Bismarck High School, a foster parent, and an MSW student focused on macro practice and leadership. His work lives at the intersection of schools, behavioral health, families, and community systems, where he helps connect students to the relationships, supports, and services they need to move forward.

Ethan’s approach is relational, strengths-based, and grounded in brain-based approaches, including the Neurosequential Model. He is passionate about developmental relationships from the Search Institute, systems of care, and helping adults better understand what young people need, especially students carrying high levels of need, stress, or risk.

Ethan has spent 12 years as a social worker and nearly 19 years supporting youth in school, community, and residential settings, beginning as a mentor with Youthworks while he was still at the high school where he currently works. Those experiences continue to shape how he shows up for students, families, educators, and community partners.

At the center of Ethan’s work is a belief that every person deserves to feel seen, known, and like they belong. His purpose is to give people permission to be vulnerable, authentic, and human, because connection changes what becomes possible. Whether he is working one-on-one with a student or helping build stronger systems of support, Ethan tries to show up in the hardest moments with one core belief: if our systems do not feel human to the people using them, then we are missing it.

Greg Zenker is a lifelong Bismarck resident, community leader, and business professional with decades of experience in the construction and mechanical contracting industry. He is a Partner at Northern Plains Heating and Air.A graduate of St. Mary's Central High School and the University of Mary, Greg was first elected to the Bismarck City Commission in 2018 and has served until 2026.Beyond public service, Greg has been actively involved in his community as a youth sports coach, Greg and his wife of almost 31 years , Stephanie, are the proud parents of four children: Zachary, Jessica, Benjamin, and Jonathan.

Steve Lipp is the President &  CEO, of North Dakota Community Foundation.
He is a lifelong North Dakota resident who currently lives in Bismarck. Born andraised in Minot, he is a graduate of Bishop Ryan Catholic School and went on to earn aBachelor of Science degree in Human Biology from Minot State University, followed bya doctoral degree from Northwestern College of Chiropractic.

While at Minot State, Steve distinguished himself as a standout wrestler, earning All-American honors twice and later being inducted into the university’s Athletic Hall ofFame. His passion for athletics and competition has remained a consistent threadthroughout his life.
Professionally, Steve spent more than 20 years as the owner and operator ofChiropractic Health & Wellness in Minot, building a respected practice and serving hiscommunity. In 2015, he transitioned into nonprofit leadership as Executive Director ofthe Bishop Ryan Catholic School Foundation, where he led a successful $5.5 millionendowment campaign. During that same period, he also served as the varsity boyshead wrestling coach, guiding the Lions to top-five finishes in the state Class Btournament in each of his five years.

From 2020 to 2022, Steve served as Director of Development for the Minot StateUniversity Foundation, where he played a key role in advancing a $60 million capitalcampaign. After relocating to Bismarck in the fall of 2022 to be closer to several of hisgrandchildren, he briefly returned to chiropractic practice with Active Life Chiropracticbefore stepping into his current role as President and CEO of the North DakotaCommunity Foundation. The foundation, a 50-year-old public 501(c)(3) nonprofitorganization, manages more than 1,200 funds, supports 72 community foundationsacross the state, and oversees assets approaching $200 million.

Steve and his wife of 36 years, Trini, a legal analyst with MDU Resources, have built astrong family foundation of their own. Together, they have three adult children and eightgrandchildren, with another on the way. Outside of his professional and communitycommitments, Steve is an avid golfer and dedicated sports fan.

Matt Fern is a filmmaker, media producer, and marketing strategist based in North Dakota. He has produced award-winning work for nonprofits, government, education, and corporate clients which include adidas, Macy’s, CNN, Travel Channel, and Comcast.

He created the online series Daily Dakotan and wrote/directed/edited the feature documentary Fighting Over Sioux; he also produces the Plain Talk podcast as well as the investigative podcast The $740,000 Question. Additionally, he serves as President of Film North Dakota, a member-driven 501(c)(4) nonprofit advancing North Dakota’s film, television, and media industry through advocacy, collaboration, and education.

Denise Fettig-Loftesnes serves as Development Director at Dream Center Bismarck, where she leads fundraising and community engagement efforts to ensure individuals and families have consistent access to food, support, and stability. Through its daily meal program and on-site
resources, the Dream Center serves hundreds of neighbors each day, 365 days a year.

Denise brings a diverse background in nonprofit leadership and public service. She previously
served as Resource Development Director at Missouri Slope Areawide United Way and Event
Coordinator at the Age Well Center. She spent 14 years living in Japan, including 10 years as a
civilian Special Staff Family Readiness Officer for the Commanding General of the III Marine
Expeditionary Force, and has lived throughout the United States since the age of 24. In 2021, she
returned to Bismarck, North Dakota, to care for her parents following their dementia diagnoses,
an experience that continues to shape her work and advocacy.

She is the Founder and Director of the Bismarck Memory Café, a monthly gathering that
provides connection, education, and support for those living with memory loss and their care
partners. Denise serves as a Community Educator with the Alzheimer’s Association and is an
active volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Impact Movement, where she advocates for legislation,
shares personal stories to influence policy, engages in social media advocacy, and supports policy
campaigns that improve the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia. She also serves
on the Human Relations Committee for the City of Bismarck.

In recognition of her impact, Denise was named the 2025 AARP Andrus Award for Community
Service recipient - AARP’s most prestigious volunteer honor -and a 2026 Scheels Hidden
Hometown Hero Finalist.

She is passionate about building strong partnerships that create meaningful, lasting change in her
community.

Miranda Klatt is a passionate advocate for mental health, community connection, and accessible wellness. With a background rooted in fitness and a deep commitment to helping others, she has dedicated her work to breaking down barriers that prevent individuals from prioritizing their well-being.


As the founder of a nonprofit organization focused on providing access to exercise services for individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges, Miranda believes that movement is more than physical—it is a powerful tool for healing, connection, and personal growth. Her organization works to ensure that financial limitations do not prevent people from experiencing the benefits of supportive, health-centered communities.


Through her leadership, Miranda continues to build partnerships, create opportunities, and inspire others to view wellness through a more inclusive and compassionate lens. Her mission is simple yet impactful: to make community, movement, and mental health support accessible to all.