Ty Hegland, Chief Executive Officer

Ty Hegland, MBA, is a North Dakota native with over 18 years of healthcare experience. Previously, Ty served as the President/CEO of ShareHouse, the largest SUD provider in the state of North Dakota. Prior to that he served as a Vice President/Executive Director for Sanford Health.  Ty’s experience includes substance use disorder, mental health, co-occurring adolescent treatment, patient assistance, business development, public relations, marketing, public policy/governance, and organizational development. Ty serves on the boards of the North Dakota Hospital Association and Plains Art Museum and has received numerous awards throughout his career including being named a Bush Fellow. Ty is married and has three children.

Education

• MBA, University of Mary – Bismarck, ND
• B.S. Psychology – North Dakota State University – Fargo, ND
• Certification, Consulting – Harvard University – Cambridge, MA
• Certification, Lean Healthcare Engineering – University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, MI

Jeffrey Koval, Chief Financial Officer

Jeff has over 12 years’ experience in the health care realm in various positions both in the US Government as well as private sector. Through his various roles, he has a strong understanding of the crucial work done by Prairie St. John’s in the mental health arena. Jeff has a strong background in both organizational leadership and revenue management with an emphasis in utilizing technology to streamline processes to make organizations more efficient both on an operational and financial standpoint.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Finance w/ emphasis in Accounting – MSUM
• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) for Criminal Justice – MSCTC
• Associate of Arts Degree (AA) for Liberal Arts – MSCTC

Certifications:

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Elysia Agnew, Director of Assessment and Intake

Elysia Agnew started her career at Prairie St. John’s in 2003 as a Behavioral Health Technician and has worked her way up the ladder to Director of Assessment and Intake. “I’ve found nothing more rewarding than being a part of stabilizing a patient’s crisis and guiding them to the help they need. I look forward to watching patients leave our facility with a sense of hope and relief because they have found a path to a better place.  Serving as the Intake Director has provided the opportunity to manage an entire department of professionals that have similar goals and share rewarding experiences with patients.”

Education

• Master’s Degree: Counseling, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota
• Bachelor’s Degree: Psychology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota

Licensure

• LPC, North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners

Lori Whitten, Director of Human Resources

Lori is a Human Resources leader with over 25 years of experience driving organizational strategy and success, including past executive roles as VP of Human Resources at ShareHouse,  Managing Director at Xtreme Consulting and Corporate Training Manager for True Blue. With a deep background in contract management, full-cycle recruiting across healthcare, technology, and construction, and an 8-year tenure in the Army National Guard, she is a veteran who builds team-oriented, people-first workplace cultures.

Education:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) – University of Mary, Bismarck, ND
• Master of Management – University of Mary, Bismarck, ND
• Bachelor of Science in Sociology – NDSU, Fargo, ND

Tim Mathern, Director of Public Policy

In his position as Director of Public Policy, Tim Mathern works with government agencies and private organizations regarding public policy concerns of behavioral health. Tim has been a North Dakota State Senator since 1986 and has more than 30 years experience as a social worker and agency administrator. He is well equipped to guide Prairie St. John’s efforts with regards to public policy.

Education

• Master’s Degree: Public Administration, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
• Master’s Degree: Social Work, University of Nebraska, Omaha, Nebraska
• Bachelor’s Degree: Sociology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota

Licensure

• North Dakota Board of Social Work, LCSW

Board Activities

• University of North Dakota Medical School
• Advisory Council
• Commission on National and Community Service
• Prairie Roots Food Cooperative

Memberships

• Council of State Governments
• Mental Health America
• National Alliance on Mental Illness
• National Conference of State Legislatures
• National Association of Social Workers

Azer Gasevic, Director of Risk Management

Azer Gasevic is the Risk Management Director at Prairie St. John’s, where he champions safety and quality across all levels of care. He joined the hospital in 2016 as the Emergency Management Coordinator and Safety Officer, building on the skills he developed previously with Sanford Health. His promotion to Risk Management in 2019 broadened his impact, allowing him to shape policies and processes that elevate the patient experience throughout the organization. A long-time Fargo resident—having called the community home for more than 30 years—Azer pairs deep local roots with nearly a decade of hands-on leadership in healthcare emergency preparedness and risk mitigation.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree: Political Science, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota
• Bachelor’s Degree: Emergency Management, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota

Marita Palya, Director of Business Development

Marita grew up in Glyndon MN, after graduating from Nursing School in 1985, worked in the Grand Forks for a few years before spending 10+ years in Phoenix Az and Las Vegas NV. While she loved her time in the desert and loves to visit, she and her family finally returned home to Minnesota in 2003.  Married with 2 children and 5 grandkids, Marita loves to spend time outdoors at her home or cabin. She is on the board of directors of UCHOPE DGF and a member of several outdoor clubs.

Though nursing was her first love, Marita now has over 35 years of experience in Business Development in a variety of health care settings.   She can easily navigate health systems and has an extensive network of colleagues across the continuum of care in many communities across North Dakota and Minnesota.

Anthony Marucco, Director of Clinical Services

Anthony has worked in health and human services for over 30 years. He has extensive experience in the field of social work in juvenile correction, clients’ homes, inpatient mental health and partial hospitalization. Anthony has served as a Lead Therapist and Social Worker at both UHS Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital and Sanford Health Fargo Adolescent PHP. Originally hailing from Pennsylvania, Anthony received his BSW from Slippery Rock University and his MSW from Temple University. He is certified as an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist, DBT Specialist, Clinical Trauma Informed Professional, and Clinical Supervision Trainer.

Education

• Master of Social Work, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
• Bachelor of Social Work, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Licensure:

• LICSW, North Dakota Board of Social Work
• LICSW, Minnesota Board of Social Work

Certificates:

• Certified-DBT
• Certified Clinical Trauma Professional II
• Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist
• LICSW Certified Supervisor (MN)

Memberships:

• National Association of Social Workers
• National Association of Mental Illness

Kristi Kilen, Director of Outpatient Clinical Services

Kristi has over 15 years of experience in the field of behavioral health, specializing in both mental health and substance use disorders. She has spent majority of her career in outpatient settings, helping clients achieve lasting recovery and wellness through a holistic, person-centered approach. She was the Director of Outpatient Clinical Services at ShareHouse for 8 years and prior worked direct care through Southeast Human Service Center for nearly 7 years. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Family Systems. She also trained in Matrix and Prime Solutions curricula, utilizing proven, research-based interventions to support clients in recovery and personal growth. Kristi is dedicated to creating a compassionate, collaborative environment where clients feel supported, respected, and equipped with the tools they need to thrive.

Education

• Master of Science Counseling, University of Mary, Fargo ND
• Bachelor of Science Psychology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND

Licensure:

• LMAC, North Dakota Board of Addiction Counseling Examiners
• LPC, North Dakota Board of Counseling Examiners

Memberships:

• North Dakota Behavioral Health Planning Counsil
• The Association of Addiction Professionals (NAADAC)

Susan Schneider, MS, OTR/L, MBA, Performance Improvement Director

Over 20 years ago Susan was an Occupational Therapist Student at Prairie St. John’s and was excited to come back in 2022 within the activity therapy department. Throughout the years she has worked in pediatric clinics, acute care hospitals, inpatient behavioral health facilities and home-based therapy while supervising staff and mentoring students. Susan has presented at several professional and parent education seminars.

Outside of work Susan enjoys time with her family and being outdoors. As a North Dakota native, she enjoys all seasons and finds ways to stay active in every season

Education:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)- University of Mary, Bismarck, ND
• Master of Science Occupational Therapy-University of Mary, Bismarck, ND

Prairie St. John’s provides a number of services for children, adolescents and adults facing mental health issues, substance use disorder or co-occurring disorders. For a confidential, level of care assessment call 701-476-7200 anytime, day or night.