Supporting Your Daughter Through the Tough Stuff: A BIO Girls Event

Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025

Supporting Your Daughter Through the Tough Stuff: A BIO Girls Event

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Junkyard Brewing West
409 Sheyenne Street | West Fargo, ND

BIO Girls is on a mission to improve the mental wellness of adolescent girls, but we can’t do it alone!

We need you, Dads!

Join us for an evening designed just for dads—because your role in your daughter's life is more powerful than you think. Enjoy a relaxed happy hour social, then gain insight during a compelling panel discussion featuring real stories, expert perspectives, and the mission behind BIO Girls.

Be part of the conversation that’s changing lives—starting with hers.

Dads. Drinks. Dialogue. Deeper Impact.

Did you know?

  • Girls aged 8–12 with involved fathers are more likely to develop higher self-esteem and better academic engagement.

  • A father’s presence during early adolescence is positively associated with resilience and psychological security in girls.

  • Girls with involved fathers are 2x more likely to graduate college and 75% less likely to experience teen pregnancy.

This is your chance to ask questions, connect with other dads, and discover how you can champion confidence, resilience, and emotional wellness in your daughter’s life.

Meet the Moderator and Panel

Moderator

Marcus Thornton is in his 17th year at Scheels and currently the Chief Marketing Officer for the past 10 years overseeing all marketing initiatives on behalf of their 34 stores across the country. Marcus is from western Wisconsin and served in the US Army from 1992 - 1996, attended the University of Wisconsin La Crosse following, while transitioning to a career in retail with over 27 years of total experience. Along with his wife Shannon, Marcus has called the FM area home since 2007 and currently lives in south Fargo, recently transitioning to "empty nesters" with two grown children, son Rylyn & daughter Jaedyn. Marcus also serves on the BIO Girls Board of Directors.

Marcus Thornton

Panelists

Johnathan Berntson, LPCC

Jonathan Berntson is a licensed professional mental health counselor with a focus on child development, family dynamics, and the emotional well-being. With over 8 years of clinical experience, he has worked with countless families to help strengthen parent-child relationships and promote healthy emotional growth. He is particularly passionate about the role fathers and father-figures play in shaping a young girl’s sense of identity, confidence, and resilience. He is a father to two young girls and along with his wife, lives in Fargo.

Nathan Enderle

Nathan Enderle is a dedicated father to three girls and has been happily married for 14 years. Professionally, he is a graduate of the University of North Dakota with a degree in Marketing. He's the Digital Marketing Leader at Scheels for the past 8 years. With any free time left, you'll find him golfing.

Jason Francisco

Jason Francisco is the proud father of two daughters and grandfather to three grandkids. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Jason brings his leadership and knack for connection to his role as Director of Business Relations at CureIS Healthcare. Outside of work, Jason is a dedicated advocate for children, serving on the board of CornerHouse, an organization committed to supporting children and families impacted by abuse and trauma. He resides in Lakeville, MN, with his wife, and when he’s not working or volunteering, you’ll likely find him playing hockey, out on the water, or perfecting his famous meatballs.

Dhilan Marasighe, MD

Dr. Dhilhan Marasinghe, MD, is a general pediatrician at Essentia Health who has devoted his career to nurturing the health and well-being of children. He has an interest in community medicine and works closely with local organizations and schools to meet their specific medical needs. He also works closely with families and schools to counter the growing mental health crisis in our adolescent population. He believes strongly in the importance of family, engagement, and faith in our children's lives. He has a loving wife, 2 yo old son, and 4 yo daughter who acts like a teenager.