Meet the BIO Girls Advocacy Committees: Programming Committee
Dr. Becca Bakke
General Pediatrician
Sanford Health
Becca has been a general pediatrician at Sanford Health since 2010. She is a graduate of Concordia College and UND School of Medicine. She completed her pediatric residency at Nationwide Children’s Hospital/Ohio State University. She lives in Fargo with her husband and four children. Becca daughter is a BIO Girls participant so she also brings the perspective of a parent to the committee.
“I would like to work on expanding BIO girls programming to serve more girls in need. There are so many underserved girls in our communities that would greatly benefit from BIO girls, but are unable to participate because of transportation and other barriers, and I would like to work on finding innovative ways to serving that population.”
Dr. Beth Blodgett Salafia
Professor | Department of Human Development and Family Science
NDSU
Beth is a professor in the department of Human Development and Family Science at North Dakota State University. She has a PhD in psychology from the University of Notre Dame. She teaches classes in adolescent development, body image and eating disorders, parent-child relationships, and socioemotional development. Dr. Salafia has conducted over a dozen research studies investigating youth and adults’ eating behaviors and perceptions of their bodies, as well as how such attitudes and behaviors connect with their family, peer, and partner relationships. Her overall goal is to promote healthy development, especially for girls and young women.
“I am passionate about improving the lives of girls and young women. I am proud to work with BIO Girls to do this! I hope to be able to use my knowledge and experience to create impactful programming to reach girls across the state of North Dakota and improve their emotional, physical, mental, and social well-being. I would also like to help BIO Girls assess the short-term and long-term effects of their programming.”
Emily Harrison
Teacher
Heritage Middle School
Emily holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Valley City State University. Emily has taught at the elementary level, English Learners, and is currently a 6th Grade Teacher at Heritage Middle School in West Fargo, ND. Emily is also a certified yoga instructor and teaches yoga locally. She lives in West Fargo with her husband and dog. She enjoys reading, snowshoeing, cycling, and being outdoors.
“I am involved with BIO Girls because I believes in the importance of empowering young girls by increasing self-esteem. I am also an advocate of using mindfulness practices, such as breathing techniques and yoga, to increase self-compassion and overall wellness.”
dr. lisa karch
Interim Dean of Graduate & Extended Learning
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Dr. Lisa Karch is serving in the role as Interim Dean of Graduate & Extended Learning at Minnesota State University Moorhead where she oversees Graduate Studies, Online Learning, and Youth Outreach programming. She received her bachelor’s degree in Health Education and Biology from Concordia College and her master’s degree in School Counseling and doctorate in Human Development with an emphasis in Counselor Education & Supervision, both from North Dakota State University. She has worked as a licensed school counselor in various K-12 settings for eight years. Then transitioned to Minnesota State University Moorhead in 2010 and served in various teaching and leadership roles as the Counseling & Student Affairs graduate program coordinator, school counseling program coordinator and teaching graduate level Counseling courses in preparing mental health professionals and professional school counselors. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, playing various sports and spending time at the lake.
Michelle Nelson
Independent Sales Representative
Stine Seed
In 2001, Michelle graduated from Valley City State with a degree in Elementary Education. For the last 20 years she has been an elementary teacher at Central Cass Elementary in Casselton. She recently decided to make a career change and took a job with Stine Seed as an Independent Sales Representative. She lives in Casselton with her two kids. Camry (15) and Carter (12).
“I am very passionate about BIO Girls as my daughter was a participant in the first group that Missy had! When the program expanded to Casselton, she continued to participate and eventually became a junior mentor. I was also a mentor for several years and loved every minute of it!”
Annie Richards
Behaviors Coordinator
West Fargo Public Schools
Annie Richards is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 15 years of experience working with individuals with mental health and developmental disabilities in the FM area. She received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Minnesota State University Moorhead and her master's degree in special education with an emphasis in applied behavior analysis from the University of North Dakota. When she's not serving in her current role as the behavior coordinator for West Fargo Public Schools, Annie enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, playing piano, and attempting the NYT crossword puzzle.
“My goal is to connect with a team of women who are dedicated to and passionate about building the next generation of leaders!”
Dr. Lauren Schaefer
Assistant Research Scientist and the Director of Education and Training
Sanford’s Center for Bio-Behavioral Research
Dr. Lauren Schaefer’s clinical and research interests center on the prevention and treatment of body image disturbance and eating disorders. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology in 2017 from the University of South Florida, and completed her clinical internship at the Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. After graduating, she completed a NIMH-funded postdoctoral fellowship in eating disorders research at Sanford’s Center for Bio-Behavioral Research (CBR), and later joined the CBR faculty as an Assistant Research Scientist and the Director of Education and Training in 2019. In addition to her research and training roles, Dr. Schaefer also provides psychological services to women through the Sanford Women’s Health Clinics.
“It only takes a few moments with Missy Heilman (Founder and Executive Director of BIO Girls) to recognize that you’ve encountered someone with genuine passion and purpose. I am delighted to support the Mission of BIO Girls, and to provide guidance regarding evidence-based approaches for improving mental health outcomes among young girls.”
Christina Smestad-Schmaltz
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Village Family Service Center
Christina is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who provides outpatient therapy to adults, children, couples and families at the Village Family Service Center in Moorhead, Minnesota. I graduated from North Dakota State University in 2013 with a master's degree in Human Development/Couple and Family Therapy. Much of my work is focused on trauma and attachment with teens and young children. I have a passion for the adolescent female population and run a girl’s group to improve body image and self-worth in adolescent girls. I enjoy spending quality time with my friends and family and especially find joy in doing just about anything with my husband and sons.
“I would love to broaden my knowledge and perspective on what our community has to offer girls and what I can bring back to the girls I work with to help them thrive and be the best version of themselves. I also look forward to learning more about resources and connecting with others who have the same passion for building self-esteem in girls.”
Alison Zima
Director of Information Services
South East Education Cooperative
Alison Zima is the Director of Information Services for the South East Education Cooperative. Alison has 10 years of communications and marketing experience along with program management and information technology services. She is also an executive founding member of the Power of 100 Women Who Care of the Red River Valley. A graduate of Minnesota State University Moorhead, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications with an emphasis in advertising and public relations. She lives in West Fargo with her husband Tyler and two children. She serves as a Director on the BIO Girls Board and will be the board liaison of for the programming committee.