North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) honored five individuals and teams for their significant contributions to children, families, and behavioral health services at the 2026 Behavioral Health and Children and Family Services Conference. These annual awards recognize providers and professionals who demonstrate exceptional service, innovation, leadership, and commitment to enhancing the lives of North Dakotans.
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The Fearless Roughrider Team Award went to the Cass Human Service Zone Family Services Team and the Family HealthCare Behavioral Health Team. This award recognizes teams that show courage, innovation, adaptability, and a dedication to improving services. The Cass Human Service Zone Family Services Team was acknowledged for its resilience amid staffing and leadership challenges, developing an evening shift to better serve families, strengthening community partnerships, and enhancing child welfare practices. Family HealthCare’s Behavioral Health Team was recognized for its innovative, patient-centered solutions that address barriers to care, including the expansion of telehealth services and same-day access, along with efforts to assist patients with transportation and food insecurity.
Dr. Nicola Herting, Ph.D., from the Treatment Collaborative for Traumatized Youth at Sanford Research, and Diana Weber from Children and Family Services received the Legendary Service Award for their exceptional contributions to North Dakota's vulnerable children and families. Dr. Herting was celebrated for her leadership in trauma-focused care and workforce development, as well as her role in expanding access to evidence-based treatment through statewide initiatives and innovative telehealth services. Diana Weber, who retired on August 31, was recognized for her lifelong commitment to improving child welfare practices in North Dakota, implementing the Safety Framework Practice Model statewide, and supporting professionals in complex cases.
Jenni Wahl of Lighthouse Recovery Ministries was awarded the Flickertail Service Award, which honors a peer support specialist for their lived experience and dedication to recovery. Wahl began her association with Lighthouse as a participant in the Free Through Recovery program and has since become a peer support specialist. She actively uses her experience to mentor peers, connect individuals with resources, and advocate for families, underscoring her belief that no one is beyond help or redemption.
These awards were presented during a conference that gathered professionals and partners from across North Dakota to exchange knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and enhance services for those experiencing behavioral health challenges. The conference reached a record attendance of 1,478 participants this year, both virtually and in person, supported by 62 sponsors.