Christie R. Axness has been a paralegal in the real estate department since 2017. Christie graduated from Devils Lake High School and UND-Lake Region College with an Associate of Arts degree. She went on to earn an Associates of Applied Science degree in Paralegal from Rasmussen College. She provides support to the real estate group in a wide array of matters.

Christie and her husband, Mitch, live in Fargo with their daughter, Morgan and son, Andrew. She enjoys spending time with her family, going to the lake and photography.

Amanda A. Blotsky joined Ohnstad Twichell in February 2018 as Payroll & Billing Coordinator, and provides support to the accounting department. Amanda attended M State and NDSU and has been working in the administrative field for the past several years.

She enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and watching sports.

Tara Cuypers joined Ohnstad Twichell, P.C., in November of 2018 and works in the areas of probate, estate planning and real estate. Tara has worked in the legal field for almost twenty years and obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Paralegal Studies from Minnesota State University Moorhead in December 2011. Tara has three children: Ashley, Zachary, and Julia, in addition to four grandchildren: Brody, Brayden, Blake and Hayden. She enjoys the peacefulness of country living along with gardening, football, and spending quality time with her loved ones. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, good movies and traveling to warmer climates in the winter.

Daniel Jackson grew up in East Grand Forks, Minnesota and has lived in the Fargo/Moorhead area since 1972. He attended college at Minnesota State University Moorhead and Moorhead Technical College, graduating with an associate degree. He worked in the foodservice industry for 34 years and is now in his “retirement” career. He enjoys golf, gardening, and his two grandsons, and is a regular blood door. Dan began part time employment with Ohnstad Twichell in April of 2019.

Jaine joined Ohnstad Twichell, P.C. in December 2016. She works in the West Fargo office as a Legal Administrative Assistant with the estate planning and probate practice groups. She graduated from Minnesota State Community and Technical College Moorhead with a degree in Legal Administrative Assisting.

Jaine resides in Fargo and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Joy Knutson joined the Ohnstad Twichell team in July of 2017. She graduated from The University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Studies/Human Resources, and has a Masters in Management from the University of Mary. She holds her SHRM-SCP and SPHR certifications, is an active member of the Fargo-Moorhead Human Resources Association and served as past president of Agassiz Valley Human Resources Association. She volunteers for Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity and has served on the Family Selection Committee for the past eight years.

Joy is an adjunct professor at the University of Mary, and teaches at both the undergraduate and graduate level. She lives in Fargo with her husband, and enjoys hanging out with her family, traveling, biking, music, theater, snowmobiling and lake time.

Julie M. Koppelman began working at Ohnstad Twichell, P.C., on January 7, 2002, as an intern in the probate practice group. She was hired as a probate paralegal in May 2002. Julie works in the areas of probate and estate planning. Julie was a 1998 graduate of West Fargo High School. On April 1, 2000, she married her high school sweetheart, Benjamin Koppelman. In 2002, she graduated from Concordia College, Moorhead, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree with an accounting major and an office administration minor. Julie has served as Treasurer of the Red River Valley Paralegal Association since 2004 and also serves as the Treasurer of the Aurora Elementary PTO.

Julie and her husband, Ben, live in West Fargo with their daughter, Madison, and son, Reagan. They are proud to call West Fargo home, a portion of which Ben represents as a legislator in the North Dakota House of Representatives. She enjoys traveling, cooking, shopping and spending time with her family at the lake.

Karla Maertens has been employed as a Legal Administrative Assistant at Ohnstad Twichell since March of 2013 working in real estate. Karla graduated from the former Moorhead Area Vocational and Technical Institute and has worked as a legal secretary/assistant in the Fargo-Moorhead area for many years, including 15 years as a secretary to the Judges at Cass County District Court. Karla and her husband Joe live north of West Fargo and have three adult children.

In her spare time, Karla enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, walking, listening to music, cooking and baking, and watching movies.

Mistte J. Maddock received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Paralegal Studies, as well as a minor in Accounting, from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 2002. That same year she joined Ohnstad Twichell, P.C. as a paralegal specializing in estate administration. She is a current member and past president of the Red River Valley Paralegal Association. Mistte is also a member of the National Association of Legal Assistants.

Mistte and her husband, Travis, reside in Davenport with their children, James and Lauren. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and reading.

Dzenita Maslesa joined Ohnstad Twichell, P.C., in July of 2019 and works in the area of probate, estate planning, and real estate. She was a 2015 graduate of North Dakota State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science with an emphasis in Public Service; and a 2018 graduate of Minnesota State University Moorhead, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Paralegal Studies with emphasis in litigation and transactions. She is a member of the Red River Valley Paralegal Association.
Dzenita enjoys traveling to Europe to visit her relatives; exploring new countries and cultures; learning new languages; kayaking in the ocean; hiking in the mountains; and spending time with her family and friends.

Jolene Mullen obtained her paralegal degree in 1997 from Merced College, California, where she worked in the areas of litigation and estate planning for over 15 years. Upon returning to the Fargo area in 2008, Jolene began working for Ohnstad Twichell in the areas of estate planning, probate, and real estate. Jolene has been a past member of the Red River Valley Paralegal Association, as well as the California Allegiance Association of Paralegals.

Jolene and her husband Joe have three children and live in south Fargo. Jolene keeps busy with her son’s hockey and baseball activities, and enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Courtney graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a minor in Accounting. After graduating college, she spent a majority of her career in the non-profit industry prior to joining the Ohnstad Twichell, P.C. team in November 2017.

Courtney and her husband, Jon, reside in Reiles Acres, ND with their daughter. In her free time, Courtney enjoys spending time with her friends and family and traveling.

Sharon is a NALA certified paralegal and also serves as the Right of Way Acquisition Coordinator. She joined Ohnstad Twichell in 2017 and provides support to the Litigation, Municipal, Municipal Prosecution, and Real Estate Departments. She received her paralegal certificate through UND and her undergraduate degree from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, and is a member of the Red River Valley Paralegal Association. Sharon is fluent in Spanish and her previous experience includes working as a Legal Administrative Assistant for Ohnstad Twichell, as a Legal Assistant for Neustel Law Offices, and as a Project Supervisor for Integreon. Sharon passed the exam to obtain her Certified Paralegal credential in 2019. Before coming to the legal field, Sharon volunteered her time in varying roles with numerous non-profit organizations. In her free time, Sharon enjoys reading, playing piano, outdoor activities, and spending time with family and friends.

Amber L. Olson joined Ohnstad Twichell in May 2017 as an administrative assistant, and was promoted to Legal Administrative Assistant in May of 2018, providing support to the estate planning, probate and real estate practice groups. Originally from Breckenridge, MN, Amber holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Minnesota State University – Moorhead majoring as a Paralegal with a minor in Business Management. Previously, Amber worked thirteen years as a paralegal in a wide variety of practice areas including estate planning, probate, litigation, family and business law.

Amber currently lives in Harwood, ND with her husband, Nick, whom she married in 2010. Together they occupy their time raising their miniature dachshund Lilly, spending time with family and friends, and cheering on the UND Men’s Hockey team. Amber also enjoys attending concerts and tapping into her creativity with projects and recipes from Pinterest.

Sheri is a native of West Fargo. After retiring from 25 years of teaching dance and closing her dance studio, she wanted to continue to work with the community she loves. Administration and client interaction has been the perfect career change and she supports all that Ohnstad Twichell represents. She enjoys lake life, traveling and spending time with her boys.

Dena Ranum began working at Ohnstad Twichell, P.C., on May 15, 2006, as a legal administrative assistant. She works in the litigation department primarily in family law. Dena graduated from Interstate Business College in 1995 with an associate degree in legal assistant. Her previous work experience includes six years as a legal assistant with Gjesdahl & Deitz in Fargo.

Dena and her husband, Chris, have three children and live in West Fargo.

Joshua D. Roaldson has been a paralegal in the litigation department since 2002. Joshua graduated from Fergus Falls High School, and Fergus Falls Community College with an Associate of Arts degree. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree with a legal assistant major from Minnesota State University Moorhead. He provides support to the litigation practice group in a wide array of matters, as well as assisting other practice groups in the firm.

Joshua is an active member of the Red River Valley Paralegal Association.

Stephanie Ruth joined the Ohnstad Twichell team in July 2019 as a Legal Administrative Assistant. Stephanie received her Bachelor’s degree in 2010 from North Dakota State University where she studied Criminal Justice and Psychology. She currently works in real estate, probate, and municipal law.

Stephanie currently resides in Fargo. She enjoys books, art, music, and singing with the Fargo Moorhead Master Chorale.

Andrea Roman (formerly Andrea Murphy) joined Ohnstad Twichell, P.C. in October 2013 and is a paralegal in the municipal practice group. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead‘s Paralegal program in 2005. Following an internship and paralegal position with the County Prosecutor’s office in Indianapolis, IN, Andrea worked as a paralegal for the in-house legal department of the City of Indianapolis for approximately 2 years. In addition to her experience in criminal and municipal law, Andrea has also worked in the areas of corporate law, contracts, real estate, and family law, since returning to the F-M area in 2008. Andrea passed the exam to obtain her Certified Paralegal credential in 2014, and she is a member of the Red River Valley Paralegal Association.

Dawn M. Schaefer, PLS, commenced employment at Ohnstad Twichell, P.C., in 1988, and currently works as a Civil and Criminal Litigation and Water Law Assistant within the Litigation and Water Law Practice Groups. Dawn assists in training new employees and troubleshooting technical questions relating to office technology and procedures. She is a graduate of North Dakota State College of Science, achieving an Associate of Applied Science degree as a legal secretary. Dawn attained professional certification as a Certified Professional Legal Secretary through NALS, the association for legal professionals. She is currently active in NALS of FargoMoorhead, and has served in various capacities on that board, as well as being associated with NALS on the national level. Dawn is married and has two children and a grandchild. Her interests include dancing, bowling, fitness, crafts, and reading.

Toni A. Schrepel grew up South of Audubon, MN on Little Cormorant Lake. She graduated from NDSU in 2013 with a degree in Management Communication. At NDSU she also competed in high jump for the Women’s Track and Field Team and still holds the collegiate records for both indoor and outdoor competitions. In her spare time she tries to spend as much time outdoors as possible either running, hiking, gardening, camping, or skiing. Her and her husband, Justin, currently reside in North Moorhead. She joined Ohnstad Twichell in August, 2019.

Karen L. Severson joined Ohnstad Twichell, P.C. in September of 2019 as a paralegal in the real estate department. Karen graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Paralegal Studies and has worked in the areas of real estate, estate planning, probate and corporate law for over 15 years. Karen has two grown children, son Jordan and daughter Morgan, and resides in Fargo. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her children, family and friends.

Jennifer Sexsmith joined Ohnstad Twichell April 2019 as an Office Assistant. Jennifer graduated from the University of Minnesota, Crookston with an Associate in Applied Science, Court Reporting degree. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with family, friends and her three dogs.

Cassie M. Smith joined Ohnstad Twichell P.C. in May of 2019, as legal administrative assistant. She works primarily in the litigation department. In the fall of 2018, she graduated from Rasmussen College earning an Associates of Applied Science degree in Paralegal. Cassie previously worked as a paralegal, assisting in family law, criminal defense, and personal injury cases, at Rosenquist & Arnason, P.C., in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
Cassie resides in West Fargo with fiancé, Jason, and two sons, Easton and Zayden. In her free time, Cassie enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending her children’s different events and activities, and spending time outdoors.

Carol Stillwell is a paralegal working in the areas of Municipal Law, Municipal Bonding and Finance, and Municipal Prosecutions. She attended college at North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, North Dakota, earning her Associates Degree as a Legal Secretary. She began her career at the firm in 1982 as a file clerk, and advanced to become a paralegal in the Municipal/Bonding Department in 1987. She is a paralegal member of the National Association of Bond Lawyers. Over the years, Carol has been active as an officer in the Fargo Jaycees, served as an Ambassador and Past-President of the West Fargo Chamber of Commerce, and has been active in church and school activities. Carol and her husband, Dave, have two children and reside in West Fargo.

Karen began working at Ohnstad Twichell in February of 2005 as a legal administrative assistant. She works primarily in the litigation department, but also pitches in with real estate matters. Karen graduated from the University of Minnesota-Crookston, receiving an Associate of Applied Science degree. She enjoys the outdoors and traveling with her husband. Karen and her husband, Rod, have two married sons and currently two grandsons. They also have two very spoiled dogs.

Kirsten has worked at Ohnstad Twichell since July 2013 as a Legal Administrative Assistant in the Probate and Estate Planning Department. She graduated from Rasmussen Business College in Eagan, Minnesota, with a Legal Secretary degree.

In Kirsten’s free time, she enjoys being at the lake, gardening and spending time with family and friends.

Sheila works in the Casselton office as a Legal Administrative Assistant in the areas of Real Estate, Business, Probate, Estate Planning, and Municipal Law.

Sheila enjoys spending her free time gardening, time on her patio, reading, and being with family and friends.

Abby R. Pitsenbarger joined Ohnstad Twichell, P.C., in June 2009 as a probate paralegal. She was a 2007 graduate of Concordia College, Moorhead, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in History; and a 2009 graduate of Minnesota State University Moorhead, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Paralegal Studies. Abby works in the areas of probate, estate planning and real estate. She is a member of the Red River Valley Paralegal Association.

Abby is originally from Minneapolis, MN, and currently resides in West Fargo.

Emily began working at Ohnstad Twichell, P.C., in March 2019 as an Administrative Assistant in the Hillsboro office. She graduated from Hillsboro High School, and MSCTC Moorhead with an Associate of Applied Science degree.

Emily enjoys spending her free time with her family, traveling, being outdoors in the warmer months, and watching sports.

Jackie is a 2007 graduate of MSUM with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and a minor in Mass Communications. Jackie has been a legal administrative assistant with Ohnstad Twichell since 2010. She began in the West Fargo office and transferred to the Hillsboro office in 2016. She works in the probate, estate planning, real estate, and corporate practice groups. Jackie is currently the recording secretary for NALS (National Association of Legal Secretaries).

Jackie is an avid reader and spends her free time spoiling her dog, Max.