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.

Paula began working at Ohnstad Twichell, P.C. in December of 2011. She works in the West Fargo office as Receptionist and Accounts Payable Clerk.

In her free time, Paula enjoys reading, walking, and spending time with family and friends.

Robert A. Brungardt joined Ohnstad Twichell in December 2017 as a Courier and Administrative Assistant, and provides support to the entire West Fargo office. Robert is currently attending NDSU and is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Robert currently resides in West Fargo, ND with his wife, Lu, and their dog Kona. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, exploring state/national parks, watching sports, fishing, and hunting.

Born and raised in New York, Susan received her Bachelor of Arts in Human Services from Stony Brook University. Her legal career began on Long Island, continued in San Francisco, Maryland and DC, and now in North Dakota, where Susan joined Ohnstad Twichell, P.C. in 2018, as a paralegal specializing in estate planning, probate and real estate. Susan’s extensive paralegal experience includes the areas of estate planning, probate, real estate, nonprofit, corporate, and contracts, in both law firms and corporate settings. Susan has a compassionate approach to her work and continually strives to ensure clients are her top priority. Susan resides in Fargo and enjoys gardening, birding and hiking.

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.

Heidi J. Tischer joined Ohnstad Twichell, P.C. in August, 2014. She graduated from Hamline University located in St. Paul, MN in the spring of 1997 with a Bachelor of Science degree in legal studies. Shortly thereafter, Heidi moved to Florida where she lived for fifteen years raising her family as well as working as a tax preparer and paralegal. Heidi currently works in the area of probate. She is a member of the Red River Valley Paralegal Association.

Heidi resides in West Fargo with her three daughters, Samira, Jasmin and Ariana. She is thoroughly enjoying her time spent with family and friends after moving back to the Midwest. Heidi is also a 200 hour registered yoga teacher and plans to continue teaching in the Fargo- Moorhead area. In her spare time she enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with her daughters.

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.

Lisa graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead in May 2008, earning a Bachelor of Science degree with a Paralegal major. Lisa has worked as a paralegal since August 2008, working in the areas of real estate, probate, and estate planning. Prior to that, she worked at an abstracting company for one and half years, gaining valuable real estate experience. Lisa joined Ohnstad Twichell, P.C., in April 2013. Lisa R. Kilde, Paralegal, works with attorneys in the real estate department and supports attorneys throughout the Ohnstad Twichell office with real estate needs. Lisa assists attorneys in managing case files, communicating with clients, drafting title opinions and other necessary real estate documents. Lisa and her husband, Pat, live in Dilworth with their son, Brennan and daughter, Addison. She enjoys traveling, reading, playing volleyball, and spending time with family. Lisa is a member of the Red River Valley Paralegal Association, Secretary of the Dilworth Planning Commission and an active member of the Dilworth Elementary PTA.

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.

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 paralegal and the Right of Way Acquisition Coordinator. She joined Ohnstad Twichell in 2017 and provides support to the Litigation, Municipal, and Real Estate Departments. She received her paralegal certificate through UND and her undergraduate degree from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. Sharon is fluent in Spanish and her previous experience includes working as a Legal Administrative Assistant for Ohnstad Twichell, a Legal Assistant for Neustel Law Offices, and as a Project Supervisor for Integreon. Sharon volunteered her time with numerous non-profit organizations in varying roles before coming to the legal field. 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.

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.

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.

Dawn is married and has two children. Her interests include family activities, fitness, dancing, crafts, and reading.

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.

Tammi R. Watne joined Ohnstad Twichell May 2018 as a Data Coordinator and assists in the Intact process and closing of files, provides back-up on phones and mail duties.

She enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, good movies and traveling to warmer climates in the winter.

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.

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.