Our mission is to convene Economic Assistance and Medicaid team members and Eligibility Workers from across the state, fostering professional growth and development through dynamic connections and the exchange of innovative practices. By providing a platform for learning, sharing, and networking, we empower our team members to deliver services with integrity, efficiency, and compassion, ultimately enriching the lives of those we serve.
Welcome to the 2025 Economic Assistance and Medicaid Eligibility Spring Symposium.
Join our fantastic sponsors in Hall A after registration!
The work we do as human services professionals is built on the power of each moment—those critical interactions that change lives, inspire hope, and create lasting impact. In this opening session, we’ll explore the profound difference human services workers make every day and the significance of the work we do for individuals, families, and communities. Jessica Thomasson, Executive Director, Human Services Division with North Dakota Health Human Services, will share powerful stories and insights, highlighting how every moment in our work contributes to building stronger, more resilient communities.
Session Highlights:
Objective: To recognize and celebrate the vital role of human services professionals and the lasting impact of their work.
Key Themes: The power of human connection, empathy, advocacy, and the transformative impact of each moment in human services.
Format: Inspirational address followed by a reflection and interactive discussion.
Duration: 90 minutes
Join us as we kick off this conference with a focus on the extraordinary work that human services professionals do every day. Together, we’ll reflect on the power of our collective efforts and commit to continuing the journey of making each moment count.
Keynote Address by Tim Gard
In today’s fast-paced and high-pressure world, human services professionals face unique and unprecedented challenges. In this inspiring keynote, Tim Gard will provide your team with the essential tools to manage stress, build resilience, and thrive both professionally and personally.
Tim will share practical, actionable techniques for handling daily stressors, with a special focus on how to enhance leadership through humor and create a positive work environment. This session will help participants discover how to navigate tough situations with a lighter heart, prevent burnout, and foster a team culture where everyone can shine.
Equip your team with the skills to burn bright—without burning out!
Tim Gard
Breakout Session: Hosted by Adam Martin
Join Adam Martin, founder of the F5 Project, for an inspiring session on how empathy, grace, and personalized support can transform the lives of individuals impacted by incarceration. After experiencing his own journey through the criminal justice system, including five felonies, Adam became dedicated to providing support and resources to those reentering society after jail or prison.
What began as a local initiative in Fargo, ND, has since grown into a statewide program that addresses the complex challenges of incarceration, mental health, and addiction. In this session, Adam will share the mission and impact of the F5 Project, detailing how the organization helps individuals navigate the difficult path of reintegration.
Attendees will gain insight into the power of personal stories, the importance of community-based support, and the critical role of empathy in breaking the cycle of recidivism. Through Adam’s experience and expertise, learn how these efforts are reshaping the narrative around incarceration and creating lasting change for individuals and communities.
Adam Martin
Facilitated by Tim Gard and Sophia Asghar
Leadership in the eligibility field requires more than just expertise—it demands the ability to inspire, guide, and elevate your team, especially in a high-pressure environment where burnout is a real challenge. This interactive workshop, facilitated by Tim Gard and Sophia Asghar, is specifically designed for leaders in the eligibility workforce, providing practical strategies to manage stress, combat burnout, and foster a resilient, high-performing team culture.
Dynamic Resilience is a transformative system tailored to help high-achieving leaders not just survive, but thrive in today’s fast-paced, chaotic world. In this session, Tim and Sophia will equip you with tools to optimize energy levels, maintain well-being, and sustain a fulfilling, balanced life. They’ll share insights on recognizing burnout, fostering a positive work environment, and implementing strategies to boost morale, motivation, and productivity.
Workshop Highlights:
Objective: Equip leaders with strategies to inspire, guide, and support eligibility teams, prevent burnout, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Target Audience: Supervisors, managers, and emerging leaders in the eligibility sector.
Format: Engaging, hands-on workshop with real-world scenarios, group activities, and actionable leadership strategies to manage stress and enhance team resilience.
By the end of this session, you’ll leave with actionable tools to maintain peak performance, inspire your team, and foster a resilient, thriving, and accountable work environment.
Tim Gard
Sophia Asghar
Hosted by Community Action Partnership of North Dakota
Join us for an immersive, eye-opening experience that provides participants with a deeper understanding of the daily challenges faced by individuals and families living in poverty. This simulation, facilitated by our local Community Action Agency, will put participants in the shoes of someone struggling to make ends meet. Through a series of role-playing scenarios, you will experience the complexities of managing limited resources, navigating social services, and making difficult decisions to survive and thrive.
Overview:
Objective: To raise awareness about poverty and inspire positive social change.
Format: A guided simulation followed by group reflection and discussion.
Through this event, we hope to foster empathy, challenge stereotypes, and create a space for meaningful dialogue about poverty and how we can all contribute to building stronger, more resilient communities.
Hosted by the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Join us for an interactive and thought-provoking simulation designed to provide participants with a deeper understanding of the challenges and realities within the correctional system. Hosted by the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, this hands-on experience will offer a unique perspective on the complexities faced by both inmates and correctional staff. Through role-playing scenarios, participants will navigate the daily experiences and decision-making processes within the correctional environment.
Event Overview:
Objective: To raise awareness about the correctional system, foster empathy, and promote informed discussions about rehabilitation and justice.
Format: A guided simulation followed by a group debrief and open discussion.
This event aims to enhance understanding of the corrections process and stimulate conversations about how we can work together to improve outcomes for individuals involved in the justice system and our communities as a whole.
Breakout Session: Hosted by Dawn Kaiser
In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of health and human services, your passion and energy are crucial to making a difference every day. However, with constant change, remote collaboration, and increasing demands, it’s easy to feel disconnected from the joy that originally drew you to this work.
This uplifting and interactive session will help you rediscover the moments that truly matter, reignite your sense of purpose, and strengthen meaningful connections with colleagues, whether near or far. You’ll explore how tapping into the contagious power of joy can create a positive ripple effect—not only within your team but also for the individuals you serve.
Session Takeaways:
Techniques for reconnecting with the passion that inspired your career
Strategies for building stronger, more meaningful connections with your team
Practical tools to cultivate joy and positivity in your work environment
Join us for a refreshing session designed to revitalize your spirit and help you bring a renewed sense of joy and purpose to your work.
Catered lunch provided on-site.
Hosted by the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Join us for an interactive and thought-provoking simulation designed to provide participants with a deeper understanding of the challenges and realities within the correctional system. Hosted by the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, this hands-on experience will offer a unique perspective on the complexities faced by both inmates and correctional staff. Through role-playing scenarios, participants will navigate the daily experiences and decision-making processes within the correctional environment.
Event Overview:
Objective: To raise awareness about the correctional system, foster empathy, and promote informed discussions about rehabilitation and justice.
Format: A guided simulation followed by a group debrief and open discussion.
This event aims to enhance understanding of the corrections process and stimulate conversations about how we can work together to improve outcomes for individuals involved in the justice system and our communities as a whole.
Hosted by Community Action Partnership of North Dakota
Join us for an immersive, eye-opening experience that provides participants with a deeper understanding of the daily challenges faced by individuals and families living in poverty. This simulation, facilitated by our local Community Action Agency, will put participants in the shoes of someone struggling to make ends meet. Through a series of role-playing scenarios, you will experience the complexities of managing limited resources, navigating social services, and making difficult decisions to survive and thrive.
Overview:
Objective: To raise awareness about poverty and inspire positive social change.
Format: A guided simulation followed by group reflection and discussion.
Through this event, we hope to foster empathy, challenge stereotypes, and create a space for meaningful dialogue about poverty and how we can all contribute to building stronger, more resilient communities.
Breakout Session: Hosted by Adam Martin
Join Adam Martin, founder of the F5 Project, for an inspiring session on how empathy, grace, and personalized support can transform the lives of individuals impacted by incarceration. After experiencing his own journey through the criminal justice system, including five felonies, Adam became dedicated to providing support and resources to those reentering society after jail or prison.
What began as a local initiative in Fargo, ND, has since grown into a statewide program that addresses the complex challenges of incarceration, mental health, and addiction. In this session, Adam will share the mission and impact of the F5 Project, detailing how the organization helps individuals navigate the difficult path of reintegration.
Attendees will gain insight into the power of personal stories, the importance of community-based support, and the critical role of empathy in breaking the cycle of recidivism. Through Adam’s experience and expertise, learn how these efforts are reshaping the narrative around incarceration and creating lasting change for individuals and communities.
Breakout Session: Hosted by Dawn Kaiser
In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of health and human services, your passion and energy are crucial to making a difference every day. However, with constant change, remote collaboration, and increasing demands, it’s easy to feel disconnected from the joy that originally drew you to this work.
This uplifting and interactive session will help you rediscover the moments that truly matter, reignite your sense of purpose, and strengthen meaningful connections with colleagues, whether near or far. You’ll explore how tapping into the contagious power of joy can create a positive ripple effect—not only within your team but also for the individuals you serve.
Session Takeaways:
Join us for a refreshing session designed to revitalize your spirit and help you bring a renewed sense of joy and purpose to your work.
Dawn Kaiser
Join Us for Meaningful Connections!
As we conclude a day filled with insightful discussions, we invite you to our optional social networking session. This is a great opportunity for eligibility workers, state economic assistance staff, and community partners to unwind and connect with one another.
In the spirit of our conference theme, "Moments Matter," let's take this time to celebrate the meaningful interactions that can strengthen our community and enhance our work. Share experiences, exchange ideas, and build relationships that can make a difference.
Enjoy light refreshments while engaging with your peers. We encourage you to take a moment to connect—because every conversation counts!
Hot buffet breakfast provided on site.
Break
Don't forget to check out our Sponsors!
Closing Keynote Address by Mark Lindquist
Mark J. Lindquist's life is a testament to overcoming obstacles and embracing opportunity. From his beginnings as an orphan in Seoul, South Korea, to being adopted and raised on a farm in rural Minnesota, Mark’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Known for his boundless energy and commitment to service, Mark's career path includes serving honorably in the U.S. Air Force, where he performed for military audiences and toured with the entertainment unit Tops in Blue, as well as landing acting roles in iconic shows like LOST and Hawaii Five-0.
As a motivational speaker, Mark’s compelling story continues to inspire audiences worldwide. His career spans speaking engagements for top organizations like McDonald’s, Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks, as well as performing for major sporting events and even the President of the United States. Mark's message is clear: no matter where you start, there are no excuses for not achieving what you were meant to accomplish.
Recognized as one of the fastest-growing motivational speakers in America, Mark now shares his story with audiences, empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential and embrace the belief that if one person can do something, so can they. Mark’s work goes beyond motivational speaking—his dedication to service earned him a medal for outstanding volunteerism in Ukraine, where he currently resides.
Mark’s message is powerful: “You can do more with your life and career. There are no more valid excuses. Achieve what you were put on earth to achieve.
Mark Lindquist