ABOUT THE PATHFINDER PARENT CENTER
The Pathfinder Parent Center was founded in 1987 as a parent training and information center. Five years ago we expanded to serve all ND families and schools that wanted to strengthen student achievement through family involvement.
We share information about supports that work for students
who are at-risk because of disabiities or learning challenges. We also
specialize in supports that help to strengthen student achievement
through parent involvement.
We are funded by two grants from the U.S. Department of Education. We also write additional grants to fund special outreach projects at the Pathfinder Parent Center. We help families and schools to:
- Better understand the nature and needs of a child's condition.
- Work together to create individualized education programs.
- Support parent involvement through parent resource centers.
- Communicate effectively with special and regular educators.
- Participate in educational decision-making processes.
- Obtain information about programs, services, and resources.
- Encourage parent involvement in early childhood and school programs
Board of Directors The Pathfinder Parent Center is governed by a board of directors with statewide representation. The majority of board members are family members of children or youth with disabilities. We encourage interested parents to communicate with or apply for a position on the board. Read more . . .
Staff We invite families and schools to meet and get to know our staff. We will soon host a short bio on this site, introducing you to the staff members. In the meantime, please don't hesitate to call our office to request information or services..
Cathy Haarstad, MS. Executive Director
Dena Penton, MS. Project Coordinator, PIRC Project
Holly Major, MS. Program Coordinator, PTI Project
JoAnn Kjelshus, Administrative Assistant/Fiscal Manager
Diana Page, Project support coordinator
Daniel Griffith, Program Support/Technology Assistant
Donations
Your contribution helps improve the quality of education for children with disabilities; and you become an important contributor to our success and a special part of our organization. We can not be successful without you and thank you in advance for your commitment to our mission.
Employment If you are interested in a position with the Pathfinder Parent Center complete an application and send it to us at Pathfinder Parent Center 1600 2nd Avenue S.W Minot ND 58701. Include your resume and a letter of intent if you are responding to a specific job listing. Applications are kept on file for six months. Although turnover in our center is rare we are always interested in hearing from new perspective employees. Parents or siblings of children with special needs are encouraged to apply.