Prairie Winds Orff Board Members 2023 - 2024

President - Niki Bernier

Niki Bernier, currently teaches elementary music at Fort Lincoln Elementary School in Mandan, ND. In addition, she serves as the instructor for Elementary Music Methods and is the Orff-Schulwerk levels course director at the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND. She is an active member of the Prairie Winds Orff Chapter having served as the program chair, secretary, and is currently the vice president. She has also been an active member of the Northern Plains Kodály Chapter having served on their board for six years as their ‘Public Relations-Member at Large.’ She was also on the middle school choral staff at International Music Camp from 2013-2019.
 
Passionate about active music making that merges the Kodály method and the Orff-Schulwerk process, Niki creates an active classroom that focuses on singing, classroom instruments, composition, movement, and creativity. Niki is a Kodály and Orff-Schulwerk certified elementary music specialist. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Vocal Music Education and a bachelor’s degree in Audio Production from Minnesota State University Moorhead. She graduated with a Master of Arts degree from The University of Iowa in 2011. She earned her Kodály levels certification from Minnesota State University Moorhead and Orff-Schulwerk certification from the University of St. Thomas.

Interim Vice President - ​Lacey Roberts

​Lacey Roberts is in her 15th year of teaching elementary music.  This year marks year 10 at Red Trail Elementary School in Mandan, ND serving grades K-5.  She received her Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Minnesota State University Moorhead.  She has completed Orff Levels I and II through the University of Mary and hopes to receive her Level III certification next summer!  Lacey holds membership with the Prairie Winds Orff Chapter, American Orff Schulwerk Association, North Dakota United, and Mandan Education Association.  She also serves as the Secretary for the Mandan Band Boosters.
 
Lacey has 3 amazing children: Hudson (15), Hanley (12), Greyson (10), and is newly engaged!!  In her free time she works on her craft business, enjoys reading, camping, and spending time with family!

Treasurer - ​Alisha Wohl

Alisha teaches K-5 music at Sunrise Elementary in Bismarck, ND. This is her 18th year with the Bismarck School District. She received Bachelor of Science Degrees in Elementary Education, Secondary Vocal/Instrumental Music Education, and Elementary Music Education from the University of Mary in 2003. She earned her Orff Levels Training (I, II, III) from the University of Mary in 2016-2018. She is currently enrolled in the MME (Master of Music Education) program through Northern State University, Aberdeen SD.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, and having coffee dates with friends. She has been married for 17 years to Fred and they have 3 beautiful children: Annabelle (13), Brady (10), and Calista (8). She also loves visiting family and traveling back to the family farm near Eureka, SD.

​Alisha holds a membership with American Orff Schulwerk Association, Prairie Winds Orff, GIML (Gordon Institute of Musical Learning), North Dakota United, and Bismarck Education Association. She has received scholarships for Orff Levels training from AOSA, as well as scholarships for her MME program.

Secretary - ​Rachel Frank

Rachel Frank currently teaches PreK-12 music at Underwood Public School. She previously taught 5-12 Band/7-12 Choir at Divide County Schools. Rachel studied music education at Minnesota State University Moorhead and was the founding president of the university’s collegiate NAfME chapter. She has taken Orff Level 1 and 2 and World Music Drumming Level 1. Rachel is a member of NAfME, ACDA, NBA, PWO, and AOSA, and is currently serving as the West Region General Music Representative for NDMEA. She has also been teaching private guitar students for 18 years. Rachel and husband Tim have two little girls, Eleanor and Emmelin.

Program Chair - ​Michael Osthus

Assistant Program Chair - Sarah Jensen

Sarah Jensen has taught Prek-5th grade music at Saint Anne School in Bismarck for the past 21 years. She earned her Orff Levels through the University of Mary and would encourage anyone and everyone to give it a try! Sarah is a Suzuki Classical Guitar instructor as well as a Suzuki Prenatal and Baby Music Certified. Sarah contributed to the Quaver Music curriculum and served as a Advisory Board Member for 10 years. After school, she teaches at the University of Mary a Movmement and Music class for General Education students and teaches guitar and ukulele classes. Sarah has an obsession with glitter and can be found in her glitter room making sparkle pens for friends or hanging with her awesome husband and 4 kids after work. ​

Past President - Gwen Hall

Gwen Hall teaches k-5 music and is Elementary Music Advisor in Bismarck Public Schools, Bismarck, ND.  She earned her Orff Levels training at University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN from 1998-2000. Her mission is to spread the love of teaching elementary music to people of all ages through the Orff Schulwerk process. Gwen is also the director of the handbell choir and sings in the choir at First Lutheran, Washburn, ND.  She is married to Randy Hall (retired music teacher).  They have three children - Jesslyn (elementary music teacher), Courtney (elementary classroom teacher) and Cameron (store associate).  She is the proud grandma to Kane and Brooke.