BOARD PRESIDENT

Kristen Olsen believes that students gain invaluable confidence from getting up in front of a room and performing. In high school, she played the bass clarinet in band and participated in speech and theater. She graduated from Jamestown College with degrees in accounting and business management. She started a masters in human resources, but decided to be a stay-at-home mom.

Kristen’s family loves a good road trip. They have a goal to drive together to all 50 states. So far, they have reached 48. Kristen’s favorite musician is Tim McGraw.

Kristen lives in Casselton with her husband, Paul, and four children—Greta, Luke, Heidi and Veronica.

VICE PRESIDENT

Bridget Belter is a mother of four Central Cass students—Nicholas 14, Luke 11, Max 8 and Grace 6. She graduated from NDSCS with a registered nursing degree and worked as a labor and delivery nurse, but is now a professional mom.

According to Bridget, “I married into a musically gifted family. I see people use that gift for life. I love music and enjoy any live music. Concerts are my favorite.” Her favorite work of art is Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam. Bridget continues, ”The arts promote learning. Being talented in the arts can carry you through life.”

Bridget plays the piano, loves to attend plays, cook and vacation!

Bridget lives in Casselton with her husband, Mark (a Central Cass alum), and four children.

SECRETARY

Maari Loy, a 2004 Central Cass alum, brings her musical talent and experiences to the Friends of Fine Arts Board. As a music standout at Central Cass, Maari participated in band, choir, jazz band, the Fargo-Moorhead Area Youth Symphony, All-State Band, honor bands and the Bethel Church Orchestra.

Loy’s post high school experiences include the NDSU Wind Symphony, NDSU Gold Star Marching Band, NDSU Concert Band, NDSU Woodwind Quintets, Bethel Church Orchestra, cantatas, musicals, pit orchestras, wedding oboe soloist, CrossRoads Community Church Worship Team, Rural Cass Community Bell Choir, Casselton United Singers Easter Cantatas, Casselton Summerfest Variety Show and the Casselton Summer Marching Band.

“Music was always part of our family growing up on a farm near Prosper, ND," says Maari. Her husband, Phillip, is a French horn player who also comes from a family with deep roots in music. Music and the arts were and are woven into the lives of the Loy family--Mabel (alto saxophone, piano), Jalen (drums, piano) and Toby (piano). According to Loy, "We are grateful for a community that is willing to raise up young musicians in worship and music at CrossRoads Community Church and in Casselton."

Maari is an accomplished musician with the oboe, baritone saxophone, alto saxophone, piano and vocals. In addition to Maari’s extensive musical repertoire, she holds a doctorate degree in Pharmacy from NDSU.

CO-TREASURER

Jennifer Schmaltz and her husband, Adam, moved to Casselton three years ago to enjoy the perks of living in a small town with their son, Hunter, and two dogs, Roxy and Chewy. Hunter is currently in band, choir, and has found his niche in theater.

After spending 12 years as a Pharmacy Technician, Jennifer switched gears completely and currently works in the accounting office at Gateway Chevrolet.

She found a love for music at an early age, after her grandma gifted her a piano. She took lessons for 11 years, and played a variety of instruments in band—clarinet, bass clarinet, oboe, bass drum, timpani, and the marimba.

Music and theater have always held a special place in Jennifer’s heart. She made her acting debut as a 5th grader, with no speaking parts, as the “end” of the caterpillar in Alice and Wonderland. “Perhaps, I’ll leave the acting to our son,” says Jennifer.

According to Jennifer, “Our son, Hunter, is teaching us the true importance of the arts. We have seen it first hand how it improves confidence, helps someone grow, and gives a place of belonging. The arts are truly good for the soul.”

CO-TREASURER

Talisha Heald is a stay-at-home mother of 6 - Peyton, Paige, Kaidyn, Kolton, Emma & Eden. They are all involved in a variety of activities at Central Cass, both sports & the arts!

They live on a farm south of Casselton where they breed dogs and have lots of other animals including many chickens, rabbits and cats. They enjoy being outdoors, whether that be camping, heading to the lake, playing sports, hunting, fishing or gardening.

As a child, Talisha was in dance and band - including pep band and marching band. She played the clarinet and piano. She has recently started relearning the piano, which she has always enjoyed.

Her favorite memory is watching her oldest perform in the musicals the last couple of years. “It makes me so proud how the arts has highlighted her abilities and has given her confidence in herself and what she can do.”

BOARD MEMBER

Kristi Melvin believes arts programs allow students to gain confidence in front of people and express their unique talents that will stay with them for a lifetime.

For the past 21+ years, Kristi and her husband, Randy, have farmed in the Alice and Buffalo, ND areas. Their family operation primarily raises corn, soybeans and wheat. They have four children—Leila, Rachel, Ben, and Luke. Kristi homeschools her children.

Kristi earned a BS Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Music in 2003 from NDSU. She was a member of the NDSU Concert Choir and presently sings with a Church Praise Team. A 1999 Northwood high school graduate, Kristi played the alto saxophone, piano and sang in choir. She loves being able to encourage, participate in, and support the arts.

BOARD MEMBER

BIO COMING SOON

BOARD MEMBER

BIO COMING SOON

BOARD MEMBER

BIO COMING SOON