The Life Skills and Transition Center (LSTC) is a state-operated, comprehensive support agency serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Grafton. LSTC serves as a crisis and stabilization center, as well as a safety net for people whose needs exceed community resources. Accredited by The Council since 1989, the center received a three-year Quality Assurances Accreditation in January of 2024.
Residing at LSTC offers access to an array of support services. From medical care and physical/occupational therapy to job skill training through our Dakota East programs, we offer comprehensive services tailored to individual needs. Our priority is to keep stays brief, and we expedite the development transition plans to facilitate prompt return to their homes or integration into the community of their choice.
Vision: Support people to be viable members of their communities by providing specialized services when their needs exceed community resources.
Crisis Response
People with intellectual or developmental disabilities in crisis can get help by calling the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. 
They will be connected to a specialized response team that can provide stabilization, support, and service coordination within 24 hours of the initial call.
Our crisis coordinators and applied behavior analysts are located throughout the state and work closely with the behavioral health mobile crisis teams from the state’s regional human service centers.
A sliding fee schedule is available based on an individual’s ability to pay and insurance is accepted, if available.
We host walk-in interviews every Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at our Dakota East Gift Shoppe.
You can also apply online using the link below.
Community wellness center with basketball gymnasium, heated pool, cardio room, and large weight room.
Information shared at the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities National Conference.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Life Skills & Transition Center population has dropped below 100 people in 2024, allowing the agency to focus on opening up space for short-term crisis visits on our campus. Efforts are constantly being made to transition more people to community-based settings. The state-operated residential, vocational, clinical, and healthcare services of the Center are available to North Dakota citizens who have developmental disabilities only if they are referred by staff at one of the eight regional Human Service Centers, and there are no appropriate preferred community resources that match their needs. Current plans call for setting up 12 crisis beds in our Maplewood Residential building to allow the agency to bring in citizens experiencing short-term mental health emergencies for treatment while waiting for more preferred community support to become situated.
People admitted to the Life Skills & Transition Center have developmental disabilities as well as medical and mental health issues. Mental health diagnoses include the full diagnostic range from personality and conduct disorders to phobias, anxiety disorders, various mood disorders, and psychotic conditions. Medical issues include scoliosis, hiatal hernia, subperiostial hemorrhage, osteoporosis, epilepsy, neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, severe hydrocephaly and hydranencephaly, Turner's syndrome, phenylketonuria, cerebellar atrophy, Rett syndrome, Feuerstein-Mims syndrome, autism, spina bifida, and Down syndrome.
Staff at the North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) eight regional human service centers handle referrals for admission to LSTC. HHS strives to provide services in the least restrictive and appropriate settings. Staff work to link individuals with disabilities to community-based services, programs, and supports before considering institutional options. We can offer support through our statewide crisis support team to help preserve citizens in their preferred community without having to bring people into the Grafton facility.
Our admissions range from 10 to 20 people most years, with a goal of any admission to help the person move on to find their 'forever community' as soon as they are ready. Discharges are generally delayed due to the need to find the 'right fit' for the person, which can take some time. As possible, people are best served by helping them for a brief time to live with us while transitioning to their preferred community. This represents the essence of the mission of the Life Skills and Transition Center.
Consistent with the United States Supreme Court's decision in Olmstead vs. L.C., the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services and the Life Skills & Transition Center have developed the Residential Decision Profile. The tool generates discussion about moving from the Life Skills & Transition Center on the decision of the individual (and any legal decision-maker where applicable). Staff members of the Life Skills & Transition Center and the developmental disability program managers responsible for the individual's services advise on the best transition supports. All people residing at the Center do so under a voluntary status (by themselves or by a guardian), which includes annual judicial reviews of any guardian's decision.
Have More Questions?
Heather Jenkins - Superintendent
Heather joined the Life Skills & Transition Center (LSTC) team in September 2018 as the Assistant Superintendent and was promoted to Superintendent in July 2021. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources (Human Service Field), Psychology, and Sociology, and in 2021, she earned a Master of Arts in Leadership from the University of Jamestown. Over the years, Heather has accumulated a wealth of experience working with various community providers, bringing invaluable expertise and dedication to her role at LSTC.
Heather enjoys traveling, reading, fishing, camping, crafting, and working on house projects outside of work. She is also actively involved in her daughters' school and sporting events. Above all, she cherishes spending quality time with her family.
Email: hcjenkins@nd.gov
Heidi Lien - Director of Programmatic Services
Heidi graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Jamestown College. Her career began as an early childhood classroom teacher, but life events led her to a new path in the field of intellectual disabilities. In 2017, Heidi joined LSTC as a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP). She became the Director of Programmatic Services in 2022. As Director of Programmatic Services, Heidi collaborates closely with the Director of Residential Services to ensure seamless support across the agency.
Outside of work, Heidi enjoys spending time with her husband and children. She is actively involved in her community, volunteering with her local ambulance service. Her passion for baking is indulged by selling homemade bread and jelly at the local farmers market.
Email: hlien@nd.gov
Chauncy Smith - Director of Residential and Vocational Services
Chauncy is a proud United States Marine Corps Veteran. After leaving the military, Chauncy worked with the Texas Juvenile Justice Department as a Corrections Officer, Youth Behavioral Dorm Supervisor, Security Unit Supervisor, and Director of Security and Operations. Chauncy resigned to attend The University of Texas. Chauncy graduated from The University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley with two bachelor’s degrees, one in Psychology and one in Sociology.
After graduating Chauncy started working in Developmental Disabilities at the Rio Grande State Supported Living Center. At RGSSL, Chauncy served as an Overnight Facility Administrator, and Director of Residential Services. Chauncy went on to earn his master’s degree in social work. Chauncy started working at Life Skills and Transition Center in August of 2018 in Youth Transition Services as the Life Skills Manager. This brought him back to working with and motivating youth. Chauncy was then promoted in November of 2018 to Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional and served in this role until being promoted to Director of Residential Services in September of 2022.
Chauncy is the proud father of four children and enjoys traveling (especially Texas where God goes for vacation), music, and barbecuing.
Email: cnsmith@nd.gov
Deanna - Program Accountant
Deanna graduated with an Associate of Applied Science in Accounting from Northland Technical College in 1999. Then, in 2011, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the University of North Dakota. Deanna worked at the University of North Dakota for over 10 years before coming to the Life Skills & Transition Center in 2012. Deanna started work in the Business Office as an Administrative Officer overseeing Accounts Receivable functions and funds for people supported. She became the Program Accountant for the center in 2015. During that time she has overseen the Accounts Payable and Receivables functions for LSTC and provided support to the facility for budget preparation, procurement, and contracts.
When she is not at work, Deanna enjoys traveling, cooking, going to the lake and spending time with her husband and children.
Email: dosowski@nd.gov
Keith Vavrovsky, Director of Social Services, LBSW
Keith received his Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from the University of North Dakota and has been employed at the Life Skills and Transition Center since 1982. Throughout this time, he has been involved with the transition of over one thousand people in the admission and discharge processes. He has also helped evaluate and process guardianships for over 500 people. He has served as a residential Social Worker, Director of Placement, and his current role as Director of Social Services.
Email: kvavrovsky@nd.gov
Dr. Paul Kolstoe, PhD. - Fellow of APA, AAIDD, and ASPPB
Paul D. Kolstoe, PhD received his Master's degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of North Dakota, following his APA Internship at the South Dakota Human Service Center (State Hospital in Yankton, SD). He began at the Life Skills & Transition Center in 1983, and was appointed as Director of Psychology (1995) and Clinical Director (2000). The Psychology Department expanded to provide support services statewide in 2009 through the Developmental Disabilities Behavioral Health Service expansion of applied behavior analysts, currently up to 14 analysts, to consult with DD providers and families. The Psychology Department delivers behavioral health services and performs Forensic Evaluations for people with IDD referred by courts for adjudicative fitness.
He was awarded Fellow status of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disability (AAIDD) in 1994, to the American Psychological Association (APA) in 2007, and to the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) in 2024. His grandfather, Dr. Soren O. Kolstoe, began teaching at Valley City State University from 1924 to 1958, and his father, Dr. Ralph H. Kolstoe, at the University of North Dakota from 1957 to 1990. Together, with Dr. Paul Kolstoe’s service, his family has provided over 100 years of continuous psychology service to the people of North Dakota.
Email: pkolstoe@nd.gov
Heidi Paulson - Psy.D, L.P.
Dr. Heidi Paulson received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University and has been licensed as a psychologist in ND since 2011. She has 20 years of experience assessing and treating adults and adolescents with intellectual disabilities and co-occurring severe behavioral health diagnoses in residential settings and is intensively trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). She has presented as part of our team at state and national conferences on various topics such as trauma-informed care, crisis services, rights restoration, forensic evaluations, and the transformation of a state-run institution. Her doctoral project consisted of adapting standardized (DBT) materials for use with women with intellectual disability. Dr. Paulson is one of only two psychologists in North Dakota who specializes in intellectual and developmental disabilities. While her main duties entail providing psychological and behavioral health services to people residing at the LSTC, she is also part of the statewide outreach and crisis stabilization team.
During her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, reading, building LEGO, and watching true crime documentaries.
Email: hjpaulson@nd.gov
Allison Skari - Director of Quality Support Services
Allison graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from the University of North Dakota in 2008. Allison began her career in Beach, ND working at a residential child care facility for at-risk youth. After a few years, Allison became the school's social worker and coached the varsity volleyball team. In 2012, Allison moved to Grafton to start her career at the Life Skills and Transition Center as the social worker for the youth program. Allison became part of the Quality Support Services department in 2016. Allison became the Director of QSS in 2018. Allison investigates mistreatments that are reported, as well as, serious events. Allison also works with CMS, CQL, and P&A to ensure regulations are followed. Allison has appreciated the opportunity to advocate for people supported to meet their goals and help keep them safe.
Allison is a proud mother to three. Her favorite activities are supporting her kids to try new things and rooting for them at their events. She also likes to go to the lake with her friends, she plays cornhole and likes to fish.
Email: askari@nd.gov
Mary Beth Wilson - Director of Professional Development
Mary Beth completed an associate degree at Lake Region Junior College before transferring to the University of North Dakota to complete a double major in elementary and special education. While pursuing her degrees, she worked summers at the Grafton State School, now known as LSTC.
In 1977, Mary Beth accepted a residential supervisor position at Sunset Hall, overseeing seven program technicians and leading the Sunset Seven residential program. This program provided advanced training to women aged 14 to 65, preparing them to leave the facility.
Since 1977, Mary Beth has held various roles at the agency, including residential services program coordinator, program coordinator, lead program coordinator, quality assurance program coordinator, and unit director. In these roles, she taught program technicians and residential supervisors on how to facilitate individual program plan meetings, write goals and objectives, write training programs, and take data. In 1997, she transitioned to staff development for LSTC, and became a regional staff trainer with the Community Staff Training Program at Minot State University. She partnered with two other members of the former ND Department of Human Services (now known as ND Health and Human Services) to provide statewide training on customer service and participated in the team that created the agency’s leadership program.
For over 20 years, Mary Beth worked closely with the quality assurance team and other agency leaders to achieve accreditation with the Council on Quality and Leadership. She has conducted and completed Personal Outcome Measure interviews as part of that accreditation process since 1997.
When not working, she enjoys crocheting, reading, binge-watching mysteries, legal dramas, or British television, and traveling to visit her children, their spouses, and grandchildren.
Email: mbwilson@nd.gov
Michele Hansel - Director of CFC/Recreation Services & Employee Wellness Coordinator
Michele graduated from North Dakota State University with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in child development. She joined the staff at the LSTC/Collette Fitness Center in August 1997 as a temporary employee, then moved to the assistant director role before becoming the director in 2000. She loves her current role as every day is different.
Michele is a certified National Exercise Trainers Association personal trainer and group fitness instructor, an American Council on Exercise certified health coach, and a certified American Red Cross lifeguard and water safety instructor. She has taught swimming lessons to area youth for approximately 25 years and recently became a Silver Sneakers instructor to help bring fitness to the aging population of the community. She has worked to offer special programming with various community agencies to improve access to healthier options.
As the Director of LSTC Recreation Services, she has worked hard to encourage and motivate people to participate in various recreational opportunities on campus and in the community. In her role as LSTC Employee Wellness Coordinator, Michele and her committee have brought many interesting and educational opportunities regarding wellness to both employees and people supported.
In her free time, Michele enjoys spending time with her family. Her two boys keep their family very busy with their sports activities. She enjoys reading, shopping, exercising, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Email: mhansel@nd.gov
Shauna Erickson - Director of Nursing
Shauna has 28 years of experience as a registered nurse and has been at the LSTC for nearly 25 of those years. Previously, She worked at Sanford Hospital and Unity Medical Center providing patient care in medical-surgical, emergency room, and obstetrics areas.
She is married to Dennis and has three adult children. When not working, Shauna enjoys outdoor activities, spending time with family and friends, participating in church activities, and serving on the Valley Ambulance and Rescue Service Board.
Email: serickson@nd.gov
Lindsay Presteng - DNP, Medical Provider
Lindsay graduated with a bachelor of science in nursing from the University of North Dakota in December of 2013. After dabbling in various nursing roles ranging from rural inpatient medical/surgical team, to emergency, into long-term care, she decided to continue her academic growth by obtaining her master of science in nursing. She completed her Family Nurse Practitioner in December of 2022, and transitioned from her role as a nursing coordinator at LSTC to its medical provider in 2023.
When not at work, Lindsay enjoys her time with her bustling family, raising six young kids alongside her husband. Favorite activities include spending time outside with "The Crew" (kids + husband) riding bikes, going on walks, growing and tending to her garden, playing piano, and singing.
Email: lpresteng@nd.gov
Mark Burns - Plant Services Director
Mark graduated from Thief River Falls, Minn., in 1987 with a two-year degree in mechanical technology. After graduation, he worked for Alchem Ltd., an ethanol-production plant in Grafton, ND, as a maintenance supervisor for 11 years. His responsibilities included turbines, boilers, and centrifuges. During this time, Mark obtained a second-class B boiler license.
In 1997, Mark joined Marvin Windows and Doors as a maintenance team leader, succeeding in that position for 20 years. He specialized in equipment automation design, setup, and operation. Mark supervised a team of twelve individuals who used 7i maintenance software systems. He was also responsible for creating a bill of material inventory for all machines and maintaining a facility of 540,000 square feet.
After 20 years at Marvin's, Mark became plant service director at the Life Skills and Transition Center where he and his crew maintain the campus's 16 buildings, miles of underground tunnels and steam lines, and acres of landscaping.
When not working, Mark enjoys working on vintage cars, riding snowmobiles, hunting, and watching his sons play baseball.
Email: mdburns@nd.gov
Abby West, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist- Director of Nutrition Services
Abby graduated with a bachelor's degree in food/nutrition and dietetics from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., and she completed an internship through the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine and Center for Disabilities.
Abby's work history includes the South Dakota Developmental Center, outpatient dialysis and diabetes care, and the rural clinic/hospital setting.
Abby enjoys continuous learning in various nutrition topics and supporting her family's growing interests in all things sports and farming.
Email: akwest@nd.gov
Partner Links and Information
The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities is an international multidisciplinary association of professionals providing leadership in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The ARC of the United States works to promote and protect the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively support their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes
The Council on Quality and Leadership provides accreditation, monitoring, evaluation, training, and consultation to human service organizations to ensure that people with disabilities and mental illness have full and abundant lives.
As part of its ongoing efforts to support community-based services and community inclusion of individuals with disabilities, the North Dakota Department of Human Services applied for and received a federal Money Follows the Person Rebalancing Demonstration Grant. The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services awarded the grant and it is administered by the department’s Medical Services Division
The National Association of Qualified Intellectual Disability Professionals (QIDPS) provides an avenue for connecting with other professionals, sharing evidence-based best practices, and serving as a resource for learning and continued education. The mission is to promote, protect, and advance the interests of disability professionals in service, application, research, and other means of improving human welfare.
The Life Skills and Transition Center is a provider of pre-owned adaptive equipment through the Assistive Technology for All (AT4ALL) program. Pre-owned adaptive equipment is available for loan, free of charge and available for any duration for ND residents. Equipment includes (but not limited to): wheelchairs (manual or power), walkers and standers, positioning wedges (bed or sitting), adaptive switches (communication or environment), transitioning equipment including mechanical lifts or supports
The North Dakota Association of Community Providers is a statewide association whose membership provides a wide range of services for people with disabilities including developmental, intellectual, mental health and physical disabilities.
The state's Developmental Disabilities Section provides support and training to individuals and families to maximize community and family inclusion, independence, and self-sufficiency. It also works to prevent institutionalization and enables institutionalized individuals to return to the community. To achieve this goal, the division contracts with private, nonprofit, and for-profit organizations to provide an array of residential services, day services, and family support services.
The North Dakota Protection and Advocacy Project (P&A) is concerned with asserting the human, civil, and legal rights of people with disabilities, especially those who cannot articulate and act to protect against deprivations. P&A operates in a manner that is consistent with the belief that people with disabilities have the same legal and constitutional rights and guarantees as every other American citizen. P&A subscribes to a “self-actualization” view which stresses that every person is given the greatest possible opportunity to shape his or her destiny. P&A subscribes to the belief in the least restrictive conditions necessary to achieve the purposes of treatment, leaving the person as much personal freedom as possible.
The State Council on Developmental Disabilities advocates for policy changes that promote choice, independence, productivity, and inclusion for all North Dakotans with developmental disabilities. It supports and provides funding for projects and activities that maximize opportunities for consumers and families. The council also serves in a planning and advisory capacity to state policymakers and agencies relative to services for persons with developmental disabilities.
Locating our Campus
LSTC Sunset Administration Building
Building Address: 828 W. Chapel Drive, Grafton ND 58237
Mailing Address: 816 W. Midway Drive, Grafton ND 58237
Phone: (701) 352-4200
Toll Free: (800) 252-4911
Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday