WEST FARGO — Annie Richards has accepted a position as the district’s first Director of Behavioral Health and Wellness.

Richards began his behavioral health career in 2012 with Solutions Behavioral Healthcare Professionals in Moorhead, Minnesota. During her time at Solutions, Richards served as her training coordinator and operations manager. She moved to the Life Skills Transition Center in 2018 as an Applied Behavior Analyst and joined West Fargo Public Schools. She has been in her District Action Coordinator role since 2019. She holds a master’s degree in special education from the University of North Dakota and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota at Moorhead. She is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

During his time at West Fargo Public Schools, Richards created, and then expanded, a district-wide action team to strengthen support for continuous improvement in high-need schools within the district, and to support the entire district. training has had a positive impact on the school district. It aims to reorient departments of schools and school districts towards data-driven decision-making.

Her experience in the field of behavioral health, from nonprofits to health care, government, and most recently, West Fargo Public Schools, informs her about how best to serve learners and educators in her district. giving her a unique perspective.