ABOUT
The Council’s purpose is to share the unique perspective of Veterans, family members, and community members who are interested in discussing their Mental Health Care. The Council collaborates with community organizations to enhance Veteran well-being and mental health care.
COUNCIL OFFICERS
Meet the dedicated individuals who drive the mission of the Veterans Mental Health Council.
JANI WESTERN
Chair
Jani is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology at North Dakota State University, where her research focuses on veteran mental health, social reintegration, military self-stigma, and well-being. Her work emphasizes improving communication and understanding between veterans, clinicians, and community systems while advancing conversations surrounding long-term reintegration and mental health outcomes.
She is a combat veteran who served two overseas deployments with the United States Army, including service with the 101st Airborne Division. Her military experience continues to inform her commitment to veteran advocacy, peer support, and evidence-based approaches to mental health and recovery.
In addition to her academic and military background, Jani has experience in organizational leadership, program development, and community engagement through the creation and management of multiple initiatives and businesses focused on wellness, outreach, and community connection.
CHRIS KRATOCHVIL
Co-Chair
Chris has served as the Director of the North Dakota State Approving Agency since September 2016, where he is responsible for approving programs of instruction for VA Education Benefits throughout the state of North Dakota. This position operates under the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs. Prior to this role, he worked at the Walsh County Veterans Service Office from 2013 to 2016.
He retired from the North Dakota Army National Guard in April 2022 after a distinguished military career that included three deployments supporting missions both stateside and overseas. He achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class (E-7). During his service, he worked as a Section Chief for the communications team with HHB 1-188 Air Defense Artillery out of Grand Forks and served as a Platoon Sergeant for the 426 Signal Company in Fargo, North Dakota. He also briefly served as an interior electrician with the 188th Vertical Engineer Company in Wahpeton, North Dakota.
He attended the University of North Dakota, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Studies in 2008. He later attended the University of Mary, earning a Master of Science in Business in 2016. In 2022, he also completed a graduate-level certificate in Virtuous Leadership.
SECRETARY
Position Currently Open
Please contact us if you are interested in serving.
TREASURER
Position Currently Open
Please contact us if you are interested in serving.
REGIONAL COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Andy Heitkamp
Northwest Regional Committee Chair
Employed by Minot State University, Minot, ND, as the Military Resource Center Director (2014-present).
Background includes, eight years of service in the North Dakota Army National Guard, (HHC 141st ECB, Valley City, ND), Veteran Peer Support Trained, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)-Connect Veteran Suicide Prevention/Intervention/Postvention trained. National Association of Behavioral Intervention and Threat Assessment (NABITA) trained.
North Dakota State University System employee 38 years, (30 years in university athletics1984 to 2014).
Undoubtably appreciate outdoor activity opportunities and enjoy fishing as a hobby.
Please feel free to contact me to learn more about the group as we work to connect individuals seeking appropriate - accessible resources and the advancement of us all.
Andy Horning
Southwest Regional Committee Chair
Bio coming soon
Currently Open
Northeast Regional Committee Chair
If you are interested in serving, please contact us.
VOTING MEMBERS
Meet our dedicated voting members who contribute their expertise and insights to drive our mission forward. Their commitment shapes the future of our organization.
Todd Roth
Serving since conception
Area: Southwest Region/Bismarc
Bio coming soon
Mark Kriechbaumer
Serving since conception
Area: Southwest Region/Bismarck
Bio coming soon
Jeri Vaudrin
Serving since conception
Area: Southeast Region/Fargo
Bio coming soon
Bradley Aune
Serving since conception
Area: Southeast Region/Fargo
Business Advisor at Job Service ND. He works with transitioning service members, homeless Veterans and specialized in assisting Disabled veterans overcome barriers to employment. He served 22 years in the military as an active duty Marine Corps (85-89) Infantryman, and member of the North Dakota Army National Guard (89-07). He is a member of the FMWF Chamber Military Affairs Committee. Past Commander and current executive board member of the Fargo Legion Post #2. Past Commandant of the Red River Raiders Marine Corps League Detachment. Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for Operation Earnest Will – Persian Gulf 1987. Recipient of the Bronze Star Medal for his actions in Iraq leading 100 North Dakota Soldiers in combat as the Units First Sergeant (04-05). A service-connected Combat Disabled Veteran. 8 years as a member of the Dept of ND Am. Legion VA&R committee. Member of the National American Legion Employment and Education Commission. Has been active in diversity education for 25 years presenting at Universities, Community, State and National events.
Bradley uses his own experiences to assist Veterans successfully transition to civilian employment. After his active service, he used his GI Bill to attend Mayville State University achieving a Bachelors’ Degree in Social Science, 1993, Worked for 14 years as a Probation Officer with the Juvenile Court while serving in the ND Army National Guard. Deployed to Iraq for 18 months in 2004-2005. Transitioned back to his job. He has been employed with Job Service ND since 2009. He is a Volunteer Peer Mentor (PTSD) at the Fargo VA. Bradley is the 2015 recipient of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) National Employment Service Award. He received the 2016 American Legion State and National award for veteran’s employment at the National Convention in Reno NV in August of 2017. 2019 ND Human Rights Coalition, Arc of Justice award winner.