Board & Staff : Who We Are : Guardian & Protective Services

Guardian and Protective Services Inc. staff consists of nationally certified guardians, social workers, financial professionals and volunteers.

GaPS is located in Bismarck, North Dakota and serves clients both locally and in surrounding communities.

Our Board

Luke Leno, Board President

Business Owner.
Marissa Cerkoney - Treasurer

Lawyer at Ebeltoft - Sickler Law Office
Jean King

Firsthand experience with guardianship.
Michael Wald

Recruiter and Cultural Liaison Officer North Dakota Highway Patrol.

Scott Bernstein - Executive Director

Scott comes with a wide background working with vulnerable adults. He has worked as a Brain Injury Analyst, Director of Memory Care and Assisted Living Communities.
Karissa - Finance Director

Karissa has an accounting background and is well versed in the legal and financial requirements of Guardianship and the Pooled Trust.
Sarah - Program Director

Sarah has made a life-long commitment to Social Work. She has used her skills in both the hospital and community setting and is frequently called upon to offer her expertise in a court setting.
Lisa - Finance Manager

Lisa has a deep understanding of many of the programs and their funding requirements that are essential to maintaining the dignity and independence of clients under guardianship.
Samera - Client Services Coordinator

Samara started as an intern and decided to launch her career in Social Work at GaPS. She travels across the State to meet clients and link them with service providers in their small communities.
Teresa - Assistant Program Director

Teresa has a work history that is focused on helping vulnerable adults. She is very familiar with services that are provided for individuals with Developmental Disabilities and for those outside of that community.
Jordyn - Account Clerk

Jordyn is focused on making sure the accounts for clients accurately reflect their transaction activity and at the end of the month everything balances.