FLATHEAD YOUTH HOME - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- TRANSITIONAL LIVING SERVICES MANAGER - DAN FOX FAMILY CARE PROGRAM, POLSON
Amanda Marshall was born and raised in Polson, Montana. She attended Carroll College and graduated in 2018. Before working at Youth Homes, Amanda worked as the Independent Living Counselor for youth experiencing homelessness in St. Cloud, MN. Amanda began working as a Transitional Living Services Manager in the spring of 2020 for Youth Homes. Amanda services Lake and Sanders Counties as well as Kalispell. When she is not at work she enjoys spending time with her family outdoors in the Mission Mountains.
Amy is from Butte, MT and moved to Helena, MT in 2009 to attend college at Carroll. In 2013, Amy graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. From there, she took two years off while working as a counselor at Intermountain Children's Home (where she stayed for 6 years). Amy started grad school in 2016, originally working towards an Applied Behavior Analysis degree; however, felt called to the field of social work. In 2019, Amy graduated from Walla Walla University with her Master's in Social Work. After taking a much needed 6 months off, spending quality time with her young son, Amy joined the Youth Homes family as a Family Care Therapist in January 2020.
As Chief Executive Officer, Amy reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for overseeing all facets of the organization including program development, fundraising, marketing, strategy, policy, collaboration and personnel.
Amy has been with Youth Homes since 2008, first with our InnerRoads Wilderness therapy program as field staff, then as Program Director before moving on to the role of Development Director from 2014-2023. Amy's style of inspirational and collaborative leadership, both inside and external to the Youth Homes organization, are important as Amy works to advance Youth Homes' mission of ensuring every youth feels safe, has a sense of belonging, and a place to call home.
When Amy is not in the office, she likes to stay active by exploring Montana's wilderness.
Job Titles:
- TRANSITIONAL LIVING SERVICES MANAGER - DAN FOX FAMILY CARE PROGRAM
I work at Dan Fox with the Chafee program and provide transitional living services for current and former foster youth ages 14-21. I grew up in Alabama until finding Montana when I was 17. After graduating from UM in forestry, I took a side gig as relief staff at Talbot Home for Girls in 2000. I loved the work and Youth Homes as a whole. I became a mom and raised both my kids as a Youth Homes employee. I worked at Talbot for 11 years before leaving Youth Homes for a few years. When the TLS position opened up in 2015, I was happy to return to Youth Homes. I feel so lucky to work with the amazing teenagers I have met over my years as a Chafee provider. In my off time, I moonlight at the airport working for Delta and United, so if you like to fly first thing in the morning, you might see me out there. I try to spend as much of my free time outside floating, hiking or skiing with my family and my sidekick, Sadie the dog/coyote.
Job Titles:
- Program Manager
- Program Manager - Susan Talbot Boys Home & Dennis Radtke Home for Boys
Andrew started working for Youth Homes in 2003. Over the years, he has worked as a Youth Counselor at all three of our therapeutic group homes in Missoula, as well as our transitional living home. He joined the team at the Susan Talbot Boys Home in the spring of 2013 and became the Program Manager there in 2017. Andrew credits his choice in careers to long-time Youth Homes therapist, William "Stanz" Stansberry, for teaching him how to work, and keep working, with a challenging yet worthy population of teenagers. Andrew met his wife through Youth Homes and enjoys spending time with his family, travelling, being outdoors, live music, and laughing.
Bianey Ambriz is the Family Developer & Services Coordinator at the Dan Fox Family Care Program. As family developer, she takes charge of recruiting, training, and licensing therapeutic foster parents, and finding homes for kids in need of families. As the services coordinator, she reviews the needs of families who need support to evaluate how Dan Fox can best serve them. Bianey is a first-generation Montanan and American, raised in Rapelje, MT. She holds a bachelor's in Social Work from the University of Montana, Missoula. Bianey first joined Youth Homes as a Social Work practicum student in 2019. In her free time, Bianey enjoys thrift shopping, food, visual and audio arts, the gym, and video games.
Bianey Lara-Ambriz Family Developer and Service Coordinator (406) 541-1663 // bambriz@youthhomesmt.org
Job Titles:
- Program Director - Dan Fox Family Care Program
- Program Director of the Dan Fox Family Care Program
Bill Neaves is the Program Director of the Dan Fox Family Care Program w/ Youth Homes in Missoula, MT. Bill began his Youth Homes career in 1993 working in the Talbot centers with boys and girls before he transitioned to the Dan Fox Family Care Program to support foster children and families towards permanency. Bill became the Director of the Guide Homes Program in the early 2000's which focused on providing foster care for youth involved with the department of corrections. From 2007 to 2018, Bill was the Family Developer for Dan Fox, recruiting, screening, training and licensing therapeutic foster care families to provide homes for children and youth in need. In 2018, Bill began working with the Chafee Transitional Living Services program to assist youth who had exited or were at risk of aging out of the foster care system towards becoming stabilized and successful in their transition to adulthood. In 2022, Bill became the Director of Dan Fox. Bill's favorite aspect of this job is working with his amazing co-workers and helping to ensure their needs are met and cared for as they continue to do the work they do in caring for the youth and families in our program. In Bill's leisure time, he enjoys making music with his friends and bandmates around Western MT. Bill loves spending time with his family and loves the many activities MT has to offer with all of its scenic beauty.
Job Titles:
- Now the Office Manager & HR Coordinator
- Office Manager & HR Coordinator
Now the Office Manager & HR Coordinator, Bobi started working for the Youth Homes at The Susan Talbot Center 1 in 1999, after graduating from the University of Montana with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and minor in Human & Family Development. Two and a half years later, life led Bobi and her husband to Great Falls for a decade of establishing a family of five. Within this timeframe Bobi gained many other professional experiences working with at risk youth and families, including facilitating Parents as Teachers, Re-Thinking Family Relationships, and the Strengthening Families parenting programs. Bobi also conducted supervised visits and home visits, along with some grant writing for the parenting programs at Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies. Bobi and her family were excited to have the opportunity to move back to Missoula in 2011. She rejoined the Youth Homes family at the Tom Roy Youth Guidance Home, working as part time relief, full time youth counselor, house manager, and program director. When Bobi's free time isn't spent raising her three amazing children, she enjoys traveling, dancing, scrapbooking, going to live concerts, meeting up with friends, spending time at the lake with family, and hiking with her husband.
Brooklyn is from Great Falls, MT and moved to Missoula, MT to attend college at the University of Montana. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in Psychology. Brooklyn then worked in CSCT services at Frenchtown High School and Frenchtown Intermediate School. A year later she returned to the University of Montana to obtain her Master's in Social Work degree. Brooklyn joined Youth Homes in August of 2022. Her therapeutic focus includes a strength-based, trauma-focused and person centered framework. Brooklyn incorporates evidence based techniques including cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, psychoeducation and motivational interviewing. Brooklyn is trained to work with youth who struggle or have been affected by substance use. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, exploring the outdoors, cooking and spending time with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- TRANSITIONAL LIVING SERVICES MANAGER - DAN FOX FAMILY CARE PROGRAM
Callan embarked on his journey with Youth Homes in 2022, and completed his bachelor's degree in Psychology from MSU in 2021. While in college and the subsequent year, he worked in sales and marketing, but soon discovered his true calling lay in making a positive impact on individuals, helping them to lead happier and healthier lives. After being born and raised in Missoula, Callan's year-long stint on the east coast only reinforced his unwavering connection to the state of Montana. He finds solace in the outdoors and firmly believes that being away from nature for more than a week is simply unethical. Presently, Callan is pursuing his masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. In minimal off hours, you can often find him training or teaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training, camping, or simply basking in the tranquility of the local rivers and lakes, camera in hand.
Job Titles:
- Program Manager - Susan Talbot Home for Girls
Callie joined Youth Homes in 2017 as the Program Manager for the Susan Talbot Home for Girls. Originally from Great Falls, MT, she moved to Missoula to attend college and graduated from the University of Montana with her BA in Psychology. She worked for Full Circle Counseling Solutions and Consumer Direct Care Network in a variety of roles including Direct Support Provider, Care Coordinator and Targeted Youth Case Manager before joining Youth Homes in 2017. In her free time, Callie enjoys attending live music shows, watching scary movies, cooking, and traveling.
Job Titles:
- Lead Clinical Staff - the Dennis Radtke Home for Boys
Callie Monroe Woodman joined Youth Homes in 2018 as Lead Clinical Staff at the Dennis Radtke Home for Boys in Missoula. She has a M.A. in Counselor Education from the University of Montana. Prior to being a therapist, Callie was a children's guitar teacher, a certified Montessori preschool teacher, and a choir director at a rural school in Nicaragua. Callie loves working with children of all ages, and currently appreciates the extra challenge and reward of building relationships and supporting feisty teenage boys. Callie enjoys singing and playing bass in a local band, hiking, listening to records, camping in her '82 Chevy van, drinking tea, cooking delicious and nutritious food, reading, and hanging out with her hubby and houseplants.
Charlie was hired as Chief Operating Officer in February of 2023 for his second tenure with Youth Homes. Charlie brings a wealth of experience in both Clinical and Program Administration. He will oversee service areas of Youth Homes (Shelter Care, Therapeutic Group Care and Dan Fox Family Care Program). He recently retired as Director of the Montana Child Welfare Training Program at the University of Montana; a program that focuses on recruitment and retention for CFSD as well as training and evaluation. He started his career with us in the 1980s with our Talbot Center, then went on to direct our Attention and Tom Roy Youth Guidance Homes, and helped establish the Flathead Youth Shelter in Kalispell and the group homes now under the Partnership for Children. Over the years, he has remained connected to our work through the supervision of practicum students at UM and coordinating community outreach for the Youth Crisis Diversion Project. He is excited and humbled to rejoin the Youth Homes!
Chris began his career with Youth Homes in 2006 working in the development department in the role of Marketing Manager. In 2023, he became Development Director. He enjoys putting his relationship building, interpersonal, creative skills to work in all facets of fundraising, event planning and execution, nonprofit technology, and marketing. Prior to joining Youth Homes' Development Team, Chris filled marketing roles with other agencies in Montana and with the California Film Commission in Los Angeles, CA. When not working, Chris enjoys being outdoors running, mountain biking, skiing and hiking with his wife and children.
Job Titles:
- Member / Owner, Holland Lake Lodge
Christian first came to Montana as a young teenager and moved for good in 1999. A resident of Missoula since 2005, Christian is a Leadership Missoula alum who has volunteered with Blackstone's Ruffatto Business Startup Challenge and Defenders of Wildlife. He has owned Holland Lake Lodge since 2002 and is awed by Montana's vast landscape and the fragility of the wilderness.
Christian is most content when traversing Montana's mountains on horseback, hiking Mount Sentinel with his two golden retrievers, or exploring a remote, international hot or cold spot far away.
Inspired by James Redford's film, Paper Tigers, Christian has served on the Youth Homes board since 2016. He is in his first year of his second term. Christian serves on Summer Party, Board Development, and Risk Management Committees.
Job Titles:
- Program Director
- Program Director - Margaret Stuart Youth Home
Every day, Colleen needs to learn, to create, to work with her hands, and to help. Born and raised in Helena, she graduated from Carroll College in 2007 with a BA in Classical Studies. Colleen worked as a Youth Counselor, then Development Coordinator, before becoming the Program Director for the Margaret Stuart Youth Home. In previous iterations of her professional life, Colleen has been (and continues to be) a nanny, a baker, and a student. She has (mostly) retired from painting and walking on stilts, although she is willing to engage in these activities on an occasional basis.
Cori Stern's career began as a licensed adolescent addiction counselor in Minneapolis, even spending time in Switzerland working with adults struggling with addiction. For eight years, she traveled the world as an international flight attendant, but that didn't stop her from continuing to work in the social service field. When she wasn't traveling, Cori was a women's advocate for the YWCA of Chicago and volunteered as an English tutor for children with a refugee organization.
In 2012, Cori and her husband Eric moved from Chicago to Missoula. She is now a mother to three children and an active community member. She volunteers with the YWCA, is a CASA of Missoula advocate for eleven years, and received the CASA of the year award for Montana in 2014. Over the years, Cori worked with Youth Homes team members to the kids she worked with as a CASA. Cori and her husband are licensed foster parents and adopted their youngest daughter through Child and Family Services.
When she isn't running kids around town or volunteering, you will find Cori trail running with her friends or training for a race. She has a passion for cooking and loves to host dinner parties for her friends.
Dan supervises the operations of our Shelter Program. Since 2007 he has had the pleasure of working with an extremely caring, dedicated & passionate group of people here at Youth Homes. Dan worked as a direct line care staff for 7 years before becoming the Program Director of the Shirley Miller Attention Home in late 2014, then becoming the Director of Shelter Care in 2020. He holds a BA in History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison which has provided fun facts, annoying quiz knowledge and eye rolling, mostly at the dinner table for residents over the years. He enjoys challenging kids to challenge themselves, showing them that goofiness and responsibility are not mutually exclusive and that adults still ‘got game' on the basketball court….sometimes.
As Chief Financial Officer, Dann oversees the financial operations of the organization. Dann has degrees in both Developmental Psychology and Accounting, making him a unique fit for our organization and his position. Dann and his wife, Lisa, have two 20-something sons and a golden retriever. When they're not out enjoying the mountains and lakes of Montana, they can be found seeking diving or trekking on their next international adventure.
My name is Deanna Duram and I am a fun, compassionate, trauma-informed therapist who is passionate about helping children and adolescents understand and process their emotions on a deeper level, and working alongside them to discover healthy ways to express their strong feelings. My approach with clients starts by getting to know them and establishing trust, then helping them to develop coping skills and tools for the difficulties they are experiencing. I have worked with individuals who have endured a variety of challenges and harm, including many forms of abuse, discrimination, harassment, bullying, and more.
I approach my work with individuals primarily from a cognitive-behavioral model, exploring how feelings and thoughts contribute to the behaviors we engage in, and developing skills to challenge unhelpful or inaccurate thoughts for better outcomes. I believe that each person I work with is their own unique being, with personal backgrounds, difficulties, and struggles. So, a tool that works for one person may not for another, but together, we can figure out what works best for them!
As a mother to two, I am passionate about helping youth who are struggling and offering hope for a better future. I am trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). I received my BA in Psychology from the University of Montana in 2019 and returned to the University of Montana, earning my Masters of Social Work in 2023. I am currently a SWLC, and am working towards full licensure.
Job Titles:
- Program Director
- Program Director - Linda Massa Youth Home
Job Titles:
- Clinical Supervisor / Outpatient Therapist - Dan Fox Family Care Program, Helena
Deverie graduated from the University of Montana with bachelor's degree in social work. She worked as a counselor at a residential treatment facility for emotionally disturbed youth prior to returning to the University of Montana to pursue her master's degree in social work. Deverie is licensed as a clinical social worker and addictions counselor in Montana. Her experience includes outpatient individual and family therapy in a primary care setting, working with adults in an inpatient psychiatric hospital, working with teens and adults with substance use disorders in both an inpatient and outpatient setting, and working in a corrections environment. She is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy. She employs a strength based, solution focused approach to working with clients
Job Titles:
- Vice President / Owner, PETES Electric
Eric studied Applied Physics at Pacific Lutheran University and Electrical Engineering at the University of North Dakota. Eric has devoted much of his time to serving on boards, including the 8th District Electrical Workers Pension and Annuity Secretary of the Board in 2018 and 2019, Montana GRIP Board of Directors, and the Missoula Building Industry Association in addition to Youth Homes. Eric also works as an electrical engineer and is proud to run a family owned electrical contracting business.
Eric is a devoted family man. He and his wonderful wife are kept on their toes by their children and pets. Eric is motivated and inspired by his travels and makes the time in his busy schedule to downhill ski in the winter and boat and camp in the summer.
Eric joined the Board in 2019 and is serving his first term.
Job Titles:
- Development and Fiscal Coordinator
Erin was raised in Missoula, and studied French and Linguistics at the University of Montana. She has worked as Fiscal Assistant for Youth Homes for many years and is now expanding her skills with the fundraising coordination with the Development Department. Outside of work Erin is likely to be found volunteering for local events, making art with (or without) kids or exploring the wilderness on foot, skis or paddleboard with her family and their high-energy dog.
Hannah Higgins earned her Masters in Social Work in May 2021, and is a Social Work Licensure Candidate (SWLC). Hannah began with Youth Home's Dan Fox Family Care Program in June 2023. Her journey to social work began at the Poverello Center, which helped instill a passion for community and working with underserved populations. Hannah continued to do clinical social work at Partnership for Children, before transitioning to Youth Homes. She is trained in Crisis Intervention, Circle of Security Parenting, Child-Parent Psychotherapy, Emotional Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and uses Expressive Therapy techniques. Hannah has her Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International. Hannah has a strong passion for art, and has been painting for most of her life. Through art, Hannah was able to explore and be curious about people, learning to appreciate, celebrate, and find beauty in difference. She uses this lens within her social work practice to walk alongside people within their experiences. In her free time, she also enjoys fishing, camping, walking, and spending time with family and friends.
Hannah has been the Development Coordinator for the Flathead Youth Home since 2006. Her position allows her to explore new and creative ways to connect kids with their community as they face the big challenges of their lives. In her years at FYH, she has witnessed how lives change when surrounded by caring adults, which makes her a big believer in the words of singer, Beyonce, "If we are going to heal, let it be glorious." Before coming to FYH, Hannah owned a used bookstore in Whitefish and served on the FYH Advisory Board. When she is not at work, she loves to be kayaking on a lake, pulling her 1960s camper into some wooded area, cooking for friends, or exploring under the Big Sky.
Job Titles:
- Community Volunteer
- SECRETARY
- TREASURER
Harry was born and raised in Southern California. On a NROTC Scholarship, he attended Stanford University where he earned a master's degree and, after serving four years in the Navy, a doctorate degree in Materials Science and Engineering. During his professional career, Harry participated in a number of defense related activities including research and development, engineering design, production, and field testing while employed by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, and Lockheed Martin. During that period, Harry served in a number of management capacities before retiring as President of Lockheed Martin Nevada Technologies headquartered in Las Vegas.
Harry and his wife, Betsy, have four children and four grandchildren scattered throughout the western US. Harry enjoys hiking, skiing, flying gliders, and he and Betsy enjoy traveling internationally and beekeeping.
Harry joined the Board in the fall of 2019 and serves on the Finance and Risk Management Committees. Betsy is also a long-time volunteer and past member of the Youth Homes Board, so Harry has played many supporting roles over the years.
Job Titles:
- TRANSITIONAL LIVING SERVICES MANAGER - DAN FOX FAMILY CARE PROGRAM
I am a Chafee worker for Dan Fox Family Care Program w/ Youth homes in Kalispell. I cover north Flathead county and Lincoln county. My office is in Flathead youth home where I was a youth counselor for a year prior to taking the TLS position. My position at FYH is where I realized that I love working with kids. My favorite part is being able to impact their life in a positive way and teach them useful skills. I have a degree in philosophy focused on Happiness & suicide research from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania. I studied at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark for a semester. I enjoy reading, and hiking. I also love to travel and have been to Europe, South America, and Australia. My favorite way to travel is by motorcycle, in which I have ridden from Philadelphia to Dead Horse Alaska.
Jaymie was born in Tarrytown, New York, but spent the majority of his childhood in Minnesota. He moved to Bozeman, Montana, in 1985 to attend Montana State University. Upon graduation, he moved to Denver to work for Chatfield Dean investment bankers. In 1992, Jaymie returned to Montana to attend The University of Montana School of Law. Jaymie and his wife, Kristen, are outdoor enthusiasts, as are their three children. The family spends their summers and winters boating, camping, hiking, fishing, and skiing.
Jaymie has been a board member since 2016 and is in his second year of his second term. Jaymie serves on Executive Committee.
Job Titles:
- Program Director - Tom Roy Youth Guidance Home
Jennifer has resided in Montana over the last 20 years and received her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Montana before building her clinical career as a therapist for Youth Homes. Her professional experience includes therapeutic group care, case management, home support services, and adds diversity to her career as a leather craftsman for the equine backcountry travel industry as well. Jennifer has a strong background in attachment theory, internal family systems, and a passion for empowerment and strengths-based modalities. She utilizes a trauma-informed lens and collaborative approach while helping individuals and families build resiliency and recognize the strengths within themselves for true and lasting change. In her free time, Jen enjoys time with her children, family and friends, usually horseback riding, rafting, fishing, gardening, or snuggled up together for a family movie night with lots of homemade popcorn!
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer of Missoula Organization of REALTORS
- Member / Chief Executive Officer, Missoula Organization of REALTORS® ( MOR )
Jim Bachand has served as chief executive officer of Missoula Organization of REALTORS® (MOR) since October of 2019. Jim's past experience includes divisional Chief Operation Officer positions for 3 of the top 5 USA financial services organizations (Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, and the ‘last Bank' Washington Mutual ‘WaMu'). B.A. from University of Montana, so yes, a proud Grizzly fan; Master's in leadership in human systems and organizational design, a certified executive leadership coach and several national leadership awards for work in DE&I and mergers/acquisitions in the bank industry.
Job Titles:
- Case Manager
- Manager
- Manager for Youth Homes
Josephine is the case manager for Youth Homes. She joined in June of 2022. As a case manager Josephine works with youth in both shelter and therapeutic settings as well as youth within the Missoula community. Josephine is an advocate for the youth she works with and a coordinator between families, the school system, Youth Court and other organizations and providers.
Josephine holds a Bachelors in Social Work, a minor in Women's Gender Sexuality Studies and Wilderness Studies from the University of Montana, 2022. She is currently completing coursework to become a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) . Josephine was born and raised in Hamilton, MT and loves living in Missoula because of the community and opportunity for growth.
Josephine enjoys skiing, hiking, the local farmers market, concerts and spending time with her partner and cat.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Director
- Youth Homes in 2021 As the Director
Kade joined Youth Homes in 2021 as the Director of Residential Care, then became our Clinical Director in 2023. Prior to his time with Youth Homes, Kade spent six years as a CSCT Therapist and supervisor. Kade was born and raised in Glasgow, MT and moved to Missoula eight years ago to pursue a Master's degree Clinical Mental Health Counseling through the University of Montana's Department of Counselor Education, graduating in 2015. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring the outdoors, reading, writing, cooking, and spending time in the gym.
Job Titles:
- Lead Clinical Staff - Susan Talbot Home for Girls
Job Titles:
- CSCT THERAPIST - DAN FOX FAMILY CARE PROGRAM
Kelsey began her career with Youth Homes in 2022. She serves as the CSCT Therapist at Lowell Elementary. Her experience includes Youth Case Management, Home Support Services, and managing Non-Profit Mental Health centers. She has training and background using DBT, CBT, Solution Focused, Strengths Based, and Trauma Informed Care.
Kelsey is a native Montanan, growing up in Missoula. She received her Bachelors degree from the University of Montana in Psychology with a minor in Human Family Development and Sociology. She received her Masters in Social Work from Walla Walla University: Wilma Hepker School of Social Work and Sociology with a focus in Child and Family Welfare.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and pets, cooking, gardening, and spending time outdoors.
Job Titles:
- Member / Owner, the 406 Properties
Kim Kahle was born and raised in Missoula, MT and can't imagine calling anywhere else home. She has been a Real Estate Broker for 23 years and owns her own company, The 406 Properties. She specializes in residential and land, but her true passion is land development and alongside her father has developed hundreds of recreational properties throughout Montana. Kim and her husband Kris have been married for 36 years and together they have one daughter. When not busy with her 3 golden retrievers, she enjoys spending time in Alaska fishing and rooting on the Gonzaga basketball team. Kim feels that every child deserves the best possible life and hopes her time and efforts with Missoula Youth Homes helps those children achieve that.
When Lori is not working, you can find her lost in a book, walking her dog, Sawyer, or spending time with friends and family. She can identify most birds of Northwest Montana by song or sight.
Maegan Rides At The Door serves as the Director of the National Native Children's Trauma Center at the University of Montana. She is an enrolled member of the Fort Peck Sioux and Assiniboine Tribes and a descendent of the Absentee Shawnee Shawnee Tribe. Maegan first worked with Youth Homes as a staff member in the Shirley Miller Attention Home. Our organization then benefited from her expertise as an In Home and Outpatient Therapist for the Dan Fox Family Care Program. Prior to serving on the board, she was also a member of the Youth Homes Cross Cultural Awareness Committee.
Maegan joined in 2018 and is serving the second year of her first term. Maegan volunteered to join the Youth Homes Board of Directors to continue to support Youth Homes' efforts to provide culturally sensitive and trauma-informed services to children and families.
Job Titles:
- BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST CSCT - DAN FOX FAMILY CARE PROGRAM
Nathan began working for Youth homes in 2014 as a Summer Day Program Coordinator at Francetich Children's Home. After volunteering for Peace Corps-Madagascar from 2015-2017, Nathan returned to work at Francetich Children's Home (now Missoula Sunrise Children's Home) and began working at Talbot Boys Home as a Youth Counselor. Since 2021, Nathan has been a part of the Dan Fox Family Care Program as a CSCT Behavior Specialist at Lowell Elementary.
Nathan earned a Bachelor's degree in Health and Human Performance with an emphasis in Community Health from the University of Montana. Currently, Nathan is working toward his Master of Social Work degree. Nathan is a Missoula native and considers the Rattlesnake Recreation Area to be a part of his backyard. During his spare time, Nathan enjoys spending time with his family, being outside, attending local athletics, and traveling.
Rachelle joined the Youth Homes team in January of 2012. Originally from Spokane, she has lived in Missoula since 2004. Rachelle has certified training in Computer Operations and Information Management from Interface College. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, dancing, hiking, sporting events, camping and volunteer work.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Member at Large / Account Executive, Columbia Pacific Finance
Reghan has worked in the insurance sector for over 15 years and founded Columbia Pacific Finance and Loss Run Pro. She has been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to grow both of her companies through mentorship from many industry leaders. Reghan currently manages an unbelievable team of young professionals who are passionate about what they do in the heart of Missoula, MT.
On a personal note, Reghan has three sons (5 years, 3 years, and 5 months) and an amazing husband, who is her best friend and life partner.
Job Titles:
- Member / Broker / Partner, Ink Realty Group
Shannon is returning to the board for a new term in 2023, having previously served beginning in 2011. Shannon has a B.S. from the University of Idaho in Therapeutic Recreation, and started her career in 1998 working in Anchorage, AK at McClaughlin Youth Center with incarcerated youth. After moving to Montana she worked for a wilderness assessment program called Explorations in Trout Creek before deciding to shift to a business career, and continue to support Youth through her volunteer efforts.
Shannon is currently is a Broker/Partner for Ink Realty Group in Missoula, MT and an advocate for Youth in the community. Her passions include all things Real Estate, whitewater rafting, skiing with family, and helping make the world a better place for kids.
Job Titles:
- President of the Board of Directors
As humans we all inherently seek connection, so I believe that connection and relationships are two of the most important aspects of life. I am a therapist at the Dan Fox Family Care Program, working with children and families in the outpatient setting with primarily attachment-based approaches. I work with kids who have experienced trauma and/or are experiencing emotional disturbances due to a wide variety of situations. I aim to help them with regulation skills and work towards goals that will improve their life. I am a trauma-informed therapist, trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, that wants to walk with clients in the healing process and help them move forward with tools that will aid them as they grow, navigate their emotions, and develop relationships.
Job Titles:
- Grants Manager
- Youth Homes in 2019 As Our Grants Manager and Development Coordinator
Taylor joined Youth Homes in 2019 as our Grants Manager and Development Coordinator. Taylor moved West to pursue an MFA in fiction writing from the University of Montana. Taylor also teaches with the University of Montana's MOLLI program and with the Free Verse Writing Project, which brings literature and creative writing to historically erased spaces and restores their voices to the community narrative. She also spearheaded the QuaranZine Series, a collaboration between Youth Homes and Free Verse that documented our kids' experience of the pandemic. Taylor spends her free time writing, reading, and exploring the mountains. You can read her short story, "The Wilting House on the Mountain" in Duplicitous, a WriteHive Compilation, available on Amazon.
Professor Emeritus, Social Work and Professor/Director Emeritus Environmental Studies Program, University of Montana. Over the decades have served on board and as chair of many social service and conservation/environmental non-profits. My wife, Susan, and I are past board members and chairs of Youth Homes. Youth Homes provides essential quality care to area children and youth and I enthusiastically and respectful support their critical work.