About Us

Claire was born in London, raised in New York City, attended college and graduate school in San Diego, California, and recently moved to the Flathead Valley of Northwest Montana. Claire’s eclectic background has provided her with an opportunity to live amongst a variety of cultures and environments, naturally leading her to connect with individuals and families of all different backgrounds. As an only child growing up in NYC, Claire often found herself wanting to help others while also noticing that her friends and family often looked to her for advice. This innate desire to provide others with assistance eventually led Claire to enroll at the University of Southern California: School of Social Work, where she obtained her Master’s in Social Work degree.

After earning her Master’s degree, Claire pursued her desire to work with youth by providing mental health services in several different high schools within San Diego. Claire provided individual, group, and family therapeutic services while also assisting in the development of district-wide psychoeducational programs. In 2017, Claire earned her title as an LCSW and began a new chapter in her life as she moved to Northwest Montana.

As her career progressed, Claire began to notice a lack of available mental health services for youth in Montana and it was then that she decided it was time to create something. She envisioned a place where youth and their families could access services in a safe and comfortable environment. Since the launch of Spot to Talk in May of 2020, Claire has continued to assess the local community’s needs in the Flathead Valley and has expanded Spot to Talk’s services. Claire and the Spot to Talk team are excited to welcome you to our in-person offices in Bigfork, Downtown Kalispell, and Missoula, MT.

A native of Helena, Montana, ironically, Lisa has spent the majority of her adult life outside the state. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Fitness and Health Promotion from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Lisa worked in Corporate Fitness for several years before expanding her horizons with the arrival of 3 boys and her role as a Navy spouse. Lisa and her family have lived throughout the country and overseas in Okinawa Japan. In each community, Lisa worked with youth in various capacities, including several years as a girls’ camp director.

When the time was right, Lisa pursued her Master’s in Social Work from San Diego State University. As a mental health counselor, she has worked in outpatient psychiatry and other settings with a wide range of ages and challenges. In addition to her work at Spot to Talk, Lisa helps patients and families navigate end-of-life issues at Enhabit Hospice.

Lisa enjoys many different activities in her pursuit of a balanced life including trail running, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, gardening, volunteering through her church and spending time with family and her pup.

Lisa has a particular interest in grief work and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to assist clients congruently with their spirituality and values.  Additionally, she is deeply committed to couples work and is trained in Emotional Focused Therapy, which gets to the heart of relationship problems.

At her core, Lisa has a deep compassion for those in paralyzing situations unable to find a way forward. She is motivated by a desire to empower and tenaciously pursues a holistic approach to effect change for individuals, couples and families. No circumstance is without hope and possibility for improvement.

Teagan, a native of rural New England found her way to Montana in the Fall of 2022. After completing her Bachelor of Fine Arts, Teagan spent nearly a decade working as a goldsmith nationally and internationally. Eventually, a passion for social justice inspired her to pursue a Master’s degree in Social Work ultimately earning her title of Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

During her Master’s degree program at Simmons University, she focused on trauma-informed care, receiving an additional Trauma Certificate from the university. Her time spent as a Crisis Clinician and inpatient caseworker fueled her desire to provide first responders and other healthcare professionals with the informed and culturally competent care they deserve.

In addition to her experience in the Emergency Department, Teagan spent over a year volunteering with the Crisis Text Line and is an active member of the Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Team. She believes that everyone deserves the time and support to identify solutions that are best suited to their unique needs. She embraces the philosophy that when we can stay humble, honest, and curious we can begin to let our guard down and explore the ‘why’, the ‘how’, and the ‘what next’.

Gabe was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and has been moving north ever since. He graduated from Northern Arizona University with a degree in environmental studies. This took him a step toward working primarily with high school-aged students in backcountry wilderness settings in Colorado and Wyoming, with an emphasis on teaching subjects such as river ecology, snow science, and geology as well as basic survival skills and Leave No Trace principles. In some of these remote backcountry settings he found that youth were more than willing to not only learn about the environments around them, but to share about the environments and challenges that awaited them back home as well. 

After a couple of years of this line of work, he pivoted toward working in unique school settings, specifically in behavioral health. This was primarily done in schools around Denver, Colorado, and Northwest Montana, and was the beginning of his journey toward providing care, support, and meaningful connections to students that were willing to share their experiences with him and seek connection with a trusted adult in their lives. 

Gabe enjoys spending time outdoors on his bike, his snowboard, or with his six-year-old dog, Sadie (Beagle-pitbull-corgi mix). He also can be found playing music around the valley with various local groups that suit his eclectic musical tastes. 

Derrick is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) with over 10 years of experience supporting teens, parents, and families through some of life’s most challenging moments. He specializes in working with adolescents and their parents; helping them navigate anxiety, trauma, identity development, and family dynamics. More recently, he has expanded my work to include younger children (ages 3–10), through his use of Child-Centered Play Therapy.

Derrick’s approach is collaborative, grounded, and flexible. I draw from evidence-based modalities like CBT, DBT, ACT, and Motivational Interviewing, while also prioritizing the therapeutic relationship and each client’s unique story. Whether we’re building skills to manage big emotions or exploring deeper patterns that impact relationships, he strives to create a space that feels safe, respectful, and empowering.

Before becoming a therapist, I served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 10 years as an intelligence analyst. I initially pursued this work with the intention of supporting fellow veterans, and while my path led me to specialize in work with youth and families, that sense of service and dedication continues to shape how I show up with clients; grounded, present, and committed.

Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Rachel relocated to the Flathead Valley in pursuit of alpine lakes & beautiful powder days! Rachel is passionate about mental healthcare and helping young people discover their authentic selves.

She has spent the past 10 years working in a variety of roles within the nonprofit sector, most recently at the Nate Chute Foundation for suicide prevention in Whitefish.

Rachel is happiest when swimming in lakes, rafting on the Flathead River, skiing on the Big, or hanging out with her 2 dogs, Edward and Piper.

Ali was born and raised in Kalispell, Montana. She attended Carroll College in Helena, Montana and majored in Biology, while playing softball for the Saints. After college, Ali got her Personal Training, Sports Nutritionist, and CrossFit Level 1 certifications and worked at various gyms in the Flathead Valley.

In her work in the fitness industry, Ali realized how much our mental health plays into our physical health, and decided to make a career change. She enrolled in Simmons University in Boston, Massachusetts where she graduated from with her Master’s degree in Social Work.

Before Spot to Talk, Ali worked as a Life Coach and Intern at Embark Behavioral Health, a residential facility for adolescents.

Ali is extremely passionate about helping others live a well-balanced, confident, and healthy lifestyle. She hopes to be an advocate and supporter for her clients, and provide a space where they can feel heard and understood.

In her free time, Ali loves spending time with her family and two adorable yellow labs Sophie and Bear. She enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, CrossFit, going to her family’s house on the lake, watching movies, and reading a good book.

Ashley was born and raised in Whitefish, Montana, and spent a few years moving around before heading to Bozeman to study English at MSU. After graduating, she shifted her focus and apprenticed as a homebirth midwife at a freestanding birth center in the Bozeman community. That experience deepened her commitment to being present for others in their most vulnerable moments and ultimately inspired her to pursue a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University.

Today, Ashley draws on both her clinical training and lived experience to support adults, teens, and couples on their paths toward healing. Although she works with a variety of challenges and concerns, she specializes in helping people navigate perinatal mental health struggles, postpartum depression, trauma, anxiety, and life transitions.

When she’s not working, Ashley loves riding her horses, gardening, reading, and tending the small farm she lives on with her family.

Hannah was born and raised in Kalispell, MT. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA but always felt called to come back home to Montana. After college, she worked in various roles including a crisis stabilization worker at Western Montana Mental Health, a case manager for the Recovery Centers of Montana, and as a Life Coach with older adults. She received her Master’s degree in Social Work at Boise State University online in December 2024.

She is very passionate about helping others explore their potential and promote their strengths. She hopes to provide a safe, judgement-free space so that all individuals feel seen.

In her free time, she loves to fly fish, kayak, and camp. In the colder months, she likes to go cross country skiing or read a good book.

Lisa was born in Madison, Wisconsin, where she resided until she graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a teaching degree in History and Social Studies. After meeting her husband, she moved to Kalispell, Montana in 1995 where she has been fortunate enough to raise her 3 children.

Since moving to Montana, her desire to support youth in a more direct and personal way led to her interest in the mental health field. Lisa has worked in a variety of community mental health and school settings assisting teens and families. Her focus has been on adolescent mental health and crisis intervention.  She recently graduated with her Masters in Social Work from the University of North Dakota.

Outside of work, Lisa will be found skiing, rafting or hiking with her family and two dogs.

Michelle is a Kalispell native, working toward her Clinical Mental Health endorsement. Her background includes 22 years in education.

Michelle enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. During the summer, you will find her at the lake with her husband and their two fur babies, Stella and Finley.

Michelle enjoys working with others to support their mental health and is grateful for the opportunity to join the Spot to Talk team and looks forward to learning and helping others.

Maekayla was born and raised in North Dakota. She moved to Bozeman to attend Montana State University. Maekayla is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling and will graduate in 2025. She recently relocated to the Flathead Valley to complete an internship at Spot to Talk.

Maekayla believes in creating a safe and compassionate space for life’s challenges to be explored. She has a passion for working with children who have experienced trauma and increasing access to care for all. She is devoted to serving children using the Child-Centered Play Therapy model.

In her free time, she enjoys hiking and paddle boarding with her dog, skiing, traveling and going to see live music.

Olivia was raised in Bigfork, Montana, and as much as she loves the mountains, she has also lived in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Florida! She obtained her Master’s Degree from Bellevue University, and has been involved in several nonprofits including “UpBeat!”, “Central Florida Community Arts”, and “Encore!”. Olivia is also a Certified Grief Informed Professional (CGP).

She believes that an open, honest, and accepting environment can make for impactful change. She is passionate about finding strengths in others and staying curious about what can catapult them into a more balanced mindset.

In her free time, she loves absolutely anything outside, so on any given day you can find her hiking, biking, kayaking, or exploring with her pup, Evie!

Drawn to empathy and connection, Loren immediately knew she wanted to work in the field of mental health to assist others in recognizing their strengths. Loren grew up in central Indiana, where she spent her years leading up to college. She attended Western Colorado University and obtained her Bachelor’s degree in both Psychology and Sociology with an emphasis in Criminal Justice. Loren relocated to the Flathead Valley with her partner to explore both winter and summer activities while working to obtain her Master’s of Social Work through the University of Montana.

Loren has gained experience in a variety of roles such as working for Western Montana Mental Health Center as a care coordinator, the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office as a Records Clerk, and the Indiana Department of Child Services as a Family Case Manager. In her free time you can count on her hiking in the mountains, spending time with her dog, fishing, or playing ice hockey at the rink.

When given the tools and designated time, Loren believes that youth have the power to develop effective problem-solving skills and overcome personal barriers. Her values align with a strength-based approach while focused in Child-Centered Play Therapy. She is passionate in assisting families and guiding youth to a successful future. Loren’s time is divided between the Kalispell and Bigfork offices and as of recently Rankin Elementary School.

Tonia has always been interested people; after a career as a community college professor, she is finally pursuing her passion in helping others and gaining understanding of the human mind by becoming a mental health counselor. Tonia holds a B.A. from the University of Colorado-Boulder, an M.Phil. and Ph.D. in English Literature from the City University of New York, and is now getting her M.S. in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

Tonia moved to the Flathead after her retirement to be near her family: her mother, sister,
nephews, and great nephews. She loves to garden and take long walks; she always has a book with her and enjoys genre fiction (mystery, SF, fantasy, adventure).

As a counselor, Tonia is particularly interested in the ways we construct stories about our lives
and how those stories can be changed so we can feel more resilient and balanced. She’s also very interested in Emotionally Focused Therapy, which draws on ideas about how we attach emotionally to the people who matter to us most and how to make those attachments mutually
secure and nurturing. She believes firmly in our natural strengths and ability to grow and change, and looks forward to supporting her clients as they discover their most vibrant selves.

Jessica was born and raised in Columbia Falls, MT. She was very active in the community with her focus being cheerleading and spending time with her horse. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a concentration in physiological psychology and a minor in sociology from the University of Great Falls, now known as University of Providence. She went to Minnesota State University, Mankato to receive her Master of Arts in Sport and Exercise Psychology. She worked with the Army for a few years in Texas as a Performance Expert/Master Resilience Trainer. She started her mental performance consulting business and became a Certified Mental Performance Consultant through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology. She is a Trained Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement (MSPE) Instructor through the Mindful Sport Performance Enhancement Institute, LLC.

She ultimately decided to move back to Montana. She wanted to give back to the community that has shaped who she is today. She is currently attending the University of Western States online to receive her Doctorates in Sport Psychology and her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Jessica has encountered her own life experiences that have been challenging and wants to help others get through their own challenges. She is specifically interested in working with Prenatal and Postnatal women. She loves spending time with her young daughter. She loves hiking, fishing, camping, dancing, and running. She enjoys spending time with her two dogs, Milo and Piper. Jessica is very passionate about helping people find and utilize their own strengths to help them grow.

Olivia grew up in Northern Minnesota where she developed a deep love of the outdoors. This led her to earn a degree in Environmental Studies and influenced her work in wildland fire, dogsled guiding, and forestry. Through these experiences, Olivia came to appreciate the resilience and beauty found in living beings.

Olivia’s longstanding interest in mental health eventually led her to pursue a master’s degree in Counseling and Psychological Services from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. She is continuing her training in Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) at Spot To Talk.

Outside of work and school, Olivia enjoys camping, fishing, and cross-country skiing with her partner and their dogs. She also finds relaxation through cooking, reading, and making music.

Chris was born and raised in Great Falls, MT. He enlisted in the Navy at age 18 and served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was during this time that he found how important mental health is.

His experience in the military allowed him to start on a path to learn more about mental health and how trauma can affect individuals differently. He graduated from Central Washington University with a major in psychology and is now working on finishing his degree in counseling with Liberty University.

Outside of work and school he enjoys spending time with his family, camping, fishing, and enjoying the beauty of Northwestern Montana.

Robin is thrilled to join Spot to Talk after working with children and families in various settings since 2010. She is a full-hearted enthusiast of Child-Centered Play Therapy and is eager to share it with the Missoula community through her work with Spot to Talk. Robin first encountered play therapy in an undergraduate class at UNT’s Center for Play Therapy while she was completing her BA in Psychology. Following the lead of the child and empowering their authentic development through a therapeutic relationship and a nurturing environment is central to all of her work.

Robin started her professional work with children as a youth Case Manager in Texas. From there, she earned a Montessori teaching certificate in Boulder, Colorado and spent the next 6 years in Western Colorado teaching in a Montessori elementary school and, during the summers, on a public permaculture farm. Spending time on the farm building meaningful connections with kids led Robin to realize she wanted to focus her career on supporting children with therapy.

Robin moved to Missoula next and earned Master’s degrees from the University of Montana in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. While working at a Montessori preschool during grad school, she witnessed the powerful way children processed experiences, tried new ways to solve problems, and communicated through play. Robin went on to use play, art, and movement as therapeutic interventions in her work as an elementary school-based CSCT therapist and in Missoula County Public Schools as a K-5 Behavior Interventionist.

Outside of work, Robin is a dancer, forest frolicker, and loves to garden, read, and relax with her loved ones. Any chance she gets, she heads to the hills to bike, ski, or forage for wild foods. In town, you might catch her at an art or music event. Robin is inspired by the dramatic seasons in Missoula and the inclusive, creative culture of its community. Missoula has become a beloved home to her and she is dedicated to helping it thrive.

Megan, originally from Great Falls, MT, and raised in Billings, moved to Missoula in 2017 to pursue her undergrad studies. She earned her degree in Sociology in 2020 and graduated with her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2025.

She was drawn to the field after struggling with her own mental health as a teen, deciding she wanted to be what her own therapist was for her, for others. Megan is passionate about working with children, teens, and young adults, drawing from both her
personal experiences as a teenager and her previous work as a social worker. She is particularly committed to supporting neurodivergent individuals and those navigating trauma, using an empathetic, individualized
and client centered approach to therapy. Megan’s goal is to create a safe and welcoming space for clients to explore their feelings and challenges, offering guidance and strategies for growth and healing.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son, whether it’s at the park, on a walk, or hanging out at home with a movie and their two cats.

Callan graduated from the University of Montana in the spring of 2025 and have spent most of his life here in Montana. Callan is dedicated to being compassionate, listening without judgment, and strongly believes in the power of meaningful relationships built through counseling. Callan aims to create a supportive and culturally sensitive environment where he strives to work collaboratively with you to understand your story and perspective. Callan values the unique ways our minds work and appreciates that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to counseling, or to life in general.

Callan is committed to making a positive impact and helping people find value and peace in their lives on their own terms. Using a person-centered and strengths-based approach, he approaches sessions with a warm and direct style to help navigate the challenges you face honestly and with acceptance as you feel ready. Callan is drawn to working with individuals navigating trauma, grief & loss, development of one’s identity & self-concept, alongside symptoms of depression and anxiety.

In his free time, Callan enjoys spending time in the mountains and the Missoula community, especially near any body of water.

Originally from the East Coast, Diane moved west after a life-changing backpacking trip in Yellowstone National Park post college. That journey led her to work in wilderness therapy and youth mentoring—experiences that deeply shaped her path toward becoming a counselor. These lived experiences, along with her clinical training in the University of Montana’s Counselor Education program, inform her approach as a therapist today.

Diane works with children, teens and adults, offering a trauma-informed, collaborative approach grounded in transparency and trust. Her style integrates Child Centered Play Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based practices to meet each client where they are—supporting them in identifying patterns that have helped them cope, while gently exploring what they’re ready to shift.

Outside of the therapy room, Diane enjoys spending time with her young adult children and finds joy in dance and movement. She teaches the dance fitness format, OULA, takes hip hop and country swing classes, and is always on the lookout for her next outdoor or dance adventure!

Shareena grew up in Gardiner, MT which is the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park. This small town fostered in her a love for the outdoors and Yellowstone.

She moved to Missoula to attend the University of Montana where she received her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education. She spent four years teaching, and her experiences with her students and their families during these years showed her true passion is helping others. She graduated from Capella University, where she earned her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy. She is interested in supporting individuals, couples, and families as they work to improve their relationships and achieve better mental health.

Outside of school and therapy, Shareena enjoys spending time with her husband and dog, hiking, reading, kayaking, and baking.

Sage grew up in the rural town of Lincoln, Montana, where she saw firsthand the challenges that come with poverty, neglect, and limited community resources. Her early experiences inspired a lifelong commitment to supporting others and advocating for stronger family and community systems.After completing an undergraduate degree in Psychology, Sage earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Montana in 2025.

Her professional journey has included experiences in mental health case management, food security advocacy, and mentoring young adults. Each of these roles reinforced Sage’s passion for helping individuals and families build resilience, navigate life’s challenges, and strengthen relationships. Sage is especially drawn to working with couples and families, using a collaborative, compassionate, and client-centered approach to therapy. She is committed to creating safe, supportive spaces where clients can explore their challenges and discover strategies for growth and healing.

In her free time, Sage enjoys being outdoors engaging in activities like hunting, fishing, backpacking, and camping with her dogs and family. Rooted in Montana, Sage is dedicated to serving rural and local communities with empathy and a hope for lasting change.